Gulf Shores Settles Class Action Lawsuit with developers

OBA Staff • September 21, 2023

Wymer v. Gulf Shores seeking approval of the settlement

Gulf Shores, Ala. – (OBA) – Gulf Shores has been in litigation concerning their charging of impacts fees on developers and how those fees are used. The case, Wymer v. Gulf Shores, appears to be ending. Both parties have filed a motion in Baldwin County Circuit Court for approval of a settlement.

The lawsuit alleged that the city of Gulf Shores was improperly charging property developers and misspending impact fees in the city. Attorneys for the plaintiffs, Yates Anderson, filed the case on behalf of all developers charges the fee between May 14, 2007 and March 23, 2009.

According to the initial suit, the State of Alabama has a limit on such fees that do not allow them to exceed 1% of the developments assessed value upon completion. Those fees are then only allowed to be used on improvements the City must do to facilitate for the development.

For the settlement to become final, a notice of the lawsuit will be published in a newspaper for 30 days and members of the class will have the opportunity to object or opt out of the settlement.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Share this article w/ Friends...

Gulf Shores Council Reduces Tree Ordinance Fine After Homeowner Appeal

By OBA Staff • June 12, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — In a lengthy and sometimes emotional discussion, the Gulf Shores City Council voted Monday to reduce a $1,500 fine levied against a homeowner for removing trees without a permit—while signaling possible changes ahead for the city’s tree protection ordinance.

Foley Invites Community to Celebrate Third Thursday Anniversary

By OBA Staff • June 12, 2025

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Downtown Foley is celebrating a big milestone this month. The Third Thursday event series turns one year old on June 19. To mark the occasion, organizers are planning a special celebration. Residents and visitors are invited to shop, dine, and enjoy the downtown vibe.

Coastal Alabama Food Truck and Beer Festival Set to Return to Gulf Shores

By OBA Staff • June 11, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — Gulf Shores will once again welcome a popular event focused on food and fun. The Annual Food Truck and Craft Beer Festival is returning for its fourth year. It will be held on November 8 and 9 at Gulf Place. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day and includes live music, lawn games, and activities for all ages.

Gulf Shores Approves Parking Study to Tackle Growth in Waterway Village

By OBA Staff • June 11, 2025

Gulf Shores, Ala. — (OBA) — The Gulf Shores City Council on Monday approved a $72,625 not-to-exceed contract with Kimley Horn to launch a comprehensive parking study focused on the Waterway Village District. The move marks a key step toward revitalizing the area and addressing a growing need for smarter parking solutions.

New Halo Lights to Brighten Foley Streets

By Guy Busby • June 11, 2025

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is adding more lights to the oak trees along city streets as part of a project to brighten the downtown area. The new lights will help make the area more welcoming and easier to walk through at night. They are part of a larger plan to improve lighting around town. The project focuses on adding lights to both the trees and nearby walkways.

Orange Beach Man Drowns in Wolf Bay on Sunday Afternoon

By OBA Staff • June 10, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — An Orange Beach man drowned in south Alabama Sunday afternoon, according to the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency. Dewayne Stephens, 55, of Orange Beach, was identified as the man who lost his life.

City of Foley Firefighters Praised for High Performance

By Guy Busby • June 10, 2025

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Fire protection in Foley has gotten better over the past few years, even though firefighters are answering more calls than before. A national study showed that the city's fire service has improved. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the higher score proves Foley’s firefighters are doing a great job under growing pressure. He credited Chief Joey Darby and the entire department for their work in keeping the community safe.

Full Moon Paddle Returns to Orange Beach Friday

By OBA Staff • June 10, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — The City of Orange Beach Wind & Water Learning Center is kicking off its summer Full Moon Paddle series with a night of fun on the water. The event is open to the public and features a mix of paddling, live music, and food. Guests will enjoy a unique experience under the moonlight while supporting a good cause. All proceeds benefit the Baldwin County Child Advocacy Center.

Zales Outlet Targeted in Weekend Burglary in Foley

By OBA Staff • June 9, 2025

Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — The Foley Police Department is investigating a burglary that happened overnight at the Tanger Outlet Mall. An employee at Zales Outlet called the police around 8:30 a.m. Monday. They reported that jewelry had been stolen during the night. The value of the stolen items has not been released.

Mini Golf Planned for Bubba’s Seafood House Property

By John Mullen • June 9, 2025

Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) — A group of four people is planning a new mini-golf course at the site of longtime Bubba’s Seafood House on beach road. John Pilcher, Jody Pilcher, Mary Pilcher and Emmie Pilcher Flowers are making the request. According to Baldwin County tax records, the group owns six parcels fronting the road east of Fat Daddy’s. They will request changes to a previously submitted site plan.