Foley to improve, use school practice fields
FOLEY – An agreement between Foley and the Baldwin County Public School System will improve local school athletic fields and give city recreation teams more locations on which to play and practice. The Foley City Council and Baldwin County Board of Education both approved the agreement. Under the agreement, the city would pay the cost of installing more lights and bleachers at the Foley High School practice fields. City teams would be allowed to use the sites when the fields are available for the next 20 years. David Thompson, Foley executive director of [...]
Foley plans public-private downtown improvement project
FOLEY – A former convenience store site on U.S. 98 could become a key element in plans to develop the western section of U.S. 98 in Foley. The city is sending out requests for proposals, or RFPs, on a public-private partnership to develop the lot on the southeast corner of West Laurel Avenue and Pine Street. Wayne Dyess, city executive director of infrastructure and development, said the plan should extend downtown improvements to the west. “We think it’s a good place to start with some revitalization on that side of town,” Dyess said. [...]
Foley recognizes teachers of year
FOLEY – The Foley City Council recognized the two educators selected as Teacher of the Year for Baldwin County who both serve Foley schools. The council voted Monday, May 15 to commend Amy Barker and Ursula Thompson after the Baldwin County Board of Education named the two as Teacher of the Year for 2023. Barker, an educator at Foley Elementary School, was named Elementary Teacher of the Year. Barker was the ARI reading specialist from kindergarten through third grade and has been a grade-level chair, mentor teacher, math PLC chair, “Leader in Me” [...]
Foley plans Dog Park renovations
FOLEY – After more than five years of popularity and frequent use, Foley plans to renovate its Dog Park and is looking at opening a second pet facility to make life better for local canines and their human companions. The city has approved $25,000 in renovations to add more sod to the facility on East Orange Avenue. Jeff Lee, city parks and recreation director, said frequent use by pets and owners has left the park in need of improvements. “It’s in pretty poor condition right now,” Lee said. “We have several maintenance things [...]
Meeting Tuesday, May 23, on Resilient Housing Plan
FOLEY – Foley residents will have a chance Tuesday, May 23, to discuss city plans to protect local housing from the impacts of hurricanes and other disasters. The city will hold a Foley Resilient Housing Plan Information and Listening Session from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the City Hall Council Chambers. The discussion is intended to allow residents to learn about the status of the plan and to comment on the project’s focus, intent, and potential outcomes. Hurricane Sally caused widespread damage in Foley. The storm showed the need to invest in [...]
Golf cart plan would add north-south connectivity
FOLEY – Expansion of the streets where golf carts are allowed should increase connectivity around the city for residents wanting alternatives to standard cars and trucks. The Foley City Council voted Monday, May 15 to approve a first reading of an ordinance that would allow golf carts on sections of Oak Street, Pine Street and West Roosevelt Avenue in the area west of Alabama 59. The ordinance is scheduled for a final vote on Monday, June 5. Golf carts are allowed on several Foley streets and alleys, such as the area near the [...]
Foley to consider allowing golf carts on more streets
FOLEY -- Golf carts could be allowed on more city streets under actions being considered by the the City Council. The council is scheduled to consider actions to allow golf carts on three streets when it meets Monday, May 15. Under an ordinance to be considered by the council, the speed limit would be reduced to 25 miles an hour on portions of Oak Street, Pine Street and West Roosevelt Street. Under state law, golf carts cannot be allowed on streets with speed limits of more than 25 miles an hour. Under the [...]
The winners are in from the Cat Alley Elementary Schools Art Contest
With over 1500 entries from Florence B. Mathis and Foley Elementary Schools, it was very hard for the judges from Foley Main Street and the Foley Art Center to decide a first, second and third overall. So after a long night of tossing and turning, it was agreed to add a few more awards. Four Awards of Excellence were awarded in no particular order, they all were in the finals for the top awards. Then it was decided to add Merit Awards – one for each grade that entered. Visa gift cards and [...]
Foley adding road to new pickleball courts
FOLEY – One of Foley’s next planned roads will provide access to the city’s new pickleball courts under plans approved recently. The Foley City Council voted to approve construction of the new road. The road will be built by city Public Works Department crews. The cost of the first phase of the project will be $83,134.75. That price does not include the cost of asphalt, which will be bid out at a later day. The Public Works Department will also install fill material at an estimated cost of $42,000. David Thompson, executive director [...]
Foley studying downtown entertainment district
FOLEY – Local officials, business leaders and residents are looking at the creation of an entertainment district as a way to increase business and improve nightlife in downtown Foley. Many cities in Alabama, including Orange Beach, Mobile, Birmingham, Huntsville and Montgomery have entertainment districts where restaurants and bars can remain open later than in other areas and entertainment options such as outside music performances are offered. Darrelyn Dunmore, executive director of Foley Main Street, said creating an entertainment district has improved downtown business in many communities in the region. She said crime rates [...]