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Gadsden mayor: bond-rating news expected next week; demolition and Ritz upgrades under way
Summary
Mayor Craig Ford said Gadsden City officials met with Moody’s and two other firms in New York and expect a bond-rating update “this next week.”
Mayor Craig Ford said Gadsden City officials met with Moody’s and two other firms in New York this month and expect a bond-rating update “this next week.” The mayor said staff performed well during the meetings and pledged to share results when available.
The bond review matters for financing of multiple projects, Ford said, and several initiatives are already in preliminary engineering or early construction. “Some of them have already started, like West Meagan Complex. If you notice, that place has already started the demolition process,” Ford said.
Ford said the city received a grant to replace the Ritz Theater sign and that a mural is planned for the theater’s exterior wall. He said bond proceeds, if available and approved by the theater’s board, could pay for doors, sound, lighting and seating improvements. “We’re letting the board decide what they need to do with the money, because they know best,” Ford said.
Ford congratulated Gadsden State Community College on its 100th anniversary and referred to the college’s president as President Allen Smith. He also praised staff who organized recent events at Noccalula Falls Park, saying Art on the Rocks and the Wine Festival drew strong attendance.
On seasonal events, Ford previewed the city’s holiday plans, saying an al.com ranking named Gadsden among Alabama’s top holiday cities and that the city intends to install what he described as the state’s largest Christmas tree. He said the city will add an observation deck to the tree area, expand the ice-skating pad and present expanded lighting displays at the falls. Ford also named the annual Walk Through Time fundraiser for Forest Cemetery in October and mentioned Michael Rogers, a city staff member who helps organize the event.
Ford closed by saying the projects and events reflect ongoing growth and that residents should see measurable changes over the coming year. “In another year, I promise you, you won’t recognize this place,” he said.
