Fairhope, Alabama
Update: At its August 7th meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the request to rezone the Green's property.
NEW ONE APPROVED AT JULY'S PLANNING MEETING
'PARK PLACE PUD' OK'D
Even though new Planning Director Wayne Dyess recommended against it because it did not meet technical requirements of the city's comprehensive plan, the city's Planning Commission approved a new Planned Unit Development on currently-zoned residential property on north Greeno Road (roughly across from Volanta Park where the trailer park is now) for a mixture of residential and commercial uses (limited retail and offices space).
(PUD's allow for limited uses other than permitted by the current zoning.)
The vote was 4- 1 with commissioner Peterson voting against: Conyers abstained.
Peterson thought the site across from the park is more suitable for high-density residential use.
A similar project one parcel over to the north, the 'Hayek PUD' (click), was approved by both the Planning Commission and former city council (by a 3-0 vote) last Summer; but Dyess said his interpretation of the city's current village model comprehensive growth plan is that there must be a similar contiguous use -- and since the two PUD's are separated by another residential parcel, he could not recommend approval of the new one.
(He also mentioned that construction of the 'Hayek PUD' has not yet begun. See the photo at bottom.)
The Planning Commission only makes recommendations in zoning matters: the city council will have the final say by a majority vote.
Councilmen Burrell and Boone voted for the Hayek PUD last year (along with former councilor Brewer); and Burrell has frequently called Greeno "a commercial corridor."
Dyess frequency cites the importance of consistency and predictability in applying regulations (including the comprehensive plan) -- so all involved will know what to expect.
ANOTHER ONE DENIED LAST MONTH
BANK WITH ATM PROPOSED FOR SITE
Also during last month's meeting, the Planning Commission recommended denying another request to rezone R-1 residential property to B-1 commercial local shopping district -- located at the northwest intersection with Edwards Avenue.
Dyess had recommended this one for approval for the same reason as before: it complies with regulations and the comprehensive plan because there is currently contiguous commercial property.
Some commissioners thought that a B-4 zoning would be more appropriate there, but Dyess' interpretation of the zoning ordinance is that banks are permitted only in the B-1 designation; but he conceded that in the past banks have been allowed in B-4: in his opinion that was done erroneously.
Neighboring citizens who commented on the request cited traffic concerns, noise and light pollution, and setting a precedent for more commercial rezoning along the west side of Greeno Rd. to the north.
The Planning Commission only makes recommendations, the city council could decide to approve rezoning at an upcoming meeting.
NEW REQUEST COMING AT THIS MONTH'S MEETING
PLANT NURSERY SEEKING B-2 DESIGNATION
On the commission's agenda for their August 7th meeting (Monday, 5PM) is a request by Bobby and Debra Green to rezone their Green Nurseries property on the west side of the road from R-1 residential to B-2 commercial; their long-time family business has been there so long that it predates the adoption of any zoning in area -- so it was "grandfathered in" and permitted to operate, but any other type of commercial enterprise would not be permitted there without rezoning.
The Greens have come before the commission many times over the years -- and have been advised to come up with a plan for a PUD for their property, similar to the two that have now been approved (one awaiting council's ok).
Some permitted uses under the B-2 classification include: general/professional offices, grocery, general merchandise, shopping center, auto repair, personal services, restaurant, bar, ... et al.
"NO AIRPORT BOULEVARD" CITIZENS' MAIN CONCERN
Being careful not to turn the city's entrance into another congested Airport Boulevard (like in Mobile) has always been a primary concern expressed by citizens at various planning town hall meetings over the years; potential new competition for downtown businesses has been a worry too.
More rezoning requests are expected from property owners all along the highway, the largest parcel being the one owned by 'Seaman's Capital' at the southwest intersection with Volanta Avenue; any action in pending cases may set a precedent for those.
(A request to rezone property on south Greeno at Faringdon Drive across from the high school was heard at a previous meeting, but tabled indefinitely due to opposition from neighbors.)
According to the city's website, current planning commissioners are:
Lee Turner, Hollie MacKellar, Ralph Thayer, Charles Johnson, Richard Peterson (employee rep.), David Martin, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas. Jimmy Conyers is the city council's representative at this time.
All but Turner and MacKellar were appointed by Mayor Wilson; council members serve one year rotating terms.
Newly-appointed Art Dyas is expected to attend his first meeting Monday, replacing George Roberbs who resigned: He is a former chairman of Baldwin County's planning commission, as was Roberbs.
Update: At its August 7th meeting, the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the request to rezone the Green's property.
NEW ONE APPROVED AT JULY'S PLANNING MEETING
 |
| 'Park Place PUD' on N. Greeno Road |
'PARK PLACE PUD' OK'D
Even though new Planning Director Wayne Dyess recommended against it because it did not meet technical requirements of the city's comprehensive plan, the city's Planning Commission approved a new Planned Unit Development on currently-zoned residential property on north Greeno Road (roughly across from Volanta Park where the trailer park is now) for a mixture of residential and commercial uses (limited retail and offices space).
(PUD's allow for limited uses other than permitted by the current zoning.)
 |
| Proposed new PUD site |
Peterson thought the site across from the park is more suitable for high-density residential use.
A similar project one parcel over to the north, the 'Hayek PUD' (click), was approved by both the Planning Commission and former city council (by a 3-0 vote) last Summer; but Dyess said his interpretation of the city's current village model comprehensive growth plan is that there must be a similar contiguous use -- and since the two PUD's are separated by another residential parcel, he could not recommend approval of the new one.
(He also mentioned that construction of the 'Hayek PUD' has not yet begun. See the photo at bottom.)
The Planning Commission only makes recommendations in zoning matters: the city council will have the final say by a majority vote.
Councilmen Burrell and Boone voted for the Hayek PUD last year (along with former councilor Brewer); and Burrell has frequently called Greeno "a commercial corridor."
Dyess frequency cites the importance of consistency and predictability in applying regulations (including the comprehensive plan) -- so all involved will know what to expect.
ANOTHER ONE DENIED LAST MONTH
 |
| Greeno Road/Edwards Avenue rezoning denied |
BANK WITH ATM PROPOSED FOR SITE
Also during last month's meeting, the Planning Commission recommended denying another request to rezone R-1 residential property to B-1 commercial local shopping district -- located at the northwest intersection with Edwards Avenue.
 |
| Edwards Ave. intersection |
Some commissioners thought that a B-4 zoning would be more appropriate there, but Dyess' interpretation of the zoning ordinance is that banks are permitted only in the B-1 designation; but he conceded that in the past banks have been allowed in B-4: in his opinion that was done erroneously.
Neighboring citizens who commented on the request cited traffic concerns, noise and light pollution, and setting a precedent for more commercial rezoning along the west side of Greeno Rd. to the north.
The Planning Commission only makes recommendations, the city council could decide to approve rezoning at an upcoming meeting.
NEW REQUEST COMING AT THIS MONTH'S MEETING
 |
| Green Nurseries property |
PLANT NURSERY SEEKING B-2 DESIGNATION
On the commission's agenda for their August 7th meeting (Monday, 5PM) is a request by Bobby and Debra Green to rezone their Green Nurseries property on the west side of the road from R-1 residential to B-2 commercial; their long-time family business has been there so long that it predates the adoption of any zoning in area -- so it was "grandfathered in" and permitted to operate, but any other type of commercial enterprise would not be permitted there without rezoning.
The Greens have come before the commission many times over the years -- and have been advised to come up with a plan for a PUD for their property, similar to the two that have now been approved (one awaiting council's ok).
Some permitted uses under the B-2 classification include: general/professional offices, grocery, general merchandise, shopping center, auto repair, personal services, restaurant, bar, ... et al.
"NO AIRPORT BOULEVARD" CITIZENS' MAIN CONCERN
Being careful not to turn the city's entrance into another congested Airport Boulevard (like in Mobile) has always been a primary concern expressed by citizens at various planning town hall meetings over the years; potential new competition for downtown businesses has been a worry too.
More rezoning requests are expected from property owners all along the highway, the largest parcel being the one owned by 'Seaman's Capital' at the southwest intersection with Volanta Avenue; any action in pending cases may set a precedent for those.
(A request to rezone property on south Greeno at Faringdon Drive across from the high school was heard at a previous meeting, but tabled indefinitely due to opposition from neighbors.)
According to the city's website, current planning commissioners are:
Lee Turner, Hollie MacKellar, Ralph Thayer, Charles Johnson, Richard Peterson (employee rep.), David Martin, Rebecca Bryant, Art Dyas. Jimmy Conyers is the city council's representative at this time.
All but Turner and MacKellar were appointed by Mayor Wilson; council members serve one year rotating terms.
Newly-appointed Art Dyas is expected to attend his first meeting Monday, replacing George Roberbs who resigned: He is a former chairman of Baldwin County's planning commission, as was Roberbs.
 |
| Dyess standing at podium |
 |
| 'Hayek PUD' approved last year |
 |
| New Park Place PUD |
Comments
Mayor Wilson still has the opportunity to make a workable and enforceable "Smart" growth plan the hallmark of her term. Hoping for the best.
Also after watching the meeting via internet, they kept going on and on about the Hayek property hadn't done anything yet. THE MAN DIED right after approval. What do they expect?
"The intersections around Fairhope on Greeno are very congested and dangerous. We moved here from Houston 3 years ago. We know traffic! And I for one have seen the drastic increase in traffic congestion there as very disheartening. It reminds me of various areas in Houston that were destroyed all in the name of economic progress. Fairhope will no longer be the quaint picturesque escape from chaos that it once was."
The point is, if you live in the city, you follow the guidelines established by the city. Doing so protects ALL property owners, not just you. Any rights you might have to improve your property should NEVER come at the expense of devaluing the property of others, THAT is a fundamental property right.
Chances are a for sale sign will go up the day after the city council approves it.
However, as I understand, you are correct, no big box allowed in this district.