An open letter to D. Joe McInnes director, Alabama Department of Transportation:

There is no way we can express the debt of gratitude owed to ALDOT for the assistance and thoughtful intervention provided on our behalf, regarding the negative impact upon our business created by the Greeno Road Pedestrian Improvement Project.

Once we became aware of the project, and on numerous occasions, we expressed to the city of Fairhope, verbally and in writing, our concerns and objections to the omission of our commercial agricultural business access. The city intentionally provided false information to ALDOT specifically stating we had none.

We made every effort and employed all measures possible in order to resolve this issue on our own. Unfortunately, the project was partially utilized for punitive, political purposes. The deliberate deletion of our access was also an attempt to force commercial traffic through a residential community in order to justify future rezoning as a reward for long-time political friends and allies. We found ourselves unable to neither communicate, penetrate nor receive any relief from our local elected officials.

Upon contacting ALDOT, it became immediately apparent ALDOT was extremely concerned, realized the dynamics of the situation and damage to our business. The Department weathered the persistent storm of countless phone calls and emails, readily provided multitudes of requested documents and information, all under the decorum of extreme professionalism and the patience of Job.

We are appalled, ashamed and embarrassed for the citizens of this community over the blatant, arrogant behavior displayed by the city of Fairhope throughout this entire ordeal. After receipt of your explicit letter of Aug. 25, threatening to withhold project funds, we had every expectation the city would come to a mutually successful resolution of our conflict. However, unnecessary additional interventional measures were actually required, which again took valuable time and resources away from other more pressing issues facing ALDOT. It was then, and only then, the issue was resolved through an agreement to create an adequate northern access on our property.

The new commercial access is a workable solution to a problem the city hould never have been allowed to create. However, the construction and use of a northern access is extremely inconvenient, we are losing valuable land and profitable propagation materials, and our business is now vulnerable and susceptible to theft and vandalism.

Your staff commends you, sir, for your guidance, distinguished leadership and genuine concern for them and the citizens of the state of Alabama. We could not agree more with their assessment. It is also your incredible team, Mr. McInnes, and their exceptional attitude that successfully conveys and executes the exemplary standards set forth by ALDOT. In any respect, the openness, assistance and professional conduct displayed by your department should be a paradigm for all governmental entities, if not for the private sector as well.

Among those who have been instrumental in achieving a solution, include Tony Harris, Vince Calametti, Robert McWhorter, Nick Amberger, Dwayne Hood and Norman Lumpkin. Their patience, understanding and willingness to assist has indeed, been over and above any possible expectations.

It is our hope no one must ever again experience any such trials or tribulations relative to government grants, earmarks, or any projects for that matter, particularly when policies, through no fault of ALDOT, completely disregard genuine concerns, allow the omission and restriction of public input, and are utilized as politically motivated tools.

With such high standards already in place, perhaps ALDOT might contemplate this particular issue and, if possible, consider the implementation of additional policies in order to mandate participation that is more public where little or none currently exists.

ALDOT appears to be continually on the receiving end of sometimes unfair, harsh, denigrate criticism. However, please accept our sincere appreciation and well-deserved praise for your continued assistance and immeasurable patience. Although it eventually became necessary to retain legal counsel, again, we are forever indebted to ALDOT. Without your intervention, we would most certainly be seeking relief from the city of Fairhope through the federal court system.

Fairhope residents