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American Legion granted interim use of vacant lot while council and legion pursue permanent parking plan
Summary
The Foley City Council voted to allow the American Legion to continue using a nearby vacant lot for parking on an interim basis while the post develops a formal plan to bring the lot into compliance, after Legion representatives asked about timelines, phased construction and potential costs.
Dwayne J. Walter, representing the American Legion, asked the Foley City Council on Feb. 10 for clarity on how the organization could bring a vacant downtown lot into compliance for use as a parking area and whether it could continue using the lot in the meantime. ‘‘We would like to have someone come to our executive board meeting and tell us what we got to do, when we can do it and how we have to do it,’’ Walter said, listing questions about timetables, permit types, plan content and whether work could proceed in phases.
Walter and fellow Legion members said they use three adjoining parcels near the Legion for parking and had received a city notice of noncompliance. He told council the post lacks firm cost estimates but cited a contractor’s ballpark range of $85,000–$100,000 for paving work and asked whether the city might share costs or allow phased construction to spread expense.
Council members and staff responded that planning and zoning had already reviewed the matter and that staff would prepare a packet outlining ordinance requirements — including lighting, striping, accessible spaces and setback requirements — so the Legion can contract a plan that meets standards. ‘‘Give us a plan. We’ll work with you with whatever you have in mind,’’ one council member said, noting staff could supply contractors’ names and help coordinate planning‑commission review.
Council discussed a reasonable timetable for design and construction; several members suggested aiming for a completion target around fall 2027 depending on cost and site conditions. City staff emphasized unknowns such as subsurface conditions and required pavement depth, and clarified the downtown code does not permit crushed‑rock surfaces in place of asphalt or concrete.
To avoid immediately penalizing the Legion while planning proceeds, a motion was made and seconded to allow interim use of the lot for parking until the Legion presents a formal plan. The council voted in favor and the motion carried. The Legion said it will return with a footprint and formal plan once it secures quotes and contractor availability.
Next steps: city staff will prepare ordinance‑based plan requirements and a checklist for the Legion, provide a list of contractors, and work with Legion representatives on scheduling planning‑commission review and the permit process.
