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Residents urge Northport to address gopher tortoise relocation costs affecting land development
Summary
Speakers at public comment warned that state rules for relocating gopher tortoises can add thousands to lot development costs and urged the city’s natural resources department and state representatives to seek local off‑site relocation options.
Two speakers at the June 24 City Commission meeting urged Northport to pursue solutions to high relocation costs for gopher tortoises that, they said, are slowing development and reducing property values.
"For an unknowing buyer, one tortoise can double the true cost of many Northport lots," said John Krepsbach, who identified himself during public comment and described the animal’s state protection status and relocation costs. Krepsbach said a single tortoise can increase lot development costs by more than $8,000, and that about $5,000 per tortoise is paid to move an animal to an off‑site recipient location. He suggested residents and commissioners contact state…
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