Orange Beach, Ala. — (OBA) —  Orange Beach City Council heard concerns about drainage plans affecting Bay Launch Estates and Bear Point. Residents questioned whether flood-control work could send more water into an existing canal. Officials said they are considering improvements but have rejected a proposed diversion channel.

At the September 15, 2026, City Council meeting, Skyler Wade was introduced as the new assistant planner for the Community Development Department. Wade will assist with plan reviews and other projects. The council also introduced Stacy Hinson as the city’s new assistant engineer.

Becky Lowry, representing Bay La Launch Estates, raised concerns about a publicly announced Bear Point water drainage proposal. Residents sought confirmation of information Chris Pappas told them: drainage would not be directed into the canal at Bay La Launch Estates.

Residents also questioned a possible diversion channel project on Suarez Drive. They said a publication reported the project despite previous assurances that it would not proceed. City staff said the diversion channel was one of several theoretical solutions considered in an engineering study.

Officials said the study examined ways to reduce water use but did not account for costs, construction challenges, or the sensitivity of populated areas. The city said it does not consider the diversion channel viable because of its cost, complexity, and potential impact on residents.

The proposed project would include 2,800 lineal feet of a 10-by-4-foot box culvert. Officials confirmed the project is not feasible and said they would not recommend it to the mayor and council.

City staff said they cannot provide a written guarantee that the project will never occur, noting that future circumstances or legal requirements are unpredictable. However, officials reiterated that no current agreement exists to pursue the diversion channel.

Current flood-mitigation discussions include cleaning ditches and culverts, opening outfalls, and installing new pumps. Officials said a pump on the west side of Bear Point is among the possible improvements under consideration.

The city said the engineering study was intended to provide options for flood relief, not a complete solution. Officials said the focus is on making improvements rather than pursuing the $2.63 million levy project.

Residents said a diversion into the Bay Launch Estates canal could devastate the neighborhood and shift flooding from one area to another. City leadership said it does not intend to solve one neighborhood’s flooding problem by creating a new problem elsewhere.

Officials said that new construction in Bear Point and other vacant lots can create surface-water issues for nearby properties. They added that the island’s geography, winds and tides make it difficult to move water out of the area.

The city said it must address drainage issues throughout Orange Beach. Officials said new construction should not shift water problems onto existing residents. Current work focuses on practical improvements, including larger ditches, pipes, pumps, and improved outfalls.

Changes to the floodplain and older homes built below road level also contribute to flooding in Bear Point, officials said. The city said it has completed significant work in Bear Point and nearby areas and is developing another plan with help from Public Works Director Tim Tucker. (Tyler Davidson was announced as the new Public Works Director at council on September 15th, 2026. He will be shadowing Tim Tucker for a year until Tim’s retirement.)

Officials thanked residents for reviewing a 123-page report but encouraged them to contact the city with questions. A city official asked residents to call rather than email because the official preferred to communicate verbally.

Residents said the report appeared to pit one neighborhood against another. Officials denied that was the city’s purpose. They said the report included suggestions from an outside company that did not necessarily reflect the city’s plans or agreements.

Council members said they cannot legally sign agreements that would bind a future council to specific actions. Resident Kenny Wilton said he wanted to protect his neighborhood, and council members said they shared that commitment.

The council also discussed water movement and drainage concerns in the Martinique, St. Lucia, and Terry Cove areas. Officials said those areas face problems similar to those at Bear Point. They said the city is willing to acknowledge that it is examining the issues while avoiding promises it cannot keep.