It’s time to take a fresh look at the St. James Hotel. Under new management since summer, those in charge are making changes that should hopefully lead to the revitalization of the hotel and a heavier traffic flow.

In the last several months, the hotel’s restaurant has introduced a brand new menu with an array of items that weren’t previously available.

The menu’s “fresh catch” section features new seafood daily and freshly grown foods. Among the most popular menu items are the marinated steak, Gullah burger and Gullah wings.

That’s definitely a start. Obviously there’s a long road ahead for the hotel, but we need to all give it a chance.

It’s hard to picture Selma’s downtown flourishing as its peak, or Water Avenue developing into the vision many city leaders have in mind, without the St. James Hotel playing a large role.

A lot of money, debates and time have been spent on the St. James Hotel over the last few years, because as Selmians we know how valuable it is and can be for our city.

Now, it’s time for us to simply stay there, use in the in-house restaurant and start spreading the word around town.