Another Big Downtown Building Planned

Posted by Publisher on
Fairhope, Alabama

Update: This site plan was approved by the city council at its March 2018 meeting.


 FOR N. BANCROFT AVENUE

Bancroft Avenue site
The Planning Commission unanimously-approved  a new multi-occupancy project and its site plan for a 32,786 square foot mixed-use building on Bancroft Street where the Fairhope Auto and Marine repair shop has been operating since 1981.

The first floor will consist of 7770 sq ft of commercial space (offices) and the second and third 12,508 each of residential; off street parking (22 spaces) will be provided on the first floor as well, accessed from Pine Street.

A condition of approval was a "hold harmless" agreement for balconies overhanging the sidewalk.

The property, owned by Wise Properties (a Tennessee corporation), is within the Central Business Overlay District so special zoning conditions apply.


NEIGHBOR'S OBJECTIONS

An attorney for a Pine Street neighbor objected to construction on the side lot line, but was told that is permitted in the Central Business District.

He also raised height and drainage concerns, but was told  all plans submitted conform to current city regulations.

The city council also must approve the project, at an upcoming meeting.



first floor parking



Comments

Anonymous said…
Nice job of managing growth, Mayor Wilson!
Friday, January 19, 2018
Anonymous said…
As long as two councilmen are builders and another a finance banker ... this will continue.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Anonymous said…
Looks like a prison.

Who designs these ugly things?
Friday, January 19, 2018
Anonymous said…
How many condos? I was not clear on whether there were 11 or 22 'living' units. What is the square footage of each unit and what is the projected selling price? After ..... huge condo approval behind the post office, I find it shocking that more downtown condos have been approved. I thought that Mayor Wilson was going to try to ease up on the antiquated sewer system......... And the market for this trash could only be investors purchasing to list on VRBO. I am not happy about this but do hope that it works out well.

Fairhope has signs that prohibit semi-truck traffic; yet, daily one cannot drive at all b/c of the Semis parked in the middle of the road. Wouldn't it be nice if we could elect an honest city council?
Friday, January 19, 2018
Anonymous said…
almost anything would look better than the horribbl metal shack there now!
Friday, January 19, 2018
Anonymous said…
Your complaints are about replacing dilapidated storage units and a garage??? These are/were existing structures that are being replaced. It can't look any worse.

The police allow the semi trucks to operate downtown as long as they have a pick-up or delivery at a local business. Are you seriously complaining about commerce? This has nothing to do with the mayor or city council.

It must be miserable to look for things to complain about.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Anonymous said…
It is an improvement over what is there now. nothing charming about a greasy car repair shop.
Saturday, January 20, 2018
Anonymous said…
The concern most people in this community have is that the mayor and the council favor developers, regardless of the long-term effect of the city. Mayor/Council have little interest in collecting meaningful public input on the direction of the city; they simply are looking after a small interest group. The mayor is involved in plans (i.e., selling the Dyas Triangle and City Hall property,...) which she keeps hush-hush, and is totally against her "transparent" government promise. And, the council might give you three minutes of public participation, but it's a waste of time; they've already made their decision. The current leadership was elected based on a platform of promises that for the most part they have failed miserably to deliver. Just watch these council meetings. The mayor can't put together a coherent thought, Robinson twiddling this thumbs, Conyers looks like he's moving in and out of consciousness, Burrell practicing his gadget eyewear move, Brown looks like he just got braces and doesn't want to open his mouth, and Boone is always leaned over like there's a wet toilet seat under him. It's a joke. Do a poll, Fairhope Times. Ask you're readers if they are satisfied with the direction of the city and the performance of the mayor/council. I wager 85% are not. If the results show otherwise, then the actions of the mayor/council are validated. Otherwise, they need to change tactics and course.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
Please most unhappy person in Fhope, move to several acres in the country and complain to yourself about the grass and trees are growing wrong.

Please
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
If u talking to guy above u, he is unhappy because he is right.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
Why are people so mean to one another here?
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
"Why are people so mean to one another here?"

It is known as the Fairhope Way.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
The population density of Fairhope is conservatively estimated to increase 300% in the next 20 years, and the ordinances initiated and approve by the mayor/council could push that number higher. Think about that. Parking, traffic, schools, parks, recreation, quality of life.....

You okay with that?
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
Historic home on the corner of Church and De Le Mar for sale at $1.2 mil. That house is as much a part of Fairhope as the the Yardham. But hey, historic preservation isn't valued in this city. Has been shot down by the council on numerous occasions. Prediction: Home will be purchased, demolished, and replaced with 3 story, monochromatic mixed use development. Tell me I'm wrong.

And you know what? An ordinance approving building height up to 7 stories in the tourist district is in the works.
Sunday, January 21, 2018
Anonymous said…
To those that are against any and all change. Go buy several thousand acres and build your city, build a wall around your city, enact laws to never allow anyone to so much as change the color on their house, theit landscape, nothing ever. Than again forget the wall, no one but two or three will ever want to live there.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Anonymus said…
We need a whataburger and krispy kreme
Monday, January 22, 2018
Anonymous said…
This is at least the fifth project that contains commercial and residential space. Some will fail as supply will exceed demand.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Anonymous said…
Unless you needed to get your car repaired.
Monday, January 22, 2018
Anonymous said…
"Some will fail as supply will exceed demand."

Prediction - most will fail.

It is not a great place to live now. Clog up downtown with more "pretty" real estate, little parking, the crazy noise ordinance and a dysfunctional city council and people aren't going to want to be downtown.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Anonymous said…
Reply to corner of Church and Del Le Mar...yes, historic preservation in Fairhope, Alabama is not valued. The demolition of the historic buildings, landmarks and cottages is is tragic. They are equating “change” with rapacity. You are not wrong Church and Del Le Mar. It. Is. Tragic.
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Anonymous said…
Why did the auto shop close down? I know some people may not have likes the aesthetics of it but it was a local business that helped define Fairhope. Can't survive on banks, over priced antiques, and gourmet restaurants alone.
Wednesday, February 07, 2018
Anonymous said…
I, for one, miss that greasy auto repair shop. Most honest ones ever. I have been here for over 20 years and have seen many beautiful old places demolished to be replaced by huge over-priced mansions. Now the theme is condos over shops and not all are occupied and more are coming. Where are the people coming from? Who can afford these? Mostly transplants, not our young people who have grown up here and want to stay in their own home town. What is the solution? We can't depend on the city council, or the mayor to regulate any of this. There is too much money involved and too many pockets being filled.
Saturday, March 17, 2018
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