Mobile's Waterfront: A Vision for a Better Future

Mobile's waterfront is evolving beyond ships and cargo, becoming a hub for recreation and entertainment. The new mayor envisions a vibrant waterfront filled with restaurants, shops, and bars, where people can relax and watch the ships come in.

Revitalizing Water Street

To achieve this, the mayor plans to transform Water Street. Currently a busy road, the goal is to make it safer and more pleasant for pedestrians. A diverging diamond intersection, rare in Alabama, is under consideration to improve traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

"By making Water Street more pedestrian-friendly, we can attract more private investment."

The mayor points to the River Walk Plaza project, which will include a luxury hotel, condos, and entertainment options. The aim is to create a walkable area where people can enjoy the view and the amenities.

Waterfront Task Force

A waterfront task force will be established to discuss ideas and shape a master plan. The group will focus on underutilized properties and companies that don't need the waterfront, aiming to make the area more accessible and attractive.

ALDOT's I-10 Project

The mayor's vision aligns with ALDOT's $3.5 billion I-10 Mobile Bridge and Bayway project. This project will remove on-ramps from the existing I-10 to Water Street, opening up more area for development. Better access to the water will make it easier to attract more people to live in Mobile.

Gun Violence Task Force

In addition to the waterfront task force, the mayor will announce a gun violence task force. This group will focus on intervening with young men engaged in gun violence by connecting them with faith-based non-profits. The mayor wants to pay proper attention to each task force and not create too many at once.

A Vision for the Future

The mayor's vision for the waterfront is ambitious. He wants to make Mobile a city on the water, where people can enjoy the view and the amenities. It's a vision that could change the city forever.