Fairhope Planning Commission Meeting – May 4, 2020
Watershed West Development Before Planning Commission Again
The Fairhope Planning Commission heard a request from the Retirement Systems of Alabama to establish an initial zoning of TR (Tourist Resort) District conditioned upon annexation into the City of Fairhope at the December 2019 meeting. At that time, the Planning Commission voted 7-1 to send a denial recommendation to the City Council. A final decision by the City Council is still to be determined. The case again came before the Planning Commission at the May 2020 meeting, where developers sought preliminary plat approval. The Planning Commission again voted 7-1 to send a denial recommendation to the City Council.
Plans presented for the 7.23-acre property included subdividing it into 10 residential lots. The property is located on the south side of Old Battles Rd. across from Poviner Place Subdivision, between Lakewood Azalea Golf Course holes two and three. The proposals were met with united opposition from area residents in the Point Clear community. Complaints stemmed from the negative impact on the environment, preservation of large historic oak trees, and the precarious location in relation to the golf course. The Planning Commission cited health and welfare concerns over the safety of the public from errant golf balls due to the proximity to streets and residences to the golf course as the justification for the preliminary plat denial recommendation.
Proposed Location for Watershed West in Fairhope
Lot Division Proposed at Major Fairhope Intersection
The Fairhope Planning Commission voted to approve the plat for a 2-lot minor subdivision of property located at the northeast intersection of Hwy. 181 and Fairhope Ave. The division will result in the 7.14-acre property being divided into two separate lots, both with frontage on Hwy. 181. Aldi Inc. of Alabama made the request. The property is un-zoned. No infrastructure or improvements are proposed at this time.
Live Oak Estates Received Preliminary Plat Approval
The Fairhope Planning Commission approved the preliminary plat for Live Oak Estates, a 76-lot single family residential subdivision. The re-zoning of the property was approved earlier this year to PUD (planned unit development). The 33.6-acre property is located at the southwest corner of Hwy. 181 and Bay Meadows Dr.
Live Oak Estates Plat
Final Plat Approved for North Hills at Fairhope – Phase I
The Fairhope Planning Commission approved the final plat for Phase I of North Hills at Fairhope Subdivision. Phase 1 consists of 48 lots on 47.5 acres. The property is located on the north side of Hwy. 104, .5 miles east of County Road 13. The development is zoned for R-1 and R-2 lots. It is expected to be a higher-end custom home subdivision, and will connect with The Waters Subdivision upon completion. A total of two phases are planned for the development.
Orange Beach City Council Meeting – May 5, 2020
Extension Granted for Turquoise Place Parking
The Orange Beach City Council approved an extension to the PUD to allow for the construction of additional parking at Turquoise Place. In 2017 the Council approved temporary re-zoning of the property to allow for Turquoise Place overflow parking through May 2020. Due to various delays, the construction of the new parking garage has not started yet. The extension granted by the Council will extend the time allowed until September 30, 2021. The additional parking garage is expected to cost $12M and add another 156 parking spaces.
Robinson Grove Received Final PUD Approval
The Orange Beach City Council granted a final PUD request from GPJ Investments, LLC to re-zone 1.69 acres from MR (Marine Resort) to PUD (Planned Unit Development). The re-zoning will allow for a single-family residential subdivision containing 14 lots along with a common swimming pool and boat access to Terry Cove. The property is located at 4576 Walker Key Blvd., east of the Walker Key Condominium. The Orange Beach Planning Commission considered the request at their March meeting and approved a favorable recommendation for the PUD. Vacation rentals are expected to be allowed.
Baldwin County Planning Commission Meeting – May 7, 2020 (CANCELLED)
Orange Beach Planning Commission Meeting – May 11, 2020
Re-Plat Combines Lots on Cotton Way & Illinois St.
The Orange Beach Planning Commission approved a request to combine lots 23, 24 and 25 in the Chicago Gulf Beach Subdivision, into a single lot. The property is located at 3805 Cotton Way and has frontage on both Cotton Way and Illinois St. The property is zoned RS-3 and plans include the construction of a single-family home. After some discussion, the owner agreed to face the front of the home on Illinois St., as to conform to the rest of the neighborhood.
Beach Mouse Delays Positano Condominium
The Orange Beach Planning Commission approved the site plan review for Positano Condominium. The review was back before the Planning Commission after a previous approval had expired due to delays over permitting and beach mouse habitat. The property is located at 29040 and 29050 Perdido Beach Blvd. in the RM-2 (Multi-Family Residential High Density) zoning district. A 25-story, 38-unit development is planned.
Gulf Shores City Council Meeting – May 11, 2020
Median Trees Coming to Coastal Gateway Blvd.
The Gulf Shores City Council awarded a bid to Coastal Exposures Landscapes for $149,850 to provide median trees to Coastal Gateway Blvd. The bid will include providing 54 oak trees, which will be 20’ high upon planting. The city is making the improvements as Coastal Gateway Blvd. has become a primary gateway into the city, and the area is experiencing a high growth rate. The median trees will create an immediate positive impression, create a sense of place for residents of Coastal Gateway Blvd., and will seamlessly blend with existing live oaks.
Fairhope City Council Meeting – May 11, 2020
Annexation Request Approved
The Fairhope City Council approved a request from a property owner for annexation into the city limits. The property is located at 23542 2nd St. in the Montrose area. The property is zoned R-1 single family residential.
Foley Planning Commission Meeting – May 20, 2020
Re-Zoning Sought for Palm City RV Park
The Foley Planning Commission heard a re-zoning request for a proposed RV Park. The 24-acre property is located east of S. Pine St., and north of County Rd. 20 West. The property is currently zoned B-1A (Extended Business District). The request is for PUD zoning (Planned Unit Development). The Planning Commission voted to send a favorable recommendation to the city council for the re-zoning with conditions that the maximum stay at the RV Park be limited to 90 days. There were also conditions placed on the recommendation to establish a 4’ earthen berm with a 6’ privacy fence to buffer adjoining property, and to install sidewalks.
Gulf Shores City Council Meeting – May 26, 2020
Plans Continue for Gulf Shores Airport Air Traffic Control Tower
The Gulf Shores City Council approved the execution of a FAA Grant Agreement for the construction of an air traffic control tower facility by confirming the Airport Authority’s application, acceptance and execution of the grant agreement in the amount of $5.3M. The FAA is funding 100% of the project. The seven-story tower is needed to improve safety and provide for more efficient airfield operations at Jack Edwards Airport.
Gulf Shores Planning Commission Meeting – May 27, 2020
Preliminary Subdivision Plat Approved for The Retreat at Bon Secour Village West
The Gulf Shores Planning Commission gave preliminary subdivision plat approval for The Retreat at Bon Secour Village West. The approval is for the subdivision of a 7.31 acre parcel into 28 residential lots. The property is located directly west of Bon Secour Village Phase 1. It is along Waterway West Blvd., west of Hwy. 59 and north of the Intracoastal Waterway. The approval was conditioned upon the lots being front loaded, with no alley access., continuation of the brick sidewalk design to match the existing sidewalks, and shifting the proposed cul-de-sac 6 feet to the north of the proposed location. Also, protections were put in place to ensure that the covenants of the subdivision will reflect additional protection for landscaping, fencing, and architectural treatments on the lots bordering the Intracoastal Waterway.
Daphne Planning Commission Meeting – May 28, 2020
Site Plan Approved for River Bank & Trust
The Daphne Planning Commission approved a site plan review for River Bank & Trust. The proposed site is located southwest of U.S. Hwy. 98 and Van Ave. The 1.4-acre property is zoned B-2.
Fairhope City Council Meeting – May 28, 2020
Council Grants Approval for Pier Street Marketplace Property
The Fairhope City Council approved a request on behalf of Wise Properties, LLC for a Multiple Occupancy Project (MOP). The property is located at 369 S. Mobile St. The .2-acre property has been known as the Pier Street Marketplace. Plans for the property include constructing a 35’ two-story mixed-use structure. The bottom floor will house a commercial/office space. The upper story will have two condo units. The approval was conditioned upon sidewalk construction along Pier Ave., connecting to Mobile St. The Fairhope Planning Commission had previously approved a similar review of the project.
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