Foley, Ala. – (OBA) – Improvements on East Verbena Avenue will improve lighting, parking and drainage as well as work on the roadway.

The Foley City Council voted Monday, Feb. 5 to approve a bid for the East Verbena Improvement Project. The bid, with added alternates, was $144,515.50, which was within the estimates for the project, according to reports.

The project includes work next to commercial buildings at the site to reshape existing parking stalls and make improvements to the concrete, landscaping and right of way near the east side of Alabama 59.

The added alternates will also pay for decorative lighting.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the work will also improve drainage around local businesses.

“That building is so low and that asphalt is so high that water wants to go into the building,” Hellmich said. “So, they're actually improving the drainage behind it, where it connects back to that alley. There's kind of a comprehensive program right here on that little short street and they did a lot of detailed work to get it to where it's going to be better. It’s going to drain better, and the parking will be better. We own the parking. It's all public parking. So, it will be a benefit to all the businesses in the area and it will look good too.”

The city also approved new sidewalks along Alabama 59 from the planned improvement site south to Commercial Bank.