Foley, Ala. — (GSN) — The city of Foley has been among the state’s fastest-growing cities for several years, and Mayor Ralph Hellmich said officials are doing what they can to manage the growth.

“We didn't try to do that,” Hellmich said. “So, we've been working really hard and our council recognized that growth was coming.”

Amid the growth, the city had to deal with COVID and political challenges, but Hellmich said it has been able to create infrastructure plans, improving roads, pedestrian paths and recreational facilities. He said with growth comes more challenges, but the city is keeping public safety a priority.

“When I got elected in 2020, I laid out five to four courses of action, which we're following and we've incorporated that into the strategic plan,” Hellmich added. All of those are equally important. However, I will say that number one is that your city has to be safe.”

With approval of next fiscal year’s budget, totaling approximately $130 million, Hellmich said even more improvements are coming in 2027, including a new senior center and a new aquatic center. The former library will be renovated to house city offices and the old public works building is being remodeled to house the parks and recreation department.

“At that point, we will tear down the old parks and recreation and that whole five-acre block right there will be the future home of our new civic center and our new Naval Aviation, Barron Field Naval Aviation, a World War II heritage museum that we are working on right now,” Hellmich said.

The city is building two new roads near Baldwin Health and working on sidewalks and pedestrian routes across the city.

Hellmich said projects are paid through capital work projects, grant money, savings and general fund. He said the city has worked with the local delegation and developers to complete major building projects.

The mayor emphasized the importance of the new BJ’s Wholesale Club in Foley and said since the announcement, other wholesale companies, such as Sam’s Club and Costco have shown interest in the area.

Hellmich said the city is pushing to bring in new retail and restaurants, but planners are trying to be responsible as growth continues.

“I will tell you, for the people who are anti-growth, I'm not for growth, I'm not against growth. I'm for good growth, and that's what we focused on in Foley,” Hellmich said. “We want to make sure that we're getting good growth. We've changed our standards for home-building subdivisions and our impact fees. Everything is designed to make sure the citizens don't bear the burden of the growth that's coming.”