By Sherri Blevins
On Monday, June 10, 2019, at the Bridgeport City Council Meeting, the Council voted unanimously to adopt Resolution 06.10.2019. This Resolution declared the building, which was formerly the home of Wagon Wheel Tavern, as a “Dangerous Building”, and it stated that the building is a public nuisance and that its demolition is necessary to the public welfare. The cost for the demolition and clean up of the building is the responsibility of the current property owner, Mr. Rymer.
The condemned building was once a popular weekend gathering spot, but was destroyed by fire in May of 2018. Mr. Rymer addressed the Council before the passing of the ordinance. He stated that he had only recently learned that the building was in jeopardy of condemnation. He explained that until recently, he had been in a wheelchair due to a past motorcycle accident and was only now able to see after his affairs. After learning of the plan to condemn the building, he contacted Christopher Bunch himself, to level the building and remove the debris from the property. He stated he had paid Mr. Bunch $2,000.00 down and would pay an additional $3,500.00 after the project completion. He also spoke of recent negotiations between the council and himself to sell the property to the city. The city offered $7,700.00 for the one acre lot, but Mr. Rymer stated he had to have more. He needed $15,000.00 for the property. The council agreed to consider a counteroffer, but stated they would continue with their plan to condemn the property. They did, however, agree that no action would be taken for twenty-one days as far as demolition goes, allowing Mr. Rymer time to complete the demolition and clean-up on his own. Mr. Rymer thanked the council for their time and concluded his comments.
During the meeting, Council President, Barry Hughes, made several announcements. First, he informed the public of the Pre-construction Meeting for the Street Scape project conducted by Mr. Nelson is scheduled for Friday, June 14. He said the exact time of the meeting would be announced when it becomes available. Next, he invited everyone to the Fourth of July Celebration in the Theater. Organizers plan to have a band, food vendors, and fireworks to celebrate our nation’s beginning. Hughes reported that the city clerk had just returned from the City Clerk Convention in Gulf Shores, where she learned valuable information.
Chris Gunter reported that the next event for the Thrive Committee would be Thursday, July 13, 2019, from 11:00 am until 1:30 pm at the museum. The program will focus on culture and art. She stated that 87 people attended the last Thrive event, and the council members congratulated her on a job well done. On Wednesday, August 7, 2019, there will be an important community meeting concerning the plans for the new trail. The community center is the proposed site for the event.
In other business, the Council approved a request from Dollar General for a beer and wine license for the new store. After meeting in executive session, the council approved the suspension of Angela Young until further notice.
After giving the audience a chance to state any business they had with the Council, the Council President adjourned the meeting. The next meeting will be Monday, June 24, 2019, at 5:30 pm.
