No Action on Fairhope Waterfront Project as Council Declines Mayor’s Marketing Plan
The Fairhope City Council took no immediate action on the $6.2 million waterfront project and declined to consider the mayor's $65,000 marketing plan for local businesses.
FAIRHOPE, Ala. — The Fairhope City Council took no immediate action on the $6.2 million Fairhope Waterfront Project and declined to adopt the mayor’s proposed $65,000 marketing plan for local businesses.
Waterfront Project
During a work session before the council meeting, council members received a 48-minute presentation on the waterfront project, which has been in development for three and a half years and has included extensive planning and public participation.
Because timing is important for the project’s permitting phase, the council was asked to provide guidance or approval to proceed. The council took no action but is expected to revisit the plan at a later meeting. The next council meeting is scheduled for May 11.
Marketing Plan Declined
The council also declined to consider the mayor’s marketing plan, which proposed hiring a marketing firm to develop a strategy to help Fairhope businesses that have struggled financially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan included an effort to welcome tourists back to Fairhope.
To pay for the $65,000 proposal, the mayor suggested raising the lodging tax, which is paid by visitors, from 6% to 7% and adopting a half-cent gas tax. According to the proposal, Fairhope does not currently levy a municipal gas tax. The council did not accept either funding proposal.
Economic Development Payments
The mayor also suggested that the city’s annual payments to the Hatch program and the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance be handled as appropriations. The council rejected the idea and favored waiting.
The city contributes $35,000 a year to the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance, $15,000 to the Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce and $21,000 to the Downtown Business Association. The chamber and the business association are membership-based organizations.
Quail Creek Golf Course
The council also discussed reopening the Quail Creek Golf Course. Councilman Jack Burrell said the mayor was responsible for closing the course. The mayor had closed it because of public health concerns related to the pandemic.
