ORANGE BEACH – To bridge or not to bridge, that may be the question.

And it may not be.

The Orange Beach City Council will consider a resolution at Wednesday’s meeting concerning a change in the 2006 agreement between the developers of Phoenix West II and the city. But it’s likely the issue will tabled for further discussions.

“I’m hoping we’re going to table that,” Mayor Tony Kennon said. “We don’t have enough information and I really think we need to try to get everybody to the table and see if we can work something out.”

The council is meeting Wednesday instead of tonight because of Fat Tuesday celebrations. All city offices are closed today.

Brett/Robinson, the developer, agreed in 2006 to improve a public right of way next to the massive complex, including bathrooms, contribute $2 million the Cross Islander Connector Fund and build a pedestrian walk over bridge to the north side of Alabama 182.

Residents in the Village of Tannin, directly across the street, say they were promised the bridge and believe it will be a catalyst to developing the commercial part of their village.

The Orange Beach Planning Commission approved the changes in the agreement by a 5-1 vote and now it is up to the council to decide.

It’s not a decision being taken lightly.

“I have not made a decision yet,” Councilwoman Joni Blalock said. “I’m still making phone calls and doing some background work and soul searching.

“I guess I am old school in that a ‘deal is a deal.’  Does that deal make sense today is another issue.”

Tom Robinson of Brett/Robinson told the council his company can’t afford to spend money on the items in the agreement and finish the building. Without a finished building, Orange Beach can’t collect taxes and fees associated with a thriving condo complex.

“You can’t get money where there is no money,” Blalock said. “If this really is the best they can offer the city due to their financial woes – then something is better than nothing.  And how do we really know what the truth is in that regard?  We can only believe what we are told and do the best due diligence that we can.”

Brett/Robison will still develop the right of way easement and some improvements the city asked for on it as well.

“They want to alter the public beach access to also include vehicular access to the beach and that’s for life safety and emergency response,” Director of Community Development Kit Alexander said. “There’s going to be 358 rooms and we need to have access to the beach in case of an emergency. And also if there are any maintenance issues.”

In lieu of the $2 million payment to the building of a Cross Island Connector, Brett/Robinson is proposing paying the city a little more than $1.5 million in impact fees during a five-year period.

Those payments would begin after the city issues its final certificate of occupancy for Phoenix West II.

And then there’s the pedestrian bridge. Resident Jim Jennings of Tannin indicated during the council meeting of Feb. 7 that residents will consider litigation if the bridge is not built.

That’s something Kennon hopes to avoid.

“I would much rather to continue to try to work out a solution that everybody can live with because right now it is a no-win situation for anyone,” he said. “It’s just so darn complicated.”

Councilman Jeff Silvers said he was still “undecided” on the changes proposed.

“I certainly don’t want to leave a building sitting there empty when the city can make much more revenue when the units are rented,” Blalock said. “I’m still going back and forth on the walk way. (I) need to do a little more research.”