By Alabama Public Radio
Bayou La Batre, AL – Residents of Bayou La Batre have reacted strongly to a proposal to redesign parts of the city to boost tourism. Before Hurricane Katrina struck the community, developer Tim James and proposed a 200 million dollar investment in upscale shopping areas and condominiums. City leaders liked the idea and began working on the changes, but after a public meeting, the local Planning Commission decided not to send the recommendation to the City Council for a vote. Several residents didn't like the plan's attempt to create a large ``marine resort division'' zone that would be constructed on almost all of the waterfront.