Mobile Mayor Pushes for Downtown Marina as City Studies Waterfront Options

MOBILE, Ala. (BuzzReport) — Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis is pushing for a new recreational marina near Downtown Mobile, saying the city needs better access for boaters who want to visit the waterfront, restaurants, entertainment venues and other attractions.

The proposal was discussed Tuesday during the Mobile City Council’s pre-council meeting as members considered a $48,900 purchase order with Covington Civil and Environmental for a 90-day marina feasibility study.

The study will examine potential locations throughout the city, along with construction costs, permitting requirements, maintenance expenses and other challenges. Sites will be evaluated and ranked to help determine whether Mobile should move forward with a marina project.

Cheriogotis said Mobile has an opportunity to become a stronger entertainment and tourism destination, but recreational boaters currently have few convenient options to dock near Downtown.

The proposal could face challenges because of heavy commercial traffic on the Mobile River and the nearby Port of Mobile. City officials say safety and navigation will have to be major considerations.

One possibility discussed is creating a protected marina basin that would separate recreational boaters from commercial vessel traffic while still providing convenient access to Downtown.

The marina proposal also comes as some residents question the city’s waterfront priorities. Mobile previously ended recreational fishing at the Downtown riverfront park, removing an activity that had long been enjoyed by local residents.

Joe Hicks, a Mobile resident, questioned why fishing access was removed while the city is now considering expanded recreational boating opportunities.

The proposed study does not guarantee that a marina will be built. Instead, it is intended to determine whether a project is feasible, where it could be located and how much it could ultimately cost.

If the study identifies a viable location, the findings could lead to a larger discussion over Mobile’s waterfront future — including how the riverfront can serve residents, recreational boaters, businesses and visitors while remaining compatible with the Port of Mobile.