Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – OWA Parks and Resort is seeking approval of a subdivision on 150 acres north of the complex as the beginning of “The Waters at OWA multi-family development,” according to city documents. The 150 acres are north of North OWA Boulevard and west of the Foley Beach Express. Developers there also want an ordinance change in the planned unit development for the project.

The requests will be heard by the Foley Planning Commission at a joint regular/work session meeting on March 18, in the council chambers at City Hall, at 4 p.m.

The OWA complex has several components already on the site, but this is the first planned multi-family residential development. Other amenities include an indoor water park, an amusement park and RV park, and a downtown area with several shops and restaurants. The OWA theater is also on-site and hosts several concerts and other events annually. OWA also hosts several holiday events, including this year's Alabama Gulf Coast Balloon Festival, April 30-May 2. See related story: Foley City Council Approves Support For Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival

There will be public hearings on both OWA requests, and staff will recommend approval of both.

During the joint regular/work session, the commission will also discuss:

• Granting a one-year extension on the Hidden Meadows subdivision located south of County Road 20 and west of the Foley Beach Express. The property is 30 acres, and 58 single-family homes are planned. Staff will recommend denial of the request.
• A request for a rezoning of 9.35 acres from an extended business district to residential multi-family for the Rivi Apartments. The property is located at 458 E. Riviera Blvd., in the southwest corner of Riviera Boulevard and South Juniper Street. Staff will recommend approval.
• Rezoning property at 1510 S. Juniper St. from residential to preferred office district. There is a public hearing on this item, and staff will recommend approval.