Prichard fire debris cleaned up

(WALA) Prichard, Ala. - After more than four months, fire debris has been cleared away in downtown Prichard.

Three buildings once stood on the lot, but after they burned down some Prichard residents have been anxiously awaiting the debris clean-up.

"Since they cleaned it up, it definitely makes it look a lot nicer. People would be interested in coming down this way and maybe investing some time, energy and money into the community," said Tracey Whitmere.

The space can be seen from the interstate and is one of the first images people see when they enter into downtown Prichard.

Business manager Tee Gibbs said the property represents a land of opportunity for investors.

“It says to local investors, far and wide and people who happen to just be passing by on the Interstate that we are open for business, ready and available,” says Gibbs.

Mayor Ron Davis said the city doesn’t own the lot where the buildings once stood, but it cost the city about $7,000 to clean up.

Davis said he can’t build on the lot, and he hopes the owners will donate it to the city.

 He does, however, the city owns the land beside the newly cleared lot.  Workers tore down the abandoned buildings that once stood there when they cleaned up the fire debris.

“We have the opportunity now to move forward and try to get a Waffle House or something of that nature there so we can attract people to our downtown area,” said Davis.  

Davis also said the city will use $5 million in grant money from the Department of Transportation towards the reconstruction of Wilson Avenue. He said the project will begin early 2013.