Bessemer council considers lodging, restaurant complex

By P.J. GLISSON

news@yourdailyglobe.com

Bessemer — A Wednesday evening workshop by Bessemer city council members resulted in the following determinations:

They should consider seeking development options in a lodging and restaurant complex that could help to house tourists while also providing locals with a new culinary option.

They should address blight, especially in its most severe forms.

They should maintain a sound economic framework within which the city can operate on a year-by-year basis.

They should strive to buoy the area’s limited economy with whatever government funding, in-kind support, or ingenuity can be had to keep residents safe and thriving.

They also should increase recreational amenities, whether via an ice rink, more attention to trails, or even just by addressing bathroom facilities and/or drinking fountains at Bluff Valley Park, the Iron Belle trailhead, the Bessemer Commons, etc.

One idea, however, that got a collective thumbs down was an economic study on a potential grocery store to replace previous ones that have failed.

“We’re not big enough for a grocery store,” said council member Terry Kryshak.

Council member Linda Nelson said a grocery store is “impractical” when one cannot compete with Ironwood’s larger operations.

Everyone supported Kryshak’s suggestion that they would be better off doing an economic development study on a lodging and restaurant facility. Council members said it would relieve pressure during special events and would encourage tourists to use the town’s other amenities.

Another matter of strong agreement was to keep the Department of Public Works properly equipped. Mayor Adam Zak suggested the city should budget dedicated funds each year to replace aging vehicles, etc.

Everyone supported the claim, with Kryshak adding that related government funds also should be sought whenever possible.

The council also wishes to shore up the city’s dwindling volunteer fire department.

Mayor pro tempore Allen Archie said the city may need to create more enticing means of recruiting younger members.

Nelson said an issue with some members in the department now is “dual” membership. “They’re not only on the Bessemer Fire Department; they’re also on the Bessemer Township Fire Department.”

She said that’s not a negative, but members agreed it would represent even thinner staff resources if several area departments were needed at once.

“It is a must-have department,” said Zak. “We can’t operate without it.”

Even so, the mayor said that before long, officials from area cities might need to consider consolidating fire departments. He said consolidation could represent an opportunity for better equipment, more practice, and more opportunities to fight fires.

Zak also stressed the need for blight management and suggested the city should check related ordinances and consider funding a dedicated, part-time blight officer.

Kryshak said anyone hired should approach the responsibility with a viable plan, and Nelson said the first priority should be to define the nature of blight.

Although council members agreed that recreational enhancements were a luxury compared to a solid city budget, they still voiced excitement at the number of possibilities they still might consider.

“I think we have some options that won’t cost very much,” said Kryshak.

While members discussed a potential ice rink, Zak said any such facility ought to be set up with a permanent infrastructure, including a paved area within an enclosure. He also emphasized a “multiuse” operation that could facilitate ice skating in winter, along with summer fun such as roller blading, dodgeball, pickleball, ping pong, etc.

He specifically recommended the area of 508 S. Moore St. That address now has a large, deteriorating building, but the council voted Monday evening to seek state funds to demolish it, along with another house at 506 S. Mine St.

“That to me would be a beautiful spot for an ice rink,” said Zak, referring to the Iron Belle trailhead right next to the S. Moore Street address.

City manager Charly Loper, who moderated the work session, said crowd funding, along with matching state funds, might be one means of funding such a facility.

She said local citizens also are willing to assist with setting up an ice rink. Kryshak agreed help is available, but cautioned that any action taken should consider related liabilities.

Councilman Rob Coleman was unable to attend the work session, at which no voting occurred.