Downtown & Local Business

Fairhope’s vibrant downtown and small business community are essential to its identity. This section explores how candidates view the future of commerce, parking, and economic support.

How can the city better support small businesses in Fairhope’s downtown area?  

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "We do that by ensuring that businesses feel supported by the city, parking and transportation downtown is easy, all city maintained items are in pristine condition, and that we have standards and thorough reviews for any remodels and new constructions. There shouldn’t be a flower out of line, a light pole with chipped paint, or a trash can that isn’t clean. In order to maintain the charm we have to ensure that downtown remains an experience in and of itself. That isn’t done by the city alone, but requires a close partnership with the businesses that make up the downtown and the reason folks choose to spend their money in our city."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "Downtown Fairhope is the heart of our town. It’s vibrant, walkable, and rich with character—and it tells the story of Fairhope’s past while connecting us to its future. It’s also where so many of our most treasured community traditions take place, from the Lighting of the Trees and Santa Saturdays to the Christmas Parade and movie nights in the street. These events bring families together and help our small businesses thrive. As a council member, I fought to preserve the green space at the clock corner so it could remain a gathering place for everyone. I believe protecting and continuing to beautify our downtown—while working alongside local business owners—is key to keeping it strong. That means preserving its charm, maintaining walkability, and supporting policies that make it easier for small businesses to succeed. We should also continue educating the public about the free downtown shuttle service we launched and look for ways to expand it during peak times and events. Making it easier to access downtown without parking stress benefits our merchants. A thriving downtown sets Fairhope apart. As a city, we should continue to support the events, infrastructure, and small businesses that make it such a special place."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers

Do you support the addition of chain retailers in the downtown district? Why or why not?  

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "I am not in favor of any chains downtown. If they were to come they would need to blend in significantly with our historic district."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "Downtown Fairhope is one of the most unique and cherished parts of our city. It’s rooted in charm, walkability, historic character, and a strong foundation of locally owned businesses. I believe we have a responsibility to protect what makes it so special. We already have several franchises in Fairhope that are locally owned, and I think it’s important to look at each opportunity individually—considering whether it fits the scale, aesthetic, and spirit of our downtown. Ultimately, our community supports businesses that reflect Fairhope’s character. We want to welcome businesses that add to—not take away from—what’s already working so well. As a city, we should continue supporting our small businesses and using our zoning tools wisely to ensure downtown remains distinct, welcoming, and rooted in local identity. Growth and opportunity matter—but so does staying true to what makes Fairhope… Fairhope."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers

What is your position on implementing metered or timed parking downtown?

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Andrea Faust Booth

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jack Burrell

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Jimmy Conyers

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    George Ferniany

  • "Parking downtown is one of the most common complaints that I hear when speaking with voters. It is something that needs to be solved during this next term to support our downtown and local businesses. It begins with evaluating the feasibility of paid parking, parking time limits, adding additional street parking, and the construction of additional parking structures. It may take one of these ideas, or a combination of them, to effectively solve the challenges we face."

    Joshua N. Gammon

    Place 2

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Tracy Gatewood

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Howell Gibbons

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    David Luc

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Corey Martin

  • "I’m not in favor of metered parking in downtown Fairhope at this time. Our downtown thrives because it feels welcoming, walkable, and different from larger commercial areas—and introducing paid parking would change that experience for both residents and visitors. That said, we do need to keep working on practical ways to improve parking availability, especially during busy seasons and community events. That includes continuing to educate the public about the free downtown shuttle and encouraging greater use of the Arts Alley parking garage, which helps free up on-street parking for short visits and local shopping. If we ever consider changes—like timed parking—it should only happen after meaningful public input, close collaboration with downtown business owners, and clear evidence that it’s truly needed. Any solution should reflect the values of our community and support both our small businesses and the people who support them."

    Jay Robinson

    Place 4

  • Awaiting response from candidate.

    Troy Vickers