SRA awaits city, county funding, discusses future plans

The Selma Redevelopment Authority has not yet received its annual funding from the city of Selma nor Dallas County Commission façade enhancement grant funds for this year, according to SRA Treasurer Sylvia Smith.

Martha Lockett, SRA vice chairman, said she would follow up with the county, and SRA Chairman Dr. Rose Wilkins and SRA Executive Director Sarah Aghedo announced that they had a meeting with Mayor James Perkins Jr. set for Tuesday, May 20 to discuss things that need to happen, planning and design.

Regarding façade enhancement grants, Aghedo suggested that the SRA increase its grants to a reimbursement of 50 percent to grantees as is done in other cities. However, upon a suggestion by SRA Secretary Clay Carmichael, the SRA agreed to finish out the current cycle of façade enhancement grants and increase the amount of grants in the future if there is funding.

Also, upon a suggestion from Aghedo, the SRA discussed providing a pop-up tent for businesses without a storefront for the Rib Cookoff. However, Carmichael said businesses would have to have vendors permits and business licenses. He suggested that the SRA check on the requirements.

In her director’s report, Aghedo said she will continue interviews with business owners downtown. She also said Main Street Alabama is pleased with what the SRA is doing. And the SRA agreed to have additional committee chairs training with Main Street in mid-June.

Wilkins said going forward, SRA board members will have notebooks to bring to each meeting. Carmichael said the promotional committee, chaired by him and Mandy Henry, will have a meeting with actionable people to get ideas to promote downtown and set priorities.

Present were Wilkins, Aghedo, Carmichael, Smith and Jimmie Coleman. Absent were Mandy Henry and Kayarda Lowe.