Residents packed a town hall meeting in Orange Beach this week as city leaders and community members discussed a proposed Dolly Parton Pirates Voyage Dinner Theater development that has generated significant public discussion.
Citizens filled the Orange Beach Performing Arts Center on Wednesday to hear Mayor Tony Kennon discuss the proposed attraction, which would be built off Orange Beach Boulevard at the site of the current Beech Camper & Mobile Home Park.
The Pirates Voyage Dinner Theater brand currently operates locations in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., Myrtle Beach, S.C., and Panama City Beach, Fla.
Kennon said the property is already under contract for $14 million and that the project would go through the Planned Unit Development process, which he described as a tool for “out-of-the-box projects.”
The mayor also said he has discussed the city purchasing half of the property for drainage purposes and to keep it natural.
Traffic emerged as one of the main concerns. Kennon said he spoke with officials from the Alabama Department of Transportation, who told him the roadway has sufficient capacity for the development. For a sold-out show, the theater would bring in an estimated 285 vehicles, according to local reports.
The theater would have three shows a day during the summer and two shows during the off-season, while closing for part of the winter.
Residents who attended the meeting voiced concerns over traffic, environmental impact and the location of the proposed venue. Some said they supported the attraction only if it were built north of the Intracoastal Waterway.
According to OBA Website, residents packed the meeting to standing-room-only capacity, with many voicing concerns over traffic congestion, environmental impacts, tree removal and whether the project aligns with Orange Beach’s long-term vision.
Outlets reported the proposed theater would sit on a 24-acre property near Terry Cove across from Dollar General.
Several residents reportedly argued the project conflicts with the city’s 2020 comprehensive plan and could accelerate commercialization similar to other Gulf Coast tourism markets.
Others expressed concern about drainage, wildlife habitat loss and increased congestion along Alabama Highway 161.
Some residents supported the project but said they would prefer the attraction be located north of the Intracoastal Waterway rather than along the heavily traveled beach corridor.
The OBA Website also reported that residents proposed alternative uses for the property, including public recreational amenities such as parks and gathering spaces.
Kennon defended the city’s review process during the meeting and argued development of the property is likely regardless of whether the theater proposal advances.
According to OBA Website, the mayor said current zoning could already allow multiple forms of residential and commercial development, including a mobile home park, RV park, duplex vacation rentals or retail space.
Kennon also emphasized that tourism remains closely tied to residents’ quality of life and said city officials must carefully evaluate attractions intended for visiting families.
The project remains contingent upon PUD approval.
The Orange Beach Planning Commission is expected to consider the proposal May 11, while the Orange Beach City Council is scheduled to vote on the matter June 2.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
