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Commission denies request to vacate narrow rideway to Mobile Bay
Summary
The Baldwin County Commission voted to deny VAC-26-1, a request to vacate a 6.7-foot unopened rideway leading from County Road 1 to Mobile Bay. Planning staff had recommended denial under county policy 9.21 to preserve public water access; the commission upheld that recommendation after brief public comment.
The Baldwin County Commission on June 16 denied a request to vacate a 6.7-foot unopened rideway that connects County Road 1 to Mobile Bay.
Planning staff told commissioners the application (VAC-26-1) should be denied under county policy 9.21, which the staff said preserves public water access and generally rejects requests by adjacent riparian property owners to vacate such rights-of-way. Staff cited Alabama Code sections 23-4-2 and 23-4-20 as the governing notice and hearing procedures.
Austin Gerald, who said his parents own the adjacent lot, urged the commission to approve a waiver and vacate the alley. Gerald argued the path is too narrow for vehicle access (6.7 feet), is unmarked, is not easily visible, and serves only a small number of neighbors; he said vacation could reduce maintenance costs for the county and reduce opportunities for illicit behavior near the shoreline.
Commissioners asked staff whether the way is currently passable and whether the county posts signage; staff said there is no signage and that the strip is not maintained by county resources, though it appears mowed by adjacent owners. After questions, a commissioner moved to deny the request. The motion carried and the commission denied VAC-26-1.
The denial preserves the county's existing policy preference for maintaining public access points to waterways. The commission did not direct immediate new maintenance or signage for the location; staff noted the county maintains many similar unimproved accesses and said the county would consider future requests for improved pedestrian access if the commission so directed.
