County Commissioner Randall Dueitt on Monday called for a temporary moratorium on new subdivisions. Dueitt made his remarks during a meeting in which several people spoke against a new housing development planned for western Mobile County.
) - County Commissioner Randall Dueitt on Monday called for a temporary moratorium on new subdivisions. Dueitt made his remarks during a meeting in which several people spoke against a new housing development planned for western Mobile County.
It is unclear whether the commission has the authority to halt subdivisions, as some Baldwin County cities have done in recent months. County Attorney Jay Ross said he would research the issue. Monday’s meeting drew several speakers vehemently opposing a subdivision application for a development called The Preserve off of Dawes Lane Extension, west of McDonald Road and north of Interstate 10. A dozen other people spoke against another development issue near McDonald Road on the other side of I-10 – aThe Preserve proposal drew fierce opposition from people who live in the area. Chobee Bruette said the 94 lots on 28 acres in the planned Preserve development is out of character for the area.Bruette said if there is to be development, the houses should be of similar size and on similarly sized lots as the exiting homes. He noted that the subdivision comes on top of a subdivision called Dunham Farms that under construction off of McDonald Road where it intersects with Theodore Dawes Road.Area resident Joey Tuberville said he worries about the impact on Cole Lake, which drains into the Fowl River. “Water’s the big issue in our area. And it runs through my property, all the way over to Cole Lake,” he said. “Putting the drainage in is gonna create more water. You know, you have nowhere for the runoff to go now.”“You guys need a little bit more power to stop some of these things that are going on in the county with some of the contractors,” he said. Dueitt agrees. He said he joined the unanimous vote Monday to approve plans for The Preserve because he does not have a choice. The county doesn’t have zoning, which means commissioners must approve any subdivision regulation that meets the technical requirements. Dueitt said a pause on new subdivisions would give time to consider how rapid growth in previously rural areas is impacting school and volunteer fire departments. “It’s something I’ve been asking about for, I want to say, the entire time I’ve been here,” he said after the meeting. “You know, I just want to make sure that we’re not filling our schools to capacity or over capacity. … I live in the Seven Hills Fire District. That fire district has went from protecting 3,000 residents to over 7,000 residents in the last five years.” A consultant for The Preserve project was at the meeting but did not give a presentation. He also didn’t immediately return a phone call from FOX10 News. The commission does have more discretion over landfill application. Opponents cited worries about runoff polluting Fowl River, among other concerns. “We don’t need this, and the threats of water contamination in our area substantial,” said Ted Lathan. “Fowl River is a pristine natural resource within Mobile County. It’s a treasure for all residents in Mobile that should be protected and respected.” Scott Hutchison, an engineer representing dirt pit owner Jeremy Hunt, said the developer plans to use 62 of 80 acres for the landfill. “It’s not a household waste landfill,” he said during the public hearing. “It’s certainly not a hazardous waste landfill.” Hutchison said Hunt would be willing to install groundwater monitors, a step that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management does not require but that residents have asked for. Dueitt said he has not made up his mind on the application, which the commission must approve or deny in 30 days. He said he wants to hear from the Mobile County Solid Waste Authority board. If the county gives the project a green light, ADEM would make the final decision.“They’re good concerns, and we take them seriously,” he said after the meeting. “And our job is to follow ADEM requirements and the county’s requirements for design and operation of the landfill.”
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Cumberland County township commissioner of over 33 years diesThe 78-year-old man served as a township commissioner consecutively since 2007, according to his obituary.
Read more »
Victim of carbon monoxide poisoning identified as former Pike County commissionerOne of the three victims found dead during a recent welfare check in Pike County was a long-time county commissioner.
Read more »
Flag raising ceremony in Mobile Monday for Greek Independence DayMobile County officials say the Greek flag will fly at Mobile Government Plaza March 24- 28.
Read more »
Mobile County Commission approves $7.5 million for Mobile Civic Center arenaThe money will be paid over the next ten years. $500,000 in 2026 and 2027 and $812,500 a year from 2028-2035.
Read more »
Chairman calls for resignation of Dauphin County commissioner charged with DUIThe chairman of the Dauphin County Board of Commissioners is calling for the resignation of a fellow commissioner recently charged with DUI.
Read more »
County Commission announces plans for Jubilee Park at Mobile County SportsplexOverall, it’s a $60 million investment that Leisure Sports and Recreation says will create hundreds of jobs
Read more »