Condo plans draw questions at Council hearing
Local motel owner Jay Shows wants to convert the former motel at the Demopolis Yacht Basin to condominiums. While no one opposed his idea at the Demopolis City Council meeting Thursday, comments came from those who saw problems with access and safety.
A reluctant City Council chose not to suspend public hearing rules on the proposed ordinance. Instead, it will vote at the next meeting whether to rezone the property.
Shows bought the distressed property and is attempting to repurpose it from a 26-unit motel to 15 or 16 high-end residential units. His proposals already have been approved by the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Board of Adjustment who gave the nod to re-zone the building from light industrial to multi-family use.
Estelle Taylor said the motel was part of a complex that included boat repair, fueling dock, restaurant and yacht basin. It was not a residential property and should not be classified as such, she argued.
Trucks going in and out of the area create an unsafe situation, she continued, especially if there are children living in the units.
“In its heyday it was a terrific facility,” Shows said, but added all the businesses except for the fuel dock are closed. “I’m trying to rejuvenate a piece of property,” he said. For more than 30 years children lived on site or visited there with no problems, he continued.
“What he is bringing us is good,” said Councilman Charles Jones, but the Zoning Commission needs to look at condo requirements since this is a new venture for the city.
Fred Hansard, who owns the fuel dock, said that Homeland Security may require a security fence around the entire area since the dock has only a short-term variance from the agency.
Shows said if access to his property is denied by Homeland Security, they can declare eminent domain and buy him out.
A decision on a second proposed ordinance pertaining to electronic signs on city-owned property was tabled until the next meeting. Bill Meador requested clarification on the wording to eliminate any confusion in the future.
The Council unanimously approved a $4,000 request by Ed Ward, director of the Theo Ratliff Center for the purchase of 110 chairs.
Members also voted to reappoint Gary Malone to the Park and Recreation Board and to make no changes on salaries for the mayor and Council members for the next term.
Sandra Norman-Eady spoke for seven residents on South Ash who are looking to the city to fix a “persistent and potentially hazardous situation” from water runoff coming from a park at the south end of the street.
Norman-Eady said the problem has been made worse with street extensions and erosion. Standing water creates a breeding ground for mosquitoes and the build-up of mold and mildew.
Street Department director Mike Baker said the area already had been inspected, and the area should have a fix in a short time.
A resident questioned whether Herbert Street can be repaved, but Mayor John Laney said the grant for the funds was not approved. He said when the rain finally eases, crews will be filling potholes all over the city.