Warren City Council’s Community and Economic Development Committee met for the first time since October 2022 on Wednesday and discussed going in a new direction on economic development.
Mayor Gregg Reep recommended taking $75,000 that was earmarked for economic development and amending the budget to allow it to be used with other city funds to demolish the former Bryant’s building on Main Street. The same recommendation was endorsed by the Ways and Means Committee on Tuesday. The full council is expected to act on the recommendation Monday.
Top photo: The old Bryant’s Furniture Store on Main is shown Thursday, February 9 with caution tape around a busted window. The City is currently considering funding for its demolition.
The Mayor said he and Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney had discussed working together on economic development projects for the City. He said that between them, they had developed five current prospects.
“We need money to take that building(Bryant’s Building) down. We think we can do the initial recruiting and put projects together,” Reep said. He added that they would continue to work in conjunction with Bradley County Economic Development Corp. and Bradley County Chamber of Commerce on any projects those groups would bring forth.
“I’m willing to do the effort out of the Mayor’s office without hiring an economic consultant,” Reep said.
As far as the Bryant’s Building goes, he said City Building Official Rob Johnson was assisting with finding options to take the building down. Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality is willing to sign off on any asbestos issues as long as an asbestos inspector is hired to oversee the demolition. The project would have to be bid out and may also require a structural engineer to be hired.
Reep said he had also had discussions with Johnson and Fire Chief Chuck Moore about stepping up commercial building inspections including roof inspections. Alderwoman Memory Burks Frazer said, “We don’t want anybody hurt.”
