Aloe Bay Update | October 2020
Over the past few months, the Aloe Bay project team and Steering Committee have been busy working on different aspects of the project. Much activity has taken place with research, defining engagement strategies, market analysis, and developing project goals. We are excited about the direction of the project and look forward to engaging the community again in a few short weeks to start illustrating the future of Aloe Bay.
Since the kick-off event on June 25th, we have heard a few questions about Aloe Bay and we have developed the following FAQs to share with the community. If you have any other questions about Aloe Bay, we encourage you to visit the project website (www.aloebay.org) and click on the Questions tab at the top of the page.
Also, if you know anyone else who would like to receive future updates about Aloe Bay, please tell them to visit the visit the Keep in Touch tab at the top of project website.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aloe Bay?
This harbor, located in the heart of Dauphin Island, has been an important location for the commercial fishing and tourism industries of the community. It has been home to the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo and numerous other maritime businesses that are the historical and cultural core of the island. Roughly bordered by Lemoyne Drive and DeSoto Avenue, this area is being planned as the town center for Dauphin Island.
How did this get started?
In the Dauphin Island Strategic Plan, adopted in 2007, a town center was envisioned along Aloe Bay that included revitalizing a true working waterfront which builds upon the past and creates a small mixed-use area with commercial fishing, eco-tourism activities, housing and retail space. The vision was carried forward in the Town’s Comprehensive Plan 2030 by including ideas like a network of boardwalks, observation points, and a marina. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, the Town decided to leverage these ideas as part of a funding request to the Alabama Gulf Coast Recovery Council which resulted in the Town being awarded over $16.5 million to make this vision a reality.
How far along is Aloe Bay and how long will it take to complete the project?
The Aloe Bay project, comprised of several components, will be implemented in three phases covering a span of several years It is currently in Phase I, which includes planning, design and engineering, and acquisition. This phase will gather information from the community, define issues, identify potential solutions and alternatives, as well as develop a timeline for implementation. It is anticipated that Phase I will conclude by the end of mid-2021 with Phase II (environmental permitting and construction documents) and Phase III (implementation and construction) to follow through 2022.
Are there any community meetings for this project?
Yes, over the course of the planning process, the project team will hold several community events. To stay informed, please sign-up using our contact form, as the project team will use this email list to provide regular updates on the time and location of community events.
What will the plan look like?
We are still working with the community to determine what Aloe Bay will look like in the future. Over the next several months, the project team will hold community events and be asking residents about their vision for Aloe Bay.
What will happen to the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo (ADSFR) site?
The ADSFR site is privately-owned property along Aloe Bay, and the Mobile Jaycees will retain use of their property consistent with Town ordinances and regulations. During the Aloe Bay planning process, the project team will engage the Mobile Jaycees just as any other stakeholder to discuss potential opportunities.
Do you have another question about Aloe Bay?
For other questions, please visit the Questions section of the Aloe Bay website.
