MAWSS approves annexation of Big Creek Lake and the 9,000 acres surrounding it, local residents concerned over potential property impact
MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile Area Water and Sewer System approved a resolution allowing the City of Mobile to annex Big Creek Lake and the 9,000 acres of land surrounding it.
According to Fatima Washington, MAWSS spokesperson, there are no tenants or people living on the property.
While the plans are now sitting before the city, residents who live near the lake say they are concerned that their property could soon be affected.
Missy Gates started a petition against a proposed annexation that received 345 signatures in less than 24 hours.
“Not one person I spoke to was in favor of this,” Gates said. “Our biggest concern is, if the city comes in and takes MAWSS and the surrounding areas, which is the 9,000 acres surrounding it, where is it going to stop.”
MAWSS told FOX10 News what happens next is up to the city.
Teresa Mathews, who lives near the lake, said she is worried about the unknown.
“I understand that the city wants to take over, it’s the city water board,” Mathews said. “But we need to know what’s going to happen to the property owners that are joining it.”
Director of Communications for the City of Mobile Candace Cooksey said the idea of bringing Big Creek Lake and its adjacent properties into city limits, where zoning and land use regulations are stronger, has been discussed.
“We reached out to MAWSS to gauge their interest, and that conversation turned into the resolution on its agenda today,” Cooksey said. “No official annexation plans or proposals have been put forward, and we have not discussed any effort to annex a significant number of residential properties. Our focus has been on exploring ways to protect Big Creek Lake and its headwaters. MAWSS owns the vast majority of the property around Big Creek Lake. However, there is some concern about potential development around its headwaters. The City of Mobile’s zoning and permitting processes could provide the community with more input and oversight on the types of development that occur on those properties.”
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