FAIRHOPE – The parcel that includes the new Publix supermarket under construction at the intersection of Alabama 104 and Alabama 181 has been annexed into Fairhope with general business zoning.
The Fairhope City Council voted Wednesday, Dec. 22 to rezone the 21-acre parcel as B-2, general business and annex the site into the city. The site was in an unincorporated area of Baldwin County and was not zoned before the council action.
Hunter Simmons, city planning director, said the property includes not only the Publix store, but also up to 13 potential shop sites. He said the other shops could be built along the two highways as the site expands. He said all the property on the site will be zoned for business.
“Those are yet to be developed,” Simmons said. “Those will be developed in the future but will inherit this B-2 zoning. This is one of the biggest, the largest commercial nodes that we have in our comp plan.”
He said the plans for the shopping center are similar to those for the existing Fairhope Publix on Greeno Road, with the grocery store and smaller shops.
He said some of the businesses could have drive-through services. Simmons said that while drive-throughs have raised concerns in areas closer to the Central Business District, the B-2 zoning would allow the service at the location on Alabama 104 and 181.
The proposal also calls for the city to take over a section of right of way on the property as a city road. Simmons said the right of way will allow Fairhope to provide road access between different development projects on the site, but the city would not be taking over parking lots or business driveways.
He said the property owner would also maintain the grass medians on the rights of way.
Fairhope officials have also approved expanding sewer services to the site. The council voted in November to approve engineering work to build a sewer service lift station at the location. City officials said the station will be part of an expansion of services to the entire area to meet the demands of expected growth.
City officials said the new Publix is scheduled to open in February.
