Bessemer entities share goals in united government meeting

By P.J. GLISSON

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Bessemer - The Bessemer city hall auditorium featured several tables Monday evening during a combined meeting that joined members from five different governing bodies.

Represented were the city council, planning commission, downtown development authority, parks and recreation commission, and an informal branding group.

A representative of each entity provided an overview of objectives accomplished in 2018, after which members of each group discussed future concerns.

According to city manager Charly Loper, members wrote their goals on a blank paper and then shared those visions with the room at-large, after which additional suggestions were added to each sheet.

Loper said some central themes emerged from what she described as a "positive" opportunity to make sure everyone remains "on the same page."

Economic concerns were illustrated on the city council's "brainstorming" sheet. Its members voiced a desire for a "mom and pop" café, as well as for grants to fund improvements at Bluff Valley Park. The planning commission also noted its desire to promote "tiny houses" in the town.

In addition, said Loper, all groups want better signage, especially in relation to key places such as the park, Iron Belle Trail and downtown assets.

She added there also was "a lot of interest in improving the aesthetics of the town."

For instance, within the Bessemer Commons, the branding group suggested lighted trees, the DDA recommended pass-through areas in the wall there, and the parks and recreation folks proposed a tiny library.

"Most of what people came up with was very do-able," said Loper, who described most suggestions as "practical" or as reachable "lower-hanging fruit."

Although the branding group is an unofficial entity, Loper praised its members as "very dedicated, passionate people" whose ongoing contributions to city marketing include the relatively new "first impressions" initiative in relation to tourism and creation of city banners.

Branding group members are Carl and Enni Gregas, Connie Pricco and Terri Triggiano.

Loper said many people are involved in Bessemer's groups and committees, adding, "It's a lot of fun being a part of it."

Loper told city officials in previous meetings that an annual combined meeting is a new state requirement in relation to Bessemer's recently acquired status as a redevelopment-ready community.