SPANISH FORT, Ala. (WPMI) — Near where Highways 31 and 225 meet in Spanish Fort, there are already two shopping centers with grocery stores. A developer wants to add a third.
“We don’t really need another big shopping center,” said Spanish Fort resident Nasser Kamassai
Southeast Acquisitions, LLC is under contract to purchase the land where the shopping center would be built. A representative told the Spanish Fort Planning Commission last month it’s too early to say which grocery store would go there. They’re still in talks with different entities and haven’t inked a deal. Neighbors fear the proposed center will be anchored by a Walmart Neighborhood Market.
“This would be terrible, because from what we hear, the trucks would be entering on the side, right here at the corner, and 18 wheelers trying to get into a piece of property is just going to add congestion,” said Spanish Fort resident Tart Kamassai.
“I’m also hugely concerned about the water management across those areas. That’s 50 acres, mostly marshy wetland,” said Spanish Fort Resident Christine Saia.
The Spanish Fort Planning Commission did not recommend re-zoning the larger wooded parcels that would allow for a shopping center. Those parcels back up to Spanish Fort Estates and Garrison Ridge neighborhoods. The commission did recommend a smaller 1.3 acre parcel that’s on Highway 31 be rezoned. Both recommendations now go to the Spanish Fort City Council for a final decision.
“I’m really concerned about the wildlife. We have very few places that are for wildlife to go anymore. We have over built so much here. I personally would like to ask the mayor and the city council to please protect our fort,” said Saia.
There are two upcoming public hearings people can attend to let city leaders know how they feel. The first is Monday, November 18th. The second meeting is Monday, December 2nd. Both are at 6 p.m. at Spanish Fort City Hall.