The Fairhope Times

Storm Misses Fairhope

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 10 Oct 2026 19:09:15 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

MINIMAL DAMAGE FOUND

Once predicted to target the city directly, hurricane Isaias gradually shifted its aim eastward where it made landfall last night near Destin, Florida.

At dawn, there were some crooked signs and debris on some streets, but Fairhope suffered no major damage as far as we know; look for city parks to reopen later today.

The expected big storm surge in Fly Creek never materialized due to the storm’s Florida track and associated east wind here; the lack of rain here was attributed to “wind shear” on the storm’s west side by meteorologists.

Fairhope Council Declares State of Emergency

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 8 Oct 2026 14:27:56 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

HURRICANE ISAIAS APPROACHING

The city council met this morning to declare a local state of emergency ahead of approaching hurricane Isaias which is expected to make landfall late tomorrow.

A state of emergency allows for expedited no-bid contracts and for FEMA reimbursement of any damages.

The mayor said the city will probably close tomorrow (Friday) at noon but all necessary services will continue.

County Enacts 180 Day Rezoning Moratorium

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 20:53:01 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

SLOW DOWN NEEDED

The Baldwin County Commission voted unanimously to suspend new rezoning applications to allow time for the incoming commission (Nov. 3) to find a new planning director and adopt a new master plan. The suspension includes renewable energy and data center projects as well, if any should come up.

Commissioner Ball said the shorthanded planning staff is being inundated with rezoning requests and thought a pause was in order; McKenzie agreed (Gruber was absent).

Commissioner Underwood said she had been advocating for the pause for some time until the updated master plan could be implemented. She actually had proposed one during a meeting last summer, but it died due to lack of support.

From a June 2026 FT report:

"Commissioner Underwood proposed a five month moratorium on new rezoning applications in the county’s planning jurisdiction to allow time for their master land use plan/land use map to be updated; commissioner Gruber agreed — but commissioners McKenzie and Ball were skeptical.

Underwood: “(Our) land use plan and map … are currently being updated … getting close … not there yet … reasonable to consider a pause … rezoning cases can have long term implications … to insure decisions are within framework of new processes we are establishing … new commission coming in … in five months ..”

Gruber thought a six month duration may be better.

County engineer Frank Lundy said staff and community stakeholders had been working on it for some time — and they were almost ready to present it to the public. The July 14 Road and Bridge meeting was targeted for release, he said.

Lundy added staff was neutral about a moratorium. Since two of the four commissioners were not in favor, the proposal failed."

New '68 Ventures' Project Gets Thumbs-up From Planning Commission

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 17:16:10 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

New turning lanes.

'EASTLAKE VILLAGE' PUD

After a lengthy discussion, a new master plan (rezoning) for a development on 76 acres at the northwest corner of Fairhope Avenue and Hwy 181 called Eastgate Village was unanimously conditionally-ok'd by the planning commission.

The project includes a hotel along Hwy 181, 226 apartments, 68 single family houses, as well as lots for commercial businesses along the highways.

Turning lanes into the development will be installed along Fairhope Avenue and Hwy 181; the project is to be completed in three phases over about six years.

Work along 181 is to be coordinated with ALDOT concerning eventual widening of that highway, according to the project's engineer.

The height of the hotel is still to be worked out, as one of the conditions for approval.

Several neighborhood residents mentioned their traffic and drainage concerns during the public hearing segment.

More detailed site and subdivision plans (drainage, landscaping, etc) will need to get the commission's approval too, later.

COUNCIL GETS FINAL SAY

The plan now moves on to the city council for final approval.

PREVIOUS LAWSUIT STILL PENDING

The state supreme court is still considering an appeal of a motion in a lawsuit first-filed by the 68V company in federal court 2022 regarding two other 68V development proposals around town, The Gables and Skyline, that were not approved by the city.

Phone Companies Not Maintaining Equipment?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 6 Oct 2026 13:46:13 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

SOME APPEAR ABANDONED

Citizens are beginning to complain about unsightly communications boxes around town in the city’s right of ways and in easements on their property that are not being maintained by various communications companies; some are apparently not in use any more.

The ones we saw were marked AT&T or even Bell South; they appear to be obsolete copper-wire types.

Such companies traditionally have franchise agreements with the city for use of right of ways that come up for renewal periodically; but because of their age, determining what to do about these can be problematic. Some of the companies involved may no longer exist.

Mayor Sullivan says she has already mentioned the problem to some of them.

Council Considers Dropping Newspaper Advertising

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 5 Oct 2026 05:39:29 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Recent newspaper legal ads.

New ordinance.

PRINT ADS OBSOLETE?

The city council may discontinue publishing legal ads about city business in printed newspapers in favor of on-line posting -- and strategic physical posting instead.

According to the proposed new ordinance, since there are no longer newspapers of general circulation published in the city that are focused on news and events in the city, changes are allowed.

City Attorney Chris Williams: "After extensive review of Alabama Law, attorney general decisions and practical issues ... we found some exceptions are allowed ... alternative methods .... fair and transparent ... of publication and notice requirements... ."

Council president Conyers agreed: "We are not doing this to be sneaky ... this is the way people obtain information now."

Williams added there still may be some limited instances where printed publication will still be necessary.

POSTINGS TO GO ONLINE AND DESIGNATED BULLETIN BOARDS

If the city council votes to enact it, a landing page on the city's website will be established instead for the required notices -- and physical postings will be at various city offices around town: Nix Center, Public Works, Planning Offices, and City Hall.

Notification by e-mail will continue as well, for those signed up.

REASONS CITED

Besides the decline of printed newspapers/subscriptions, the considerable cost to the city to publish long printed materials (ie lengthy new proposed ordinances) is being cited for the change too.

Williams called the change "more cost-effective for taxpayers .... the city incurs extensive costs .. for large ordinances ... or images."

North Beach Park Could Finally Get A Walking Trial

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 4 Oct 2026 09:50:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

North Beach Park.

'RESTORE' GRANT' APPLIED FOR

The city's municipal beach could get a much-needed autonomous walking trail if a new $8.9 million RESTORE grant being applied for by the city gets approved; bluff erosion control measures, shoreline stabilization, and duck pond storm drainage improvements are included in the proposal as well.

Pedestrians have to compete with cars on the the narrow one way drive through the park; funding for a trail was solicited from the state via a different grant in 2018 but it was not approved at that time.

If approved, the north beach park restoration project will be implemented in stages; the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council will meet soon to decide how to distribute remaining funds from 2010 BP oil spill fines. Mayor Sullivan is a member.

City council resolution.

City Gets Road Paving Grant

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Oct 2026 07:27:47 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

CR 13

REBUILD ALABAMA GAS TAX FUNDS

The city received a $450K state grant to pave bumpy CR 13 from Morphy Avenue to Mosely Road, about 1.25 miles: city's matching share is $100K.

Work begins next year.

Big Eastside Project Back Up For Consideration Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 3 Oct 2026 07:27:37 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Hwy 181 site.

New Eastlake plan (north is right)

'EASTLAKE PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT'

As extensive water, sewer, and electric upgrades in the neighborhood near completion, on Monday the planning commission will consider a zoning change for the latest version of the Eastlake PUD on 76 acres at the northwest corner of the intersection of Hwy 181 and Fairhope Avenue.

Originally approved by the city council as the 'Klumpp PUD' in 2019 (Gayfer Village Partners owners), ownership has changed over the years as well as design; a new version was presented in April of 2024 as 'Park City' by the new owner, and then again as 'Eastlake Village' in October of the same year -- but pulled from consideration at that time after an unfavorable reception from city staff.

The new plan has about the same total residential units as previous ones (294) but with less commercial. The latest version includes 226 multifamily/apartments and 68 single family residences.

Under the city's newly-adopted zoning ordinance, city staff is recommending approval this time by the planning commission; but the final decision still rests with the city council

The proposed developer is not mentioned in the documentation, but in its previous version it was 68 Ventures of Daphne.

HIGHWAY 181 WIDENING STILL STALLED

At last word updated environmental studies have been completed and a new plan from ALDOT for the long-talked-about four-laning of Highway 181 in the area should be presented to the public early next year.

A previous widening plan stalled-out four years ago when the Stone Creek neighborhood objected to the proximity of the wider road there (one home would have been demolished) -- causing a redesign of the whole corridor.

Reportedly the new plan will be narrower, with a concrete median, but with more restrictions on left turns (possibly similar to Greeno Road through town now).

A funding source is still being sought though, last we heard.

Previous plans compared.

Long-time Airport Company Has New Management

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 1 Oct 2026 17:38:27 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Continental's Fairhope facility.

CONTINENTAL AEROSPACE

According to a company press release today, Keith Chatten has replaced Fairhope resident Karen Hong as CEO/President of Continental Aerospace which operates a repair facility at the city's H L Sonny Callahan airport:

"... Mr. Chatten is an established aviation executive with more than 30 years of experience across the general aviation industry. He returns to Continental having previously spent nearly 15 years at the Company across a variety of engineering and leadership roles. His deep experience in engineering, commercial and operational leadership, combined with his understanding of Continental’s products and the pilots who depend on them, positions him to lead the Company as it strengthens its manufacturing operations, expands its aftermarket support network and delivers its next generation of engines.... ."

Other top management at the company were replaced as well.

COMPANY OWNERSHIP CHANGE THE REASON

After being declared a Chinese military company earlier this year by the Department of Defense, former majority-owner 'Aviation Industries of China' (AVIC) sold the company to Tennessee-based 'Arcline Investments'.

Hong is now working for Kaden Investments Ltd. based in Los Angeles, according to her Linkedin page.

From a June 2026 'Business Alabama' magazine article:

"Karen Hong, president and chief executive officer of Continental Aerospace Technologies™, recently received the Career Mastered National Women’s Trailblazer Leadership Award, in recognition of her leadership, professional achievements and commitment to developing people and organizations ... ."

From a June 2026 FT report:

"According to Politico and other reports, the Department of Defense just reclassified Mobile-based Continental Aerospace as a "Chinese Military Company" prohibiting the pentagon from doing business with the firm; it does not change its private commercial operating status though (document at bottom).

The Mobile-based company has a long aircraft service/maintenance history at the city's H.L. Sonny Callahan airport; in 2011 the company was acquired by AVIC, Aviation Industries of China based in Peking, China.

Continental was also the airport's FBO (fixed base operator) for many years -- until August of 2024 when 'Flightline First' took over.

Military trainers from Florida's Whiting Field have routinely used the airport for practice landings over the years too.

Last week the private equity firm 'Arcline Investment Management' announced it was acquiring Continental for $535 million."

Changes To Fairhope's Fort Riel

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 30 Sep 2026 19:05:13 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

September 2026.

2023

NOW CALLED 'FORT ROBERT RIEL'

After almost a year of renovation construction, the Alabama National Guard's facility on Fairwood Boulevard is nearing completion -- with a slightly different name.

Since its dedication in 1954, the building has been known as the Fort Riel Armory named for a Fairhope soldier who had passed away during service in the Army's famed Dixie Company of the 31st Infantry Division: the new building is now being called 'Fort Robert Riel'.

Last December, Crucible Construction began the $2 million repair and maintenance project at 550 Fairwood Blvd. At that time, the armory had been vacant for over a year; the 690th Chemical Company last-occupied the space.

The National Guard does not announce future plans for its facilities, but it is now being referred to in documents as a "readiness center."

1955 photo.

Subcontractors Blamed For Big Downtown Project Delays

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 18:46:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Julwin's Plaza

Welcome Center.

JULWIN'S PLAZA AND WELCOME CENTER

According to city engineering department sources, general contractors are pointing to their subcontractors as the main hold-up delaying completion of two important projects in the downtown business district.

Custom front doors are still being fabricated for the Welcome Center building which had to be remodeled to stop more water intrusion damage; a concrete subcontractor has been unable to return ("too busy") to finish pouring concrete into forms at the nearby Julwin's Plaza project.

The doors should finally be ready by October 10, last we heard.

(According to some workers at one of the sites recently, a general shortage of skilled labor may be involved too.)

Both projects are well beyond the allowed completion time period in their contracts with the city.

Municipalities in Alabama are required by law to select low bidders for public projects.

RAINY WEATHER COMING TOO

The rainy weather predicted later in the week won't be helpful; city officials are hoping both projects will be completed in time for various upcoming annual fall events.

Sand Fencing Completes Beach Stabilization Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 27 Sep 2026 14:25:03 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

September 27, 2026

NORTH MAGNOLIA BEACH

A wooden fence to reduce windblown sand erosion is the last component of the Magnolia Beach project begun in July.

GMC Engineering is to be retained by the city to monitor the project's effectiveness for three years.

From a July 2026 FT report:

"The long-awaited Magnolia Beach re-nourishment/stabilization project has finally started; it includes installation of breakwaters as well as more sand to widen the northern section in the area around the small wooden pier.

American Asphalt Services Inc. is the contractor for $495K (lowest bidder).

GMC is the project’s engineer. Final completion is expected by the end of Summer.

A $620 GOMESA state grant awarded in 2023 is being used to finance the project."

2016 photo.

Additional Silverhill Water Wells Tested For Contamination

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:27:27 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

OLF Silverhill on CR 54

AROUND NAVY'S AIRFIELD

Additional testing of private water wells is underway around the Navy's Silverhill training airfield on CR 54 to determine possible levels of contamination with PFAS, that was used in firefighting foam there at one time. Latest public data showed 74 total wells tested with 7 wells requiring further investigation/remediation. (Testing started in about 2021.)

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a group of thousands of human-made synthetic chemicals widely known as "forever chemicals" because they do not easily break down in the environment or the human body.

According to the Navy's public announcements (click): "The Navy is requesting property owner permission to sample private drinking water wells in the sampling areas near OLF Silverhill. Due to improvements in laboratory methods, the Navy is also requesting property owner permission to resample private drinking water wells that were sampled from 2021 through 2024. Additionally, the Navy is requesting property owner permission to take interim actions to address PFAS at private drinking water wells sampled from 2021 through the present where PFAS were detected at or above the DoW PFAS Interim Action Levels for Private Drinking Water Wells or PFOA and/or PFOS were above EPA NPDWR Levels

The Department fully investigates a PFAS release and determines the appropriate cleanup actions based on risk. Through June 30, 2026, DoW has determined that 727 active military installations, Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) locations, National Guard facilities, and Formerly Used Defense Sites (FUDS) properties require an assessment of PFAS use or potential release.

DoW performed or is performing Preliminary Assessments/Site Inspections (PA/SIs) at these 727 installations, which is the first phase of the cleanup process. As of June 30, 2026, DoW has completed the PA/SI phase at 709 installations. The Department has determined that no further action is required at 119 of these installations, while 590 are proceeding to the next step in the (CERCLA) process (i.e., RI/FS). DoW will continue to prioritize sites as they move into the RI/FS phase based on relative risk. Through the RI/FS phase, the DoW will determine appropriate cleanup actions based on the extent of the release, the impacted media, and identified risk.

The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for 2026 was signed into law on December 18, 2025. This allows the Navy to offer interim actions (such as connection to public drinking water or a treatment system) for downgradient households in the community that receive water from private drinking water wells where levels of PFOA and/or PFOS exceed the EPA NPDWR Levels. As of that date, at least one home in the community qualified for alternative drinking water from the Navy as a result of a PFAS release at OLF Silverhill."

New Hampton Inn Owners Get Technical Change

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 26 Sep 2026 20:25:28 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Casey Pipes addressing B of A.

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENTS' MEETING

HH Section Street Hospitality, Inc., the new owner of the Hampton Inn on .47 acres in downtown Fairhope was granted a special exception to continue use of the B2-zoned property at 23 N. Section Street as a hotel; the prior owner (Charlie Bassett) had been operating it as a hotel too, but as a non-conforming use.

Mobile attorney Casey Pipes representing the new company argued the technical change was needed because non-conforming use status could become problematic in certain circumstances, such as being unable to operate for over 180 days (hurricane damage?).

Luke Chamblee of Oxford Mississippi is the company's agent, according to public records.

The board's vote was 4-0 in favor.

PERIODIC ZONING CHANGES THE CAUSE

According to planning department staff, construction of the hotel began in 2004 when hotels were permitted by right in B2 zoning -- but later the city's zoning ordinance was changed to not-allow hotels in B-2 at all.

Then, in 2014 another ordinance change permitted hotels in B-2, but only after getting permission from the B of A.

REMODELING COMING?

Nothing is specifically-planned at this time but a remodeling of the interior may be coming later; some sort of food/drink service could be added downstairs -- but that likely will require approvals from the planning commission and city council.

Mysterious Social Influencer 'Freddy' Returns

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 20:17:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

September 22, 2026

Previous photo.

GETS KEY TO CITY FROM MAYOR

A German soccer fan who gained social media notoriety during last summer's World Cup matches has returned to Fairhope for another stop on his new tour of Fall college football games.

Freddy's comment: "We’re staying another day in Fairhope because we just don’t want to leave this place. We just got to meet the mayor and were presented with the key to the city. Such an honor and it means so much considering how much we love this place."

His real identity is not known, other than he is a "German college student from Hamburg." He always uses famous soccer player Ronaldo's face in social media post photos.

While in town he has been staying at the Grand Hotel; he has called Fairhope his favorite American town.

From Wikipedia:

"Frederick, also known by his online handle freddyLA7, or simply Freddy (stylized in all lowercase) is an anonymous soccer fan, believed to be German. He gained international publicity following his trip to the United States and Canada during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which both countries partially hosted. Described as "America's Favorite Everymensch",^[1]^[a] Freddy's prominence has occurred in the context of a larger genre of pro-American content posted by Europeans visiting the country for the World Cup."

Airport-area Rezoning Request Withdrawn For Now

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 22 Sep 2026 06:56:08 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Frego property.

COUNTY PLANNING DISTRICT 39

A proposal to rezone 87 acres on Bishop Road between Greeno Rd. and CR 13 in county planning district 39 from rural agricultural, RA to RSF-1, single family residential was withdrawn by the property owner during last week's county commission meeting (public hearings agenda), but may come up again soon according to comments by commissioner Ball at the time.

Some neighbors are opposing the rezoning proposal.

Since the property abuts the Fairhope airport, it would need to annex into the city at some point to get city water and sewer service but that would not be a factor in in a straight rezoning case; that would come under subdivision/site plan reviews instead.

New Julwin's Plaza Way Behind Schedule Too

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 12:02:53 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: A concrete subcontractor is being blamed for the delay, by informed city sources.

September 19.

WEATHER A FACTOR?

The slow pace of construction of the new Julwin's Plaza is causing mounting concern at city hall, as well as for neighboring businesses there.

Low-bidder R H Deas began construction last April and had 90 days to complete the contract -- but some additional work along Bancroft Street was added recently (relocate memorial pavers for $18K).

No reason for the delay has been mentioned publicly or a new completion timeline; it is hoped before the start of annual holiday events.

The nearby Welcome Center rehabilitation project is behind schedule too now (different contractor).

From an April 2026 FT report:

"Contractor RH Deas Building Company is starting the reconstruction of the plaza on the corner of Fairhope and Bancroft Avenues, designed by Christian Preus Landscape Architect (cost $432K).

Design is similar to nearby Gaston Plaza; the adjacent sidewalk along Bancroft will be reconstructed as well.

No parking spaces will be lost, according to the engineers.

Construction could take up to 3 months."

New design.

City's FC Nature Park Still Fighting Beetles

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:27:47 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Long leaf forest.

Newly planted pines.

PROGRESS BEING MADE

The long leaf pine forest in the Flying Creek Nature preserve is still recovering from a pine beetle infestation but some progress is being made.

With help from the state forestry service, a central area of the park is being thinned-out; some other trees are being treated with systemic pesticide (marked with metal tags).

Many of about 250 pine seedlings planted last spring are growing too, with help from recent rainy weather.

Invasive plant species are being managed mostly with controlled burning; there may be another one early next year according to park sources.

Pine beetles have killed numerous other trees around town too, on the bluff and in other city parks.

"Treated" tree.

Another FEEF K-1 Fundraiser Starting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 20 Sep 2026 14:19:06 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

FEEF'S RESTORATION FUNDRAISERS CONTINUING

Members of the FEEF were putting up signs today on property they leased from the city on the K-1 school campus five years ago, advertising a new fundraising effort to refurbish four small 1960s era buildings there to expand the Pelicans Nest science lab for older children (7th grade and up).

In Oct. 2021 the city council leased the property to the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation for 25 years, for $1/year, in return for maintaining and/or restoring the buildings;

A new outdoor classroom pavilion was subsequently constructed in back -- but the project has since stalled.

During a July 2025 city council work session FEEF's director told the city council refurbishment would be beginning soon ... but then nothing happened; we asked councilman Burrell ( a former FEEF president himself) about it later and he said he would look into it ... but we have heard nothing more about it until now. Molly Spain is the current FEEF president.

From a July 2025 FT report:

"Rhydonna Mosely Executive Director of the Fairhope Educational Enrichment Foundation informed the city council recently the renovation of the four small 1960s-era buildings on property being leased from the city should be beginning soon.

Mosely said she was excited about the main K-1 building's renovation about to begin next door (by the BCEDA/HATCH), and described their own Vision 2025-26 to "expand learning space and update the four small corner buildings" (see at bottom).

"We are looking at starting our four buildings ... have funds to create a secondary learning space (for high school students) in one ... office space in others ... and a new hands-on Expo Space for Mobile Bay (marine science) ... as well as continuing traditional programs (grants, etc)."

She alluded to a coming 'Past, Present, and Future' campaign honoring 30 years of FEEF's existence -- beginning with a 'Jubilee at the Pavilion' fundraising event on Sept. 27.

When asked about it by the Times later, council president Burrell said he "looked forward to their work on these structures. The entire site including HATCH is going to be buzzing with activity soon. We can’t go wrong with education and entrepreneurship on that site!!""

Feef's 25 year lease.

K-1 'Business Hub' Set to Open Nov. 19

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:59:12 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

September 19, 2026

Hatch's rendering.

106 S. CHURCH STREET

After over a year's construction by contractor Rogers and Willard, finishing touches are being completed and furniture, equipment, and fixtures are moving in. All should be ready for the new tenant to officially take possession by about October 1st.

The Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance (aka Baldwin Alliance) will then complete the interior space to its specifications as well as outdoor courtyards (front and back) in anticipation of a public grand-opening on November 19 for its new small technical business incubator called 'Hatch.'

The city's cost for the renovation was $6.1 million -- but $3.1 million of that was covered by federal grants. (The city paid $4 million to the Baldwin Board of Education for the property in 2019.)

From a May 2025 FT report:

"The city council ... passed an ordinance declaring the old K-1 building itself at 106 S. Church Street "not needed for public/municipal purposes" -- and leasing it to the Baldwin County Economic Development Foundation, Inc for use as a technology "business incubator and innovation hub" called HATCH.

The term of the lease is 15 years, at $1 per year.

From the BCEDF website: "Hatch Fairhope is a business incubator, startup accelerator, and coworking space in Fairhope, Alabama. Founded with the goal of fostering innovation and economic growth, Hatch Fairhope is supported by the City of Fairhope, Coastal Alabama Community College, and the Baldwin Community and Economic Development Foundation (BCEDF). The BCEDF is a member of the Innovate Alabama Network, which positions Hatch Fairhope as one of the state’s leaders in nurturing Alabama’s entrepreneurial ecosystem ... ."

A recent tour of the unfinished building by Hatch representatives may be found here (click).

Sept. 13, 2026.

Welcome Center Rehab Falls Behind Schedule

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 14:16:46 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Visible water damage.

STILL WAITING FOR FRONT ENTRANCE DOORS

Additional internal water damage was apparent after the contractor removed more defective exterior EIFS siding material this week; but new custom made front doors won't be ready to install until October 10, according to informed city sources.

Composite siding is to be installed on the exterior instead of EIFS. It is still hoped completion will be before annual holiday activities are scheduled to begin in the downtown area.

High humidity inside the building was the main reason for the project.

From a May 2026 FT report:

"Low bidder Fairhope Building Company has begun repairs to the Welcome Center in downtown on Section Street. Cost is $527K to remove leaking existing material from the exterior and replace it with siding — to prevent moisture intrusion. Contractor has 120 days for completion."

'Fannie Flagg' Exhibit Opens at Fairhope Musuem

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 17 Sep 2026 19:38:43 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

UPSTAIRS IN MEETING ROOM

A new exhibit about former Fairhope resident, author, television and movie entertainer Fannie Flagg has opened at the Museum of History on N. Section Street in downtown Fairhope.

According to the exhibit, she was born in Birmingham in 1944, but moved with family to Gulf Shores in 1952; they often took day trips to Fairhope.

Later, after several years of performing in New York, she decided to move to Fairhope in 1968 to concentrate on writing where she wrote 'Fried Green Tomatoes.'

According to wikipedia:

"Fannie Flagg (born Patricia Neal; September 21, 1944) is an American actress, comedian, and author. She is most notable as a frequent panelist on the 1973–1982 versions of the game show Match Game and for her 1987 novel Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe, which she adapted into the script for the 1991 motion picture Fried Green Tomatoes. She was nominated for an Academy Award for the screenplay adaptation ..."

The exhibit includes various awards and other memorabilia as well as costumes and clothing worn during memorable events -- all on temporary loan from Flagg herself who now lives in California.

It is possible Flagg may be able to attend an exhibit opening ceremony too if one can be arranged, according to museum staff.

Upgrades Complete: Municipal Pool Fully Open

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 17:34:24 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Old sand filters.

VOLANTA PARK

After filters for the indoor pool were changed the city's municipal pool officially re-opened today after a five month upgrade; the outdoor pool reopened about two weeks ago.

The project had to be extended as more problems were found including roof problems and faulty "sand filters" for the pool water.

City's announcement: "The Fairhope Municipal Pool is set to reopen after several upgrades to the facility! We are excited for our citizens to see the hard work our crews have put in to accomplish the renovation.

Thank you everyone for your patience on this project! Check out the details below!

Reopening: Wednesday, September 16 Hours: 5 AM - 7 PM"

From a March 2026 FT report:

"Contractor Bienville Construction has begun a $1.2 upgrade to the municipal pool building in Volanta Park to address the building’s chronic corrosion problem — as well as other issues.

Corrosion inside the mostly-metal structure caused by high ambient chlorine content will be reduced by installing a better ventilation system.

An isolated mezzanine level for new equipment will be added as well."

No Need For Data Center Moratorium Here

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 20:37:32 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Edited.

CONSTRUCTION NOT LIKELY HERE

Councilman Burrell told the Times he does not think there is a need for a moratorium/ban on data centers here as some other towns are doing, because there is no place for one here anyway.

Councilman Robinson agreed it is unlikely anyone would want to put one here.

Planning department director Simmons says if it did ever come up any application would likely have to be approved by the Board of Adjustments during a public hearing because it would be considered a utility, needing special permission.

Burrell said he did have some worries about potential high water and power consumption wherever they are; the city's electrical supplier Energy South is officially neutral on the issue he added.

He said he did not generally oppose them everywhere though.

According to media reports Foley just adopted a 6 month moratorium -- and "at least eight other Alabama cities have adopted or are considering data center moratoriums, most after developers announced plans to build facilities within their jurisdictions. Birmingham imposed the state’s first moratorium in March, followed by Leeds, Homewood, Cullman, Fort Payne, Fairfield, Springville and Prichard."

One current candidate for governor is advocating for a one-year state-wide moratorium.