Fairhope, Alabama
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| New district 37 enacted. |
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| New district 8 map enacted. |
DISTRICTS THIRTY-SEVEN AND EIGHT
During its regular meeting yesterday, the county commission voted unanimously to approve new zoning maps in previously-unzoned areas of the county east and south of the city, but not before considering controversial last-minute amendments requested by property owners.
Property behind two new Publix shopping centers under construction north and south of town (Planter's Pointe at Hwy 181/104; Shops at Pt. Clear at the US 98/Old Battles intersection) was changed to HDR, high density residential, to allow for possible apartment construction at some point in the future.
In the case of Planter's Pointe, the vote was 3-1 with commissioner Underwood voting against because the district's advisory committee had specifically wanted to exclude HDR from consideration anywhere in district 37; the vote was unanimous in favor of the the Pt. Clear request however (district 8).
Another similar request for HDR nearby at the Higbee-St Michael Road/Hwy 104 intersection in district 37 was rejected 3-1, however (Davis in favor).
ADVISORY COMMITTEE REACTS
When asked if she was surprised by any of the last-minute changes, district 37 advisory board member Elizabeth Wilson expressed disappointment: "Yes. Very. I thought it was made abundantly clear we did not support HDR zoning. Commissioner Underwood was the only one who voted against the Corte property being HDR. I felt like the commission should have respected the wishes of the advisory committee and rejected that proposal."
Commission members who voted yes thought the higher density was appropriate near major intersections.
Several other smaller last-minute requests from property owners in both districts were considered individually as well, most were approved.
DETAILS STILL TO BE WORKED OUT
Since much of the area is still within the city of Fairhope's extra-territorial planning jurisdiction, details of how the county and city's planning departments will interact still need to be worked out (permits,enforcement,plan reviews,etc.) ... especially in light of new state legislation to take effect the first of next year, according to Fairhope planning director Hunter Simmons. He added a moratorium on MOP's and subdivisions in the city's jurisdiction outside city limits is still in effect as well, until the end of the year.
Citizens in other neighborhoods farther south and east of the city have also begun exploring zoning initiatives for their communities as well.
Details of the new maps may be accessed from the county's website.
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| Corte property HDR zoning approved. |
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| Shoppes at Pt. Clear HDR |
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