ORANGE BEACH — Citizens packed the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center on Wednesday for a town hall and presentation from Mayor Tony Kennon.
Kennon highlighted infrastructure projects and finances, but many people attended the meeting to hear about a proposed dinner show venue.
The Pirates Voyage Dinner Theater would be built off Orange Beach Boulevard, which is currently Beech Camper & Mobile Home Park. The Dolly Parton Company pirate show also operates in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Panama City Beach, Fla.
The property is already under contract for $14 million, but Kennon said the project will undergo the planned unit development (PUD) process, which is designed for "out-of-the-box projects."
Kennon said he negotiated with developers to bring the best deal to the council for a vote and has discussed the city purchasing half of the property for drainage purposes and to keep it natural.
After reading comments on social media, Kennon said he felt it was important to present information, explain how the approval process works and take feedback from citizens.
No matter what development comes to the property, Kennon said there will be traffic concerns. He said he spoke with officials from the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT), who told him the roadway has sufficient capacity for the development.
For a sold-out show, the Pirates Voyage Dinner Show would bring in an estimated 285 vehicles. In the summer, there would be three shows a day. There are two shows during the off-season, although the business would be closed for part of the winter.
"It's going to be something. We can't commit to buy the property when it's under contract," Kennon said.
Kennon said residents' quality of life is directly related to tourism. That's why he said city leaders need to pay close attention to attractions offered to ensure the city offers options for families. He said he is aware of the concerns and that the property sale is contingent on PUD approval.
Citizens came forward to voice their concerns over the development and what they want to see in Orange Beach. Some said they want to see the dinner show come to town, but only north of the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). Others said they are concerned about the environmental impact. They vowed to keep showing up for each proposed development.
The Planning Commission will consider the project on May 11, and the City Council will vote on the matter at its next regular meeting on June 2.
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