Environmental Concerns For Logistics Park Watershed Addressed

Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson announced on December 12 that Scannell Properties, which has plans to invest in a $250-million distribution and logistics park in Theodore, has worked with the City of Mobile and other stakeholders to alleviate concerns raised about the impact the development could have on Rabbit Creek. The city has worked with Mobile Baykeeper in recent weeks to determine measures that could be taken to protect the environmentally sensitive areas around the property. As a result, Scannell agreed to a 105-acre conservation easement that will protect the headwaters of Rabbit Creek, deed restrictions and an additional traffic light on Rangeline Road. Additionally, the parties involved have agreed to work with the city and Mobile Baykeeper to ensure that an adjacent 38-acre parcel slated for residential use is developed in a way that protects the surrounding environment.

According to AL.com, the city council will now consider giving $2 million to the developer for roadway and infrastructure improvements at the site, which is along Todd Acres Drive and Rangeline Road. The Mobile County Commission recently approved a similar agreement, providing a $2-million incentive, on December 11. The Industrial Park Board of Mobile, which owns some of the property to be sold to Scannell, will provide $2.5 million. In total, the developer will make approximately $15 million in infrastructure improvements. The project is to create approximately 250,000 ft2 of rail-served buildings and have a tenant with 50 employees, city officials say.