The Fairhope Times

2026 Witches Ride Fundraiser

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 30 Oct 2026 08:27:40 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

The annual Witches Ride fundraiser for the Baldwin County Humane Society was held in downtown Fairhope today.

Local Artist Creating 'Hatch' Courtyard Sculpture

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 27 Oct 2026 19:55:34 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

New courtyard.

Rendering.

100 S. CHURCH STREET

Well-known local artist Bruce Larsen is creating the sculpture for the courtyard at the new Hatch building (old K-1) on S. Church Street, according to city sources.

A grand opening ceremony is still planned for November 19, according to the official 'Hatch' website.

"Hatch Fairhope provides Baldwin County's new and existing tech-based business startups with a place to learn and grow while fostering entrepreneurial culture and developing a resource ecosystem."

East Side Water Main Expansion Projects Almost Completed

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 22:28:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

New Fairhope Ave. main.

FINAL CONNECTION BEING MADE

After almost a year of construction, the installation of new 16" and 24" water mains along roads in East Fairhope is almost completed.

The upgrades will improve reliability and provide service to anticipated new customers in the area.

From a December 2025 FT report:

"Contractor Hemphill Construction Inc. has begun installing a new 16 inch water supply pipeline under Highway 181 at Fairhope Avenue. The new pipeline will extend from nearby treatment plant number two on Fairhope Avenue (under the Walmart water tower), north along Hwy 181 to Gayfer Road, then west to the CR 13/Gayfer roundabout: cost is $4.3 million.

In about two months contractor Weaver Direct Boring Inc. should begin installing a separate 24 inch pipeline along Fairhope Avenue in the same area — also from plant number two west to the CR 13 /Fairhope roundabout: cost for that one is $3.4 million."

Hermit Hut Excavation Begun

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 14:18:18 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

RELOCATION IMMINENT

The contractor began excavating around the hermit hut roundhouse on Parker Road today; the foundation at its new resting place in Flying Creek Nature Park has been prepared too.

The actual move should happen next month, sometime in November.

New FCNP homesite.

Foundation Park Groundbreaking Today

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 12:10:17 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Groundbreaking this morning.

PLAYGROUND AND NEW SPLASH PAD

This morning, Community Foundation organization members joined city and Single Tax Corporation leaders to break ground on phase one of the new Foundation Park on S. Section Street at Twin Beech Road.

The Community Foundation of Point Clear is providing funding for the park in partnership with the city.

From an August 2025 FT report:

"The city approved a memorandum of understanding with the Community Foundation to help fund and construct a splash pad and park on recently-acquired property on S. Section Street at Twin Beech Road adjacent the Hope Community's project.

The Foundation will raise and contribute up to $500K for the project, to be maintained by the city once completed; the city will construct restrooms and utility infrastructure, according to the agreement.

The project will be in two phases.

City's statement:

"The Fairhope/Point Clear Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama, has announced a proposal to partner with the City of Fairhope to construct a new public park and splash pad to be known as “Foundation Park.” The park will occupy a 1.6-acre lot at the historic Anna T. Jeanes School property, located at the intersection of Twin Beech Road and Section Street. Foundation Park aims to meet the needs of underserved youth and families in the community.

The Foundation will provide funding for the project, while the City of Fairhope will continue to own and maintain the property. The park will be constructed in phases. In Phase One, the Foundation will contribute $100,000 which will encompass the creation of a park through fencing, landscaping, utilities and signage. In Phase Two, through a fundraising campaign, the Foundation intends to provide $400,000 to the City for the construction of a park and splash pad.

“We appreciate the partnership with the Community Foundation and their investment in our community. It represents the best of what Fairhope is all about—community, collaboration, and creating spaces that serve everyone,” said Mayor Sherry Sullivan. “Foundation Park will be a place where families can gather, kids can play, and memories will be made for years to come.”

“The Fairhope/Point Clear Community Foundation is excited to partner with the City of Fairhope to create a welcoming space for all youth and families in our community,” said Rebecca Byrne, President and CEO of The Community Foundation of South Alabama.

All gifts will help bring the splash pad and park to life today and secure a foundation for future park improvements and community grants. Donations to the Fairhope/Point Clear Community Foundation, an affiliate of The Community Foundation of South Alabama, are tax-deductible. To donate, visit fairhopepointclearcommunityfoundation.org.""

Christenberry's Last School Board Meetings

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 21 Oct 2026 10:08:30 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

October 22 regular board meeting.

October 20th work session.

BALDWIN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

District six's Cecil Christenberry is winding up his second six-year term as Fairhope-area school board representative: their last work session was Tuesday and the final regular one will be Thursday night in Bay Minette.

Christenberry told the Times he thought it was about time for a younger generation to take over the reins; and he said he has confidence in his replacement, Fred Hardman.

He was first-elected to the school board in 2014 winning narrowly over Miranda Schrubbe; before that he served two terms on the Fairhope city council, from 2000-2008.

After being asked why he decided to run during a school board campaign event in 2014, Christenberry replied "a voice came to me" to get involved, much like in 1999 when he decided to run for city council. "If not you, who?"

Now he plans to spend most of his time at the "lake", he said.

2014 election debate.

Robot Dog Spotted Walking At Beach Park

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 20 Oct 2026 14:21:22 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

MUNICIPAL BEACH PARK

A family was spotted walking their robot dog this morning at the beach park.

New Aldi Subdivision Should Clear Way For New Businesses

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 19 Oct 2026 19:18:38 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Hwy 181 site.

AUTO REPAIR CHAIN COMING?

During its October meeting, the planning commission voted to approve a two lot subdivision at the northeast corner of the Hwy 181/Fairhope Avenue intersection to correspond with prior zoning conditions when the property was outside city limits.

The commission originally approved a five-unit multiple occupancy project there in 2021 when it was within the city's ETJ (outside city limits) but the county took over jurisdiction in 2023 when the ETJ was dissolved by a new state law.

A well-know national automotive repair chain business is interested in one of the lots, according to a spokesman for the company.

More Details of planning commission's approval:

Public hearing to consider the request of the Applicant, Duplantis Design Group, PC, on behalf of the owner, ALDI, Inc of Alabama for Preliminary and Final Plat approval of ALDI MOP, a 5-Unit Multiple Occupancy Project, on property zoned B-2, General Business District. The property is located on the northeast corner of State Highway 181 and County Road 48 and is 7.14± acres.

The property was before the Commission May 4th, 2020 and September 10th, 2020 for a minor subdivision. Issues with the recording rendered the plat null and void by Baldwin County.

The property received preliminary approval for a 5-unit MOP October 4th, 2021. The property was annexed into the City January 26th, 2026.

The purpose of this request is to approve and finalize the 5 unit MOP as previously approved. Issues with Baldwin County and recording of a previous plat and jurisdictional changes were some challenges that had to be overcome. These challenges contributed to the delay of the overall project. One unit, the ALDI store, has been built along with the required infrastructure improvements, highway improvements, and drainage network. Required easements are reflected on the MOP plat.

Aldi subdivision.

North Ingleside Drive Finally Getting A Speed Bump

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 17 Oct 2026 20:49:45 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

OK'D TRAFFIC COMMITTEE

After many years of requests from residents, a stretch of N. Ingleside Drive is finally getting a speed bump; the city's Street and Traffic Committee voted for approval during its September meeting, as did the city council later.

Neighborhood residents will provide $5K for the installation of a speed table between Winn Lane and Central Blvd.

Another stop sign was requested too but those are not recommended to reduce speed. Other "speed calming" devices have already been installed there too.

Speed table example.

New FSTC Office Completed By End of Year?

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 16 Oct 2026 05:33:03 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

NEW SINGLE TAX OFFICES

New offices for the Single Tax Corporation should be moved into the restored Summit Street Library building by the end of the year, according to Single Tax President Turner.

Their current office on Fairhope Avenue is to be leased; the renovation cost about $2 million, using their lessees annual rent revenue.

Lack of space and parking was the reason for the move.

Fuel Spill Remediation Continues

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 14 Oct 2026 06:06:15 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

October 2026.

August 2020 photo.

OLD RIVER PARK GROCERY

Access/test wells are still being periodically pumped out to remediate a 2020 fuel spill at the old River Park Grocery/gas station on CR 48 that occurred when old underground tanks were being removed.

When the contamination falls to acceptable levels, the property may be used again by current owner.

From an October 2021 FT report:

"Various environmental contractors are evaluating soil/groundwater conditions at the former River Park Grocery on CR 48 (10563 CR 48 at Blueberry Lane) where five old fuel oil tanks were dug out over a year ago (August 2020).

On September 28th, the state's environmental agency (ADEM) determined that "petroleum products have been released which have either polluted or pose a threat of pollution to waters of the state" and "further site evaluation must occur to determine the extent of the contamination" (see the full letter from ADEM below).

The site is located in the Cowpen Creek/Fish River watershed; the city's nearby water well is mentioned as a concern too.

Total response cost is estimated to be about $100K, to be shared by the owner and the Alabama Tank Trust Fund, according to ADEM documents; current owner of the property is Riverpark Enterprises, LLC (Jimmy Patel). (The estate of Curtis Rewerts is listed as the previous owner.)"

New Verizon Cell Towers Going Up

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 13:42:27 -0500

Fairhope, Alabama thefairhopetimes.blogspot.com

Mobile St. at Cliff Drive.

NEW "STEALTH" DESIGN

Replacement of several obsolete mini cell towers around town has begun. New towers are planned in the downtown area as well, to improve reception there.

From an September 2026 FT report:

"Contractors for Verizon Communications have begun installing new “black stealth” metal mini-cell towers in bayfront-area neighborhoods — and replacing some existing wooden ones to improve mobile service along the Scenic Highway 98 corridor through town.

These installations were approved by the planning commission and city council in August of 2025, but installation work just began last week. No reason was given for the delay.

The existing poles were originally installed by AT&T in 2013, all the way past the Grand Hotel."

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

Update: The Supreme Court sided with Fairhope and dismissed the company's negligence claim against the city; but other claims remain.

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.