SPANISH FORT, Ala. — City officials Monday discussed the need to install a traffic light at the intersection of Blakeley Way and Wayside Drive.

“I think it’s imperative to give some relief in this area and on (U.S. Highway) 31,” Mayor Joe Bonner said. “It’s a very much needed project.”

The City Council authorized the mayor to expend up to $199,000, the project’s estimated cost. The initial estimate was set at $75,000.

“I think if we don’t do something soon we’re going to have a major accident happen,” Councilwoman Wanda Finch said during a special work session in July.

In other business, city officials discussed making a change in a zoning classification for a property on 30226 Spanish Lane to be rezoned from R-1 — single family low density residential district — to R-4, manufactured mobile home residential district.

The planning commission a few years ago recommended rezoning to the City Council and it was approved, however, due to family circumstances the owner reportedly couldn’t purchase the new manufactured home and move it back to the property. The time frame expired and the land reverted to R-1. The owner now wants to replace the old mobile home with a new mobile home on the property and wants it rezoned R-4.

Residents voiced their opinions during the July 14 council meeting. They said they’re concerned the 5-acre property would eventually turn into a mobile home park, causing their property value to decrease. Residents said they did not mind one mobile home.

 A public hearing is set for Monday August 18.

City officials also discussed the ordinance of amending design standards of the Highlands planned unit development.

The Highlands of Spanish Fort, comprising approximately 11,000 acres, is the largest planned unit development in Baldwin County to date. The development will include walkable communities, schools and community centers. It is estimated to take 30 to 40 years to complete.

Developers have requested that the initial height on the monument sign at the entrance be increased to 30 feet; topography in the area requires the change, they said.

The community’s boundary monument signs may not exceed 50 square feet, City Attorney David Conner said.

A public hearing is set for Monday August 18.

City officials also discussed a resolution to officially declare property at 123 Patrician Drive a nuisance and order its abatement. Bonner recommended to keep the resolution on the agenda for the next council meeting. The building official and members of the community testified under oath at a public hearing July 7 to confirm the condition of the property. The property owner was not in attendance. One owner of the property is trying to obtain sole ownership and deed of the property in the next few days. Once funds are received as a result of the judgment they will make the changes as needed on the home to the satisfaction of the city, according to Conner.

The next meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 18 at the Spanish Fort United Methodist Prodisee Center.