The Fairhope Times

Smaller Sewage Service Territory Map Proposed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 19:05:32 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Proposed sewage service area.

Fee consultant's report.

AFFECTS NEW CUSTOMERS ONLY

A new map of the city's sewage utility service territory has been proposed in conjunction with increased connecting fees intended to provide sufficient revenue to upgrade infrastructure to keep up with population growth in the area. Current customers outside the new map's boundaries will not be affected: their service will continue as usual.

Also being proposed: property outside but contiguous to city limits will have to annex in to get city sewer service; housing density will be limited to 2 units per acre maximum outside city limits (for a sewer service connection).

According the the city's website, "the map shown represents the proposed sewer service territory outlined in a draft ordinance currently under consideration. The proposed ordinance would prohibit new sewer service connections outside of the designated service territory boundary.

The purpose of establishing a defined sewer service territory is to help ensure that future growth occurs in areas where adequate wastewater treatment capacity can be provided and planned for responsibly. As Fairhope continues to grow, defining a service area helps align new development with available infrastructure and supports the long-term sustainability of the sanitary sewer system."

"SYSTEM DEVELOPMENT CHARGES" GOING UP TOO?

Based on a study by utility consultants Jackson Thornton Llc., fees charged owners/developers of new projects to connect to the city sewage system are also proposed to increase -- to help provide more revenue for necessary new infrastructure: piping, lift stations, treatment plant upgrades, etc.

EFFECTIVE AUGUST 1ST

The new map would go into effect August 1st, if supporting legislation is adopted by the city council during July meetings.

Proposed new fee ordinance.

"Chinese Military Company" At City's Airport?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 18 Jun 2026 15:29:03 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Continental's Fairhope airport facility.

CONTINENTAL AEROSPACE

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.

COMPANY'S SALE JUST ANNOUNCED

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

Arcline news release: "Arcline Investment Management to Acquire Continental Aerospace Technologies

MOBILE, Ala., June 8, 2026 — Arcline Investment Management (“Arcline”), a growth-oriented private equity firm, today announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire the holding company of Continental Aerospace Technologies, Inc. (“Continental” or “the Company”) for a total consideration of approximately $535 million. The delisting transaction is supported by irrevocable undertakings from the controlling shareholders, subsidiaries of Aviation Industry Corporation of China ... J.P. Morgan Securities LLC is serving as exclusive financial advisor, and Freshfields LLP is serving as legal advisor to Arcline in connection with the transaction ... ."

NO COMMENT FROM AIRPORT AUTHORITY

We reached out to Airport Authority city council liaison Jack Burrell for comment but have not heard back yet.

The Fairhope Airport Authority administers the airport independently of the city, but is heavily subsidized by the city council.

New DOD 1260H list.

City Garbage Truck Wrecked/Replaced

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 18:37:13 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Wrecked truck.

REAR LOADER TYPE

The city council authorized $222K to purchase a 2025 rear-loading garbage truck to replace a 2023 model that was totaled in a wreck recently.

The city's insurance is providing $192K reimbursement.

The driver was not seriously injured, according to city's public works director Thomas.

City Readies For Tropical Weather

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 16 Jun 2026 17:52:13 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Henry George Park.

N. Bluff Park this morning.

HEAVY RAIN EXPECTED

Sandbags were being put around the new switchback staircase in Utopia Park to prevent further erosion as potential tropical storm Arthur approaches from the west. The staircase's builder is returning next week (hopefully) to make permanent repairs/improvements to the drainage there.

Some red clay runoff was already seen in the duck pond to the north as well early Tuesday; no single source could be found on the bluff above though, by FT reporters.

City public works personnel were observed monitoring the situation in both places.

Bluff erosion has always been a concern since the city's beginnings; a permanent fix proposed in the 1990s would be very expensive (terracing).

Duck pond this morning.

Parker Road Sidewalk Project Starting

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 09:18:59 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Crosswalk design.

EASTERN SHORE MPO PROJECT

Low-bidder Arrington Curb and Excavation Inc. has begun constructing a 2100 ft. sidewalk on the north side of Parker Road between U. S. 98 and Main Street -- with a signalized pedestrian crossing for Hwy 98.

Cost is $253K, with $200K from the MPO (federal) and $70K each from the city and county. Additional engineering cost was $40K.

Existing sidewalks on the east side of Hwy 98 will be connected to the Eastern Shore Trial, along Scenic 98/Main Street on the west end.

Location.

Small Cellular Antenna Towers Coming Downtown?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 13 Jun 2026 19:12:52 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Proposal for 319 Magnolia Avenue.

Proposed 5 N. Church location.

FOR VERIZON CUSTOMERS

The planning commission gave its preliminary go-ahead for Verizon Wireless, Inc. to install 3 new small cell phone towers (2 in the central business district, one at the Fairhope Docks Marina) to provide better service for their customers -- especially during big events when it has been unreliable; and tabled 3 others so that better locations could be sought. (The company had to set up a temporary tower last March during the Arts and Crafts Festival, behind Greer's grocery store.)

The approved ones were at 108 N. Section St., 450 Fairhope Avenue,-- and 850 Seacliff Dr. at the city's Docks marina (to replace an exiting wooden pole there).

Tabled were proposed ones for 100 Bancroft Ave., 5 N. Church St., and 319 Magnolia Ave.

Some may be incorporated into existing street light poles according to the company's representative; all will be green-colored.

Commission members worried about the poles increasing visual clutter in the downtown, where most utilities have been put underground at considerable expense. Alternate locations on adjacent tall buildings or the city's parking garage were encouraged by some commission members instead.

AT&T already has one on N. Section St (at Oak) and several others along Scenic 98 near the bay.

CITY COUNCIL MUST DECIDE

Final site approval for all must be granted by the city council during an upcoming meeting.

Bancroft St. proposal.

Search For New Baldwin School Leader Concluding

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 11 Jun 2026 16:43:56 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Superintendent vacancy notice.

TYLER RETIRES AT END OF MONTH

The May 13 application deadline has already passed -- and the finalists are now being determined according to the notice-of-vacancy posted by the legal firm handling the search, Adams and Reese, Llp. of Mobile.

After the field is whittled down finalists are to be interviewed by the Board of Education, according to the notice.

The BoE's next meeting is June 23 in Loxley, but no agenda has been set yet.

According to the applicable state law (16-9-1): "... the county board of education of each county shall appoint a superintendent of schools for a term of from two to four years from the first day of July next succeeding his appointment."

Final interviews were conducted during school board meetings, when Tyler was selected in 2015 (photos below).

Current Superintendent Eddie Tyler's official last day is June 30.

From Tyler's retirement announcement: "Dear Colleagues, 50 years, almost 51. That’s how long I’ve loved education. I wanted you to hear this from me first, so before the posts are made and the assumptions start, here goes. After 50 years in education and 11 years as your superintendent, I will be retiring from Baldwin County Public Schools, effective June 30, 2026. Assistant Superintendent Marty McRae will serve as interim superintendent while the board conducts its search for who will lead our system next. ... "

2015.

Tyler's 2015 interview.

Local Pollinator Gardens Making Comebacks

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 9 Jun 2026 16:51:01 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

City's Nature Preserve Pollinator Garden.

Fairhope Walmart's pollinator garden.

Coastal Community College garden.

AKA BUTTERFLY GARDENS

The city's re-located butterfly garden is in full bloom now -- at the Flying Creek Nature Preserve; it had to be relocated from its original spot in Magnolia Beach Park last year, where it had been overtaken by kudzu.

Another one, installed in their parking lot by Walmart that had gone to seed in recent years has been restored as well.

The champion is still the one on the Coastal Community College campus in downtown Fairhope, maintained by the Master Gardener's Club; it has always been in good shape.

City Gets Historical Preservation Certification

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 8 Jun 2026 20:12:15 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Fairhope Historical Commission.

BY STATE HISTORICAL COMMISSION

Councilman Robinson says the city has received its long-sought-after Certified Local Government (CLG) status from the Alabama Historical Commission.

The main goal for forming the city's own Historical Commission in 2024 was to become a CLG, according to Councilman Conyers. The first application was declined last year by the National Park Service for technical reasons but a new one submitted earlier this year, after tweaking the city's own preservation ordinance, was accepted.

This designation opens up more potential grants and tax breaks for local historical preservation efforts.

The city's HP commission meets monthly, upstairs at the museum of history.

CLG EXPLAINED

From the AHC website:

"Local governments strengthen their local historic preservation efforts by achieving Certified Local Government (CLG) status from the National Park Service (NPS).

NPS and State governments, through their State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs), provide valuable technical assistance and small matching grants to hundreds of diverse communities whose local governments are endeavoring to keep for future generations what is significant from their community's past. In turn, NPS and States gain the benefit of local government partnership in the national historic preservation program.

Another incentive for participating in the CLG program is the pool of matching grant funds SHPOs set aside to fund CLG historic preservation sub-grant projects--at least 10% of the State's annual Historic Preservation Fund (HPF) grant allocation. Grant funds are distributed through the HPF grant program, administered by NPS and SHPOs.

Currently, Alabama has 35 Certified Local Governments (CLGs), which are cities with locally established historic preservation commissions meeting AHC and NPS standards. These communities put a priority on identifying, protecting and promoting their historic places. Many of these cities place special regulations on development in their historic neighborhoods and downtowns. They host events and presentations to educate people on historic preservation practices and issues. Local commission members attend state and national training to learn about programs to assist with community development efforts. City governments rely on commission members to help with rehabilitation projects for important community buildings and public spaces. They also support publications and website resources to promote tourism, business development and reinvestment in historic districts. CLGs can compete for annual grant funds to assist with these activities."

More 'Free Speech' In Fairhope Today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 15:44:07 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

CTESWP sidewalk art.

Baylife Baptist Church service.

FOR ANNUAL 'PRIDE MONTH'

While the 'Coloring the Eastern Shore' non-profit group held their annual 'Color Fairhope With Pride' sidewalk decorating event in support of LGBTQ+ issues in Utopia Park today, a local church (Baylife Baptist) held Sunday services in South Beach Park below.

Competing events like these on opposite side have become routine every June in Fairhope the last several years; as far as we know all have gone smoothy, without serious incidents.

Additional events are scheduled this month in Mobile and other area cities but it is not known yet if any more will be here in Fairhope.

Nichols Avenue Townhome Project Dies

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 7 Jun 2026 09:39:37 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Proposed design.

Proposed Nichols Avenue site.

EXTENSION REQUEST DENIED

After hearing a presentation from the project's engineering firm GMC, the planning commission voted 7-2 not to grant a one year extension of a preliminary plat for 'The Proper' a ten-unit town home MOP planned for the southwest corner of Nichols Avenue and Young Street.

More time was needed for owner Starlight Development, Llc. to arrange for financing to begin construction, according to the project's engineer.

The majority of commissioners were skeptical the project could be completed within any new one-year time frame, and more such extensions would be needed. This extension request was unusual because construction had not begun at all; other such requests have been routinely granted (the first time), but only when projects are nearly completed, according to commission chairman Turner.

MORATORIUM STILL IN EFFECT

Any new project application will have to wait until the current MOP application moratorium is over -- and may be subject to the zoning changes too that are now being contemplated by the city council (if they are subsequently enacted into law).

This project was first approved by the planning commission in July 2024.

Big Rainstorm Causes Bluff Erosion

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 5 Jun 2026 21:24:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Runoff into duck pond below.

North Park berm already repaired.

Red clay in pond.

BERM DAMAGED

What appeared to be an extremely heavy and localized rainstorm earlier this week caused substantial erosion all along the bluff, and red clay/silt runoff onto parks below.

A berm along the edge of North Bluff Park installed after another big storm in 2014 (click) appeared to have been breached/overtopped in places but has already been repaired by public works department crews; red clay cliff sediment was still visible in the duck pond below Friday.

STAIRCASES AFFECTED TOO

Some erosion was visible below the newly-reconstructed staircase in the north park -- as well as the new switchback/staircase in Utopia Park.

It is not known yet if the contractor will help with repair to the just-completed switchback.

North Stair erosion.

Switchback erosion too.

New Eastside Police Building Coming Next Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 31 May 2026 19:52:26 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Possible design.

Proposed Site.

QUAIL CREEK DRIVE?

The city council reviewed a preliminary design for a new police sub-station on Quail Creek Drive directly across from the municipal golf course clubhouse, on city property.

The 80' X 80' metal and masonry building would include a "multi-purpose" room, public space, a training room, admin. offices, records storage space, and a 675 square foot "muster room."

The plan would include access for police cars to Windmill Drive as well; mayor Sullivan said recently it might also provide "golf cart" access for QC neighborhood residents to get across busy Hwy 181, which is currently impossible (speed limit too high).

The city is currently leasing a precinct building on S. Greeno Road. A 2019 deal with Walmart to donate property behind their store never materialized; purchasing property in the area would be prohibitively expensive.

'Single Stream' Recyling Bins Now Available City-wide

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 30 May 2026 13:50:12 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

New blue bins.

Scan bar code.

WITHIN CITY LIMITS ONLY

Anyone living in the city can now get a blue single-stream recycling receptacle from the city's public works department using the bar code provided above (or by calling them).

Sorting/separating individual items is no longer required, per directions provided (click).

Those living outside city limits may participate as well by contacting the county's Solid Waste Authority (click).

More Trouble At Water Well 4

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 25 May 2026 17:19:08 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: a temporary pump was installed.

More Well #4 work.

Multiple failures.

CR 3 AT DAIRY ROAD

The city council authorized $55K for more repairs to a water pump at city well number four. This is the same defective pump that had already been replaced once before earlier this year under warranty, since it had been installed only about a year earlier.

The newest pump's bearing and shaft were found to be defective too this time, according to the documentation.

Griner Drilling Services is the contractor.

Fairhope's Memorial Day 2026 Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 May 2026 14:33:04 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

COLONY CEMETERY

In preparation for Memorial Day tomorrow, American flags marked graves of all Veterans -- but only a few were actually killed-in-action: E. B. Gaston and William Eernisse are among those.

Gaston was a fighter pilot shot down over Germany in 1944 and Eernisse was a sailor on the USS Arizona sunk at Pearl Harbor in 1941 (his remains are still on the ship).

DAY'S HISTORY

"Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. It is observed on the last Monday of May. It is also considered to be the unofficial beginning of summer.

Memorial Day is a time for visiting cemeteries and memorials to mourn the military personnel who died in the line of duty. Volunteers will place American flags on the graves of those military personnel in national cemeteries.

The first national observance of what would become Memorial Day occurred on May 30, 1868. Then known as Decoration Day, the holiday was proclaimed by Commander-in-Chief John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic – a fraternal organization of veterans – to honor Union soldiers who had died in the American Civil War.^"

Still No Progress On FEEF's K-1 Renovation Project

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 24 May 2026 09:50:33 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Church /Saint James corner.

DOWNTOWN BLIGHT?

The Times is making inquiries about the lack of progress on the four run-down 1960s era buildings that were supposed to be renovated by the FEEF non-profit organization -- to be used as classrooms for high school-aged students.

The organization's director gave a presentation to the city council last Summer who said then work would begin by the end of 2025, but that never happened (click).

The FEEF leased the property from the city in 2021 (for $1 per year); restoring/maintaining the 4 buildings was one of the stipulations of their 15-year lease agreement.

When contacted by the Times, councilman Burrell said he did not now why there has been no progress, but would look into it. (Burrell is a former FEEF president and long-time advocate for the organization and K-1 project.)

Renovation of the main K-1 building (a different project and lease) is expected to be completed by year's end.

FEEF'S 2024 REVENUE WAS $406K

In 2024 the organization received $406K in revenue and and had $281K expenses. Net assets were $3.6 million that year according to their latest tax return (at bottom).

FEEF's 2024 tax return.

New Pocket Park's Construction Started

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 23 May 2026 15:08:10 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

RIVER MILL NEIGHBORHOOD

The Single Tax Corporation has begun construction of a new 'pocket park' on city property at the entrance to the River Mill neighborhood in east Fairhope (just east of Walmart).

Basketball and pickleball courts, with playground equipment will be included, as well as a restroom.

Part of the annual land rent from Colony lessees is used to finance such improvements.

It will be turned over to the city for maintenance when completed.

Grant Sought To Make Fairhope Avenue Safer

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 21 May 2026 07:12:38 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Possible projects.

SS4A survey.

FAIRHOPE AVENUE CORRIDOR

The city council authorized an application for a $9 million 'Safe Streets For All' federal grant to implement safety improvements recommended by last years SS4A survey.

Fairhope Avenue from the bay to Normandy Avenue (Walmart store) was selected to be the first for improvements to safety for all road users, based on input from the study: vehicular, bicycles, and pedestrians.

Project details are still to be determined.

Grant sought.

More Fairhope High School Upgrades Authorized

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 20 May 2026 14:43:32 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

MAY BALDWIN BOE MEETING

During its last meeting the Baldwin County Board of Education approved a $9.3 million contract to begin upgrades to the front parking area, cafeteria, and media room at Fairhope High School

C. Roberbs was the low-bidder for the contract.

No construction timeline was mentioned.

Some Close Baldwin Primary Election Races

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 May 2026 22:35:13 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Update: 98% of votes now in.

VOTES STILL TO COUNT

As of 10:30 PM, Fairhope-area District 2 County Commission was still too-close-to-call; Angelo Fermo held a narrow lead over Kyle Henderson. (It may be absentee ballots will need to be counted before an official winner can be declared.)

Incumbent District 32 State Senator Chris Elliott was easily re-elected; Fairhope's Krisiti Hagood won her race for Circuit Court Judge as well.

Incumbent BC Sheriff Lowery narrowly defeated challenger Matt McKenzie.

District 3 Commissioner Underwood was re-elected; there will be a runoff in District 4 (Garr/Harris).

Jason Woerner retained his spot on the Baldwin County School Board.

Splash Pad Opens For Season

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:55:25 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

COMMUNITY PARK

The city's splash pad has opened for the season; one of the canons is to be replaced by a "crab" according to the recreation department.

There are no current plans to repair the water buckets on the mast.

Construction of a second splash pad at Foundation Park about a half mile south is scheduled to begin later this year, at last word.

Primary Election Day in Fairhope

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 19 May 2026 13:39:56 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

City hall poll.

REDISTRICTING CONFUSION AFFECTING TURNOUT?

Turnout appeared to be low as-predicted at Fairhope polls this afternoon for the 2016 primary election: there were more last-minute campaigners waving signs than actual voters it seemed.

Polls will be open until 7PM; results should start coming in by 8 PM.

Crosswalks Sought For Busy Eastside Intersection

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 May 2026 15:48:37 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Crosswalk plan.

HWY 181 AT HWY 104

The city council approved applying for a Federal Highway Administration 'Transportation Alternatives Program' grant to install signalized crosswalks at the busy Hwy 104/181 intersection in east Fairhope.

Cost is estimated at $1.3 million; local governments' share will be 20%.

'Stop Work' Order Posted On Boothe Road Property

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 18 May 2026 14:50:42 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Stop work sign posted.

Boothe Road Site.

HAPPENED BEFORE IN VICINITY

A stop work order has been issued by the Baldwin County Planning Department where land-disturbance activity was already begun at 19500 Boothe Rd. in BC Planning District 8 without the necessary permits, according to the notice posted.

Trent and Erica Dossett are the property owners listed on the sign. It is not known what they planned for the property, which is partially wetlands.

The SW order could be appealed by the owners.

HAPPENED BEFORE THERE

This property is adjacent to where another SWO was similarly-issued in 2023 to the adjacent landowner William Bolton, for unauthorized land-disturbance activity in wetlands.

That owner subsequently appealed to the County's Board of Adjustments -- which upheld the suspension.

It is not known if that matter was ever appealed on to state court, but the activity there stopped.

19500 Boothe Road.