Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Plans are moving ahead for a new sign and kitchen at the Coastal Alabama Farmers and Fishermens Market.

The Foley City Council approved construction of the kitchen and plans for the new sign for the market to be placed on Miflin Road.

The kitchen will be 2,500 square feet in size. David Thompson, executive director of leisure services, said the kitchen will help local food entrepreneurs to expand their businesses to meet demands.

“We feel like there are multiple uses for it to assist the market, but also to serve as a jump start for some local businesses as well,” Thompson said.

McCollough Architects will oversee the project.

The sign will replace a structure that was taken down during a construction project. The sign will include a listing of the market as well as other businesses near the facility.

Thompson said the design of the new sign will fit the appearance of the site. He said it will not block the view of signs for other businesses, such as the Wolf Bay Lodge.

“It’s very similar to the look and feel of the farmers market,” he said. “It’s going to be just in front of the retention pond on our property. It’s going to be on the farthest west side so it doesn’t interfere with Wolf Bay’s sign. So, we’re trying to make sure that it’s visible for both the Wolf Bay sign as well as our sign.”

The sign will be placed near the retention pond on Miflin Road south of the market. It will be about 25 feet tall and 12 feet wide.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said businesses at the site that were listed on the old sign will be added at no charge. New businesses can have their sites added for a fee.

“We felt it was unfair to make them pay for the new sign since it wasn’t their responsibility and it was also an opportunity to upgrade the sign,” Hellmich said. “This is more reflective of our farmers market than our previous one.”

The Coastal Alabama Farmers’ and Fishermen’s Market is located at 781 Farmers’ Market Lane in Foley, north of Baldwin County 20 and east of Koniar Way. The market is open each Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.