Bessemer DDA moves to support new business

By P.J. GLISSON

[email protected]

Bessemer — Members of the Bessemer Downtown Development Authority voted last week to allot $3,500 over a 9-month period to a Bessemer business that is now entering its third year of operation.

The funding is part of the city’s Pop-Up Shop program.

Benefitting from the funding are Nicolas Hernandez and Victoria Arrington, owners and operators of Iron Bay Delivery. They are doing business as Iron Bay Detail and Wash.

“Iron Bay Detail and Wash will offer a wide range of vehicle detailing services, including exterior washing, interior cleaning, waxing, polishing and more,” said a written report from the owners.

Hernandez said that, until now, the business has operated strictly as a mobile service, starting with “a raggedy white truck” and graduating to a van.

Now, he said, “We’re going to have our own shop.”

At some point in March, the business site will be established at 509 E. Lead St.

In other news, outgoing DDA Director Samantha Dorr reported that the authority received $43,257, plus $1,100 in interest, due to Tax Increment Financing in 2023.

She said the funds helped to fund anything from Pop-Up Shop programs to signage directing traffic to downtown businesses.

“I think it was a good year,” said Dorr.

As for pending projects, Dorr said that the old Gambles building on main street may be demolished before July 4, thanks to funds from the State Land Bank Authority.

DDA members also:

—Voted to work toward auctioning off approximately 30 Christmas lights, estimated at 20 to 30 years old, that were displayed on downtown area utility poles. Although the fixtures do work, Dorr said the ideal buyers would be people who could address any repairs as needed.

—Voted to amend the sale of a DDA lot to the Bessemer Historical Society to include a provision to require construction within five years.

—Voted to authorize Dorr to seek basic and enhanced quotes regarding flower management services for the downtown area this summer.

—Voted to allot up to $1,000 to diagnose problems with a broken irrigation system in the Ethnic Commons Park area.

—Voted to table a request from James Thull, who manages rentals at 139 Sellar St. and wishes to purchase a lot adjacent to that land to provide parking for his tenants. “I myself would like to walk around the property,” said DDA Chairman David Osier.

All votes were unanimous with Brandon Bromley and Harry Swanson absent. Two seats on the 9-member board also are vacant.

The DDA’s next regular meeting will be on March 13 at 6 p.m. in the council chambers of the Bessemer City Hall.