GULF SHORES – Plans for a new resort on the Intracoastal Waterway along East 24^th Avenue in Gulf Shores’ Waterway Village District will include boat slips for those stopping by to shop or eat or just take in the sights.

But in doing so, the city is looking at removing a boat launch smack dab in the middle of the parcels where the resort, 24 Canal, will be built on six parcels on both sides of the State Route 59 bridge. The ambitious plan along the south bank of the ICW calls for condos, retail, a hotel, restaurants and the boat slips, among other amenities.

The boat launch, called Canal Park and leased by the city from the Alabama Department of Transportation since 1999, would be taken out and the space reconfigured for more parking under the bridge and a covered pavilion at the water’s edge.

“Additional vehicular parking in Canal Park would be one of many incremental steps towards satisfying existing and future parking demands within the overall Waterway Village,” Community Development Director and Assistant City Administrator Lee Jones said.

A packed house at the Aug. 17 Gulf Shores City Council work session was firmly against removing the launch. Councilors could vote on the matter at their next work session on Aug. 24 at 4 p.m. at city hall.

The resort was first approved by the city in August 2023 but has languished since after a council presentation by architect Mack McKinney. Part of the zoning plan the city has for the coveted Waterway Village District includes “commercial structures and activities in close proximity to the Intracoastal Waterway that will provide a focus toward the waterway as an amenity of patrons to use and enjoy.”

The property has since changed hands with 24 Canal LLC buying all six of the parcels in question from four different buyers. The purchase includes an ownership interest by Councilman and Mayor Pro Tem Philip Harris. 24 Canal LLC first paid taxes on the properties in 2025, according to Baldwin County tax records.

“I do have an ownership interest in some property in Waterway Village,” Harris said during the Aug. 17 meeting. “More specifically, property on either side of this boat launch. So, I won't engage in discussion. I won't be making any comments on it. And if this does come to a point where there is a vote, I will certainly not participate in any vote.”

Councilman Joe Garris, a lifelong charter fisherman, was the first to announce opposition to removing the boat launch, saying two other launches, one near the former toll bridge and another on County Road 6 West, would not meet the needs of local fishermen and boaters.

With inshore charters running a year-round schedule, Garris said the launch offers a respite from the winds in the open bays at other launches during fall and winter months.

Fisherman Joe Emerson, somewhat of an activist on local issues and a Fort Morgan resident, said the drive and traffic headaches getting to the other launches can be daunting.

“I have to think it’s a shame to ask Gulf Shores residents to trailer their boats to the county's launch in Orange Beach or to go up congested Highway 59 to utilize the county's ramp up on the river (on County Road 6),” Emerson said. “Having slips in front of whatever developments get built will be nice for those businesses and their patrons.”