Representatives from the Coastal Gateway Regional Economic Development Alliance told members of the Flomaton Town Council that a study performed by the University of Alabama revealed potential market opportunities for a hotel in Flomaton.
Will Ruzic and Jess Nicholas with Coastal Gateway addressed the council Monday night. The council had previously approved the economic development study by the University of Alabama that was done at no cost to the town.
“We're trying to help development opportunities to help the town of Flomaton,” Ruzic said.
Ruzic said the hotel-motel study for Flomaton came back very positive. He said he had a developer who wanted to come address the council Monday but had other obligations.
The feasibility study showed Flomaton was a good site for a mid-market motel, something in the 80 rooms at $80 per night range.
“The developer is excited,” Ruzic said.
Ruzic and Nicholas suggested the council set up a workshop to include representatives with Alabama Power as a partner.
“With this information in hand, we don't want it to just sit there,” Ruzic said.
Nicholas said the study also showed other possibilities such as a Goody's or Fred's due to the lack of clothing department stores in the area.
They noted the traffic count on Highway 113 is the highest in the region and nothing is outside the realm of possibility.
“In all honesty, we are job creators,” Ruzic said. “We focus mainly on industry and working with workforce for existing industry. But retail provides jobs. We don't go anywhere without talking about 113.”
Nicholas said the impact of an 80-bed motel in the Best Western, Sleep Inn range would create 20 direct jobs but would also create spinoff jobs as well.
