Martin Supply Takes on City of Florence

 

First a comment we received on yesterday's blog concerning the proposed demolition of the city auditorium (Current incarnation since April 1983):

I really liked the latest blog. It shows perfectly the conflict of interest within the whole city government. They have no problem tearing down a historic building but want others to get permission to repaint. This group is the worst ever.

*****

The second objection to Florence's new downtown master plan? The demolition of the approximately 50 year-old parking deck. Who and why?

Martin Supply was founded in Sheffield in 1934 by Louis Martin. The company moved its headquarters from Colbert County to the old Rogers Department Store building several years ago. Pictured above is a pedestrian bridge that the city paid for to connect the deck with the Rogers building at the request of Martin Supply.

Today the Martin Company is managed by Louis' three grandsons who are opposed to the razing of the parking deck. Two city council members requested a delay in the vote. Jimmy Oliver and Bill Griffin are at best on the fence. The two councilmen voted against an immediate decision; that vote is now scheduled for July 6th.

Would Martin leave the 125 Court Street location if the deck is demolished? We sincerely doubt it for several reasons. Does the council president care how the Ruggles brothers feel about the deck? We sincerely doubt that also.