Stimpson’s Eleventh-Hour Blight Battle Sparks Debate Over Equity and Timing

Mobile, AL (BuzzReport) – Outgoing Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson is making a final legislative push, asking the City Council to approve a new ordinance aimed at cracking down on dilapidated, vacant commercial properties in the downtown area. While the initiative targets a long-standing issue of urban blight, its timing – on the eve of Stimpson’s departure – is sparking fervent debate and questions about the city’s commitment to equitable development.

The proposed ordinance, set to go before the council next week, would mandate that commercial properties vacant for six months or longer be registered with the city. Property owners would also face a fee, the proceeds of which are earmarked for revitalization efforts. The measure would apply to commercial structures and apartment buildings within the Henry Aaron Loop, excluding single-family homes. Owners would be required to secure all doors and windows, ensure working plumbing, prevent pest infestations, maintain monitored fire alarm systems, provide first responder access, carry adequate liability insurance, and maintain exterior lighting.

The “Why Now?” Question

For many, the central question isn’t the merit of addressing blight, but rather: “Why now?” Downtown Mobile has grappled with vacant, decaying properties for years, leading some business leaders to voice skepticism over the late-term proposal.

“This is something’s that been on our radar, but from a political standpoint, you know, you got to make sure you have enough votes to make it happen,” Mayor Stimpson explained, addressing the timing directly. “And so post-election, being very forthright, we’re realizing that now’s the time to try to get it done.”

Stimpson emphasized that the primary goal isn’t revenue generation but rather incentive. “The goal is really to incentivize those that own properties to take care of ’em and put ’em in productive use,” he said. “Because if they’re not in productive use, it’s really detrimental to everything else that’s going on downtown.” The Mayor stated the ordinance is designed to discourage property owners from allowing their buildings to decay, fostering a more vibrant urban core.

Concerns Over Equity and Access

However, the proposal surfaces amidst simmering frustrations within the business community, particularly concerning equitable access and opportunity. An anonymous local business owner, who identifies as Black, voiced a stark contrast in experiences.

“I wanted to put a nice restaurant downtown, as a black business owner I was given a hard time by the city, but you see white business owners doing whatever they want with building and new businesses downtown. Our business structure and zoning laws are now really Business friendly to all but to some, and it’s not by race it’s just facts, the owner stated. This sentiment highlights a perceived disparity, where some believe downtown development has favored certain business classes over others.

The owner continued, “More businesses and various types of business would locate downtown, if it were more friendly to business owners and those who desire to purchase or lease some of those vacant blighted properties.” This suggests that the issue isn’t just about incentivizing existing owners, but also about creating an accessible environment for new businesses from all backgrounds.

At one point the old Gayfers building was proposed for low income apartment housing, that idea and proposal was voted down by the City Council, that could have brought more residents and business to the downtown area.

“Maybe it’s just low income people and housing is not wanted downtown, just like they tore majority of Orange Grove down, and to add more upscale apartments down the street that many blacks or low income residents can not afford.” says Mary Brown former resident of downtown Mobile.

Ordinance Details and Fee Structure

If approved, the new ordinance would implement a tiered registration fee system:

• 1 to 3 unit residential: Starting at $250, potentially rising to $1,000.
• 4 to 6 unit residential or mixed-use: Starting at $500, potentially rising to $2,000.
• 7 or more units or large mixed-use: Starting at $1,000, potentially rising to $4,000.
• Commercial (no residential): Starting at $1,000 to $4,000, or $0.05 to $0.20 per sq ft (whichever is greater).
• Failure to register: A flat $500 fee.

While Mayor Stimpson frames these measures as a necessary step to curb blight and encourage productive use, critics argue that simply adding more fees and regulations without addressing underlying barriers to entry will exacerbate existing inequalities. The anonymous business owner’s critique – that “Taxing more fees and adding more rules to the fire is not going to help the cause, when you only want certain businesses to occupy those buildings and spaces” – underscores the deep-seated concern that this ordinance, despite its stated intentions, might further entrench existing disparities rather than foster true inclusive downtown revitalization.

The City Council now faces the task of weighing the merits of this anti-blight ordinance against the broader backdrop of perceived inequity and the long-term vision for a truly welcoming and vibrant downtown Mobile.