Fairhope Mayor Addresses Coronavirus, Arts and Crafts Festival and Barnwell Landmark District Bill

FAIRHOPE, Ala. — Fairhope Mayor Karin Wilson has issued statements on the coronavirus and its possible effect on the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, and on a proposed state bill that would create a landmark district near the city.

Coronavirus preparations

In her statement on COVID-19, Wilson said that as of the previous day no cases had been identified in Alabama. She said she had been in close contact with State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris of the Alabama Department of Public Health and with county emergency management agencies, and that the city had been advised to remain in a heightened state of awareness about a possible outbreak. Gov. Kay Ivey created a task force chaired by Harris to oversee preparation and response.

Arts and Crafts Festival

Wilson noted that the Fairhope Arts and Crafts Festival, the city’s largest annual event, was scheduled to begin in eight days. She said she had raised in a press interview the possibility that the festival may need to be canceled or rescheduled to limit potential exposure.

“If the status of the virus changes within our state and the State Health Officer issued recommendations that such large events are not held, that will become my position as well,” Wilson said. The matter was scheduled for discussion at a City Council work session.

HB 203 and the Barnwell district

Wilson also raised concerns about HB 203, which has passed the Alabama House and goes next to the state Senate. The bill would create a 44-square-mile “Barnwell Landmark District.” Wilson said she does not oppose the concept of landmark districts but has serious concerns with the bill’s wording.

According to Wilson, the boundary described in the bill extends beyond the area commonly known as Barnwell, and the bill does not establish a legal entity under Alabama law or define the district’s powers.

Wilson said the bill would limit legislative annexation while allowing a newly formed municipality within the district to annex property without the owner’s consent. She said the only times Fairhope has legislatively annexed non-contiguous property were for the Walmart property, city-owned properties, or areas that requested it, such as St. Michael’s Catholic School. If the Senate passes the measure, it would go on a ballot for a countywide or statewide vote.

Apartments open on U.S. 98

Separately, the first units of the 240-unit Retreat at Fairhope Village apartment complex, behind the Publix grocery store on U.S. Highway 98, were scheduled to become available in March. According to the complex, rents range from $1,060 a month for a one-bedroom unit to $2,085 for three bedrooms. The project survived several lawsuits filed by neighborhood residents and was a major issue in the 2016 municipal election.

Traffic congestion along U.S. 98, particularly at the Parker Road intersection, has been raised as a concern. The traffic study for the project was conducted in 2016. A 77-unit townhome project called The Highlands is also under construction next to the apartments.