Work is nearing completion on Foley’s new public library-community center and the improved roadway leading to the facility.
The Foley City Council approved funding to move the books and other material in the current library location to the new building now under construction when that facility is completed later this year.
Library Director Kate Norris said the cost of the move will be less than expected.
“It did come in under bid,” Norris said. “This is a part of our planned project funding this. But with the bid that came in, we don’t need to appropriate as much as we thought.”
The library is expected to open in early summer. During the transition to the new facility, some library services may be temporarily disrupted as materials, equipment and offices are moved from the current location of the library on East Laurel Avenue to the new site.
Work to improve South Chicago Street, between U.S. 98 and the new library on East Orange Avenue, is also on schedule to be completed in time for the opening of the facility.
Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the improvements to South Chicago Street will complement the new library building.
“Our new project on South Chicago Street is almost complete,” Hellmich said. “It is the entrance to our library. It’s going to be a beautiful street with landscaping. It’s part of our Streetscape Program downtown. Since 2008, we’ve been continuing to upgrade these streets, to modernize them, add parking, curbing, drainage and lighting to make it pedestrian friendly. We’re going to keep working on those types of improvements.”
Improvements on South Chicago include walkways for pedestrians and green spaces with additional street trees. The work will be a streetscape project that will also calm traffic in the downtown area.
The city will install brick pavers and columns similar to the improvements on Chicago Street at Heritage Park. Foley is also working with Riviera Utilities to install decorative lighting as part of the new project.
About The Author
