When I finished last edition’s Jubilee column, I expected to revisit the issue of zoning changes in Fairhope in mid-January. P&Z can only recommend on proposed zoning changes. The city council has final word and this would be the earliest a decision could be made on the request for a big-box store in Fairhope’s “Triangle.”
But things went so well for the opposition during the P&Z hearings that I feel safe in predicting a defeat for this latest attempt to bend the rules by asking for spot zoning. All to allow a Publix supermarket to be built there.
Before the P&Z hearing Dec. 3, I was concerned the developer would be so slick and that getting a Publix would be so appealing, we would have a pro forma citizens’ input period ending with thanks to all involved and a vote to change any rule or regulation necessary to secure a Publix for Fairhope.
I’m happy – even ecstatic – to report I was dead wrong. And I want to give you the straight, unadulterated story from the citizens’ perspective. Some 16 of them of them spoke with logic and passion in opposition to the zoning change. So I’m going to give you the words spoken at the meeting – at least the standout thoughts and with as much accuracy as my listening and typing skills allow. Here goes:
• Why do we have a plan and not follow it? Don’t change the zoning. This project isn’t in keeping with retaining Fairhope’s uniqueness.
• The original plan was for a nice local type place. As our city planner, this same Baker (Now working for a company that represents the developer) sold this to our neighborhood. We agreed, but our worst fears have come true – a big-box store. Who can I believe?
• How many big-box stores do we need? We have four now with two more being requested. The issue isn’t fairness – Art Corte got approval for his big-box store years ago (Refers to the Fly Creek project, to be built within sight of the “Triangle”). Build one at Fly Creek and leave this zoning alone.
• Claims by HMR (Local engineering firm – employs Baker and represents the developer) that traffic will be OK but there was no consideration of the Corte property development. Deceptive. Two big box stores across the street from one another – Greeno Road will look like Airport Blvd with trees.
• Misinformation provided in 2002 on how this area would be developed. City government must stop making secret deals
• We want to have voice in what goes on; a voice based on an informed opinion. But it’s hard to know what the plan is. Developers want to make it easy to push plans through when (the citizens are) uninformed. Meeting notice from HMR two days before Thanksgiving. Nothing from the city. Wallace Real Estate (Developer) met with city but there was no mention to residents. Rules of fair play require time for understanding what’s happening in order to participate.
• This is a puzzle. I can see benefits to landowners and businesses – but cannot see any benefit for the citizens of Fairhope.
• I went to the public hearings on the original zoning in 2002 – lots of compromises to get plans OK’ed – thought we had something we could live with. Now they are making serious changes. Claims are being made that these changes are necessary to make the project economically viable. The city has no obligation to help individuals profit – but it does have an obligation to ensure the common good. What you decide here could mess things up for a long time.
• The village center concept claims its purpose is to create a local focal point. A focal point isn’t a grocery store. If the city’s leaders think that it is, we had better start over.
• Five years in planning and then suddenly (a whole new concept) is being rushed through. This is going to be a contrived type downtown atmosphere – we have a real downtown just a short way down Section Street from their site.
• We went through the big-box issue with Wal-Mart, but they got in by building outside the city. Not the case here. An agreement was made in 2002 for small retail – boutiques and maybe a deli. Fairhope opposes big-box stores, so oppose them here. And support the downtown we have – it needs more than just flowers.
And so it went. To be fair, I’ve got to mention that one citizen spoke out for the project, but turns out he lives in Montrose. After a quick show of hands by the audience of who was opposed to the zoning change (nearly all present), the P&Z folks voted. Majority (Even Mayor Kant) sided with the majority of the citizenry and voted to deny the requested change.
Next stop: the Fairhope City Council sometime in January. Will keep you posted.
Contact Pete Gleszer at jubilee@lagniappemobile.com.
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