Board grants 6-month extension for affordable housing project for veterans in Mobile

The City of Mobile Board of Adjustment convened on July 7, 2025, to address several agenda items, primarily focusing on requests for extensions related to ongoing construction projects.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda, which was approved unanimously. The first significant discussion involved Robert Buckley, who sought an extension for a parking ratio variance previously granted for a project aimed at providing affordable housing for extremely low-income homeless veterans and seniors. Buckley explained that his team had been working on the necessary drawings and permits but had not yet received the required approvals from the city. He emphasized the project's importance and the challenges posed by the property's topography, which limited the number of parking spaces to 44. Buckley requested an extension of either six months or a year to allow for the completion of the project. After deliberation, the board approved a six-month extension.

The next item on the agenda was presented by Jay Watkins, representing Merchants Transfer Company regarding a warehouse on Paper Mill Road that had suffered a catastrophic fire. Watkins explained that the warehouse, which was 325,000 square feet, had been demolished and was classified as a nonconforming structure. He noted that the applicant had obtained a building permit and commenced construction within the required timeframe but needed an extension to complete the project. The board acknowledged the timeline constraints, as the fire occurred on July 19, 2023, and the completion deadline was approaching.

The meeting concluded with the board's approval of the extension request for the warehouse project, ensuring that both applicants received the necessary time to move forward with their respective developments. The board's decisions reflect a commitment to supporting projects that address community needs while adhering to regulatory requirements.