City-owned downtown parking in Foley is set to increase following the city's purchase of a high-traffic lot at the intersection of Alabama 59 and U.S. 98.

Foley City Council recently approved the acquisition of the property, located near the southwest corner of the busy intersection. The site, positioned on the west side of Highway 59 between the Foley Medical Museum and the Community Development building, has long served as a leased public parking lot.

City Administrator Mike Thompson said the current owner agreed to sell the property for $250,000, offering Foley the opportunity to secure the lot for long-term public use.

"This is the parking lot of the west side of Highway 59 on the south side of the Medical Museum and north of the Community Development building," Thompson said. "We have leased that property from the owners for many years, and we have an opportunity to purchase that property, and they're in agreement to sell it to us for $250,000."

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the purchase will not only eliminate ongoing lease costs but also maintain a vital resource for downtown businesses and visitors.

"It's critical to those businesses, because it's very difficult to park on 59 or 98 right there," Hellmich said. "It will save us a lot of money and that is significant."