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The "Weldon" building

City discusses Jordanville properties

By Michael Butler

The Tallassee city council held a work session on Thursday to review properties in the Jordanville area. The idea to convert the properties for community use is being proposed by councilman Charles Blalock.

“When you pass thought Jordanville, most of the time you see guys and sometimes ladies, cold or hot weather out there,” said Blalock, referring to locals that hang out near the Emfinger and Weldon buildings that the city is considering purchasing. “You’ve got a lot of people that don’t like to get out of their comfort zone.  The city offers a lot of things; a recreation center, the pool, but some just don’t go.”

The Emfinger building, formerly a bottling plant, is owned by Lloyd Frank and Tommy Emfinger. The Weldon building, owned by Robin Weldon Raiford, was originally the location for Signs Plus.

Blalock mentioned clearing off the property where the Emfinger building is located and turning it into green space. 

“It can become a nice park with gazebos and a couple of barbeque grills,” he said.

The Weldon building would become a community center.

“We could have after school programs and tutoring for kids,” Blalock added.

The Weldon building is divided into two sections. “The other side, I don’t’ want to call it a senior center because we already have one, but we can look at expanding.”

The "Emfinger" building

The Emfinger property would cost between $50,000 – $100,000 for tearing down and cleaning up, according to Blalock. The Weldon property is being proposed to sale for the price of $149,000 or a lease price of $1,200 per month for a five year term. The Signs Plus building is 3,600 square feet.

“Both are negotiable and they’d be willing to finance,” noted Blalock.

“Do you have a cost of what it would cost to renovate,” asked councilman David Stough.

“The cost wouldn’t be that great,” Blalock responded.

“I thing that would be a good idea,” said Stough. “That’s the main drag coming in from the interstate, but money is always the issue.”

“You’re looking at about $250,000,” councilman Rob Rygiel pointed out. “We need to get some solid numbers.”

Councilman Darrell Wilson proposed that the figures obtained be brought to the table for the upcoming finance committee meeting in mid-July.

Greg Clark with Central Alabama Regional Planning and Development was in attendance and reviewed the city’s grant possibilities.

“The CDBG is being used for the sewer. The Appalachian Regional is a 50/50 match. We’ve talked about using those monies for another project.  The Land and Water Conservation Fund could be used for the park, but we’ve already talked about that for another project,” Clark continued. “That takes all those off the table unless you change your priorities.”

Blalock hopes for a speedy decision. “I’d like to green light or a red light in the near future.”

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