Fairhope, Alabama
MARCH PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to subdivide 'Kendrick Place' a 2-lot minor subdivison located on he west side of Bayview Street directly across from Atkinson Lane.
Currently owned by the Thomas Hospital Foundation, the property on the bluff overlooking Mobile Bay was bequeathed by its last owners the John Kendrick family; a 1980's vintage home was demolished several months ago.
The 2.8 acre property was divided into two 1.4 acre lots, both fronting on Bayview on the east and Mobile Bay (bluff) on the west.
Sources say the lots will be sold to benefit the Foundation.
Commission member Tim Simmonds abstained; he is also a member of the Hospital Foundation.
STILL NO TREE PROTECTION
Some commission members worried about the numerous large oak trees (one with a 72" diameter) located on the property but were told by city planning staff there is currently no law protecting such trees on private residential property: developers will be encourage to save the trees during design and construction phases however.
(Extending the tree ordinance to residential property has been proposed, but never enacted by city councils.)
PART OF THE ORIGINAL SWIFT TRACT
An 18' strip of the property that once was shown extending all the way through the city park to the water (presumably for pedestrian access) on previous plat maps is no longer there; no one could explain why.
A part of what was once known as the 'Swift Tract', its private property that was never a part of the Single Tax Corporation ... and never included in donations of land to the city for parks.
MARCH PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
The Planning and Zoning Commission approved a request to subdivide 'Kendrick Place' a 2-lot minor subdivison located on he west side of Bayview Street directly across from Atkinson Lane.
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| 72" live oak |
The 2.8 acre property was divided into two 1.4 acre lots, both fronting on Bayview on the east and Mobile Bay (bluff) on the west.
Sources say the lots will be sold to benefit the Foundation.
Commission member Tim Simmonds abstained; he is also a member of the Hospital Foundation.
STILL NO TREE PROTECTION
Some commission members worried about the numerous large oak trees (one with a 72" diameter) located on the property but were told by city planning staff there is currently no law protecting such trees on private residential property: developers will be encourage to save the trees during design and construction phases however.
(Extending the tree ordinance to residential property has been proposed, but never enacted by city councils.)
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| Old plat map |
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| New plat map |
PART OF THE ORIGINAL SWIFT TRACT
An 18' strip of the property that once was shown extending all the way through the city park to the water (presumably for pedestrian access) on previous plat maps is no longer there; no one could explain why.
A part of what was once known as the 'Swift Tract', its private property that was never a part of the Single Tax Corporation ... and never included in donations of land to the city for parks.
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| View of the bay |
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| Planning commission |
Comments
This should not be surprising to me b/c BC and Fairhope are full of stupid people; however, watch where your tax bill will skyrocket when the tourists are wondering why they would visit a city with sewer in the bay and no charm!
Respectfully, no you do not have it right. I was not lecturing and if you knew me you would know I never claim to have a superior intellect. I was merely advising I understand the difference between communism, capitalism and I also acknowledge this is a forum for all to participate and express. The point of this topic is the trees ..the topic st hand is lost in the banter...and I expressed the significance of saving them from demolition. Apparently, I am the minority..this back and forth does not resolve anything...I digress. I respect all opinions, and I was not lecturing. The trees and history of Fairhope are what matter.
I came across the discussion about the lack of care for holding onto nature's treasures, i.e., the trees unique to the area. They're an asset not an eyesore. In one development, the Verandas, there was a lot of talk about seeking waivers to build on the wetlands and remove trees etc. There's nothing wrong with making money, but there should be some limits. I say this not because of regulation for the sake of regulation but for nature which has a long history of nurturing humans.
I hope ya'll work it out.