ORANGE BEACH, Ala. – City leaders are again likely to delay voting on changes in public improvements sought by developer Brett Robinson on the massive Phoenix West II complex.

But with the delay, it’s likely a compromise is closer. And a pedestrian bridge is not likely to be part of any compromise.

Kit Alexander of the Orange Beach Community Development department provided a little insight into why city staffers recommended the planning commission vote against a proposed pedestrian bridge.

After all state criteria are met on the bridge, Alexander said, it would have to be 578 feet long or include extensive ramping on both sides of the road. All to cross 80 feet of roadway.

After her presentation during a City Council work session on Tuesday, the panel agreed it needs more time and study before voting on changes in the planned unit development ordinance agreed to by Brett Robinson in 2006.

Alexander made the same presentation on Saturday to residents of the Village of Tannin, directly across from Phoenix West II, where the bridge’s north landing would be.

“When they saw all the information and saw the bridge, I didn’t see a single board member that wanted a bridge,” Mayor Tony Kennon said. “They absolutely do not want that huge concrete structure.

“Then they went from ‘we don’t want the bridge, but we don’t necessarily know what we want.’”

Previously set for a Tuesday vote, the issue is likely to be tabled again with the next opportunity for passage pushed to April 6, as requested by the Tannin board members.

“They want to make contact with all of their owners,” Kennon said. “They don’t feel like they can do that before March 20 and they’d like another extension until April 6.”

Among the compromises discussed at the meeting were building public access on the east and west sides of the complex, one for emergency vehicles and one for pedestrian traffic.

The pedestrian traffic access would have to include, the council seemed to agree, public restrooms. And those restrooms would be maintained by Brett Robinson.

In addition, Brett Robinson will be asked fund a signalized cross walk, most likely in the area where Power Line Road meets Perdido Beach Boulevard. These compromises were asked for by the Tannin board at Saturday’s meeting.

“They want that crosswalk at Power Line Road and they want that as soon as possible,” Kennon said. “They want the restrooms on the west side to accommodate their families. And they want connections to the Backcountry Trail.

“What I really appreciated was their willingness to work with us. What they’ve requested so far is actually very little. I continue working back and forth trying my best to come up with some type of compromise where all parties win.”

Also, as proposed by Brett Robinson, the developer would pay the city $1.5 million during a five-year period beginning when the city issues a certificate of occupancy. This amount would be based on a per-unit impact fee and be paid with interest.