Big Eastside Apartment Proposal Beyond City's Control?

Fairhope, Alabama


CALLED 'HIGBEE FARMS'

city limits map
A preliminary, informal proposal for a 265 unit apartment development with a commercial component (shops, restaurants, offices) along Highway 104  at the Higbee Road intersection drew familiar criticisms from the city's Planning Commission, traffic and density concerns.

Access is to be from Higbee Road only, according to a conceptual diagram (below).

Planning Director Dyess explained that since the property  is outside of the city limits in un-zoned Baldwin County, the city has limited influence on multiple occupancy projects such as these (even though it is within the city's planning jurisdiction).

 It is beyond the city's permitting authority as well, he said.

The Baldwin County Planning Commission will also have to review and approve the project per its own regulations, according to Dyess (dual jurisdiction).

Robert Randall is listed as the property owner (FSTC).


Trae Corte
ADJACENT DEVELOPER OBJECTS

Trae Corte, the developer of the 'Villas' subdivision across Highway 104, complained that his subdivision complied with the city's village comprehensive plan ... but this proposal does not (too dense).

Corte's project fell under subdivision regulations, unlike these apartments.


NO ZONING THE PROBLEM?

Dyess repeated that since there is no zoning in county planning district 14 east of town, almost anything could be built there, and the city of Fairhope has little influence unless the property is subdivided (then city subdivision regulations would apply at least).

He suggested that residents of the area may want to organize (through Baldwin County's process) to schedule a referendum to adopt zoning to gain some control over what may be built in their neighborhoods.


north is up












Comments

Anonymous said…
So a developer expressing concern that a competing development could hurt his property value. Pot-Kettle-Black
Anonymous said…
If the city does not provide hook up to our over taxed sewer sysrem what can the build ?
Publisher said…
The private Baldwin County Sewer Service company already provides service in that area.
Anonymous said…
#paradiseya'll
Anonymous said…
those of you who want to keep this paradise all to yourself, leave and let someone else enjoy it for awhile
Anonymous said…
ABSOLUTELY GREAT SOMEONE FINALLY GOT TO TELL THE CITY TO MUCK OFF.And they don't get much money out of it.
Anonymous said…
Yea let's make sure the property owners can do anything they want with their property. And anyone that doesn't like it can leave this area. That's a really smart idea. Because not have adequate zoning laws always works out really well for everyone in a growing community - NOT. This area has changed a lot with recent growth in the last 10 years. We need much more restrictive and comprehensive zoning and land use control ASAP or we, and our children, will all be choking and sick from uncontrolled car exhaust fumes, sewage, and water pollution.
Anonymous said…
choking and sick from uncontrolled it’s all about me pollution
Anonymous said…
Some of the reasons people flock to Fairhope is the clean safe Village feel, Bayfront and the ability to park a car and not be shot during a robbery. This will all change if you start building multi Apt. buildings that number in the 100 plus size. The developers will build them as fast as possible before the people realize what is going on. The sewer system and electrical grid is already at Max. How about, increase the impact fee to adjust to the need to upgrade the basics and build larger school for the influx of children sure to come. And what about the increase of protected services that will also be needed and medical? Let us charge a real cost that will reflect all this and then see what developers say. Because the dollar is were they live. Or lets just say no and stop clearing the very land we all love to begin with.