[Ed. note: The piece was updated after the city and business owners met over the violation.]
SOUTHPORT — A Southport bakery incurred a citation after getting rid of its customer parking and putting in its stead a set of picnic tables. Southport Sourdough Bakery & Fresh Market, located at 706/708 N. Howe St., could face fines unless the owners correct measures by the end of the week.
On Tuesday, May 12, a code enforcement officer with the city issued Southport Sourdough owner Jon Langley a violation, claiming the business broke code 3.14, which covers parking requirements for developers and property owners.
Before the violation, the business maintained four parking spaces, including one ADA accessible spot, in the front of the property. Any parking spaces the bakery maintains must not be obstructed, which could cause customer vehicles to encroach into the right-of-way. Now, a large pair of planters block off the entrance to the parking lot, situated with picnic tables.
READ MORE: Southport reasserts ownership over Owens Street alley, requests mayor rescind claim
ALSO: Southport alleyway debacle: Alderman, former mayor allege political motives, misuse of funds
CATCH UP: ‘Political fireball’: Southport enters legal battle with former mayor over alleyway ownership
The bakery is in the business district and according to Southport’s code of ordinances on parking, the owners must have parking spaces available — a minimum is decided based on square footage and the building’s location to other available parking. The business also must include accessible spaces under the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Alderman Robert Carroll said Langley explained to city staff the ADA parking was available in the back. Under the ADA, parking spaces are considered compliant if there is a short and accessible route to the entrance from the spot. However, the ground in the back of the building is uneven and thus inaccessible for mobility aids like wheelchairs.
Port City Daily reached out to Langley to ask why he blocked off the parking spots and if the bakery planned to get rid of the obstacles thwarting front lot parking, but did not hear back by press.
The Langleys have until Friday, May 22, to remove the obstacles. Otherwise, the city will issue fines of $25 a day; the owners have until June 11 to file an appeal of the notice with the Board of Adjustment, which would also pause fines. A city spokesperson explained, though no appeal or formal response has been filed by the Langleys, the property owner was meeting with a code enforcement officer Thursday afternoon.
After press, the city spokesperson said the officer told the Langleys they needed to remove the furniture and planters, and revert it back to the previous parking lot.
Port City Daily asked the city if the bakery was directing customers to park behind the building, only accessible via an alleyway. The city was unable to verify the information.
The bakery owners have used the alleyway on the corner of N. Howe and E. Owens streets to allow employees and delivery drivers to access the back of the building. Though Mayor Joe Pat Hatem’s property also encroaches on the alleyway since it was built a century ago, so anyone accessing it has to drive onto a portion of his property.
The alleyway has been at the center of a months-long debate among city officials, some who claim the city owns it and therefore it should be available for public use, despite the Hatems’ property encroachment.
The Hatems argue the alley has been impassable for years, not just due to a portion of their property on it. The other side of it is inaccessible due to overgrowth and a shed owned by the ABC store blocking it.
Because of this, the bakery owners have been driving onto Hatems’ commercial lot to reach the back of the property, according to both the mayor and Alderman Carroll. Tire tracks are visible on the property and the Hatems put up a sign noting: “No trespassing.”
“We’ve never had a problem until this tenant,” Hatem told Port City Daily Tuesday, referring to the bakery. “There have been multiple tenants in that building, and we’ve never had a problem.”
The Hatems placed stakes on their property on April 8, a month before city staff found Southport Sourdough in violation.
Hatem and Carroll noted the violation was done in the aftermath of the Hatems surveying their property to build a new fence to keep people from driving onto it. Because there is no demarcation defining the property lines, Hatem wanted a barrier to distinguish between the neighboring parcels.
The fence would prevent people from driving over the mayor’s property to access the back of the bakery and the alleyway. The Hatems have not yet applied for a permit so installation has not officially begun.
Carroll said since the bakery was issued a notice of violation, turmoil has ensued further.
“Every time I’ve been out there this week, he has been very intimidating towards myself and others,” he said, explaining Langley has taken videos of the Hatems and the surveyor.
Hatem detailed potentially opening a retail business on his Howe Street commercial property and adding residential units above, while also improving landscaping. The property is zoned in the business district, but residential uses are applicable under the city’s UDO.
“So we’re trying to preserve that beautiful area and it’s not being preserved by someone driving across it all the time,” he said, adding anyone who rented the building on 708 N. Howe Street, where the bakery is, “knows there is no access to the back.”
Cleaning up the alleyways has become a priority for the city, though staff and aldermen have yet to decide when clearing will be completed. The city began the effort to survey and open up its alleyways in earnest in February. In April, staff presented a comprehensive breakdown of all the rights-of-way and their conditions in the city.
Carroll said the ABC store shed that blocks access on the north side is in the process of being removed — though the store was not issued a notice of violation for the obstruction.
The alderman also pointed out the only way to open the alley behind Southport Sourdough would be through the north end, from E. 8th Street as opposed to E. Owens Street, given the encroachment of the Hatems’ historic house. He added vegetation and trees will need to be dealt with, as well as lighting.
“Then they could drive through the north end and be able to park in the back,” he concluded.
Have tips or suggestions for Emily Sawaked? Email [email protected]
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
We appreciate your ongoing support.
