Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – The Foley Planning Commission will make a presentation of nine projects planned for the city of Foley in 2025 including initiating projects for three road extensions including extending James Record Road South to the city limits of Gulf Shores.

The council will meet in a joint regular/work session on Dec. 2 at city hall in council chambers. 

The projects in the presentation include.

1.     The State Route 59 Pedestrian Corridor Project for 1.25 miles of six-foot sidewalks on the west side of the roadway from Azalea Avenue to Pride Drive. The project is estimated to cost $1.1 million and the city has applied for a federal Transportation Alternatives Program grant of $800,000 to help fund this project.

2.     Constructing a Medical Complex road between State Route 59 and North Juniper Street between East Peachtree Avenue and Rosetta Avenue. The project is estimated to $250,000 and will be built in existing city right of way.

3.     Paying for the design of the James Road extension of just more than a mile south towards the Gulf Shores boundary for $200,000. There is a right of way from between Brinks Willis Road on the north and Keller Road on the south but it is owned by the county and the city would need to acquire the right of way for that portion.

4.     Extending East Verbena Avenue from just east of State Route 59 to South Cypress Street which will include realignment and rebuild of an alley on the route. The project is currently unplanned and there is not estimated cost in the agenda item.

5.     Paying $200,000 in design costs to extend West Lawson Avenue from West Michigan Avenue south to intersect with South Pine Street at Aaronville Park.

6.     Building a 30-by-40-foot glass-enclosed Monarch butterfly enclosure for $500,000 east of the environmental department office at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.

7.     Making improvements at the Andrew James Wetland Reserve at the end of Barner Road, south of County Road 26 and west of Hickory Street. The project is estimated to cost $25,000.

8.     Building the Schreiber Trail at in the floodplain of Wolf Creek to connect to the Antique Rose Trail for $175,000. It will end at North Poplar Street. Plans for this year include lighting and benches along the way with future plans calling for exercise equipment and a small pavilion.

9.     Expanding the park at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermen’s Market to include 10 sand volleyball courts with a parking lot and a shared bathroom building with the new pickleball courts. The project estimate is $1.7 million.

During the joint regular/work session the council will also:

• Conduct a public hearing on a rezoning request from Foley Professional Park to change a parcel from preferred office and extended business to planned unit development. There will also be a second reading of the ordinance change.
• Have a first reading and introduction to rezone two properties owned by Springdale Stores from extended business district to planned unit development. Both of the tracts – one 190 acres and the other 525 acres – are to be part of Cresswind Foley and are located south of Pastoral Lane and east of the Foley Beach Express. The council will set a public hearing date for both parcels.
• Preview an agreement with the county for the use of voting machines for municipal elections.
• Consider a liquor license for Liquor Paradise at 221 N. McKenzie Street.
• Discuss change order number three adding $11,340 to the South Juniper extension project dealing with flexmat.
• Discuss a resolution to apply for the Gulf Coast Environmental Equity Center’s request for proposals.
• Consider a resolution amending the Street Department’s budget for sidewalk maintenance by $170,000 because the money was appropriated for two projects that weren’t completed in fiscal year 2024.
• Discuss accepting a Good Roots Grant from Alabama Power of $1,000 to be used for the Permaculture Garden at the Graham Creek Nature Preserve.
• Consider extending a façade grant from Vito Bruno for Truist Bank because the vendors chosen for the project were unable to complete the project.
• Consider waiving fees for the use of city parks for the First Baptist Church on Dec. 23 and Foley United Methodist Church on Dec. 15 for Christmas Caroling events. The Baptist church event will be at Heritage Park and the Methodist Church event will be at Pine Street Park.
• Consider waiving fees for the use of Heritage Park for a candlelight worship service for Crosspoint Baptist Church on Dec. 20.
• Discuss buying an auger for the Street Department for $9,709.
• Consider approving the purchase of a sign puller for the Street Department.
• Consider a resolution to accept an Alabama Coastal Area Management Program grant for $50,000 for a stormwater management plan for Bon Secour.
• Discuss buying a pre-fabricated building for the new Finance Department.
• Consider declaring two John Deere Gators as surplus.
• Discuss a resolution to enter into an economic development agreement between the city and COROC/Riviera.
• Discuss approving funds for phase two of the Heritage Park electrical upgrades and park improvements for $183,000.
• Consider approving a project use fee agreement for the Tanger Project Fee area by the city.
• Discuss approving additional funds for the new comfort station at John B. Foley Park for $1,371.
• Consider approving the rental of Heritage Park for the Gumbo and Alabama Slammer Festival including alcohol sales on Jan. 25.
• Consider approving the rental of Heritage Park for the Mudbugs and Margaritas Festival on April 5.