Council meets and approves request to close downtown alley
By TONI WALKER
DAINGERFIELD – The Daingerfield City Council met in their regular scheduled meeting on Sept. 11. During the meeting, the council considered a request from a Chris Smith.
Smith, who has purchased the building located at 104 Webb Street, requested permission from the council to close the oneway alleyway that runs between his building and 106 Webb Street, which is owned by Mrs. Laverne Connor. Smith is planning to open a business in the building, and is wishing to have a side entrance into the location.
“I have spoken with Mrs. Connor,” said City Manager Rocky Thomasson, “and she is fine with this.” According to Thomasson, Connor’s only concern came if the business did not succeed.
“Of course, she hopes the business does well, but she did ask if the business does not succeed, would it revert back to an alley,” said Thomasson. “I told her that yes, it would go back to an alley in that event. Right of ownership of the alley will still belong to the city.”
After little discussion, the council voted unanimously to approve Smith’s request.
The council also heard a recommendation from the Daingerfield Economic Development Corporation. The DEDC recommended the city approve an Economic Development loan for Beverly L. Miller and John Kaden Miller. According to Thomasson, Miller and his grandmother are purchasing Fran’s Pizza.
“If the city doesn’t get involved and take chances with businesses, businesses will not come to the city,” said Councilman Mike Carter.
Thomasson agreed with Carter, saying “I believe this is a good thing we could do.”
The council unanimously approved the DEDC recommendation.
The council heard form Kenneth Baxter, who serves as president of the Christian Service Center. Baxter was presenting an update of the Christian Service Center to the Council, who did not have any action to take on the information.
According to Baxter, the CSC has served those in need since 1985. Baxter used his time before the council to remind them of the upcoming Emmaus walk, which is the CSC’s only fundraiser. The walk will again be held the first Saturday in October at the Daingerfield State Park, according to Baxter.
