RSA Removes Fuel Tanks at Grand Hotel Marina Amid Point Clear Condominium Zoning Dispute
RSA removed the fuel tanks at the Grand Hotel marina in Point Clear amid a dispute with residents over a proposed 12-unit condominium project.
POINT CLEAR, Ala. — The Retirement Systems of Alabama (RSA), which owns the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, has removed the fuel tanks at the marina next to the hotel, ending public fuel sales there for the first time in 50 years.
The removal comes amid a dispute between RSA and the Point Clear Properties Association over a proposed zoning change for the marina property.
The zoning request
The proposed change would allow a 12-unit condominium project on the 1.27-acre marina property. The area is zoned as a Tourism Resort District.
The homeowners association has submitted a petition with more than 400 signatures, along with an additional 100 letters opposing the project, to the Baldwin County Planning Commission. Local residents and the Fairhope Planning Board have also opposed the zoning change.
If a condominium were built on the site, a fuel station would not be allowed there. No condominium project has been approved.
Marina closed
Following the removal of the fuel tanks, the hotel closed the marina. Boaters, including pontoon boat and personal watercraft operators, fishermen and tourists, will now have to travel to Fly Creek Marina in Fairhope, about 6 miles away, for fuel.
Installing a new fuel station and marina along the Eastern Shore would take years of permitting, if it could be done at all.
Next step
The Baldwin County Planning Commission is scheduled to meet Sept. 5.
