Downtown Development Authority to dedicate Ethnic Commons park June 4

BESSEMER - Members of the Bessemer Downtown Development Authority heard an update about the Ethnic Commons project and agreed to partner with the city and fund one of three seasonal employees.

City Manager Mike Uskiewicz said the city was going to hire two seasonal workers and asked the DDA if they would fund the third position, which would perform mowing, trash pickup and other duties specifically in the downtown area.

The DDA agreed to fund the position at a cost of about $3,500 for 90 days.

The positions are expected to be filled by June 1.

The DDA will officially dedicate Bessemer's new Ethnic Commons park on June 4. The commons will have a number of nations' flags and signage paying tribute to the diverse ethnicities in the area.

Denise Stephens, who has been driving the dedication project, said Marty's Goldenaires have committed to be at the event.

The dedication ceremony will also have other music and various ethnic finger-foods.

"We've had a lot of wonderful people who are bringing many of the items they are baking and cooking," Stephens said. "One little lady who is making the Croatian nut roll is 96 years old, so it's like authentic."

The city has also agreed to block Mary Street from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the day of the dedication.

Stephens told DDA members that the Bessemer Historical Society will donate $500 to help put on the event.