By Staci Jones | The Selma Times-Journal

The Selma City Council hosted a committee meeting on Monday to address the Code of Ordinance for the downtown district.

“The best way to eat an apple is to take one bite at a time,” said Council President Corey Bowie. “We have to start with beautifying downtown and then eventually all of Selma.”

The proposed ordinance will establish rules and regulations for downtown business owners to abide by when caring for their buildings. It would include: removing vines, keeping windows clean, and overall insuring that the businesses downtown are visually appealing.

“We have a beautiful downtown; it’s just that a few buildings need to be renovated.” Bowie said. “Selma is the hallmark of the U.S — people tour here every day. We must present a picture with a firm substance.”

All of the council members present for the meeting agreed that the process starts with establishing and finding out the boundaries of downtown Selma. After establishing the boundaries, they plan to notify downtown building owners of the do’s and don’ts of upkeep.

“In order for the city to move up, it’s necessary for this ordinance to take place,” said Mayor Evans. “This ordinance is in the best interest of our city and our neighborhoods.”

The council members believe that Downtown Selma should be easily recognizable to anyone traveling through the city. Once the boundaries of downtown are set, they also hope to embellish the downtown area with signs to let you know that you are in the downtown district.

“It’s not something we can rush into, but we have to start somewhere,” Bowie said. “The revitalization process will add to the quality of life for the people of Selma.”