Foley discusses South Pine improvements

By Jessica Vaughn / jessica@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 12/20/17

FOLEY – The Foley council made quick work of the Monday, Dec. 18 meeting, with one of the biggest discussion topics being to speed up the improvements to South Pine Street due to a proposal …

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Foley discusses South Pine improvements

Posted

FOLEY – The Foley council made quick work of the Monday, Dec. 18 meeting, with one of the biggest discussion topics being to speed up the improvements to South Pine Street due to a proposal from The Burton Group.
“We have a proposal from The Burton Group to help us move this project up on our priorities,” said city engineer Chad Christian. “They’re offering to provide $300,000 in-kind and cash to the construction of that project, asking the council appropriate $300,000 for a total of $600,000 for construction.”
The location in question is on South Pine Street between Pride Drive and County Road 20. The improvements would consist of the construction of a drainage ditch along the east side of South Pine in order to alleviate drainage issues.
“The water backs up and flows onto the YMCA property, the school, and the adjacent private property before it gets where it’s going to,” said Christian.
Once construction of the ditch is complete, it will help take water off the west side of South Pine, which will put the water going straight south.

“It’s basically going to keep water from crossing over on the west side, thereby improving everything on the west side,” said councilman Ralph Hellmich. “What it does now when it crosses over is creates a lake over there, we’ve had a lot of issues.”
The council agreed anything that could be done to take the water off the west side and head it south would help the area, and with The Burton Group’s offer the project can be completed much sooner than expected.
“It’s not many times we’re going to have this kind of partnership,” said Hellmich. “This is like getting a 50 percent grant for a project that we’re doing.”
The Environmental Department also has high hopes for the South Pine Street project, as it will keep too much water from flowing downstream at one rate, and thus help downstream areas as well.

Other news from council:

  •  The council approved to waive fees for many of 2018’s upcoming annual events, such as Foley Art Center’s Art in the Park, South Baldwin Chamber Foundation’s BBQ & Blues Cook-Off fundraising event, and American Cancer Society’s South Baldwin Relay for Life.
  • The council discussed the possible placement of a new sign across from Tanger Outlets entrance on Highway 59. The proposed sign would be similar to the OWA/Sports Tourism sign placed on Highway 59 during summer, and would include a display screen promoting upcoming events and sales.
  • The council approved to go to bid and purchase a new truck for the Community Development Department for a new inspector.