Northport Residents Speak Out: Key Concerns on the Proposed University Beach Development Plan

NORTHPORT, Ala. — A proposed 80-acre development called University Beach is stirring up strong feelings among local residents. This project aims to feature a 10-acre lagoon, a water park, a hotel, shops, restaurants, and homes. It has been months in the making, incorporating feedback from the community.

Kent Donahue from University Beach LLC shared that they had to make some changes and absorb extra costs, but he believes the project is still promising. Despite these adjustments, many locals are not on board. Residents like Bart Harper expressed serious concerns, stating, “This isn’t the right fit for Northport. We lack the infrastructure and population to support something like this, especially a Caribbean-style resort that might only operate four months of the year.”

Traffic and noise are other big worries, especially with a proposed 2,000-seat concert venue. Local resident Danny Higdon pointed out a significant issue: “There are only 1,500 public parking spots. How will all those concert-goers park and leave?”

During the meeting, the Planning and Zoning Commission considered the feedback but ultimately decided against recommending the project. The developer, Donahue, declined to postpone the request, saying, “I don’t think there’s anything we can do to get a thumbs up.”

The commission’s split vote means the rezoning request will now head to the city council for review on May 5, followed by a second reading on May 19.

This situation mirrors a growing trend in urban development where mixed-use projects often face local backlash. According to a recent survey by the National Association of Home Builders, almost 76% of new housing developments encounter opposition, primarily due to concerns about traffic and suitability for the community.

As communities grapple with growth and development, it’s common to see varying opinions. Balancing the potential benefits of such projects—like increased tax revenue and job creation—against residents’ quality of life will continue to be a challenge. This balance is crucial, especially in smaller towns that may not be ready for large-scale changes.

For more on community development trends, check out this report from the Urban Land Institute.



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University Beach,Northport,Development plan,Mixed-use,Community feedback,Opposition,Infrastructure,Concert venue