University Beach Improvement District Board Meets Amid Criticism
The newly established University Beach Improvement District board convened for its inaugural formal meeting on Monday, marking a significant step forward for a multi-million-dollar resort project in Northport. However, the brief session has drawn fresh critiques from residents and local leaders regarding issues of transparency and public engagement.
This meeting took place not at Northport City Hall but at TTL, Inc. in Tuscaloosa, in a private conference room. This choice raised eyebrows among residents who questioned why an important public commission meeting linked to Northport’s development was held outside the city limits. Although local residents attended, the board opted not to entertain public comments, and the agenda was approved without providing detailed descriptions or explanations of the items listed.
The board moved forward by approving budgets for the upcoming two fiscal years, along with engineering reports, master valuation methods, bond engagement agreements, and income bonds intended for infrastructure financing. Philip Hunt, the consulting manager from Wrathell Hunt & Associates, stated that the district’s infrastructure will be supported by taxable properties within the special district, assuring attendees that no city, county, or state tax revenue would be allocated to the project.
Interestingly, the board features Texas developers Kent Donohue and John Hughes, as well as California investor Katie Le, none of whom were present at the meeting. Local city officials also did not attend.
Attendees, including some local residents and candidates for city office, voiced their dissatisfaction post-meeting. Efforts to request agenda materials via email were reportedly unsuccessful. Additionally, three Northport City Council members expressed that they had never seen an agenda packet prior to the meeting’s approval. Video recordings of the proceedings were later shared online.
The board’s formation follows approval from the Northport City Council regarding a special district plan and the University Beach Project, which was sanctioned by a narrow 3-2 vote. This initiative aims to transform about 77 acres near Tuscaloosa National Airport into a resort-style development that includes lagoons, water parks, event centers, and residential and commercial areas.
The project is divided into residential and entertainment zones designed for easy accessibility. Plans call for up to 470 residential units, including at least 50 detached homes, alongside commercial structures in the entertainment district. Features such as shared parking, public and private beaches, and lush landscaping are all part of the design.
Supporters of the $350 million project argue that it could attract an estimated 660,000 visitors annually and generate around $61 million in tax revenue for the city over the next decade. Yet, the proposal faces consistent opposition from residents who contend that the development does not align with the city’s infrastructure capabilities or its long-term vision. Some city council members have also raised concerns regarding financial transparency and the environmental implications of the project prior to its approval.
As of the June 9 board meeting, tension between the developers and community members has only intensified, with critics asserting that the persistent lack of transparency is undermining public trust. As the initiative progresses, it seems likely that disagreements will surface regarding its management and communication with the public.
