Council holds public hearing on rezoning request for 720 Museum Drive; neighbors raise noise and traffic concerns

The Mobile City Council held a public hearing July 15 to consider rezoning property at 720 Museum Drive (North McGregor Avenue) from R-1 (single-family residential) to B-2 (general business) to allow a proposed boutique hotel and supporting retail.

The developer and neighborhood supporters said the change is consistent with local planning documents and the surrounding commercial context. Jennifer Tremaine, representing the volunteer board of directors for the Village of Spring Hill neighborhood improvement organization, told the council the developer had worked with the neighborhood for two years and that city staff agrees the requested zoning “is in the community’s best interest, and is consistent with the comprehensive plan.” Tremaine said the proposed project aligns with the Village Master Plan overlay and the site’s proximity to I-65, the University of South Alabama, Spring Hill College and Langan Park.

Philip Burton of Burton Property Group, speaking for the developer, said the property’s current R-1 designation is a “default…