FOLEY, Ala. — Two municipal construction projects in Foley are preparing to move forward.

During its regular meeting Monday, the City Council settled on the location of the planned pedestrian bridge. The structure, which will cross North McKenzie Street, is to be situated just north of Jessamine Avenue so as not to obstruct the Heritage Park water fountain. Also, the Council decided that the bridge will be accessed by traffic from a right in, right out flow. This will enable vehicles to park in spaces located in the old Snook property off Jessamine. The bridge will also be constructed from a prefabricated design that will complement the city’s Centennial Plaza.

Volkert representatives pointed out that selecting from that type of design would save the city funding and the additional work of initiating a design process.

“My favorite part is that it’s further north and keeps the view of the Centennial Tower unobstructed,” Councilman Charlie Ebert said.

Monday’s decision follows previous input from the Alabama Historical Society and the Council’s following determinations:

 • The width of the bridge’s walkway will be 12 feet.

 • The bridge will include an elevator.

 • The structure will include an observation tower.

 • The stairwell will not be enclosed.

Additional discussion Monday included options for a sign to identify the bridge, as well as where it would be placed.

“Stay away from the handrail,” Council President Wayne Trawick said, suggesting a sign be placed at the top or bottom of the bridge.

As for the Centennial Plaza, the Council members approved the $421,345 contract to Sandalwood Development following the recommendation of project representative David Vosloh. He added that the project is expected to be completed by the Christmas season so the structure will be ready for Foley’s centennial in January..

Vosloh added that the Plaza Committee has raised almost half the money to pay for the structure.

“Fundraising is just about at $200,000,” he told the Council.

City leaders explained that while the entire amount of municipal funding have been approved for the project, that sum will reduce as fundraising increases.

Vosloh also suggested the city incorporate the cost of a brick donation into the rental fee for weddings when the Plaza is built.

“That way they can have their name and date of the ceremony in a commemorative brick where they get marred,” he said.

As previously reported, in October 2012, the city of Foley unveiled its plans to mark its Jan. 8, 2015 centennial with a celebration and a plaza containing a bell tower.

The 52-foot clock portion of the planned plaza tower is in storage in Ohio. It is equipped with numerous songs that residents can purchase for $10 each by contacting the city of Foley.

As for the start date of the plaza’s construction?

“As soon as the documentation is completed,” Vosloh told the City Council.