The city of Foley is going before the Planning Commission this month seeking a recommendation for two public projects including extending Pecan Street north from Fern Avenue to complete a connection from Fern to the Baldwin Beach Express.

“We see Pecan Street along with other named streets that fall in line of this north/south corridor, over time becoming a local north/south route for residents of the city,” City Administrator Michael Thompson said. “There are currently a few gaps in that route and this northern section will fill one gap and complete the corridor from the FBE at the north of the city down to Fern Avenue.

The city plans to use city crews to construct the roadway and then contract out the final paving and Thompson said more work to complete the connection south to U.S. 98 and then south.

“There are other gaps, such as the area between Fern and 98, and the area between the southernmost end of Pecan Street down to Pride Drive,” Thompson said. “Further south, down on James Road, we are interested in expanding southward toward Gulf Shores. So, this north/south corridor, which is made up of Pecan/Pride/James could eventually be connected from the southern end of the city to the northern end of the city.  So over time we will seek to fill gaps. 

Also, on the Aug. 10 work session agenda and the Aug. 17 agenda is a request for pickleball courts on the northside of the Coastal Alabama Farmer’s and Fishermen’s Market. Staff is recommending approval of both items, according to the agenda. The commission’s recommendation will go to the city council for approval after being introduced at the meetings.

The pickleball project also includes improving a road from the CAFFM to Stabler Avenue and a connection to the Foley Sports Tourism Complex at a cost of about $285,000. The cost for six pickleball courts is estimated at $400,000 and will be paid for out of impact fees.

During the meetings, the commission will also address:

A site plan request from AAM Equipment Rentals for a building at the southeast corner of the Beach Express and Doc McDuffie Road near the city’s industrial park. Staff is recommending approval.

A site plan request for Las Colinas Townhomes on 8.7 acres south of County Road 20 and west of James Road. A total of 100 townhomes are planned with 92 having two bedrooms and eight having three bedrooms and a garage. Amenities planned include a clubhouse with a fitness center and meeting room, a pool, a kid’s park, dog park and dog wash. Staff is recommending approval.

A request for a minor subdivision for Scooter’s Addition west of McKenzie Street and north of Michigan Avenue and containing 5.9 acres. Staff is recommending approval.

A request for a minor change in the Swindle Subdivision to about two acres at W. Michigan Ave. Staff is recommending approval.

A request from Beach Express RV and Self Storage for a resubdivision of 26 acres that currently contains four lots located west of the Beach Express and south of County Road 20. Staff is recommending approval.

A rezoning request from Power Investments to change nine acres from RV park to extended business. It is located west of the Beach Express and south of County Road 20. It is located in the same 26 acres Beach Express RV and Self Storage is seeking to subdivide. Staff is recommending approval.

A request for a recommendation to the mayor and council for the rezoning of 43 acres for the Reserve of Foley and the Reserve West of Foley south of County Road 12 and west of the Beach Express. The applicant is looking to rezone the property from extended business to residential multi-family. Staff is recommending approval.

A request for a recommendation to the mayor and council for the pre-zoning of 35 acres east of State Route 59 and south of Hadley Road to a planned unit development for an 85-lot development called Hadley Village. The developer plans to donate a two-acre strip on the western boundary to the city for a multi-use trail along the old railroad bed and also plans to build an eight-foot sidewalk along Hadley Road. Staff is recommending approval.

A request for resubdivision of parcel one of the Wilson Pecan Property which consists of 16 acres and seven lots on property located between Stabler Avenue and County Road 20. Staff is recommending approval.

A request for a preliminary subdivision of 30 acres into 101 lots on property located at the corner of Bender Road and Springsteen Lane. Staff is recommending approval.