Fairhope, Alabama
'RESILIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY' PRIMARY GOALS
Engineers from Goodwyn, Mills, and Caywood presented a conceptual master plan for improvements to the pier-area waterfront to the city council using a $6.1 million grant the city received from environmental fines levied by the federal government for the 2010 BP oil spill disaster (Project 332; See video here).
Stabilizing the rapidly-eroding bluff and "working waterfront" economic enhancements are the core goals of the project: one of three submitted by mayor Wilson to the RESTORE Council after she took office in 2016.
Besides stabilizing erosion, the proposal includes improving walkability, reducing the slope and adding terraces to the underutilized steep bluff on the south side, as well as new disabled-friendly walkways (instead of current steps), a new restroom, and a new beach.
ROSE GARDEN/FOUNTAIN REMAINS
The rose garden and fountain will remain but parking shifted to the north (about the same number of spaces as now). The traffic circle will become for pick-up or drop-off only.
The dysfunctional Mobile St./Fairhope Avenue entrance intersection is to be realigned (3-way stop) and parallel parking added (on Mobile Street).
PIER IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED TOO
The pier is to be segmented into districts, with a new viewing platform and passenger ferry landing near the middle.
The project is to be constructed in phases. The city council will have to vote to approve developing more detailed plans at some point; construction could begin later this year or early next.
'RESILIENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY' PRIMARY GOALS
Engineers from Goodwyn, Mills, and Caywood presented a conceptual master plan for improvements to the pier-area waterfront to the city council using a $6.1 million grant the city received from environmental fines levied by the federal government for the 2010 BP oil spill disaster (Project 332; See video here).
Stabilizing the rapidly-eroding bluff and "working waterfront" economic enhancements are the core goals of the project: one of three submitted by mayor Wilson to the RESTORE Council after she took office in 2016.
Besides stabilizing erosion, the proposal includes improving walkability, reducing the slope and adding terraces to the underutilized steep bluff on the south side, as well as new disabled-friendly walkways (instead of current steps), a new restroom, and a new beach.
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| Citizen design input. |
ROSE GARDEN/FOUNTAIN REMAINS
The rose garden and fountain will remain but parking shifted to the north (about the same number of spaces as now). The traffic circle will become for pick-up or drop-off only.
The dysfunctional Mobile St./Fairhope Avenue entrance intersection is to be realigned (3-way stop) and parallel parking added (on Mobile Street).
PIER IMPROVEMENTS PROPOSED TOO
The pier is to be segmented into districts, with a new viewing platform and passenger ferry landing near the middle.
The project is to be constructed in phases. The city council will have to vote to approve developing more detailed plans at some point; construction could begin later this year or early next.
 |
| Citizen input. |
Comments
I have to confess I was expecting a little more for the price tag, but these upgrades are needed, and this looks very nice. I like the reduction in parking around the fountain. The added green space is a great idea.
What a sad little person.
Why do you need additional beach? You have plenty of beach to the North of the existing pier.
Why are you leaving those two ratty buildings when you come down the hill?
Fix the pier. Add some more restaurants to the pier. Add additional fishing areas to the pier. LEAVE THE REST ALONE! WASTE OF MONEY!
Leave Mobile St as it is.
Leave intersection as it is.
Make additions/improvements to the pier.
Bluff stabilization is ok.
Add boat ramp.
Plant some grassbeds in the bay.
Add picnic tables on south end.
why not some kind of parking deck?