Special Community Meeting
December 4, 2003
I. Call to Order
Invocation by Mayor Niven
II. Roll Call of Committee Members:
Earl Niven, Mayor, Present
John Ritchie, Present
Bob Wanninger, Present
Lori Cheney, Present
Don Shirley, Present
III. Introduction of Committee Members
IV. Purpose of Meeting
The purpose of this meeting is to gather ideas and suggestions regarding the Old Weldon Store and make a recommendation to the City Council.
The Mayor stated there was a problem with traffic and they were doing a survey or study for Chelsea. There is a need to straighten Highway 39 and have a different intersection for Highways 47 & 39. This would mean moving the Old General Store. This building is approximately 2,988 sq.ft. The original store burned, and this was built in the 1920’s. The long range plan by the City and the County includes moving this building so the road can be straightened and building a bridge over the railroad tracks.
V. Community Forum
(if names are misspelled please forgive us!)
Mark Lindsay suggested that the store be moved and conserved. He believes this would be good for business in Chelsea. He wants to move the building West on City property.
Donald Shirley asked on behalf of another party if there was room behind City Hall to move this.
Jimmy Boulware said he hated to see this torn down or moved. He would like to see the road moved around the store so they could leave the building where it was.
Misty Pugh agreed with Jimmy.
Dale Neuendorf, a new City resident asked if there could be a future use for the building.
Mark Herrington said he felt the building should be demolished, and when the City had funds, a replica should be built to house a coffee shop, ice cream par lour or be something other than rotten lumber.
Bob Nix asked after the value of the building, how much it would cost to move and what the condition of the building would be after it was moved.
Mayor Niven stated they were getting prices on moving the building as well as bringing it up to code.
Box Nix said he can’t get out of Yellowleaf as it was, he believed if Highway 39 was to be rerouted, the County would destroy the building at no cost to the City. Is the value of this building sentimental or practical?
Judy Galimore said this building is history, it cannot be replaced. She believes it should be moved up hill. Her grandfather Weldon owned the store in the 1920’s. Her Aunt Valreia ran the store later and her Mom and Dad lived above the store.
Terry Ritchie strongly agreed with above statement about the history and it could not be replaced.
Tom Culpepper read a prepared statement which said change was inevitable and he wanted to present pros and cons. He feels the community should do what is right for today and the future. There are money issues. He is all for preserving history when it makes sense, but is concerned with the tax burden to the citizens. Is this a wise use of money when the schools are in need of money? Also, money is needed for a police force, new roads for info structure, etc. He would like us to look at alternative solutions, perhaps a reasonably priced monument with citizens paying to have their name on bricks. He would also like the City to check into private donations, fundraisers, grants, etc. What about the Alabama Historical Commission.
Ray Shirley said he felt this building should be relocated to an area that is just as visible as it is now.
Linda Brazier wondered if it could be registered with the National Register or Alabama Register.
Terry Ritchie said if Williamsburg had followed our thinking, we wouldn’t be able to visit Colonial Williamsburg now.
Tom Culpepper said he meant no disrespect, however it was torn down and rebuilt to look as it is now.
Earl Niven, Jr. said that Chelsea is quoted as being a City with Family Values. If we destroy this building, would we not be sending a bad message to our children?
Erlene Isabel felt that it could be moved with tax dollars and that one building was not enough to “break the bank”. She feels it should be kept as a historical site.
Judy Galimore felt it could be used as a library or museum.
Mark Lindsay said that if we retained this building, he felt it would be good for business. Cities do better with historical buildings and he cited Columbiana. It gives a special image. Also he said Mt. Laurel was spending a lot of money to make an old historical looking town. He cited towns in Florida that are doing well by promoting historical or old town image.
Col. Ritchie said he agreed with parts of Mr. Culpepper’s letter however Chelsea does donate monies to the schools. They Ritchie’s have been here for twenty-seven years. The old Weldon Store was the first thing they saw and thought it was really neat. He felt we should spend the money to move the store. The idea of getting donations was a good idea. He also told of how impressive it was to put the giant flag on this building. He feels it should move westerly, not be hidden. We should display another flag on the building and perhaps turn it into an ice cream par lour or a museum. He took a course on Shelby County and the only building mentioned on this side of Shelby County was the Old Weldon Store.
Tom Culpepper said he just doesn’t want to burn taxpayers money to move a building if it is not in the best interest of the citizens. No unnecessary burden for taxpayers.
Mark Herrington asked about the concrete flooring. Was this concrete poured over the bottom plates? Bob Wanninger said this was not so, however there is some rot.
Dale Neuendorf asked if the options to preserve the building had to be a burden upon the taxpayers. Whoever decided to lease this building from the City or if a franchise picked it up, they could use the parts that were in good condition and fix it up. If it is on City property and leased, they may be willing to rebuild as a part of their business expense.
Judy Galimore said perhaps it could be a tearoom.
Mitsy Pugh said she liked Jimmy Bouleware’s suggestion of moving the road so it would not interfere with the store and the building would not have to be moved.
Mayor Niven stated that he and Bob Wanninger met with the County Engineer regarding this road. They soon had to call the Railroad because a semi truck had gotten hung up on the tracks. If they changed Highway 39 to go straight over the railroad track and went left of the general store, they would have to elevate the road so much that the store would be in a hole. Also, as it is now, the water builds up in the left under the guardrail which is constantly being run into.
Jimmy Bouleware stated the raising of the road would put the cabinet shop in a hole as well.
There was discussion of building the road over the tracks and start it behind Sherry’s.
Mayor Niven said that the plans are to build a bridge from Highway 47 over the the railroad and have the traffic enter present 47 somewhere near the bridge in front of what is now the Day Spa. They would eventually close the road that goes over the tracks now. The plans are for Highways 47 & 39 to be our City Center with small shops such as coffee shops, ice cream parlors, perhaps a book store. The owner of the old Seed and Feed is also trying to find the best use of his building for the City Center mentality. Perhaps office buildings? Shops?
Misty Pugh asked if the store could not just stay as is. The Mayor cited traffic issues.
Jimmy Boulware said that the traffic in front of the schools is not restricted to Chelsea. All schools in Shelby County are faced with the same thing. This is because roads were not improved before all the growth hit.
Mike Strong feels that this is a landmark and it should be treated as such, not disposed of. He does not believe it will be such a monumental issue to move as people seem to think.
Bob Wanninger said that the people he has spoken with said the building can be safely moved.
Lori Cheney noted that it can not be on a historical list if it is moved off its present site.
Fredia Weldon Burdette said she would like to see this building preserved in its present location. She said if it was going to be destroyed, she would buy it and move it to her farm. Her great, great grandfather built this store.
The Mayor summed it up for many when he said he has mixed feelings.
Ray Shirley said he restores buildings like this all the time.
Bob Nix asked that we determine the cost and put it to a vote for the people (taxpayers).
The Mayor said there will be more meetings.
Bob Wanninger wrapped this up in summary –
1. Preserve this building at its present location
2. Preserve this building and move it to a new location.
3. Tear it down and forget about it.
4. Tear it down and build a monument.
5. Tear it down and rebuild a replica, saving what we can.
6. Remove the building by personal purchase
Mayor Niven said that there would be no decision made any time soon. This meeting and future meetings will be to give options and ideas. He liked the idea of Corporate Sponsors and donations. Bob Wanninger said originally they had thought to house City Hall in this building. This is the most photographed and painted building in this area.
If preserved, the City could use it for the library. Currently there is a temporary place for the library in the City Hall until a permanent site is established. It could also be used for a restaurant, museum, tea room, ice cream store or a hardware or general store.
Terry Ritchie said when she hears the Chelsea song, she pictures this store. She made one more plea that we do not destroy this building.
Another meeting will be announced.
Tom Culpepper asked if the building was structurally sound. Bob Wanninger said there had been no testing preformed as of yet.
The Mayor said if anyone would like to see the inside, please call City Hall.
Judy Galimore said she would like to see a town square where there would be a Christmas tree, etc. The Mayor said that was the thinking about the Town Center.
sp; Donald Shirley asked on behalf of another party if there was room behind City Hall to move this.
Jimmy Boulware said he hated to see this torn down or moved. He would like to see the road moved around the store so they could leave the building where it was.
Misty Pugh agreed with Jimmy.
Dale Neuendorf, a new City resident asked if there could be a future use for the building.
Mark Herrington said he felt the building should be demolished, and when the City had funds, a replica should be built to house a coffee shop, ice cream par lour or be something other than rotten lumber.
Bob Nix asked after the value of the building, how much it would cost to move and what the condition of the building would be after it was moved.
Mayor Niven stated they were getting prices on moving the building as well as bringing it up to code.
Box Nix said he can't get out of Yellowleaf as it was, he believed if Highway 39 was to be rerouted, the County would destroy the building at no cost to the City. Is the value of this building sentimental or practical?
Judy Galimore said this building is history, it cannot be replaced. She believes it should be moved up hill. Her grandfather Weldon owned the store in the 1920's. Her Aunt Valreia ran the store later and her Mom and Dad lived above the store.
Terry Ritchie strongly agreed with above statement about the history and it could not be replaced.
Tom Culpepper read a prepared statement which said change was inevitable and he wanted to present pros and cons. He feels the community should do what is right for today and the future. There are money issues. He is all for preserving history when it makes sense, but is concerned with the tax burden to the citizens. Is this a wise use of money when the schools are in need of money? Also, money is needed for a police force, new roads for info structure, etc. He would like us to look at alternative solutions, perhaps a reasonably priced monument with citizens paying to have their name on bricks. He would also like the City to check into private donations, fundraisers, grants, etc. What about the Alabama Historical Commission.
Ray Shirley said he felt this building should be relocated to an area that is just as visible as it is now.
Linda Brazier wondered if it could be registered with the National Register or Alabama Register.
Terry Ritchie said if Williamsburg had followed our thinking, we wouldn't be able to visit Colonial Williamsburg now.
Tom Culpepper said he meant no disrespect, however it was torn down and rebuilt to look as it is now.
Earl Niven, Jr. said that Chelsea is quoted as being a City with Family Values. If we destroy this building, would we not be sending a bad message to our children?
Erlene Isabel felt that it could be moved with tax dollars and that one building was not enough to "break the bank". She feels it should be kept as a historical site.
Judy Galimore felt it could be used as a library or museum.
Mark Lindsay said that if we retained this building, he felt it would be good for business. Cities do better with historical buildings and he cited Columbiana. It gives a special image. Also he said Mt. Laurel was spending a lot of money to make an old historical looking town. He cited towns in Florida that are doing well by promoting historical or old town image.
Col. Ritchie said he agreed with parts of Mr. Culpepper's letter however Chelsea does donate monies to the schools. They Ritchie's have been here for twenty-seven years. The old Weldon Store was the first thing they saw and thought it was really neat. He felt we should spend the money to move the store. The idea of getting donations was a good idea. He also told of how impressive it was to put the giant flag on this building. He feels it should move westerly, not be hidden. We should display another flag on the building and perhaps turn it into an ice cream par lour or a museum. He took a course on Shelby County and the only building mentioned on this side of Shelby County was the Old Weldon Store.
Tom Culpepper said he just doesn't want to burn taxpayers money to move a building if it is not in the best interest of the citizens. No unnecessary burden for taxpayers.
Mark Herrington asked about the concrete flooring. Was this concrete poured over the bottom plates? Bob Wanninger said this was not so, however there is some rot.
Dale Neuendorf asked if the options to preserve the building had to be a burden upon the taxpayers. Whoever decided to lease this building from the City or if a franchise picked it up, they could use the parts that were in good condition and fix it up. If it is on City property and leased, they may be willing to rebuild as a part of their business expense.
Judy Galimore said perhaps it could be a tearoom.
Mitsy Pugh said she liked Jimmy Bouleware's suggestion of moving the road so it would not interfere with the store and the building would not have to be moved.
Mayor Niven stated that he and Bob Wanninger met with the County Engineer regarding this road. They soon had to call the Railroad because a semi truck had gotten hung up on the tracks. If they changed Highway 39 to go straight over the railroad track and went left of the general store, they would have to elevate the road so much that the store would be in a hole. Also, as it is now, the water builds up in the left under the guardrail which is constantly being run into.
Jimmy Bouleware stated the raising of the road would put the cabinet shop in a hole as well.
There was discussion of building the road over the tracks and start it behind Sherry's.
Mayor Niven said that the plans are to build a bridge from Highway 47 over the the railroad and have the traffic enter present 47 somewhere near the bridge in front of what is now the Day Spa. They would eventually close the road that goes over the tracks now. The plans are for Highways 47 & 39 to be our City Center with small shops such as coffee shops, ice cream parlors, perhaps a book store. The owner of the old Seed and Feed is also trying to find the best use of his building for the City Center mentality. Perhaps office buildings? Shops?
Misty Pugh asked if the store could not just stay as is. The Mayor cited traffic issues.
· Jimmy Boulware said that the traffic in front of the schools is not restricted to Chelsea. All schools in Shelby County are faced with the same thing. This is because roads were not improved before all the growth hit.
· Mike Strong feels that this is a landmark and it should be treated as such, not disposed of. He does not believe it will be such a monumental issue to move as people seem to think.
Bob Wanninger said that the people he has spoken with said the building can be safely moved.
Lori Cheney noted that it can not be on a historical list if it is moved off its present site.
Fredia Weldon Burdette said she would like to see this building preserved in its present location. She said if it was going to be destroyed, she would buy it and move it to her farm. Her great, great grandfather built this store.
The Mayor summed it up for many when he said he has mixed feelings.
Ray Shirley said he restores buildings like this all the time.
Bob Nix asked that we determine the cost and put it to a vote for the people (taxpayers).
The Mayor said there will be more meetings.
Bob Wanninger wrapped this up in summary –
Mayor Niven said that there would be no decision made any time soon. This meeting and future meetings will be to give options and ideas. He liked the idea of Corporate Sponsors and donations. Bob Wanninger said originally they had thought to house City Hall in this building. This is the most photographed and painted building in this area.
If preserved, the City could use it for the library. Currently there is a temporary place for the library in the City Hall until a permanent site is established. It could also be used for a restaurant, museum, tea room, ice cream store or a hardware or general store.
Terry Ritchie said when she hears the Chelsea song, she pictures this store. She made one more plea that we do not destroy this building.
Another meeting will be announced.
Tom Culpepper asked if the building was structurally sound. Bob Wanninger said there had been no testing preformed as of yet.
The Mayor said if anyone would like to see the inside, please call City Hall.
Judy Galimore said she would like to see a town square where there would be a Christmas tree, etc. The Mayor said that was the thinking about the Town Center.
VI. Adjournment
Col. Ritchie moved to adjourn
Submitted by...
Mark Herrington
Chelsea Citizens Awareness Committee
Posted 12/5/2003
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