Court To Decide Controversial Property's Fate

Fairhope, Alabama

4 Beach Road

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT'S DECISION APPEALED

After his requests for setback and other variances that would have allowed construction of a three story condominium (later a two story mixed-use project) were denied by the city's Board of Adjustments and Appeals last year, property owner Bob Pope's appeal of their decision is now under consideration by Baldwin County Circuit Court Judge Joseph Norton.

Current  zoning setback requirements severely restrict usable construction space for the already-small lot size. (The existing building is "grandfathered in,")

Sources told the Times the judge ordered the matter to mediation: the city wants height limited to one story and commercial use only (a restaurant) ... but Pope still wants two story with one residential unit on top.

The building, the former location of the Down by the Bay Cafe, could be used for another similar business if his appeal is denied, according to Pope.

The city council must authorize any settlement.


September 2017 condo proposal denied



Comments

Anonymous said…
Can't believe no comments here. #1, I'm all for a property owner to do what he wants. #2, if it is a deterent to the city or surrounding properties - no. That's why we have zoning. Pig pen next to a subdivision?
Patricia W. said…
Fairhope founders wanted the area near the pier to be use by all residents and visitors and putting a condo on that property would not honor that wish. I believe Mr. Pope should just sale the property to the city and leave it for the city to decide what to do with that "eye sore" building.
Ricky Robot. said…
Well , I just don't know what to say about this .
I may be a robot .
Anonymous said…
I just do not know what to say about this , either.
That was a tough "robot" test