It’s a somewhat unusual situation.  City leaders are looking at condemning a business that’s still open for business. 

Following discussion during an Executive Session – the Ft Payne City Council voted to move forward with condemning the old Mapco station that’s located on Gault Avenue across from the Coal & Iron Building.

City Attorney Rocky Watson stated that there are several steps necessary, when it comes to considering condemning any property.  The City has been trying to acquire the property for some time now – and last year, the ownership of Mapco had agreed to sell the property, but somewhere in the process the Mapco Company changed ownership and the negotiated deal was lost in the transaction.

Attempts were reportedly made to revive the deal however, with the latest vote the process of condemnation will now again move forward. 

Reportedly, it’s an operation that will take time and certainly “won’t happen overnight.”

The next Ft Payne City Council Meeting is set for Tuesday, August 15th at 12:00 noon, in the City Council chambers.

(Southern Torch/www.southerntorch.com)