Council still not firm on how to replace marina
Published 11:23 pm Friday, January 15, 2010
SELMA — With warmer temperatures just around the corner and fish starting to bite, the Selma City Council is planning what to do at the site of the former City Marina.
The marina, short-order restaurant, burned late last year because of an electrical fire.
On Tuesday, Mayor George Evans reminded council members that $100,000 in the bond issue passed by voters recently could be used to replace the building.
“There are some things to be decided,” he told the council.
Some council members have talked about what kind of building would go in the location; what the building’s materials would consist of and even the location.
Heavy rains this winter pushed the river up past where the old structure had rested. The former building was designed to float during high water periods.
Council members have yet to formally discuss any replacement for the popular site.
“Are we building a building?” asked Council member Bennie Ruth Crenshaw.
When Mr. Evans told her “yes,” Mrs. Crenshaw complained.
“We couldn’t own a theater for the children, but we could own a building for a marina,” she said.
Mrs. Crenshaw referred to a bond issue of nearly two years ago that offered a public-private partnership with the city building a theater and leasing to someone to operate. The bond issue failed.
Mr. Evans told Mrs. Crenshaw the city never owned a theater building but had owned a building for a marina.
Several ideas have come from the public about what it would like to see at the location. Mr. Evans mentioned a bait shop and restaurant — something more than the short-order fast food offered at the former site.
Others have indicated a bar, restaurant, bait shop and small grocery would do well at the marina.
“The council will decide,” Mr. Evans said.