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Fairhope council indefinitely tables proposed Legends at Point Clear PUD after public concern
Summary
The Fairhope City Council voted to table indefinitely a request to rezone roughly 13.8 acres along Green Hill Road from B-2 General Business District to a Planned Unit Development (PUD), following public opposition and council concerns about density, drainage and school capacity.
The Fairhope City Council voted to table indefinitely a request to rezone about 13.8 acres on the west side of Green Hill Road (north of Old Battles Road) from B-2 General Business District to a planned unit development proposed as the "Legends at Point Clear." The matter, introduced to the council on Dec. 19, 2024, was discussed at length Jan. 13 during the council meeting and was the subject of public comment beforehand.
The property owner is Stephen Corbett; the rezoning application was presented by the applicant's agent and engineering team. During public comment, resident Donald Deguts told the council he opposed the rezoning and urged members to keep the roadway and area "green," saying the current B-2 zoning is "more than sufficient and acceptable." Deguts also cited concerns raised at the Planning Commission hearing, including wetlands, water and neighborhood impacts.
The council discussion focused on growth rate, population density, infrastructure and school capacity. Councilman Martin said he was not opposed to growth but opposed to "dense multifamily" development in this location and indicated he would not support the proposal if it returned in its current form. Other council members echoed concerns about drainage, traffic and available utilities, and several urged a cautious approach and greater community engagement with the developer.
Councilman Martin moved to table the request indefinitely; Councilman Conyers seconded. The motion to table was approved by voice vote and the matter was left off the agenda for future consideration. No final approval or denial of rezoning occurred at the Jan. 13 meeting.
The council record shows the request was first presented to the Planning Commission on Sept. 5, 2024; the commission vote proceeded with one dissenting vote after some members recused or were absent. A letter dated Jan. 10 from the applicant's engineer requesting that the council hold the item over until Feb. 20 was filed with the clerk and discussed during the meeting.
Opponents and some council members cited specific concerns: potential impacts to wetlands and drainage, the site's history of flooding according to neighbors, school overcrowding and a projected high number of residential units (commenters referenced roughly "130 units"). Supporters of a slower review process said tabling gives staff, utilities and the developer time to answer outstanding engineering and capacity questions and to pursue mitigation measures if possible.
No formal rezoning ordinance was approved; the council’s action was to table indefinitely. The developers and council members left open the possibility of future submittals or revisions but no timetable or conditions were specified by the council when tabling the item.
Votes at a glance: Motion to table indefinitely (mover: Councilman Martin; second: Councilman Conyers); outcome: tabled (voice vote).
