The newly appointed Board of Directors for the University Beach Improvement District held its first formal meeting on Monday, marking a procedural milestone in the progression of a controversial multi-million-dollar resort development in Northport. The brief meeting, however, is drawing renewed criticism from residents and community leaders over concerns relating to transparency and public access.
The meeting took place in a private conference room at TTL, Inc. in Tuscaloosa, rather than at Northport City Hall, a decision that prompted backlash from those who questioned why a public board meeting tied to a Northport development was held outside the city. While residents were present, the board did not permit public comment during the session, and the agenda was approved without discussion or explanation of individual items.
RELATED: Northport City Council approves rezoning for controversial University Beach project
The Board approved proposed budgets for two fiscal years, an engineer’s report, a master assessment methodology, a bond engagement agreement, and the issuance of revenue bonds to fund infrastructure. Consultant Philip Hunt, managing the meeting on behalf of Wrathell Hunt & Associates, stated that the district’s infrastructure would be financed by taxing properties within the special district. He emphasized that no city, county, or state tax revenue would be used for the project.
The board is composed of developers Kent Donahue and John Hughes of Texas and investor Katie Le of California, who was not in attendance. No Northport city officials were present at the meeting.
According to Patch, several attendees, including local residents and candidates for city office, voiced frustration after the meeting, citing the lack of public engagement and limited notice. Some attempted to request agenda materials by email, but those requests were not fulfilled. Patch also reported that three Northport City Council members confirmed they had not seen the agenda packet prior to its approval by the board. The news outlet shared a video of the meeting on YouTube.
The board’s formation follows the Northport City Council’s decision to approve rezoning and a special district plan for the University Beach project by a 3-2 vote. As Yellowhammer News reported, the project will transform approximately 77 acres near the Tuscaloosa National Airport into a resort-style development featuring a 10-acre lagoon, water park, event center, residential areas, and a mix of retail and dining.
RELATED: $350M University Beach Resort project proposed for Northport
Divided into a Residential Sub-District and an Entertainment Sub-District, the site is designed to support walkability and mixed-use development. Up to 470 residential units are planned, including at least 50 single-family homes, and also commercial buildings in the entertainment area. Shared parking, public and private beaches, and extensive landscaping are included in the design.
Supporters of the $350 million project claim it could generate an estimated 660,000 visitors annually and provide $61 million in tax revenue for the city over the next decade. However, the proposal has faced steady opposition from residents who argue the development does not align with the city’s infrastructure capacity or long-term vision. Some city council members also expressed concerns about the project’s financial transparency and environmental impact prior to its approval.
The June 9 board meeting has further deepened tensions between project developers and community members, with critics saying the lack of transparency continues to erode public trust. As the project moves forward, both sides appear likely to remain at odds over how it will be managed and communicated to the public.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
