New Shopping Center in Spanish Fort Gets Pushback From Community 

 SPANISH FORT, Ala.

Spanish Fort like other cities in Baldwin County, are continuing to grow at a fast pace but some community activists don’t want the growth and are fighting against developers.

The latest pushback is a fight against plans to build a new shopping center near the intersections of Highways 31 and 225.

Southeast Acquisitions LLC is under contract to purchase the land where the shopping center would be built but some residents who might benefit from the shopping center say that they don’t need it or want it.

A small grassroots group has been vocal in recent months about the building of new subdivisions saying that they want to keep Spanish Fort small and not feel like it’s part of Mobile or just another city.

 A representative of Southeast Acquisitions LLC told the Spanish Fort Planning Commission last month that it’s too early to say which grocery store would go there. They’re still in talks with different entities and haven’t inked a deal. Neighbors fear the proposed center will be anchored by a Walmart Neighborhood Market.

Some people are concerned about the lack of habitat for the wild animals while others brought up concerns about the area being part of a wetlands area.

The Spanish Fort Planning Commission did not recommend re-zoning the larger wooded parcels that would allow for a shopping center. Those parcels back up to Spanish Fort Estates and Garrison Ridge neighborhoods. The commission did recommend a smaller 1.3 acre parcel that’s on Highway 31 be rezoned. Both recommendations now go to the Spanish Fort City Council for a final decision.

There are two upcoming public hearings people can attend to let city leaders know how they feel. The first is Monday, November 18th. The second meeting is Monday, December 2nd. Both are at 6 p.m. at Spanish Fort City Hall.

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