Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The City of Foley is adding more downtown parking by buying a lot at the corner of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98.

Foley City Council approved the purchase of the property near the southwest corner of the busy intersection.

City Administrator Mike Thompson said the owner chose to sell the land. Foley had been leasing parking spaces there for public use, and buying the lot will make sure the spaces stay available for downtown visitors.

“This is the parking lot on the west side of Highway 59 on the south side of the Medical Museum and north of the Community Development building,” Thompson said. “We have leased that property from the owners for many years, and we have an opportunity to purchase that property, and they're in agreement to sell it to us for $250,000.”

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said buying the property now being leased will save money for the city and help local merchants and visitors.

“It's critical to those businesses because it's very difficult to park on 59 or 98 right there,” Hellmich said. “It will save us a lot of money and that is significant.”