Fairhope, Alabama
UPDATED (1)
(2) These applications will come up again at the January planning commission meeting.
(3) A city gas department source says a natural gas line was run out to the development.
UTILITY SERVICE QUESTIONS ARISE
At its last meeting, the Planning Commission delayed approval of additional phases of three major residential subdivison developments that would add 147 lots to developments already underway -- to allow time to review utility service capacity.
(The city's building official recently estimated over 400 lots are already approved, city-wide.)
In the case of Fairhope Falls (click) phases two and three (67 lots) located east of town in the planning jurisdiction on Hwy 104 at Fish River, the capacity of the water supply was in question.
A water line installed about 8 years ago from the city's tank next to Walmart by the development's previous owners was not the right size (12" vs. 16") and new flow model tests are required.
In the cases of the Greenbriar phase three located along S. Hwy 181 (30 lots, west of Quail Creek Villas) and Old Battles Place phase three (43 lots west of Huntington Woods, off of Twin Beech Rd) -- sewage lift station capacity issues need to be studied.
The proposals are expected to be discussed again at tomorrow's regular December Planning Commission meeting under "old business."
THE CURIOUS CASE OF FAIRHOPE FALLS
A large home is now under construction there by national home builder D. R. Horton, but the original plan was approved in about 2007 by Fairhope's planning commission: that developer was forced into foreclosure during the Great Recession and the property lay dormant for many years - click.
About 1 1/2 years ago, the town of Silverhill annexed Hwy 104 right of way west to Langford Road -- and then-mayor Kant told the Times that town would exercise planning and policing authority for about a quarter mile in every direction from the highway -- click.
Accordingly, the building permit for the new home under construction there today was issued by Silverhill not Fairhope; the county has some jurisdiction there as well.
No one could explain to the Times why the current expansion plans are not being considered by Silverhill's Planning Commission, since they are issuing the building permits.
Planning Department Head Jonathan Smith, Planning Commission Chairman Lee Turner, and Council President Burrell said they were never consulted about the changes of jurisdiction; police chief Petties said he was though.
Former Mayor Kant told the Times the changes were made because Silverhill "needed more revenue"; the issue was never discussed during any public meeting.
According to county records, the city of Fairhope is to provide water service but Baldwin County Sewer and Riviera Utilities the sewage and electric.
Apparently, natural gas will not be needed. (Update: a city gas department source says a line was run out to the development)
UPDATED (1)
(2) These applications will come up again at the January planning commission meeting.
(3) A city gas department source says a natural gas line was run out to the development.
 |
| Fairhope Falls on Hwy 104 at Fish River |
UTILITY SERVICE QUESTIONS ARISE
At its last meeting, the Planning Commission delayed approval of additional phases of three major residential subdivison developments that would add 147 lots to developments already underway -- to allow time to review utility service capacity.
(The city's building official recently estimated over 400 lots are already approved, city-wide.)
In the case of Fairhope Falls (click) phases two and three (67 lots) located east of town in the planning jurisdiction on Hwy 104 at Fish River, the capacity of the water supply was in question.
 |
| Old Battles expansion |
A water line installed about 8 years ago from the city's tank next to Walmart by the development's previous owners was not the right size (12" vs. 16") and new flow model tests are required.
In the cases of the Greenbriar phase three located along S. Hwy 181 (30 lots, west of Quail Creek Villas) and Old Battles Place phase three (43 lots west of Huntington Woods, off of Twin Beech Rd) -- sewage lift station capacity issues need to be studied.
The proposals are expected to be discussed again at tomorrow's regular December Planning Commission meeting under "old business."
THE CURIOUS CASE OF FAIRHOPE FALLS
 |
| Hwy 104 |
About 1 1/2 years ago, the town of Silverhill annexed Hwy 104 right of way west to Langford Road -- and then-mayor Kant told the Times that town would exercise planning and policing authority for about a quarter mile in every direction from the highway -- click.
Accordingly, the building permit for the new home under construction there today was issued by Silverhill not Fairhope; the county has some jurisdiction there as well.
 |
| Fairhope Falls Phase One |
No one could explain to the Times why the current expansion plans are not being considered by Silverhill's Planning Commission, since they are issuing the building permits.
Planning Department Head Jonathan Smith, Planning Commission Chairman Lee Turner, and Council President Burrell said they were never consulted about the changes of jurisdiction; police chief Petties said he was though.
Former Mayor Kant told the Times the changes were made because Silverhill "needed more revenue"; the issue was never discussed during any public meeting.
According to county records, the city of Fairhope is to provide water service but Baldwin County Sewer and Riviera Utilities the sewage and electric.
Apparently, natural gas will not be needed. (Update: a city gas department source says a line was run out to the development)
 |
| Old Battles Place's Twin Beech Rd. entrance |
Comments
Also, according to online data filed with the county, the city of Fairhope only provides water: sewer is by Baldwin County Sewer and electric by Riviera.
Apparently the homes will not use natural gas.
Like Rasputin did to the czar.
No, what you are afraid of us the revelation of incompetence and sweetheart deals that have been done under previous administrations. She is seeking counsel of highly qualified people who have lived other places and done bigger things than plant flowers.
Thanks to Karin Wilson and all of her team for shining a spotlight into the swamp!
Please remember, or know, that we in Fairhope's county area outside of city limits, though we drink Fairhope water and go to Fairhope schools, we cannot vote in a Fairhope mayoral or city council election. And yet Fairhope tells us what to do with our land.
If you live outside city limits to the east, the city of Fairhope has no influence over what you do with your land ... the county either since there is no zoning there.
There are some limited regulations if any landowner should choose to subdivide their property ... into many lots as Fairhope Falls did.
Anyone who asks is always allowed to annex into the city to participate in elections ... but your property would then become zoned and you would then pay an additional 2% property tax.