[midwestrabbi]

I do not need to tell you guys this, but Mobile looks great. Are there any plans for more high rises in the near future ? Another question is downtown Mobile below sea level ? I have heard people compare Mobile with Nola when it comes to sea level.

[10101000]

Some parts of it, yes, but not all of the business district is below sea level. New Orleans is surrounded by water, Mobile faces the water. I would say New Orleans is like a bowl.

[10101000]

Thursday, September 18, 2008 By JEFF AMYBusiness Reporter
Local and state governments are in the process of renewing the $120 million-plus incentives package meant to lure the aerial refueling tanker project to Mobile's Brookley Field Industrial Complex.

The Mobile City Council extended the deal Tuesday, while Mobile's city Industrial Development Board did the same Wednesday. The Mobile County Commission and Mobile Airport Authority are expected to act Monday. The Baldwin County Commission effectively continued its commitment when it approved its 2008-09 budget Tuesday.

The original deal is set to expire Sept. 30, local officials said, and they want to keep the incentives in place in hopes that Northrop Grumman Corp. and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co. may be able to win the multi-billion contract again, assuming the Pentagon reruns a competition next year.

"We certainly should do this," said Lee Moncrief, chairman of the industrial development board, which has promised the companies sales tax and non-school property tax breaks valued at $16.5 million over 10 years.

Tanker assembly and modification is supposed to create 1,500 jobs at Brookley. EADS has also pledged to assemble civilian A330 freighter aircraft there if the military project goes forward, creating another 300 jobs.

Mobile County Commission President Stephen Nodine said that extending the tanker incentives will be on the agenda in today's work session, in advance of the scheduled Monday vote.

"We can't stop now and we have to be resolved in our commitment," Nodine said. "It's not just the commitment to the tanker project, we also need to show the world that we are committed to the aerospace sector."

Linda Swann, assistant director of the Alabama Development Office, said the state is in the process of extending the deal.

It's hard to put a total value on the incentive package. In addition to the $16.5 million in local tax breaks, known commitments include:

$67.5 million in cash and $7.9 million in employee training and project coordination from the state.

$13.75 million in cash from both the Mobile city and county governments.

$2.5 million from the Baldwin County Commission.

$2.5 million from the Mobile Airport Authority to improve a dock at Arlington Point.

The state has also reserv ed $265 million in Gulf Opportunity Zone bonds, which were meant to assist economic recovery from 2005's Hurricane Katrina by allowing companies to borrow at a lower interest rate. Northrop and EADS would also get capital improvement tax credits from the state, allowing them to write off capital investment from state corporate income taxes over 20 years, and get 10-year property tax exemptions on their equipment from the city.

EADS also got more than $14.4 million in assistance when it built its Airbus North America engineering center at Brookley.




© 2008 Press-Register. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[10101000]

Airport leaders: Airline to cut fares
Thursday, September 18, 2008 By JEFF AMYBusiness Reporter
Mobile Regional Airport officials said Wednesday that American Eagle has made its fares to and from Mobile "more competitive" with prices at airports in Pensacola and Gulfport.

"Their commitment to adjust fares truly shows their commitment to the Mobile community," said Bay Haas, executive director of the Mo bile Airport Authority, which runs Mobile Regional.

Andrea Huguely, a spokeswoman for American Eagle, said that the airline's governmental relations chief, Dale Morris, met with Haas and other local officials.

"He did make a commitment that we would remain competitive in that market," Huguely said. "We wouldn't so much characterize it as a change. It's more our ongoing commitment to make sure we are competitive."

Haas said he made American's commitment public Wednesday because airport employees concluded from analysis of fares from the first quarter that American had reached rough parity. Mobile Mayor Sam Jones in turn encouraged people to fly American from Mobile.

The Airport Authority has been criticized because of high fares charged by airlines serving Mobile Regional. Many Mobile-area cus tomers choose to fly from Pensacola or Gulfport, which are both served by discount carriers, to save money.

According to data prepared for the authority by Sixel Consulting Group, the cost to fly out of Mobile was the seventh highest among the nation's 150 largest airports in the 12 months that ended March 2008.

Pensacola ranked 62nd highest in fares, while Gulfport ranked 76th.

Haas said that American Recently sought support from Mobile for its efforts to combine transatlantic operations with British Airways.

"They asked us for help on a political issue and we said we want to be treated as well as the people in Mississippi and the people in Pensacola," Haas said.

Pricing data from Airline Planning Group shows that in five quarters beginning January 2007 and ending March 2008, American's average fares to southwestern destinations were higher from Mobile than from Gulfport and Pensacola in three quarters and lower in two. There was never more than 7 percent difference.

American Eagle, the regional affiliate of American Airlines, restarted Mobile service in 2005, and has in recent months carried more than 20 percent of all passengers in and out of Mobile. That's the second largest market share behind longtime leader Delta Air Lines.

But American is reducing service to Mobile, meaning that there will be fewer chances to use the fares.

American Eagle dropped its once-daily round trip to Chicago this month, and will trim from five to three daily trips to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport by November. Airport officials say they're trying to restore a fourth daily link to Dallas.

Overall, the airline will fly 41 percent fewer seats to and from Mobile by November, compared to a year before.

Continental Express seats to and from Houston are supposed to rise 13 percent by November compared to a year earlier, while Delta's seats to Atlanta are supposed to rise 1.5 percent over the same period. Northwest Airlink plans no change to Memphis, Tenn., while US Airways Express plans to cut 6 percent of its seats to Charlotte, N.C.




© 2008 Press-Register. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

[10101000]

He not only built a community of almost 10,000 acres, he also planned the tallest skyscraper in Mobile, only to be stopped by the Depression and stock market crash. He died on a trip to Greece to visit his monastery. His heir apparent, William Jason of Malbis, planned to continue the Jason Malbis vision, but he died upon returning from Greece after visiting Jason’s home. George Malbis led the modern era with the new mall. William Scourtes planned to insprie the community with a return to thier roots of religion and history as expressed in the church and the Malbis Memorial Foundation. He was producing a movie when he died with Mary Riser. Her final cut is an inspiring tribute to Malbis.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/41.jpg

[MobiMan]

hey Tim

Is that an actual picture of the building he was going to build
if so to bad someone cant take his plans and build it today

(it actually looks like a building in New York)

im sure the cost would be crazy
since back then they took pride and added so much detail

anyway thanks for digging that up, i love old Mobile history
find some more

[CottonCity251]

He not only built a community of almost 10,000 acres, he also planned the tallest skyscraper in Mobile, only to be stopped by the Depression and stock market crash. He died on a trip to Greece to visit his monastery. His heir apparent, William Jason of Malbis, planned to continue the Jason Malbis vision, but he died upon returning from Greece after visiting Jason’s home. George Malbis led the modern era with the new mall. William Scourtes planned to insprie the community with a return to thier roots of religion and history as expressed in the church and the Malbis Memorial Foundation. He was producing a movie when he died with Mary Riser. Her final cut is an inspiring tribute to Malbis.


http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/41.jpg


Wouldn't that have been a nice addition to the skyline... NBC15 did a story on that building a few years back, I like it. Thanks for digging that up Tim.

[10101000]

Yes this was to be built in Mobile. He died before he could build it. You know it is funny, seems like people keep dying to build projects in Mobile and unexpectedly at that. Just today, the man that was going to move a franchise of Pintol's in the picklefish location died, so that project is off. Also the condo guy, he up and died. Humm, I am beginning to wonder???

[MobiMan]

Conspiracy Theory huh Tim

[MobiMan]

I bet if that Building would have been built , more would have followed
what a shame
and Tim you are right about that everytime something good is about to happen to Mobile more times than fewer, it ends up not happening

it does make you wonder

[10101000]

Well it ends in death!

[pboo74]

I thought it was clear to everyone that the same guy who is doing the Hampton is doing the other hotel which will be on the site of the demolished bank building. This developer happens to have a history with Hyatt and thus Hyatt Place is the logical hotel for the property. This is a moderate priced business class hotel...not something you put on a premier piece of waterfront. Rest easy friends.
PS...those are great shots phx4ever. give us more.

Where about downtown is the demolished bank building?I didn't know that he was building another hotel and when is construction going to start..

[BlessedMobile]

Pboo...The building was located on the SE corner of St. Joseph and St. Louis. It had been a bank building used up to the 70's I think. It was demolished and the hotel will be built on the property across from the Commerce Building with the old bank building lot used for parking. It is a good fit for downtown as it is more of a mid range hotel for conventioneers and business people.

[pboo74]

Thanks blessedmobile.. Do you know what the height is going to be and when construction will start?

[bayou15]

30-35 stories, first of 09

[Alabadrock]

Wow! Are you serious????????????????

[pboo74]

I wish that the greyhound bus station would come back to downtown also why did they leave in the first place?

[NitekKetin]

The Greyhound station was demolished to make way for Government Plaza. I say keep the transit station out in Midtown. Downtown has a bit of a homeless/derelict problem at the moment.

[NitekKetin]

As for a new 30 to 39 story hotel tower in Downtown: I doubt it.

[BlessedMobile]

We ship by bus sometime and I can tell you that Greyhound also wanted to be more convenient for shippers. They make very good money shipping heavier goods in a short time. There is no faster way to send packages a few hundred miles in under 6 hours than Greyhound...and at a third the price.

[BamaGrad04]

30-35 stories, first of 09

A 30-35 story Hyatt Place.....in Mobile.....sure. :cool:

[Randallg223]

just curious Bayou15, where did you get that information. 30-39 story Hyatt

[thoraudio]

I think you misunderstood.

He's going to tell 30-35 stories by the first of 09.

[Port_of_Bama]

I think you misunderstood.

He's going to tell 30-35 stories by the first of 09.




lol:haha: , Well I hope it is atleast a 250-- 300 footer infill in that area is needed.

[Port_of_Bama]

I took few pictures while drivin on I-10.Some of the pictures was taken with my phone cam.
http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-092.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-069.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-077.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-090.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-075.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-073.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-074.jpg

http://i355.photobucket.com/albums/r441/PHX4EVER_2008/MOBILE%20AL/slike1-072.jpg



Nice shots man ! At one point on the Africah Town Bridge( the highest point) you can realy see the skyline well and I see you snaped a couple of pictures from a few areas off that bridge.


The

[MobiMan]

dtmobile014 dtmobile009 dtmobile007

[SouthSky]

dtmobile014 dtmobile009 dtmobile007

Looks like you need to upload your shots to the internet as all I see is the script.

[pkp]

I thought the hotel was going to be some sort of extended stay, but maybe not. The height is 5-6 floors I believe.

[BlessedMobile]

The bank that was demolished was the old American National Bank. You can see it being demolished on Youtube by doing a search of "Mobile Alabama". It must have been sitting there for 20 plus years. I think the Hyatt Place is more of a business economy rather than an extended stay. From what I was told, the hotel will have priority during the evening and Republic Parking will manage it during the day. The lot will be where the bank was and the hotel will front on Royal.

[MobiMan]

If what they are gonna build is the Hyat Hotel i seen posted a few pages back that just doesnt fit DT
The exterior is cheap looking

it figures we will get some 5 story cheap Hotel

i wish RSA would do something else
but please no more of the same spires
i love what we have on the RSA Tower but the Hotel looks unfinished
looks good but unfinished

so please no more of the same
and please no cheap looking Hotels

[Randallg223]

I for one believe downtown could use another highrise hotel, if not several more. With the new cruise ship coming and a passenger total of over 2000 this alone could require the need for more hotel rooms. With a larger ship (maybe 2 ships in the future) and more cabins available......carival will need to market the cruising out of Mobile to the entire U.S. and not just the southeast region, as I've been told they are doing now. I've cruised twice out of Mobile, and I'd say 90% of the people I spoke to drove in the day of the cruise. Most lived within 2-4 hours away. To fill a larger ship year round, carival will have to reach a larger market. Hence the need for more rooms downtown...........Weather you agree are not, a cities skyline can greatly determine the impression a visitor to that city leaves with.

[10101000]

I agree, a few of my friends have cruised out of Mobile and could not stay in the business district. My friends had to stay in Daphne because all of the hotels in Mobile were full. Seems to me we have a need for more hotels.

[Electrical Porpoise]

I agree, a few of my friends have cruised out of Mobile and could not stay in the business district. My friends had to stay in Daphne because all of the hotels in Mobile were full. Seems to me we have a need for more hotels.
I agree and want another hotel down there but the hotel's preferred demographics do not necessarily match with cruisers. I suspect they would probably be staying in Daphne either way.

[10101000]

Guess we will see. I am trying to dig info from someone I know on the Mobile Alliance team.

[Bayside]

I've read some of the recent posts about parks and downtown. I work downtown and have noticed more and more people walking their dogs down here. I guess these are people that live downtown. With more folks buying condos and renting apartments where do you suppose they are going to be walking their pets?

[10101000]

I agree, you have made a valid point.

[Bayside]

Nodine has his panties in a wade over the annexation ...

I don't quite understand his viewpoint on annexation. What does Nodine have to gain by keeping these areas in the county? Is he just blowing smoke for the voters?

[10101000]

Might as well annex the whole county, just joking.

[BlessedMobile]

I don't quite understand his viewpoint on annexation. What does Nodine have to gain by keeping these areas in the county? Is he just blowing smoke for the voters?

The only answer I can think of is the unhappy constituent. The county will not receive any less money but will in fact lessen its responsibility for roads and police. I have talked with higher ups in city gov and they feel very confident about a winning vote. PS...more to come!

[BlessedMobile]

I agree and want another hotel down there but the hotel's preferred demographics do not necessarily match with cruisers. I suspect they would probably be staying in Daphne either way.

I assume you imply that cruisers are looking for something less expensive than our major hotels downtown and, if so, I agree. The Hyatt Place would better fit the cruiser budget and keep them downtown. Even the Hampton sees an opportunity to get some overnight cruisers. I did look at the footprint of the Hampton and where the Hyatt would be built and they are the same...half a city block. What is the Hampton...8 stories or something close. Maybe the Hyatt would top that since they are catering to the overnight rooms stays more so that the events, etc that Hampton will get.

[pkp]

Why in God's name would anyone going on a cruise want to stay in Daphne? Honestly, I am glad about the bigger ship but I am hoping for a NICER cruise line. Me and the Mrs. are doing a 2 week Med. cruise with Celebrity in a few days - damn nice cruise line. Well, they are pretty much all nicer than Carnival, although it is better than nothing. But, you guys are right, the Carnival demographic is not the type that are generally looking to drop some bucks in an urban area. I am hoping we see NCL RC, or Celebrity in a couple of years. It's not that they are that much more expensive, but they don't cater to kids. Carnival does, and that is why we are not seeing hundreds of folks downtown on/before cruise days. You are basically dealing with a suburbanite/rural crowd that is probably afraid of the downtown area.

[pkp]

Double post!

[Alxx611]

^ very good point pkp ^

I'm starting to feel now that a middle of the road hotel like the Hampton would do well at the old Water Street Landing site, as many suburbanite/rural visitors cruising on the Carnival would a hotel to stay at near the Cruise Terminal.

[10101000]

Why in God's name would anyone going on a cruise want to stay in Daphne? Honestly, I am glad about the bigger ship but I am hoping for a NICER cruise line. Me and the Mrs. are doing a 2 week Med. cruise with Celebrity in a few days - damn nice cruise line. Well, they are pretty much all nicer than Carnival, although it is better than nothing. But, you guys are right, the Carnival demographic is not the type that are generally looking to drop some bucks in an urban area. I am hoping we see NCL RC, or Celebrity in a couple of years. It's not that they are that much more expensive, but they don't cater to kids. Carnival does, and that is why we are not seeing hundreds of folks downtown on/before cruise days. You are basically dealing with a suburbanite/rural crowd that is probably afraid of the downtown area.

Because all the hotels were booked.

[OCA REP]

Honestly, I am glad about the bigger ship but I am hoping for a NICER cruise line.

Dead on. I am glad someone from Mobile said this, but I have been thinking it for a while. The demographics you are attracting with Carnival, particularly with the older, smaller ship, is not conductive to staying and spending. They will get in as quickly (and as cheaply) as they can... and leave in exactly the same manner.

Any port that is in its infancy with cruise passengers has to start off small/slow and grow. We have just seen the move up in ship size/class, maybe eventually a more upper scale line will come calling. Only then would I even consider cruising from my home state. We did one Carnival sailing years ago out of New Orleans and that was enough for us. Since then we have been more than happy with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity.

[10101000]

Never thought about that. Good thought.. I am sure as things calm down a bit and this ship does well, then we will see more to come in the cruise industry.

[Electrical Porpoise]

I assume you imply that cruisers are looking for something less expensive than our major hotels downtown and, if so, I agree. The Hyatt Place would better fit the cruiser budget and keep them downtown. Even the Hampton sees an opportunity to get some overnight cruisers. I did look at the footprint of the Hampton and where the Hyatt would be built and they are the same...half a city block. What is the Hampton...8 stories or something close. Maybe the Hyatt would top that since they are catering to the overnight rooms stays more so that the events, etc that Hampton will get.
That is what I meant, especially with Carnival being here -- some others have touched on Carnival's demographics on this page, which is what i was referring to.

As for staying in Daphne: Most cruisers aren't looking to stay in Mobile for extra days and when looking for hotels online they will see that Daphne is closer than most hotels, cheaper, and has plenty of restaurants and shops.

[nimsjus]

I stayed at the Riverview last night courtesy of the wife's employer. It really is a great hotel. Not quite the charm of the Battlehouse, but very impressive. Huge improvement over the pre-Renaissance Riverview. I got a few shots of the port and a few of downtown from our 26th floor room. I also snapped a few of the Hampton and the Crescent Theater while we were walking around. All the photos are on my wifes camera, so I will upload them later tonight.

[SouthSky]

I stayed at the Riverview last night courtesy of the wife's employer. It really is a great hotel. Not quite the charm of the Battlehouse, but very impressive. Huge improvement over the pre-Renaissance Riverview. I got a few shots of the port and a few of downtown from our 26th floor room. I also snapped a few of the Hampton and the Crescent Theater while we were walking around. All the photos are on my wifes camera, so I will upload them later tonight.

Awesome, I can't wait for those snaps. The Crescent should open in a couple of weeks and the Hampton starts taking reservations in mid-January. Both of these are welcome additions downtown.

[nimsjus]

An update from the Downtown Mobile Alliance...
http://www.downtownmobile.org/images/news/sept._08.pdf
Lots of good info on upcoming events, some development news, and a few other things. Pretty good info here. I think I am going to try to make it to the downtown living tour just to see where all they take us this year, even though I will be moving away again in May. Pictures of the Hampton still to come...

[bayou15]

hotel on da way:tup:
http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1721

[Verve]

If what they are gonna build is the Hyat Hotel i seen posted a few pages back that just doesnt fit DT
The exterior is cheap looking

it figures we will get some 5 story cheap Hotel

i wish RSA would do something else
but please no more of the same spires
i love what we have on the RSA Tower but the Hotel looks unfinished
looks good but unfinished

so please no more of the same
and please no cheap looking Hotels

The Hyatt Place is a new brand by the Hyatt chain and is positioned to compete against the Hilton Garden Inns and Marriott Courtyard mid-scale brands. They feature 42-inch plasma televisions and fashionable decor in the rooms and lobby.

I'm not sure about the picture that was posted earlier but I don't think the Hyatt Place brand will be considered "cheap." I think it will fit the mix of hotels in the downtown area and offer additional choice to business travelers and tourists.

[MobiMan]

ok i dont care what they charge to stay a night , that is a very cheap looking hotel, it has no class for a historic DT, and where did it say they were going to put that DT anyway, maybe its going by the airport they have some newly cleared off land there that would be perfect for such a Hotel

very bad choice for DT, we need another highrise Hotel to fill in the skyline
our skyline is nice but it lacks,

I love Mobile and i only want the best for our great city

[elb401]

I have some friends that are looking to buy this house on Broad in Oakliegh..... it is great! Palmer Hamilton renovated it in 1998. All the windows and the balcony in the master suite over look the giant oaks and the house is high enough over the trees to see a clear view of the skyline. It was beautiful last night.

[Bayside]

I'm glad to see that there is interest in developing a hotel on the old CSX property. This is much better for Mobile than a high rise condo. The condo thing never appealed to me.

A hotel on that site could tie into a new pedestrian walkway over Water Street. Parking could be an issue though.

[Port_of_Bama]

hotel on da way:tup:
http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1721

I hope it is atleast 300 ft.

[BlessedMobile]

This is the first written notice I have seen on the upcoming Hyatt Place Hotel in Mobile. I see that most are no more than six stories and about 150 rooms. This is definitely not the one for the waterfront but it looks more like one for a side street downtown or out West on I-65.

http://www.hotelnewsresource.com/HNR-detail-sid-30979.html

[Randallg223]

The Hyatt Place hotel will probably be built in Saraland near the I-65/Hwy 158 exit, according to local commerical real estate people. Look for a high rise (not sure how high) hotel with ground floor retail at the former CSX property. From what I understand details are being finalized.

[10101000]

At this point, people are very quiet about it. I assume this will be a big name the way that people are hush, hush. Maybe this will boost the moral in Mobile citizens.

[nimsjus]

I know a promised pictures but I have had a few issues. Here are some of them, and more will follow.
Hampton Inn from 26th floor of Riverview (I have some street levels but cant post them yet)
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2233.jpg
LCS at Austal big shed
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2225.jpg
LCS and Hawaii Superferry at Austal
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2226.jpg
Maritime Museum Site (you can also see an amphitheter at Cooper Riverside Park. I have been bitching for years for a downtown amphitheter like montgomery and we have one. I guess that shows just how underused and poorly positioned our amphitheter is)
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2231.jpg
Fantasy in drydock at Atlantic Marine and other dock facilities
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2228.jpg
Ft. Conde Village and Brookley Area
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2229.jpg
Downtown
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2234.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2235.jpg
http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2236.jpg
I have a few more of the Hampton from the street and the Crescent Theater. These all came from our room or the glass elevator. More to come...

[SouthSky]

Thanks for the awesome pics... I forget how great of views you can have in the Riverview.

[Electrical Porpoise]

Man it would be great if we could remove that water street exit near Ft. Conde Village. If we could connect that are to the Civic Center with nice shops and bars I would be a happy man.

[10101000]

Beautiful day! Thanks man, the pics are great.

[Port_of_Bama]

Sorry to bring up the tanker, but there is talk from the Tanker forum that Airbus is not commetd to Mobile or Alabama .Well according to our friend( Alexx John) from Seattle.


Airbus committed to Mobile exec says including expansionhttp://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/122276614847900.xml&coll=3

[Bogue]

http://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/1223111733226760.xml&coll=3

Great story about the opening of Bayfest. Can't wait to get back down there.

[BlessedMobile]

Sorry to bring up the tanker, but there is talk from the Tanker forum that Airbus is not commetd to Mobile or Alabama .Well according to our friend( Alexx John) from Seattle.


Airbus committed to Mobile exec says including expansionhttp://www.al.com/news/press-register/metro.ssf?/base/news/122276614847900.xml&coll=3

With all due respect (albeit little), I would question Mr. John's status as "our friend." Mobile as all the resources to be the best choice to build a NEW aircraft center in the US. Boeing is the comparative GM and Ford of today...while Northrup/EADS has the best and least expensive of today such as with Toyota. Boeing wants to keep Airbus out of the US so they can keep the old line crafts in Everett busy while they expand their own outsourcing....hence the machinist strike. You gotta' love Boeing's gall. NG and Airbus were too nice the first go around. I think they must expose Boeing this next go-around.

[thoraudio]

I know the cold war is over blah... blah... blah...

But it still amazes me that a prototype combat ship is built 'out in the open'.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2226.jpg

[Port_of_Bama]

I know the cold war is over blah... blah... blah...

But it still amazes me that a prototype combat ship is built 'out in the open'.

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w222/nimsjus/CIMG2226.jpg


Hmmmm well I guess the technology in the ship isn`t. Austal along with Lockhead,and Northrup Grunman alreday submitted a drawing of there ships to the Navy and the media before they started building.



I saw the Hawaii Supper Ferry 2 ,Friday it looked gooood !!

[10101000]

http://forum.skyscraperpage.com/showthread.php?t=158904

[MobiMan]

this forum has died, or so it seems
where is everyone?
i hope everyone is doing well

[Port_of_Bama]

Hopefuly the new river front hotel everybody is talking about will liven this thread up.

[SouthSky]

Developments have been toned down ever since this market drop recently. We'll start hearing more news soon.

[Scottybo]

Annexation vote was tonight.

Moffet Road Area: No 252 57% / Yes 189 43% / Final Tally

Tillmans Corner/Theodore Area: Yes 454 72% / No 180 28% / Final Tally

No update on Dominion/Wellington or Windmill Place subdivisions.

[nimsjus]

Annexation vote was tonight.

Moffet Road Area: No 252 57% / Yes 189 43% / Final Tally

Tillmans Corner/Theodore Area: Yes 454 72% / No 180 28% / Final Tally

No update on Dominion/Wellington or Windmill Place subdivisions.

Just saw it on the news...
Windmill and TC are in. Dominon and Semmes said no. Mayor thought they had more support in Dominion. Semmes people sounded like this may be the last straw and they will make a serious push to incorporate. I would take it seriously, but alot of the people out there are just as anti-semmes incorporation as they are anti-mobile annexation. They just dont want to be taxed and told how to use their land, no matter who it is.

[elb401]

Yeah i think they will do it. the people out there are too dumb to understand that a city of semmes will tax them just as much as Mobile. You know that commercial strip on Moffett road that includes Wal-mart, only puts out about $2 million worth of taxes. thats not that much. Looks like a city with very little services if it is made. Anyways, as much as I would hate to have more of our northern border blocked off from future annexations......let them do it. Mobile needs to focus on more of west Mobile and the land to the south like hollinger's Island.

So welcome to parts of theodore and tillmans corner to the city of Mobile. Its still good news that Mobile has grown by almost 2,800 people last night and will get $8 million more dollars in sales tax revenue per year!

[10101000]

Replaces stars fell on Alabama, sorry I know this is off the topic.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/azz.jpg

[Port_of_Bama]

:previous: That tag is a heck of a lot better and I`m glad that the state is moving away from the traditonal red, white and blue clors. So when will the old tags be replaced I`m ready for the new tags !? The new tags also highlights Alabama`s coast , and I always imagened a new Alabama tag in Mardi Gra colors but that coastal tag will do just fine.

I believe that the city will soon pull services such as pollice and fire protection from the areas that voted no.

[SouthSky]

They start issuing those plates in January.

[10101000]

:previous: That tag is a heck of a lot better and I`m glad that the state is moving away from the traditonal red, white and blue clors. So when will the old tags be replaced I`m ready for the new tags !? The new tags also highlights Alabama`s coast , and I always imagened a new Alabama tag in Mardi Gra colors but that coastal tag will do just fine.

I believe that the city will soon pull services such as pollice and fire protection from the areas that voted no.

We have one with Mardi Gras colors, but it is not about Mardi Gras.
http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/SpprtArts.jpg

[Port_of_Bama]

Oh yeah I never saw those when I was going to school in Huntsville is that a tag for the Mobile County area only ?


A Huntsville forumer think the new tags are Lake Gunterville with mountains , that did not come to mind when I first saw that tag .I thought about sunset/rise on the Bay or Gulf Coast not a lake with mounatins

[Scottybo]

Oh yeah I never saw those when I was going to school in Huntsville is that a tag for the Mobile County area only ?


A Huntsville forumer think the new tags are Lake Gunterville with mountains , that did not come to mind when I first saw that tag .I thought about sunset/rise on the Bay or Gulf Coast not a lake with mounatins

Bob Riley said it himself that the new tags were Gulf Coast-oriented.

[Musicisright]

Will that be the primary plate for the whole state? If so, that's pretty significant - The entire state advertising Alabama's beaches on its license plate!

[nimsjus]

Does anybody know what the effects for Mobile will be if Govenor RIley allows this LNG facility to be built offshore? I assume there would need to be a docking terminal on land with some employees. Just curious if it will have any real impact here. There was an article in the PR about all of the offshore stuff today.

[elb401]

I think that it will employ only 30-50 people. I don't know if its worth it.

[elb401]

well, that point is mute. the company withdrew its plans. I would have no problem if it was a closed loop system.

[bayou15]

Wish they would make a LSU tag for Alabama . State law wont let it happen:hell:



"Sweet Home Alabama,(roll tide roll) where the sky is so blue !... Sweet Home Alabama...can't BEAT LSU !!!

[Alabadrock]

Haha, let's just wait till this next matchup

[Scottybo]

Wish they would make a LSU tag for Alabama . State law wont let it happen:hell:



"Sweet Home Alabama,(roll tide roll) where the sky is so blue !... Sweet Home Alabama...can't BEAT LSU !!!

LSU CKS.

[pkp]

Just saw it on the news...
Windmill and TC are in. Dominon and Semmes said no. Mayor thought they had more support in Dominion. Semmes people sounded like this may be the last straw and they will make a serious push to incorporate. I would take it seriously, but alot of the people out there are just as anti-semmes incorporation as they are anti-mobile annexation. They just dont want to be taxed and told how to use their land, no matter who it is.


Haven´t posted in a while; have been in Europe for two weeks and heading back tomorrow. My wife has some family that lives in the two subdivisions west of Wal Mart off of Moffet. They do not want to be annexed. Why? They have lower taxes and laready have city services. They had a rash of break ins a couple of months back and Mobile´s finest were on it. As far as I know, it is state law that cities provide these services a couple of miles past the city line, which is total BS. No taxes, no sevices bottom line. They want to incorporate, fine. I am sure there are tons of folks in Semmes qualified to run a city.

[nimsjus]

Chemical maker Evonik Degussa considers Theodore, Ala., site for $110 million expansion. They will be making some kind of paint additive. I think this is big news for the area because Degussa has maintained a pretty large operation out in Theodore for many years now. Plus the City of Mobile is expanding that direction which may lead to some offshoot jobs in Mobile. Even if no new jobs for Mobile, people may move into the newest parts of Mobile to work out at these Theodore Industrial areas. Maybe one day Mobile will annex down to the Industrial Canal. I didn't realize until today that Theodore was an unincorporated area.

[SouthSky]

Exactly what I've been thinking, pkp. They leech off an archaic state law and then whine when we ask for their full share.

Also, potential development with Degussa:
http://blog.al.com/live/2008/10/evonik_degussa_considers_theod.html

[10101000]

That is good to know.

[pkp]

Read in the Lagniappe today - The Crack Dixie is going to be converted into a high end flagship store. The CEO said it himself. Work should begin in about six months. The only other one is in DT Jacksonville where they are headquartered. I am super stoked about this! It might seem far away, but with a little better transit (Moda short term and streetcar/tram long term), Catherine could easily be considered the edge of downtown. Its about a 40 minute walk or 15 minute bike ride from Water Street.

Speaking of that, the big push in Europe right now is public transportation and BIKE RIDING. Some countries, and especially large cities are looking to increase ridership by 1/3 by 2015. I think it would behoove us to look at promoting bike ridership - not just for jun but for transportation. In Barcelona, nearly every major street has a pedestrian median with a bike lane. This is very common throughout Europe. Its not only green, but healthy. I could see us especially doing this on streets with turning lanes - particularly Government Street between the Loop and the tunnel. These lanes are pretty underused and create a barrier to pedestrian traffic crossing the street. It also makes Government seem like an interstate and people tend to speed. I am not suggesting eliminating car traffic on the street, but we need to do something to turn this into a nice thoroughfare, not a major artery for commuters.

[jmbreland]

:lurk:

What is The Crack Dixie? Where in Laginappe did you read this, pkp?

[nimsjus]

:lurk:

What is The Crack Dixie? Where in Laginappe did you read this, pkp?

The "Crack Dixie" is the Winn Dixie at Govt and Catherine. It is the closest major grocery store to downtown. It earned its not so affectionate nickname because it is typically understocked, dirty, and just all around kind of sucked. People who live in Oakleigh, Flo Claire, Church St East, DeTonti Square and Midtown have been asking/complaining to have the store just improved to the level of other local Winn Dixie stores. Many have been driving to West Mobile or the Eastern Shore for groceries because of how bad the store is. In the most recent lagniappe and in a previous AL.com story, they reported that Winn Dixie announced major rennovations. They are making it a priority to turn this store into one of the nicer Winn Dixies. I think they mentioned a Whole Foods "feel" with Winn Dixie prices and products. Here is the Lagniappe article...
http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1748
I think the PR actually reported it earlier since Lagniappe is biweekly. Maybe skim the archives of the PR Business section online for the week or so prior to this lagniappe article to find the PR article.

[DruidCity]

The "Crack Dixie" is the Winn Dixie at Govt and Catherine. It is the closest major grocery store to downtown.

I wonder if Winn-Dixie's move to massively upgrade this store is in any way related to Publix coming to the Mobile market ?
I went to the Publix in Orange Beach last week, and heard that Publix is putting at least 3 more stores in Baldwin, so I have to think they have big plans for Mobile, as well.

[10101000]

Nice shot from costal Alabama's web site.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm108/timothychase/0061.jpg

[elb401]

That is a cool pic. Looking at it makes me wish we had another building or two.


Oh I used to work at Crack dixie when I was 15 about 8 years ago. You really could buy crack and e there when i first started. The guy left about a week after I found out. I thought he was a great guy until I saw him dealing in the parking lot. it made me mad because I live about 2 blocks down macy place and it was bringing some questionable people into my neighborhood. He might have been fired, can't remember. I'm just glad you don't see that kind of stuff anymore in the parking lot.

They have been saying they were going to fix it up for about 10 years now. I'm just glad they are finally doing it.

[Scottybo]

The "Crack Dixie" is the Winn Dixie at Govt and Catherine. It is the closest major grocery store to downtown. It earned its not so affectionate nickname because it is typically understocked, dirty, and just all around kind of sucked. People who live in Oakleigh, Flo Claire, Church St East, DeTonti Square and Midtown have been asking/complaining to have the store just improved to the level of other local Winn Dixie stores. Many have been driving to West Mobile or the Eastern Shore for groceries because of how bad the store is. In the most recent lagniappe and in a previous AL.com story, they reported that Winn Dixie announced major rennovations. They are making it a priority to turn this store into one of the nicer Winn Dixies. I think they mentioned a Whole Foods "feel" with Winn Dixie prices and products. Here is the Lagniappe article...
http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1748
I think the PR actually reported it earlier since Lagniappe is biweekly. Maybe skim the archives of the PR Business section online for the week or so prior to this lagniappe article to find the PR article.
I work for Winn-Dixie and I'm doubting this will be anytime soon. They're trying to get the stores with a higher weekly income remodeled first. The store I work at in Semmes is first and will be started on early next year and will take 3-4 months to complete, then there are at least 4 others around here that will be done before the deteriorating stores (Zeigler/Schillinger, Theodore, Toulminville, Govt./Catherine) will be.

The Orange Beach store remodel was finished a few months ago and you can get a rough feel for what they will all look like by that store. I've seen some with the hard wood look, though really being laminate, in the produce section and its awesome.

[Scottybo]

I wonder if Winn-Dixie's move to massively upgrade this store is in any way related to Publix coming to the Mobile market ?
I went to the Publix in Orange Beach last week, and heard that Publix is putting at least 3 more stores in Baldwin, so I have to think they have big plans for Mobile, as well.

No doubt. They started taking bids on the Orange Beach Winn-Dixie remodel about 2 weeks after the Publix plans were announced.