The Selma Times-Journal

Community involvement is the next step in developing Selma&8217;s waterfront and transportation.

Instead of talking about what they want, however, Selma&8217;s residents will be able to convey their ideas in a more expressive way.

The brownfield workshops going on today and Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. James Hotel will ask that people who want to see improvement in the city turn their ideas into art.

A professional artist will be on hand to help those who aren&8217;t gifted artistically or for several people who try to come together with the same idea.

The Environmental Protection Agency describes a brownfield as a property where the presence or potential presence of hazardous substances, pollutants or contaminants may hinder expansion, redevelopment or reuse.

Along with other major areas of industry, Highway 80 and parts of downtown will also be discussed.

Representatives from the EPA, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Alabama Department of Environmental Management will also be on hand.

Although city leaders and developers will ultimately lead the vision, the people who the process affects most are being allowed to build the foundation.

Stretching out sessions that last a total of 12 hours over two days will give residents the opportunity to express themselves more.

The process would also benefit other parts of the Black Belt.