Photo by David Atchison
“We need to continue to be positive and to promote our city,” Ellison told those who attended the Greater Pell City Chamber of Commerce’s first Coffee and Conversation gathering Tuesday morning at the Pell City Municipal Complex.
Ellison answered questions about the business of commercial development, the work, the risks, the rewards and about the direction the city could take in the not so distant future.
“Right now, we’re on the bubble,” he said.
Ellison pointed to the recent announcement of a new multi-million dollar entertainment center, which will include a multi-screen movie theater and bowling alley.
“That’s going to give us momentum,” he said.
He also said the two-to-one approval by voters for Sunday alcohol sales was critical to bringing Buffalo Wild Wings to Pell City. The new restaurant is under construction and is just up the road from the site of the new entertainment center.
Ellison said he hopes recent commercial development announcements will spark more commercial development.
He said there is still room for two to five businesses in the area around The Home Depot, where the construction of the new Buffalo Wild Wings and entertainment center are planned.
“I am going to try to do something nice there,” Ellison said.
There is also property prime for development across from the Bankhead Market Place, the Walmart shopping center and adjacent to Walgreens on the other side of U.S. 231.
Ellison said he listens to the community and tries to attract businesses and restaurants residents want for their city. Ellison will not say what businesses and restaurants he is trying to attract, but he said he is working hard to bring new development that will improve the quality of life for people who live here.
“When we moved out here, there was nothing across the interstate,” said John Garrison, who is the owner of Garrison Steel in the Pell City Industrial Park.
That was before Ellison captured one of the biggest developments for the city, Walmart.
