The Fairhope Planning Commission meeting on September 4, 2025, highlighted significant community concerns regarding a proposed development near the Spring Run Place neighborhood. Residents voiced their worries about stormwater runoff, night lighting, and potential noise from the site, particularly if a bar were to be included in the plans.

Eugene Levert, a representative of the neighborhood, expressed gratitude for the commission's efforts but emphasized the need for clarity on how the new development would impact existing drainage issues. "We have a problem with drainage in our neighborhood," he stated, urging the commission to provide detailed information on the stormwater management plan. The engineer assured that the project is designed to handle a hundred-year storm event, but residents remain anxious about the specifics.

Lighting was another major concern, with Levert advocating for a "tree curtain" to mitigate light pollution from the development. He stressed that while adequate lighting is necessary, it should not disrupt the neighborhood's tranquility at night.

The commission clarified that a straight bar is not permitted in the M1 zoning, alleviating some concerns about nighttime noise. However, the potential for a brew pub or similar establishment remains a point of contention among residents.

As the public hearing concluded, the commission encouraged ongoing dialogue between residents and engineers to address these pressing issues. The outcome of this meeting underscores the importance of community input in shaping Fairhope's growth and development strategies.