Mobile Planning Commission Meeting - May 21, 2026

The Mobile Planning Commission met on May 21, 2026, to consider 14 agenda items including subdivisions, rezonings, sidewalk waivers, and conditional use permits. The meeting included public testimony on several items, with decisions ranging from approvals to denials and holdovers.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Kermit McAlpine (308 Chin Street) spoke on drainage problems, flooding, alligators, train noise, and dust from the rock company at 1930 Bay Bridge Road Cutoff. He submitted photos of alligators in his yard.
• Ramsey Sprague (5404 Dogwood Court, President of Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition) expressed concern about the subdivision at 1930 Bay Bridge Road Cutoff, citing lack of code enforcement, stormwater issues, and the need for buffer protections. He noted ongoing dialogue with the applicant.
• Robert Clumpton (2612 Charlotte Oaks Drive, NAACP) voiced concern about quality of life issues for residents on Chin Street, including flooding, dust, and train noise.
• Roger Woods (6094 Fairin Woods Court) opposed the rezoning at 97 Center Drive, citing inadequate public notice, inaccurate enrollment data from the applicant, and potential negative impacts on property values and neighborhood character.
• Mary Ann Travado (6122 Farron Woods Court) opposed the rezoning, citing noise and litter from existing student housing.
• Renee Smith (6040 Sussex Drive) opposed the rezoning, fearing increased noise, garbage, and partying.
• Mary Devereaux (6004 Sussex Drive) questioned the project's density, parking, handicap access, green space, and stormwater management. She noted that the University of South Alabama recently announced 1,000 new beds on campus.

Discussion Items

• 5536 Sermon Road West, 5660, 5680 Sermon Road North – Subdivision application. Applicant Pete Reim stated the missing letter from a property owner in Aruba and a missing revised plat. The road and drainage exist from 15 years ago. The commission held the item over to June 18, 2026, waiving the one-holdover limit.
• 1930 Bay Bridge Road Cutoff and 124 Industrial Canal Road East – Rogers Group Subdivision. Applicant requested holdover to June 18, 2026. Attorney Jared White explained the subdivision would combine six I-2 parcels into one lot, with a voluntary 30-foot buffer. Improvements include a rebuilt bulkhead, conveyor with dust suppression, and white noise backup alarms. The commission held the item over.
• 354 and 358 Gulfwood Drive, Lila's Place Subdivision – Three lots, 0.64 acres. Applicant agreed to 10 conditions. Approved with waiver of Section 6B9.
• 63 Parkway Drive, Parkway Commons Subdivision – Five lots, 1.76 acres. Discussion on right-of-way width (30 ft vs. 25 ft from centerline) and existing turnaround. Approved with amendments: waiving Sections 6C2 and 6C3, and condition 1 amended to 25 ft from centerline.
• 1370 and 1408 Cody Road North, The Villas at Cody Crossing Subdivision – 229 lots, 16.44 acres. Applicant sought approval of preliminary plat after missing extension deadline. Traffic impact study still under review; applicant committed to complying with recommendations. Approved with condition that all traffic engineering comments be noted.
• 175 West I65 Service Road North – Sidewalk waiver request. Chris Lee (Leban Engineering) cited a deep paved ditch and narrow right-of-way. Councilman Josh Woods opposed due to planned sidewalk connections. The waiver was denied.
• 4250 Dolphin Island Parkway – Sidewalk waiver request. Brock Jones (Kimley-Horn) cited flooding, tidal influence, and lack of connectivity. The waiver was approved.
• 6455 Howells Ferry Road, Grace Redemption Community Church – Conditional use permit for religious facility on R1. Applicant agreed to conditions. Initially approved, then reconsidered and held over to June 18, 2026, to allow compliance with Article 3.
• 7241, 7251, 7261, 7271 Green Lot Road – Rezone from R1 to B1. Applicant Jimmy Lyon explained the property was previously commercial in county, now surrounded by commercial uses. Approved with findings of fact A through F.
• 5101 Moffat Road – Rezone from B2 to B3. Applicant George Herb explained the property would be used for a car lot with light mechanical work. Discussion on limiting number of cars (20-30). The commission denied the application.
• 97 Center Drive – Rezone from R1 to R3. Applicant Casey Pipes argued consistency with comprehensive plan and compatibility with surrounding R3. Public opposition cited inadequate notice, inaccurate data, and neighborhood character. The commission held the item over to June 18, 2026.
• 5361 Moffat Road – Rezone from R1 to B3. Applicant Nikita Pleasure and Bridget Lewis explained the need for a real estate office with moving trucks and storage. Discussion on buffer requirements. Approved with conditions: 20-foot residential protection buffer, fence, and denial of access to Sawata Drive.
• 4630, 4700, 4960 Dolphin Island Parkway – Dual application: subdivision and rezone to remove previous PUD condition. Applicant Mr. Bird explained land swapping. Approved both components.
• 2609, 2651 Spring Hill Avenue, 152-159 Mobile Street, 144 Highland Avenue – Dual application: subdivision and rezone to eliminate split zoning. Applicant agreed to conditions. Approved.

Key Outcomes

• Item 1: Held over to June 18, 2026.
• Item 2: Held over to June 18, 2026.
• Item 3: Approved (subdivision with waiver).
• Item 4: Approved (subdivision with amendments).
• Item 5: Approved (subdivision with condition on traffic study).
• Item 6: Denied (sidewalk waiver).
• Item 7: Approved (sidewalk waiver).
• Item 8: Held over to June 18, 2026 (conditional use permit).
• Item 9: Approved (rezone R1 to B1).
• Item 10: Denied (rezone B2 to B3).
• Item 11: Held over to June 18, 2026 (rezone R1 to R3).
• Item 12: Approved (rezone R1 to B3 with conditions).
• Item 13: Approved (subdivision and rezone).
• Item 14: Approved (subdivision and rezone).
• Minutes: Approved for November 20 and December 18, 2025.