ORANGE BEACH — The second phase of The Wharf Landing subdivision, which is the location for the future Margaritaville resort, was recommended for approval by the Orange Beach Planning Commission on Nov. 12, and the final decision now awaits presentation at an upcoming city council meeting that is yet to be announced.

The proposal subdivides 108-plus acres of the property into six lots for the development of Margaritaville and adjoining amenities. The planning commission previously approved a preliminary plat, which divided 105-plus acres into three lots.

The decision at the planning commission Nov. 12 meeting was also a preliminary approval, and there was a public hearing for the proposal. City council takes planning commission recommendations into account and makes a final vote on most land use matters.

The design for how the plot of land will be developed includes approved right-of-way and a main roadway to be called "Margaritaville Way." The resort subdivision will have sidewalks and street lighting that have also received the necessary approval.

Jay Minus, representing Safe Harbor, a company that owns a section in one of the lots, said he wanted to bring to the commission's attention that there are issues being addressed in court concerning property deed and rezoning.

Members of the commission confirmed that the court case does not concern or influence the result of the hearing for the preliminary decision.

A representative of Sawgrass Consulting, the company overseeing the development for the Wharf, said Sawgrass "modified the acknowledgement" from phase one before presenting phase two to include future emergency access routes, and that was the main purpose of this planning commission's approval.

As reported in previous GCM articles, completion of the first phase of the Margaritaville resort is expected by the spring of 2027, and the full resort is expected to be completed by 2029. The projected plans for the property contain 300-350 residential units, including single-family resort cottages, luxury waterfront condominiums and hotel-style resort units, as well as an amenity and public waterfront district with live entertainment and restaurants.

The site was formerly Bama Bayou, a project that stalled mid-construction and has since been bought by The Wharf and demolished to pave the way for The Wharf Landing east of the Foley Beach Express' former toll station on the north side of the bridge over the canal.