Town Hall Sheds Light On University Beach Resort
A large turnout, but not a packed house, showed up to hear comments from University Beach Resort developer Kent Donahue.
His appearance at a community town hall was set up by new Northport Mayor Dale Phillips for him to answer questions about the controversial $350 million project just off U.S. Highway 82, west of Northport City Hall.
Questions were submitted to Phillips in advance and not revealed to Donahue. He did, however, take a few questions directly from the audience at the end of the hour-long meeting.
Donahue's Answers
One question that seemed to be on many people's minds was why the previous council signed a non-disclosure agreement with the developers. Donahue replied that it was out of concern for a now-former council member who had a habit of revealing things on social media before they should.
"I don't wanna throw Jeff under the bus," Donahue told the audience, presumably speaking about former council president Jeff Hogg, who has taken the brunt of criticism over the project. "...but apparently, before we came along there, and Glenda (Webb, former Northport Administrator) didn't say this by name, but she said, 'We have a particular council person that likes to get on social media and talk about things before they are ready to be talked about.' So, she suggests we do the NDAs," added Donahue.
Donahue also revealed that the day pass for the water theme park will cost $38.00, but could be higher depending on the season. He addedthat there will be special promotions.
Donahue's answers to some of the other questions submitted dealt with responsibility...
- If, for any reason, the project should fall through, the city will not be on the hook.
- Neither the city nor any of its leadership are partners in the development.
- City taxes will not go up because of University Beach; there should be a "windfall" of capital from sales taxes. (Donahue has projected the project to generate over $61 million in city taxes, $51 million for Tuscaloosa County, and $130 million for the state in its first decade.)
- Everything is being done to limit traffic congestion and noise that has been a major concern of nearby residents.
- A long-stalled similar project in Texas, previously associated with Donahue, has defaulted on its development agreement with the City of Rowlett. He sought to belay local concerns, saying he is the managing member on the Northport project, "I am the money, I control what happens, and I don't have anybody that would burden the project with making decisions that I can't make."
According to the Texas-based developer, site preparation is underway to transform the site from a pile of dirt into property ready for development. Actual construction of the water park and hotel is set to begin by the end of this year. The opening of University Beach is scheduled for 2029.
Once completed, the development will consist of a water park, a 10-acre lagoon-style pool, a hotel, 47 homes, retail space, and an entertainment venue.
It's a Done Deal
A show of hands requested by the mayor revealed the majority of those in attendance were opposed to the development, which has been the case for every public meeting concerning University Beach.
Mayor Phillips encouraged those in attendance to quit looking back and make the best they can out of the development for Northport.
Despite repeated opposition, Donahue told the crowd he is more committed than ever to seeing University Beach be successful for developers and the city.
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