City Council approves development agreement with Daniel Realty for new golf course

The Fairhope City Council convened on March 10, 2025, to discuss a significant development agreement with Daniel Realty Company, focusing on the potential establishment of a new championship golf course and residential community south of the city. The council emphasized the urgency of the matter, noting that negotiations had been ongoing for over a week.

The proposed development involves the acquisition of various parcels of land, which will total approximately 549 acres. However, the agreement limits the number of residential lots to 310, ensuring a controlled expansion of the area. The city currently provides utility services, including water, sewer, and gas, to this region, and the development requires a letter of availability for these utilities.

A key aspect of the agreement is the developer's commitment to donate an acre of land to the city for the construction of a new water tower and treatment facility. This donation comes at no cost to the city and is contingent upon the completion of necessary tests to ensure the site is suitable for such infrastructure.

Additionally, the agreement outlines specific infrastructure improvements that the developer must undertake, including extensions of sewer and water lines to adequately serve the new development. The council highlighted that this partnership allows for the extension of utility services while ensuring that the city retains control over the development's scale and impact.

The council's decision to move forward with the agreement reflects a collaborative effort between city officials and the developer, aimed at fostering growth while addressing community needs. The next steps will involve finalizing the agreement and ensuring compliance with local planning and zoning regulations.