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| Tuesday, February 9, 2010 |
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Marketplace
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Service Center
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There for the taking
Published August 19, 2009
A new community center could be coming to Skyline.
With the help from residents, the Jackson County Legislative Delegation and a good deal, a new center looks realistic.
More than 230 residents attended a Monday meeting, hosted by the Jackson County Legislative Delegation to discuss the need for a center.
Currently, senior citizens meet one day a week at the Skyline Town Hall. However, the facility was not designed to accomodate large crowds and activities.
“We’re suffering growing pains,” said resident Lewis Rouse. “We’re getting more people than we’ve got room for. We need our own center.”
During the meeting, residents expressed hope that a new center would also qualify the town for transportation and meal services through the Top of Alabama Regional Council of Governments.
“We need a place for social interaction for family reunions, club meetings and programs for children of all ages,” resident Marlene Hill said.
Sen. Lowell Barron told the crowd he had been in discussions with U.S. Congressman Parker Griffith and his brother Tom Griffith, who own the building that once housed their funeral home business in Skyline.
“That building is valued at $442,000,” Barron said. “But they would be willing to take much less if the city could use it for a community center.”
Barron said the Griffith brothers would sell the building to the town for $100,000.
“That is an incredible deal,” Barron said. “It would cost you half a million dollars to build a new building like that with the land.”
The legislative delegation is putting up $50,000 toward the project if the town can pay the other half, said Barron, who along with Rep. Butch Taylor and Rep. John Robinson, presented the town with a check.
Skyline’s portion of the money will come from city funds, donations and money raised by citizens. Barron said the delegation will also be there to help next year if needed.
Taylor, who represents the Skyline area, said it’s all about partnership and working together.
“Our main goal is to see that you get a community center,” Taylor said.
Following the meeting, citizens expressed suprise and delight with the outcome. Rev. Junior Stephens wrote a personal check for $500 for the community center.
“I think this is a great opportunity for the community of Skyline,” Stephens said.
By Tuesday morning, several more citizens had already visited Skyline Town Hall to make contributions. Checks can be made payable to Town of Skyline, designated for the community center. All contributions are tax-deductible.
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