Northport Lawmaker Raises Alarm Over University Beach Developments Amid State Tax Rebate Pursuit

Northport, AL — A legislator from west Alabama is raising concerns about a new tax rebate proposal linked to the University Beach development in Northport.

State Rep. Ron Bolton, whose district includes Northport, spoke with Patch regarding a resolution set to appear in Monday’s City Council agenda. This resolution seeks approval for the Alabama Tourism Department to categorize University Beach under the Sweet Home Alabama Tourism Act, allowing it to qualify for specific state tax benefits.

Bolton explained that the act, created in 2023, aims to boost tourism in Alabama. It’s up to the tourism department to decide which projects meet the criteria.

For University Beach to tap into these rebates, Northport must publicly support the project and acknowledge that at least 20% of the rebates will consist of municipal taxes. Importantly, these tax breaks will only kick in once the development is completed and operational.

The City of Northport believes supporting this measure could open doors for state tax rebates for major tourism attractions, including water parks and convention centers, provided they secure a minimum private investment of $50 million, or $75 million for “mega projects.”

However, Bolton expressed frustration about the process. “I haven’t been consulted about this application. It would have been courteous for the City Council to notify those of us representing the district,” he said. He noted that while he maintains a good relationship with the council, locals, including himself, have struggled to get information on the development due to a non-disclosure agreement.

Bolton highlighted that the management of this project has not been transparent, calling it one of the poorest handled situations he has seen in years. He specifically criticized the developers for how they have engaged with local residents. “Disrespecting residents who have questions is unprofessional,” he stated.

In a June meeting, Texas developer Kent Donahue reportedly avoided questions from the public, further fueling concerns about transparency. Bolton emphasized that the lack of openness surrounding the Capital Improvement District Board meetings has added to the community’s concerns.

As discussions about this project unfold, many local citizens are expressing their apprehensions on social media, questioning the project’s benefits versus the potential impact on the community.

Bolton plans to discuss these issues further with City Council members and the Tourism Department in the coming days. The Northport City Council will meet on Monday, July 21, at City Hall to move forward on this significant matter.

For more insights on Alabama’s tourism initiatives, you can refer to the Alabama Tourism Department’s official page.

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