Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Foley is moving ahead with plans for a new fire station to serve the growing northeast side of the city. City leaders say the project will improve response times and give firefighters better access to major roads in that area. The station will be built on East Fern Avenue between Alabama 59 and the Foley Beach Express. Officials also say the project is part of a broader effort to keep up with development in the north half of Foley.

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The new station will sit on part of a 5‑acre parcel on East Fern Avenue that the current owner is donating to the city and Riviera Utilities as a single tract. The Foley City Council has approved a survey to subdivide the land into two lots, allowing each agency to use its own section. Half of the property is planned for the fire station, while the remaining land is set aside for a future Riviera Utilities water facility.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the site will help firefighters keep pace with growth in that part of town. “We have acquired the land in a northeast quadrant, which we’re getting ready to subdivide for our newest fire station,” Hellmich said. “We will have to add some more firemen, and that will continue to cover the north half of Foley as it grows.”

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Fire Chief Joey Darby called the property a strong fit for a station and praised its terrain and location. “It is an ideal location, very flat land,” Darby said. “It’s high and dry and gives us great proximity to the Beach Express and back west to 59.” He said the spot “really fits and meets all those needs for us” in the northeast area.

Darby said city officials are working with Riviera Utilities to determine the exact locations of each facility on the shared site. The initial plan is to locate the fire station so trucks and other vehicles can access East Fern Avenue as quickly and safely as possible. Riviera will assess the property to determine whether a well and water storage tank can be built on its portion of the land.

“They’re excited about this as well,” Darby said of Riviera officials. “I really think it’s going to be a great layout for us and will really position us well.” City leaders say the project marks another step in expanding essential services for residents and businesses in northeast Foley.