GULF SHORES — The Gulf Shores City Council passed an ordinance Monday to amend its beach parking ordinance, which local shop owners said could be bad for business.
The ordinance includes an increase in parking costs on the beach along with adding paid-parking lots, the elimination of some four-hour parking options and the expansion of paid parking times.
SEE ALSO: City of Gulf Shores proposing to increase beach parking rates to keep up with increase in upkeep
The changes could have a negative impact on some businesses, like Bahama Bob’s Café on West Fifth Street and the Gulf Shores Beach Retreat on West 10th Street where two additional paid parking areas have been proposed to go nearby.
Bahama Bob’s co-owner Steve Spellman attended the meeting Monday and told the council, after doing the numbers, he did not think the revenue made by the new paid parking near his restaurant would amount to the revenue his restaurant brings to the city of Gulf Shores.
“A couple of you are in the restaurant business,” Spellman said to the council. “[I] don’t think either one of you would like to have a restaurant where you have to pay to get in the door.”
Bahama Joe’s has been in operation for 23 years, and Spellman said in 2018, a similar proposal came up, and he asked the council to do the right thing. In 2018, the amendment did not pass.
Councilman Jason Dyken pointed out that drivers in parking spots across the street from the restaurant will not be charged, which will provide 38 free spots for patrons of Bahama Bob’s. He also pointed out that the Hangout Restaurant’s patrons already have to pay, so the change would not be unfair to the restaurant.
Despite Spellman’s concerns, the council passed the ordinance unanimously, with Councilman Gary Sinak absent.
Grant Brown, the Public Information Officer for the city of Gulf Shores, told 1819 News the purpose of the changes was to generate revenue to fund the Leave Only Footprints program, which focuses on the safety and cleanliness of the beaches.
“The expenses to manage the beach have grown over the past 10 years,” Brown explained.
Daily rates will go from $10 to $15, and some parking lots that currently offer four-hour parking will no longer have that option. During the discussion, Councilman Steve Jones proposed changing the amendment and allowing four-hour parking in all lots.
“I think $15 is a little excessive for those who may not want to stay all day,” Jones said.
However, Jones did not have support from other council members, so that change did not carry.
In all, 108 paid parking spaces will be added.
Brown said parking lots that are near some businesses, such as restaurants and shops, will continue to have the four-hour parking option. The city currently requires paid parking to start at 9 a.m., but the start time will change to 7 a.m.
Councilman Philip Harris said the increase would be worth it for those who enjoy the beach. He said the safety of visitors would pay off. The changes will begin on March 1.
The amendment reads as follows:
FEES AND POLICIES - CONTROLLED BEACH PARKING AREA
Controlled beach parking area shall mean the following public rights-of-way and municipally-owned parking areas:
(1) East Gulf Place;
(2) Gulf Place;
(3) West Gulf Place;
(4) West 5th Street located south of Alabama Highway 182 (West Beach Boulevard);
(5) West 6th Street located south of Alabama Highway 182 (West Beach Boulevard);
(6) West 10th Street located south of Alabama Highway 182 (West Beach Boulevard);
(7) West 13th Street located north of Alabama Highway 182 (West Beach Boulevard);
(8) Lagoon Pass Park north of Alabama Highway 182 (West Beach Boulevard);
CONTROLLED BEACH PARKING HOURS
Controlled beach parking hours shall mean the following hours occurring during the controlled beach parking season:
(1) The Hours from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.
(2) Such other hours as may be designated from time to time by resolution of the city council.
CONTROLLED BEACH PARKING FEES
East Gulf Place (resident lot)
-No Charge with a valid City of Gulf Shores issued City of Gulf Shores Hurricane Re-Entry Decal
Gulf Place - Gulf Shores Pkwy south of Alabama Highway 182 (W Beach Blvd.)
-$5 for first four (4) hours or $15 for all-day
West Gulf Place
-$15 for all-day
West 5th Street - south of Alabama Highway 182 (W Beach Blvd.)
-$5 for first four (4) hours or $15 for all-day
West 6th Street – located south of Alabama Highway 182 (W Beach Blvd.)
-$15 for all-day
West 10th Street – located north of Alabama Highway 182 (W Beach Blvd.)
-$15 for all-day
West 13th Street – located north of Alabama Highway 182 (W Beach Blvd.)
-$15 for all-day
Lagoon Pass Park – Public Beach Access north of Alabama Highway 182 (W Beach Blvd.)
-$15 for all-day
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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