With work on East Verbena Avenue nearing completion, Foley is set to further enhance the area by addressing parking shortages and drainage issues, a move aimed at supporting local businesses.

Foley City Council approved additional improvements east of Alabama 59, which will include covering an open ditch and adding a gravel parking area. The upgrades come as part of a broader effort to improve pedestrian access and parking along the southern end of the Perry Wilboure Rose Trail.

The city recently completed significant upgrades to sidewalks, lighting and the roadway in the area, which have already increased demand for parking near nearby businesses. Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the improvements have been well-received by residents and business owners alike.

"This has been very successful," Hellmich said. "Parking has become a premium."

To address the increased demand, the city will replace open ditches with culverts, which will not only create new parking but also enhance pedestrian access.

"We had some open ditches that kept pedestrians from walking," Hellmich said. "We would improve that by putting in pipe and creating some gravel, permeable parking back there. It's a lot of bang for the buck. It would allow people to park along that alley in the back, and we'll be able to do a lot of this work ourselves."

Currently, three restaurants operate in the one-block area on East Verbena Avenue, with a fourth planned. The new parking and drainage improvements will directly benefit these businesses while providing more convenience for visitors.

"It's another thing that our city does to help support local existing businesses," Hellmich said. "Putting in this parking on the driveway will be exactly that, supporting our local businesses."

In addition to the East Verbena Avenue improvements, the city has also approved new sidewalks along Alabama 59, extending south to Commercial Bank, further improving access for pedestrians and enhancing the area for both residents and visitors.