[10101000]

Try a commute in Baton Rouge since we have an influx of people. I only live 18 miles from work, and it takes me 45- one hour to get there. It is very rough. I would take Pensacola any day. Mobile is better as far as road infrastructure, for now anyway. It is good to do something now for the future though.

[SouthSky]

^ Agreed. Baton Rouge has got to have the worst traffic for a city its size in the nation. I avoid all peak times like the plague. Baton Rouge also has been planning a loop around the entire metro.

[pkp]

The only thing I am excited about in the plan are the additional bike and pedestrian plans - althought they barely discuss it.

[Scottybo]

Annexation Map (http://annexationelection.com/docs/Areas_All.pdf) Wonder which sections will pass.

[SouthSky]

I have a good feeling that all of them will pass.

[bayourat 15]

Hopefully the whole area! The city will only gain 5,000 people, but u have to start some where.


I just think some of the voters will vote no and not look at the big picture.


Question....Ok wouldnt the areas homeowners insurance go down with better fire and police protection? And as the mayor stated garbage pickup alone would cover the increase of property tax!


I think the mayor 's plan sounds good. go for tax revenue first. Then go for the people.


This might start a chain reaction. Just think if the city could annex farther south though Dawes and Tillmans Corner to The Bay

Id say we would top 300k :banana: ....And ...o...yeah...GEAUX TIGERS...OCTOBER 20TH....Pay BACK ! :tup:

[elb401]

I think the first goal is to kill a possible city of West Mobile and to grab the tax revenue area. which will happen if section A chooses to annex. the second is to slowly expand south, west, and I believe jones even said north just west of prichard. He should do this in a slow fashon so the opposition doesn't get organized sooner. Tillmans corner will be the hardest. I dont think that will happen without some serious bribing with tax cuts and civil projects which maybe worth it.

[Verve]

Does anyone know what's the status of things in the Orange Grove development just north of Beauregard? It seems that they completed a few buildings and nothing has happened for about a year. I remember some controversy arose about the flood zone in that area but don't remember exactly what came of that.

I had a chance to view some of the completed units and they were doing a great job. If they can get this development back on track, it would be an asset for that part of town. Right now, with so many vacant buildings, it may be worse than before they started renovations.

[Scottybo]

I think the first goal is to kill a possible city of West Mobile and to grab the tax revenue area. which will happen if section A chooses to annex. the second is to slowly expand south, west, and I believe jones even said north just west of prichard. He should do this in a slow fashon so the opposition doesn't get organized sooner. Tillmans corner will be the hardest. I dont think that will happen without some serious bribing with tax cuts and civil projects which maybe worth it.

Just west of Prichard? So ... Kushla and Semmes?

[BlessedMobile]

I believe it is very, very likely that Area A will vote to enter Mobile. As for the others, they will see the hand writing on the wall and will eventually, if not now, join the city. Mayor Jones is actively soliciting a favorable vote by his offers regarding property tax. I do know that last time the annexation matter came up that apartment building owners in Area A told tenants that voting to annex would cause their rent to go up; that alone was enough to swing the vote against. Mobile Terrace is full of renters who are more concerned about the cost of garbage pickup than the property tax levied on the owner. Even the owners concede that being in the city will improve the neighborhoods and increase values. My developer friends tell me that the annexation of Area A is a done deal unless something unforeseen should happen. My high school art teacher would be proud of the guy who drew the lines for this vote...very creative!!

[elb401]

Its seems like there is no organized opposition to this annexation movement. Lets hope that this is some really good news!

[nimsjus]

When is the vote? Im out of town so I don't always catch these things. It seems like the revenue area is a lock because of the way they rigged the voting blocks. Not so sure about others. I wish they had tested the waters and allowed a vote in the areas near Cottage Hill and Schillingers and down Sollie Road. I doubt it would have passed, but it would have been a good guage of interest. Getting the Schillinger block also allows you to then annex the airport because you then have the contiguous boundary needed to annex that without a vote. All of that will bring in new revenue, a small ammount of people, and allow the city to better manage development in that area(which the county planning commission didnt really do too tightly).

[SouthSky]

Mid September is the time of the vote (17th I believe). I agree about the airport, for I think the city can better manage its own airport.

[BlessedMobile]

I heard today that Larry Wettermark, city attorney, told a group that the city had been working on this annexation proposal for six months. The design of the areas is intended to greatly improve the odds of success. Also, something that I had not thought of...taking in the airport would extent the PJ out into the more heavily populated areas of the county and cause a big increase in fire and police needs. It is now likely that the city would wait on the airport annexation until it is prepared to take on all the added people. Wettermark did say that other areas are being addressed for annexation. I personally think that all four areas would be wise to vote "yes".

[pkp]

A couple things no one has talked about too much. As anounced, the old Gayfers building, which is at least 1/2 a city block was purchased. Even though they have mentioned there will be some parking, I am sure it will be off Dauphin Street and not very noticeable. This building centers on Dauphin Street facing Bienville Square. It is one of the most scenic locations in the city, and one of the most overlooked. The Senior Bowl is moving its headquarrters into the old ABC Store/Al's Hot dogs on the corner (both floors). Now with the Gayfers Building purhcased (and I assume eventually the other small vacant buildings nextt door to it), this block will take off.

There is a contract to purchase the Kress Building as well, as mentioned in Sunday's paper. This building has facades on Dauphin, Royal, Conti, and St. Emanuel Streets. This is a very significant building. It's renovation will totally change four entire streets. Dauphin is pretty good on that block, but Royal, St. Emanuel, and Conti seriously need help. Now that the Olensky Brothers are finally fixing their office supply store up, the Hampton is coming, and now this, Royal Street might finally look really good between Government and Dauphin.

These are projects that do more to make downtown Mobile a better place. As much as I like really, really tall buildings, I would much rather see similar projects happen.

What we really need to see is a good mix of office, reasonably priced residential (with ownership and rental options) and finished out retail space. I think these projects will fit the bill.

It's all about getting a block done at a time.

[SouthSky]

Some more GOOD news...

I've learned that Mobile will be getting a new Carnival ship in Q4 2008... I've heard the name is the "Triumph" but that is tentative. The Holiday will purportedly sail up to the day of the arrival of the new ship, which is great so there will be no interruptions in cruises out of Mobile. The Triumph is currently based out of Miami and should shift to Mobile next year (if this comes to fruition).

Here are the ship's specs:
http://carnival.com/Ship_Detail.aspx?shipCode=TI

[bayourat 15]

wow! where did u get this info?

[SouthSky]

A reputable source... it should be announced soon, but the ship is to be determined (I've heard Triumph but it might be too big for Mobile's turning basin).

[bayourat 15]

Sounds kind of crazy that a port like Mobile can t handle any thing over 1,000ft. The new ship u talk about is almost 900. Damn, i would turn it backwards when i got up to Brookley Field and put that big b*itch in reverse!

Hey Sky, U think they would have to expand the cruise terminal and the parking garage?

If anyone looks at the waterfront in downtown, my question of the day is; How is a park, a maritime museum , a padestrian bridge , a condo complex and larger cruise terminal geauxing to fit on that tiny strip of land:shrug:

[Alxx611]

An awesome video on Mobile on CNBC:


http://video.msn.com/v/us/fv/msnbc/fv.htm??g=283c5090-8a25-41ad-b018-986aaa16af16&f=00&fg=email

[bayourat 15]

:banana: wow! I just got the cold chills! ...I wonder about the 10,000 new jobs that the mayor talks about! He looks like a jackass eating bires with that happy smile:notacrook: I can t wait for more development. I just wish he would agree on puting a highrise condo(30stories) with retail on the old courthouse land.


"Damn the Torpedos!, Mobile is Full Speed Ahead!"(Bayourat15.2007):banana:

[SouthSky]

Hey Sky, U think they would have to expand the cruise terminal and the parking garage?


They would most certainly would have to, especially if another cruise company joins Carnival here...:)

BTW... great movie there, Alxx... the only part I disliked was the anchorwoman's "tiny town" quote. What the hell does she think Mobile is? A suburb of New Orleans?:D

[bayourat 15]

Turn the convention center into a second terminal. It's just sitting there collecting dust!....


Then the biggest eyesore in the country is the civic center. I say redo it .and use it for conventions!......see Biloxi(Coast Coliseum)


Just a thought

[BlessedMobile]

Our turning basin is sufficient for ships with a draft no more than our maximum 45 feet. The second cruise ship would use the same terminal and need additional parking. They would work on an alternate schedule so the terminal is fine for passenger care; it's those cars that are sitting there for both ships that need the space. I would much rather see our waterfront with something attractive rather than a lousy concrete parking deck...I mean, it is a view no car should have. Cruise ships are fine if you are selling them food and liquor but they spend very little on that in the time they are here. After all, they drive in here for a 4pm departure and drive home when they return. I don't see what is so great about having their cars parked on our waterfront for four days. If we have to build them another garage then do it under the overpasses where the mardi gras RVs park.

[bayourat 15]

ship channel is 52ft from the tunnel past SandIsland Lighthouse .Posted before in the paper Cargo Ships over 950 have a hard time, even with tug boats, turning. It has been said also that, the cruise ships won't let tugs touch them. If we get this bigger ship, it will be tighter than dick's hat band to turn around.

I also like the land under I-10.

[bayourat 15]

Hey Blessed, any ideas what the mayor said about the future of mobile in the video? 29 big projects and 10,000 Mobile is looking at:tup:

[Scottybo]

Yeah, I wonder if the 10,000 includes the Motorsports Park, Thyssen Krupp (gotten good at spelling that now), and Airbus?

[CottonCity251]

They would most certainly would have to, especially if another cruise company joins Carnival here...:)

BTW... great movie there, Alxx... the only part I disliked was the anchorwoman's "tiny town" quote. What the hell does she think Mobile is? A suburb of New Orleans?:D

Just think of it like this, everyone knows now, for those who already didn't, Mobile has its presence along the Gulf Coast. Everyone, who knows of Mobile, knows where it is.

[BlessedMobile]

Hey Blessed, any ideas what the mayor said about the future of mobile in the video? 29 big projects and 10,000 Mobile is looking at:tup:

You know Bayou I really don't thnk Mayor Jones would tell anyone...much less CNBC, what he knows if the need was there to remain silent. He is a very reserved person and keeps secrets well. Even though I did respect Mike Dow "keeping secrets" was not in his nature. I believe there are a lot of projects that are possible because of TK but I know some of the land developers and they would not tell anyone at all for fear of losing the sale. If this "29" comes from the chamber then you can plug a big question mark behind the figure; they are notorious about overstating possibilities. I remember the chamber tried to keep the Hertz project under wraps but kept telling everyone of all the hundreds of jobs... a call center job is not exactly a career move and there are near no secondary jobs. I think the 10,000 is accurate as a five year projection considering all that is coming. I talked to the development manager for the Motorsports Park the other day and he said they are on target for a completion in early 2010. Oh yea, on another note, I think that in 20 years Mobile will be the largest city in the state...maybe sooner. Annex...Annex...plus general growth.

[nimsjus]

Al.com has gotten bad about updating its business/real estate section so if some of you local guys read about something good let us know. Last weeks PR mentioned the sale of the Kress building that PKP was talking about.
It is a very odd building with four first floor entrances to Dauphin, Conti, Royal and St Emmanuel I believe. The entrances all run down long hallways to the center of the building which has made it an ackward space for developers to try to use, which is one of the reasons it has been a tough sell. If these small sprojects keep the infill comming it will only be a matter of time before another big downtown announcement comes.
The 70,000-square-foot former Kress store building at 115 Dauphin St. is under contract to be purchased by a local investor who wants to put his office there, according to Burton Clark of Cummings &Associates. The buyer plans to offer some of the space in the circa 1913 building for sale or long-term lease -- 20,000 square feet on Royal Street and 10,000 square feet on Dauphin Street, he said

[bayourat 15]

todays paper :hell: :hell: :hell:

Talk about a kick in the face!


Will share my thoughts later...............

[CottonCity251]

todays paper :hell: :hell: :hell:

Talk about a kick in the face!


Will share my thoughts later...............

I felt the same way. Anyway, here is something that may excite you'll, this is the other video of the two-part CNBC's Post-Katrina Success on Mobile, AL, I love how they pronouce the city's name so good.

http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=483708521&play=1

[nimsjus]

todays paper :hell: :hell: :hell:

Talk about a kick in the face!


Will share my thoughts later...............

What was in today's paper?? I skimmed the news and sports, but they didnt update the other stuff.

[NitekKetin]

^the rumor about getting a larger Carnival ship was false...

[pkp]

Hell -
I went on that cruise last month. The cruise director even mentioned they are going to add ANOTHER ship in the near future due to the huge success of the Holiday (they have sold out every cruise thus far - 2-3 per week depending on the schedule). I don't think it is really a secret if the cruise staff is telling passengers about it. But I think what we will be seeing is an additional ship next year, not a replacement. I hope that it is a Princess ship - we need something a little more upscale.

[Alxx611]

I thought you'd be mad at the fact that the courthouse condos will not be built. It was printed very casually in a column in the Real Estate section Sunday that the condos will not be built, and that Nodine agreed with Sam Jones about building a park.

[nimsjus]

Yeah they finally updated AL.com
Here was the downtown stuff from the article...
The old Mobile County Courthouse site on Government Street will be used for a park, according to Steve No dine , county commissioner. Last fall, he disagreed with Mobile Mayor Sam Jones' plans to put a Mardi Gras park on the 2.7 acres. Nodine preferred retail or condominium units. He said he decided to support the park plan in part because of the city's partnership and $33.5 million commitment to land the $3.7 billion ThyssenKrupp steel mill in Mobile County.

A local investor and schoolteacher, Victor Helmsing , purchased a 25,000-square- foot former wholesale florist building at St. Louis Street and Washington Avenue for $389,000, according to Mike Reid of REMAX Realty Centre commercial division, who worked for the sellers. The property has frontage on St. Louis, Washington, St. Michael and Dearborn streets. Helmsing plans to develop residential, retail and office condominiums, according to Grubb & Ellis/Peebles & Cameron , who represented the buyer.

Construction costs are estimated at $11.8 million on the 150-room Hampton Inn & Suites to be built at the corner of Royal and Conti streets downtown by the summer of 2008, according to court records.

[SouthSky]

A local investor and schoolteacher, Victor Helmsing , purchased a 25,000-square- foot former wholesale florist building at St. Louis Street and Washington Avenue for $389,000, according to Mike Reid of REMAX Realty Centre commercial division, who worked for the sellers. The property has frontage on St. Louis, Washington, St. Michael and Dearborn streets. Helmsing plans to develop residential, retail and office condominiums, according to Grubb & Ellis/Peebles & Cameron , who represented the buyer.

Good for Helmsing... he was my economics teacher at St. Paul's back in the day.

[bayourat 15]

:hell: ........Ok...hmm..where can i start.. These are just my opinions Im sure a few of you will disagree ,but in the last few months and into the near future the outlook doesnt look good. I hope the public gets to see the future plans(string of pearls ,part 2) in the up coming weeks! to see whats in store for the Port City.

1) A new park at the courthouse site

a) What kind of mischief (B.S) is this? The Mayor gets his park because the city gave money for the steelmill? It's the COUNTY'S LAND i didnt think they could just hand over this prime property without a fight.(it just amazes me that Chastang got booted out of office when this took place)...And also why isn't the Mobile Press covering this news with a big WRITE UP ?

Here lately the mayor has been crying about the city is broke and needs new revenue fast! Ok Im not the smartest in the world ,but how can the city pay for another park? Wouldn't a Highrise condo with a small retail mall bring millions into the city and really amplify that portion of downtown?

Ok ,so we get this park , going to cost money to upkeep ,water bill, and most important a iron fence with a fully armed guard. If not, the bums and homeless will be the only people there not tourist. Sounds sickening but its true!

Since the condos on waterstreet is a no go, and the proposed 21story condo here on the old courthouse site is dust in the wind. Mobile's chances of another Skyscraper in the near future is about like the civic center getting a big time concert or South Alabama getting a football team...not geauxing to happen....:hell:


2) In todays Lagniappe magazine ,which is a must read, the head editor writes about this and make his point. ''why have another park? we can 't upgrade the ones we have already"

2b) Also in the magazine the new columnist (which looks like a middle schooler with a peach fuzz beard )that writes about the county is horrible. He is very anti-Mobile for annexation and future growth. And the news he reports is very old. I think he just looks on SKYCRAPERPAGE.COM:cheers: for his info.


2c) Don t go to AL.com forums under Mobile for good news on development .They hate the idea Mobile is booming


Thats about it for now...Don t be to hard with the reply to the post..I just want the best for Mobile's future!....

Tomorrow night ....LSU 41 AND the cowbells 0.....Geaux tigers:banana:


"DAMN the Torpedos!, Mobile's Full Speed Ahead!"(Bayourat15,2007).

[Musicisright]

I never know what's going on with the old CSX site...

[Musicisright]

bayou, I went against your recommendation and looked at the al.com Mobile forum. I never knew that people could be so ignorant. I won't go into detail, but let's just say I'm still angry and I'll never go to that site again.

[10101000]

I thought that Waterstreet Landing was to be built. I saw an article in the paper that said it was still a go here recently. I try to check on this from time to time just to see what is going on, but I really have not had a chance to look in to this. I have heard some hear say about plans for condos in other parts of south Mobile county; In which I do not know if it is true or not, but Waterstreet should be built. This would be another way to bring curb appeal to the city. I drove through downtown the other night, and it seems to be doing well. I just hope that people can put aside there differences of Mobile, and move forward for what is best for the future, and the present. I would rather build something now that would attract, and motivate the city to get involved. I know that to most mobilans a condo project in D.T. is not such a motivator, but think about all the progress it would make. Think about all the life that it would bring to D.T. When I was in N.O. the other day, I spoke with a man at the Saks store in Canal Place, and he advised me that most of the stores are moving to B.R. In the back of my mind all I could think about was the VAN A.B. building. Someone could buy it, renovate it, and could be something like Canal Place. Bring shopping, food, and a movie theater to that area. If I had the money I would do it. If I had the power I would do it. It is not that I want Mobile to become the next Atlanta, or Chicago. I just want Mobile to be the main attraction on the gulf coast. For sure no Burbon, but a nice place that people would want to come to for a change. I think that it is for now, but some improvements are still needed.

[elb401]

Dont tell those idiots from the al.com forum about skyscraperpage or urbanplanet. They are a bunch of old people that still believe Mobile is in the 1980s when times were tough. they will always complain!

[BlessedMobile]

For a while I thought the Waterstreet Landing condos would be a good idea..hey, I like all big buildings and the taller the better but I think we have a bigger treasure in sharing the view of the river for more buildings built OFF of the river. The Civic Center is a money loser; I think the city should announce that it will be demolished and that we would accept proposals for a large development featuring condos and retail. Building one high rise on the river cuts off the view of five others who could see it from a 1,000 feet away. People pay for a view downtown like suburbanites pay for an enclosed garage. If the high rise requires condo use ( read that as quick payback) or apartments ( read that long term payback) then we pursue whichever is necessary to make the development work; it will probably be a combination of apartments and condos. Retail follows the people! I think about this every time I drive by the civic center and see that big EMPTY parking lot with what could be a great view of the river (from 10 stories up).

[Musicisright]

^That would be great. Something does need to be done about the civic center. I'm not exactly sure why we can't get big name music acts there. Does anybody know why? Something more upscale would fit great there. Something like the Wharf. Hell, it could even have a ferris wheel with views of downtown and the river and bay at the top. There could be a place for shopping, a new, nicer arena, and even condos. The land seems big enough as long as you consolidate parking spaces by building a nice garage.

[Verve]

I agree with the posts about the civic center property. I think the time has come to put that property to better use and a mixed use retail/residential project would be ideal. The Dauphin Street corridor could remain the arts and entertainment area and the retail district could be the Civic Center property. A large comprehensive project would be an attraction to visitors and residents. It would complement the some of the recent downtown projects and those that are already proposed. A new state of the art performing theater could replace the existing one and continue to meet that need. It seems that it has been one of the few components of the civic center area that has been utilized recently.

[nimsjus]

^That would be great. Something does need to be done about the civic center. I'm not exactly sure why we can't get big name music acts there. Does anybody know why? Something more upscale would fit great there. Something like the Wharf. Hell, it could even have a ferris wheel with views of downtown and the river and bay at the top. There could be a place for shopping, a new, nicer arena, and even condos. The land seems big enough as long as you consolidate parking spaces by building a nice garage.

Mobile has some type of ticket/event tax that is levied on concerts and such. Pensacola/Biloxi either do not have or have a much lower equivilant to this tax. Therefore bands, production companies, and the venue make more money off the event by having in one of those two venues vs Mobile. I believe some group recently(last two years) asked Mayor Jones to make this tax or whatever it is more competitive with the other regional venues, but he declined. Plus people claim that Pcola civic center is a better concert venue, but having been there several times I just don't see much of a difference. I agree about something needing to be done with MCC. USA building the Mitchell Center didn't help the cause. We really havent show anythign can do well in a downtown arena, so I am tempted to say just scrap it and don,t rebuild. On the other hand, I feel like having a downtown arena is part of a vibrant downtown. I can't decide whether it is worth it to build a new arena downtown or just scrap it all together. One thing is for sure, that land could be very valuable for a major retail/residnetial/office development.

[bayourat 15]

So did the county get the civic center land ? Since the mayor got his park?

[thoraudio]

bayou, I went against your recommendation and looked at the al.com Mobile forum. I never knew that people could be so ignorant. I won't go into detail, but let's just say I'm still angry and I'll never go to that site again.

the AL forums are an insult to intelligent people everywhere....

hell.... they're an insult to the short bus crowd too...

[bayourat 15]

:haha:

[BlessedMobile]

Some of the Civic Centers problem is its old image as a place where promotors were extorted by management. Several of the CC managers and staff went to prison over the mess. I didn't know about any special tax we have but, if so, let's drop it. Mobile has long had a reputation among promotors as a place where we buy tickets at the last minute...this is such a fun place that we have lots of entertainment options (sound about right?) Let's develop that land!

[bayourat 15]

Some of the Civic Centers problem is its old image as a place where promotors were extorted by management. Several of the CC managers and staff went to prison over the mess. I didn't know about any special tax we have but, if so, let's drop it. Mobile has long had a reputation among promotors as a place where we buy tickets at the last minute...this is such a fun place that we have lots of entertainment options (sound about right?) Let's develop that land!


:tup: im with you on develop.

At least they can turn the lights on the dome at nite:hell:

[bayourat 15]

http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/roundup83107.html

[bayourat 15]

The skyline at night just got brighter

The Merchant (sp?) Bank Building ,the one with the green A pitched roof, looks awsome! It now shows a orange/red
shadow going up its 4 corners to the green lit roof. kind of mirrors the RSA tower! Looking goooood baby:cheers:

[Musicisright]

The skyline at night just got brighter

The Merchant (sp?) Bank Building ,the one with the green A pitched roof, looks awsome! It now shows a orange/red
shadow going up its 4 corners to the green lit roof. kind of mirrors the RSA tower! Looking goooood baby:cheers:

Cool. Yeah, during the Fourth of July holiday, I noticed it was lit up red & white and matched RSA.

[bayourat 15]

http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/annexationcityresponse.html

In order for a garden to grow, You have to pull a few weeds!!


The few that are against it should just move to Baldwin County like the many that has done before. Im all for Mobile in this one!


:tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup: :tup:

[pkp]

I could never find who the plantiff is in the article. The election is a moot point. The city has built police and fire facilities within this area, and by state law, is able to annex that area without vote in a year.

That being said, the retail businesses in the area are the only ones that should care (unfairly) about being annexed into the city. Residents are already getting some police and fire protection and aren't really paying for it. Once annexed, they will get:

Increased police and fire protection = lower insurance premiums
Free garbage pick up - over $200 per year
Free trash pick up - a trip to the dump, if you do it, is $15 per trip

These items allow will far outway any increased property taxes paid by these residents.

The real change will come in the couple of percent increase in sales tax. The only reason these business are where they are (also businesses in Tillman's Corner) is a state technicality. Cities must provide police and fire protection 3 miles past the city limits. These business were able to build in an area where they receive this protection, yete offer lower taxes to their customers. Is this really fair? People in the city are getting screwed because someone wants to save 2% at Wal-Mart.

Get over it.

[bayourat 15]

here you go cuz:tup:

http://www.mobilebaytimes.com/annexationsuit.html

[bayourat 15]

you make great points!


They don t get the money they will save. Also the mayor is giving no sale tax for five years, I think ?




Question of the day..............If the city does get area A, and say next year gets the airport . Will air travelers benefit by the city running the place?

Maybe lower airfares and most important given it a modern facelift ?

I feel ashame when i have to geaux to Biloxi to flyout. That a metro area of 700,000 (Jackson,Mobile &Baldwin Co.) can't get a big time airport . One would think with all these jobs and new development coming to town a major airport is a must.

In somewhat , I think annexation of the area can't hurt , but help!

The city did give the county 33million and a piece of prime property in downtown in help for the steelmill. In swap at least the city can get area A AND THE AIRPORT!:tup:

[SouthSky]

As it is right now, the city will not own the airport, as it is a private entity that does not get a whole lot of public funding. If the city does annex the airport, the change will be in name only.

However, I will concur that Mobile cannot get a decent average air fare. It is really amazing that a city of Mobile's size only has flights from the legacy air carriers and not any LCC.

[Verve]

you make great points!

Question of the day..............If the city does get area A, and say next year gets the airport . Will air travelers benefit by the city running the place?

Maybe lower airfares and most important given it a modern facelift ?

I feel ashame when i have to geaux to Biloxi to flyout. That a metro area of 700,000 (Jackson,Mobile &Baldwin Co.) can't get a big time airport . One would think with all these jobs and new development coming to town a major airport is a must.


The fares are set by the airlines and if someone can suggest something short of the city subsidizing the fares, it would be great.

We just happen to be sandwiched in between cities that are nearby and have other things driving their traffic such as casinos in Gulfport and Navy in Pensacola.

You mentioned the airport needing a facelift and it seems that they have done that by upgrading the flooring and changes to the concessions in the terminal.

If we want the traffic to increase, we have to use our own airport. However, I realize there's a significant savings to be had by using the other airports, and people are following the lower fares. Thus the catch 22 situation.

[BlessedMobile]

I have been having withdrawal pains from this site being down. It may take a few minutes for the fix to get in my system good. Please pardon any confusing posts!
Mobile's airport needs more big corporate travelers who travel on convenience and not price. We once had more of that when IP, Scott and larger industrial users were going strong. I would look for much better times when TK gets started with both building and operating the mill. I was once one of those type travelers and we NEVER flew based on price...time is money.

[Scottybo]

Alabama Motorsports Park will also be a huge contributor to a future increase in air travellers coming to MRA.

[pkp]

I fly out of Mobile weekly - some fares are actually OK compared to others if you are flying to smaller cities. All of the carriers except American kill you on non-stops, though. Non-stop to Houston upwards of $900, ATL $800, Memphis $650 - Dallas is about $260, though.

[elb401]

I was looking for flights for my brother from Denver, CO to Mobile and it was $236. Gulfport, MS was $220 and Pensacola, FL was $109. Even with the gas spent you save a little money.

[nimsjus]

Nice to have the forums back. Here is an article on the Carriage House project that has been mentioned and photographed multiple times in this thread. They ahve had a sign up for about 6 months to a year, but maybe this article means they are about to get started.
Carriage house to be condos
Sunday, September 09, 2007By KATHY JUMPERReal Estate Editor
It was a carriage house for storing horse-drawn buggies in the 1860s, and soon the structure at 709 Dauphin St. will be condominium units for downtown residents.

Construction is under way on The Carriage Works on Dauphin, which will include seven condo units in the historic carriage house and four new townhomes to be built on an adjacent lot at 701 Dauphin St.

The 11 units are priced from $229,000 to $399,000, according to Todd Drummond, who is developing the units with former Alabama state Sen. Ann Bedsole and Michael Kopf of Kopf Construction. Kopf is also the contractor for the project. The new, three-story townhome building will face Washington Street. Two-car garages on the first floor and iron balconies overlooking the Mardi Gras parade route are planned, Kopf said.

A parking lot will separate the old and new buildings, and the entire project will be gated, the developers said. The units should be complete in April.

Several units have sold to buyers who either don't work downtown but want to live there, or who plan to use the unit as a second home, according to Drummond.

"We don't want to sell it to investors who want to buy up a bunch of condos and resell them, or save them as an investment," Bedsole said. "We want to see people living there."

"Our finishes will be high-end and put us over and above what others have done downtown," Kopf said.

Carriage Works is one of at least seven condo or townhome projects under way downtown at prices from $166,000 to $500,000. The complexes include historic warehouse reworks and new construction. Drummond and Bedsole have partnered with contractor Tilmon Brown to renovate the O'Gwynn building at Conti and Conception streets into 10 condo units.

The Carriage Works' townhome building will be similar in style to the 10,000-square-foot carriage house, according to architect Nick Holmes III, who designed the 11 units. The townhomes will feature painted brick, old brick details and iron balconies.

Amenities will include marble baths, antique hardwood floors, 10- to 12-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances and an elevator in the carriage house, according to Kopf.

"I really believe downtown is coming back, and I'm putting my money into it," Bedsole said. "I thought this was an ideal building, with those exposed brick walls inside. It has a gracefulness that a lot of old buildings don't have."

[bayourat 15]

http://www.lagniappemobile.com/article/1076

[BlessedMobile]

I think Ashley has it right. Either come into the city and pay for what you get now and will require in the future or we have to reduce services in order to provide them for Mobile citizens. I did not realize that the city was only obligated to provide services up to the amount of tax collected; $800,000 is a drop in the bucket to what they cost now. We all know how often we see city police out on Schillinger. My biggest concern is that the fire and paramedics who serve our area won't be there when we need them. I would like to have them WANT to join the city because they will get all the services they need both now AND in the future.

[bayourat 15]

Hey Blessed great to be back isn t it:cheers: Hope the vote goes good for the city! Ive been reading the press register lately and it seems that they are very anti on the annexation:hell: But maybe it's just me :shrug:

[LHG]

I toured the Carriage Works recently. They have all of the interior walls up and are almost finished with the elevator enclosure. They claim they are about to break ground on the 4 new townhomes to be constructed on Washington Ave. - they've already moved the job trailer for site prep.

[Musicisright]

Did anybody see the kick ass shots of downtown Mobile on the National Geographic channel about a week ago? They did an hour-long show about building the Hawaii Super Ferry which was built at Austal Shipyard, right across the river from downtown. It was a cool show and there was a lot of skylike eye candy.

[elb401]

I don't think the press register is anti-annexation. Their editorial board is pro annexation and the articles always have something good to say about annexation even if they are talking about the possible negatives. by the way that group of people that formed that anti-annexation group only has like 40 to 50 people in it.

[BlessedMobile]

Hey Blessed great to be back isn t it:cheers: Hope the vote goes good for the city! Ive been reading the press register lately and it seems that they are very anti on the annexation:hell: But maybe it's just me :shrug:

good new Bayou....it is you! The MPR is for annexation. AND it is nice to have the forum back. I am in a Friday lunch group of business guys who actually think I am in the KNOW about what's happening so I feel like my information sources (i.e. you and others) have been silenced during the five day drought. You folks make me look good...now if I can only convert this to cash!

[BlessedMobile]

I don't think the press register is anti-annexation. Their editorial board is pro annexation and the articles always have something good to say about annexation even if they are talking about the possible negatives. by the way that group of people that formed that anti-annexation group only has like 40 to 50 people in it.

Elb...I agree with you totally. I read the 9/12 issue of Lagniappe and it showed this guy who is always calling the Uncle Henry morning show to belly ache about Mobile and the annexation. Seems he lives in Tillman's Corner( I would never have guessed it) and works in WeMo. Ashley did a bang up good job of laying out the details of the annexation.

[bayourat 15]

If the vote is a big NO ! Should the naacp get involved ? Seems like they have been everywhere lately:shrug:

[bayourat 15]

Here is my outlook on some projects/dreams :

1) A second cruise ship..... 25% or A larger one ...... 60%
.......within the next year......25%

2) Racetrack/ Amusementpark in Saraland.......50%


3) Condo tower / retail shops on water street......10%:hell: WAS A MUST!

4) A park at the old county courthouse site.....5%

5) Airforce Contract.......20%

6) A highrise condo or a office tower over 400ft. within the next 5yrs....30%


7) Annexation vote next week that will vote yes ... Area A....75% and the rest 10%


8) Adding a new tower at the Admiral Sims Hotel....20%


9) Bayou la batre....:jester:

10) Dauphin Island washing away?...100%:yes:

11) The Mobile Civic Center ever going to have a big name concert ...0%

12) Crown on the Riverview Plaza....80%

13) Crown/facelift on the Amsouth Building.....30%


Here are just some thoughts(i was board)

What are some that y'all might have ?

[BlessedMobile]

Most of them I agree with more or less but I do know that the racetrack is more like an 80/20 to happen. The money is there and the support has been good. I'm not too thrilled at the idea of the French building our military planes and then send them over here for us to tie the sections together...it is even less than a real "assembly" plant. Yes, it is jobs but I prefer to spend our money with homeboys Boeing than send it to a far-less-than-friendly France.

[SouthSky]

The business people in France generally like the US for its economy and the generally lowly US dollar.

[SouthSky]

Also, I don't know if anyone has noticed or has posted this, but Google Earth has updated its downtown Mobile satellite imagery. Nice top view of the RSA Tower and Cruise Terminal.

[bayourat 15]

maps.live.com is the best:notacrook:

[BlessedMobile]

Also, I don't know if anyone has noticed or has posted this, but Google Earth has updated its downtown Mobile satellite imagery. Nice top view of the RSA Tower and Cruise Terminal.

It's about time the image was updated. You are right about France; at least they aren't fools about everything. Besides, the composite construction of the Dreamliner is a forerunner of all large commercial aircraft. I believe the DOD will wait for a review of the Dreamliner's performance before deciding on the new tanker contract. With planes flying for over 30 years it would be worth the wait to see how the composite frame appears to hold up.

[BlessedMobile]

I looked at Google Earth just now and it looks the same as always to me...at least five years old. IP is still there and so is the Corrus plant where the container terminal is being built. Even the Amsouth branch by Water Street is still there. Where is the new satellite image?

[bayourat 15]

Blessed, look at Maps.live.com:banana:



Some cities(not Mobile yet) has a birds eye image. it will scare u to death. Check out Disney World, Las Vegas, and even Biloxi

[Musicisright]

I use Virtual Earth. Fully explorable 3D environments!

http://xs119.xs.to/xs119/07376/livesearch.png

[NitekKetin]

It would be nice if there was a midrise development at the corner of Dauphin and Royal, right where that One Royal building is located. I'm imagining a large bookstore, coffee house and ancillary retail.

[Scottybo]

I use Virtual Earth. Fully explorable 3D environments!

http://xs119.xs.to/xs119/07376/livesearch.png

I use it as well, but it's no where near as detailed as that picture there. What settings did you use?

[bayourat 15]

wow thanks! musicisright:worship:

[BlessedMobile]

The Virtual Earth that I saw looked like something that you had to purchase. The clarity is great. Is there a free version. How about posting a link to the download. thanks

[CottonCity251]

I use Virtual Earth. Fully explorable 3D environments!

http://xs119.xs.to/xs119/07376/livesearch.png

Amazing.:D

[nimsjus]

Any early word on election results? Isn't the vote today? Word doesn't travel too quickly to Auburn.

[CottonCity251]

Any early word on election results? Isn't the vote today? Word doesn't travel too quickly to Auburn.

I thought all elections were held on Tuesdays but I may be wrong. Anyway, the vote is tomorrow Sept. 18th.

[BigBird9]

I have a question unrelated to downtown,sorry if there is another thread about this. I was in Spanish Fort the other day and noticed a HUGE piece of land cleared north of I-10, and just east of the first exit across the bay (can't remember the number), does anybody know what that is?

[bayourat 15]

bass pro shop

[CottonCity251]

I have a question unrelated to downtown,sorry if there is another thread about this. I was in Spanish Fort the other day and noticed a HUGE piece of land cleared north of I-10, and just east of the first exit across the bay (can't remember the number), does anybody know what that is?

Spanish Fort Town Center anchored by Bass Pro Shop like bayourat 15 said.

[BigBird9]

Dang, thanks. I'm supprised it's a shopping center, it seems like they have a lot of retail there already.

[Scottybo]

Yep...they make up for the huge lack of retail in Mobile County.

[Scottybo]

Well... looks like Section A (Largest Section) went For Annexation and the rest voted against. VERY low numbers. Figured more would vote.

Now Wal-Mart, Lowe's, Wynnsong, etc... will all be included in the City of Mobile. Zeigler, Hitt Rd. and Schillinger being boundaries.

[nimsjus]

According to the map, I believe they also get all the shopping centers across Schillingers(Ambassador Plaza, Super Target, strip malls, restaurants,etc. I will be interested to see what happens now that the city has created an odd city limit line. Area B is basically an island now. Correct me if I am wrong, but I think any property owner, who now has a border contiguous with the new city limit line can asked to be annexed individually. I believe this is how Mobile Regional Airport will soon be coming into the city. It may also lead to individual property owners joining the city as well (People who voted yes, but their area voted no). I think some of the areas that voted no overall, will gradually fill in as annexed as property owners individually annex into the city. I would call this a major success and I will be curious how westward retail/commercial/residential development continues/changes based on this.

[elb401]

I will bet money that there will be a law suit against the city now. i still think that it wont have any grounds.....but it will be filed. I wish more people would have voted. Its sad that they didn't we would have probably taken a lot more. The city needs to set them up for another vote. they might as well vote for annexation now.

[bayourat 15]

Mississippi line here we come !


Question? Now some are saying" well I'll just do my shopping in Tillmans Corner" , My ?, Wouldnt they spend more in gas to shop there? Than helping Mobile a little with sale taxes?


Good job MAYOR ! .....bUT STILL MAD AT YOU OVER THE COURTHOUSE LAND IN DOWNTOWN :hell: