Orange Beach, Ala. — (GSN) — The future of a 24-acre property near Terry Cove remained the central topic of discussion during a community meeting held on June 29th. Residents gathered to express ongoing concerns regarding a proposed pirate-themed restaurant by Dolly Parton, a development that continues to stir debate among the local community.

City officials confirmed to reporters that the developers of pirate-themed restaurant had officially withdrawn their request for development. This left locals curious about what would happen to the property now, since it was still on the market.

City officials have been actively navigating the tension between private development and community feedback. In an effort to address some of the environmental concerns—specifically regarding drainage and the preservation of natural tree cover—city leadership has explored the possibility of purchasing 12 of the 24 acres. A proposal suggests that by acquiring the land, the city could redirect water flow north into a conservation area rather than south into the cove, potentially alleviating drainage issues while protecting local green space.

The city of Orange Beach had considered buying the property and the June 29 meeting was called to for an appraisal to be done.

The property in question is the Beech RV Park, a 23.7-acre parcel zoned primarily as a mobile home park. A private party had the land under contract and offered to convey the purchase option to the city before the contract expired.

The asking price was $14 million. Baldwin County assessed the land value alone at $4.729 million in 2026, without accounting for income generated by the operating RV park.

City Manager, Ford Hanley, told the council that the city currently holds about $120 million in reserves. Purchasing the property would consume roughly one-eighth of those reserves before any improvements were made.

Staff identified additional costs beyond the purchase price. Drainage improvements alone were estimated to cost between $1 million and $5 million, depending on scope. Equipment, trucks, and four new staff positions would add roughly $464,000 in first-year costs.

Hanley said his recommendation was not to proceed with the purchase. He noted that the proceeding could require delaying planned projects, including a new pool, fitness center upgrades, and a proposed civic center.

About an hour before the meeting, Heron Valuation Group withdrew its original $8,500 appraisal quote. Frank Reed of Heron told Hanley he could not meet the city's timeline. That left a single appraisal option at $15,000.

Council members raised questions about ownership of the property and whether the city could negotiate directly with the Beech family rather than through the third party. Hanley said the letter from the intermediary indicated that direct negotiation with the seller was possible.

One council member noted that the property size had been listed inconsistently — at 16.2, 23, and 28 acres at different points — before 23.7 acres was confirmed.

Several council members expressed doubt about the property's $14 million value. One said other businesses had looked at it and passed, suggesting the market had already weighed in.

A motion was made to adopt a modified resolution authorizing an appraisal of up to $15,000. The motion failed. With no appraisal authorized, the council indicated there was no path forward for the purchase under the current timeline.

The council then entered executive session to discuss pending litigation. The session was expected to last about one hour, with no plan to reconvene afterward.