City builds bar, leases to Alley Bar owner | News

MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA)- It has become a popular destination for many people, but according to city leaders, not enough of them are visiting Montgomery's riverfront park.

While it may be home to the Harriott II riverboat, the amphitheater and the splash pad, Mayor Todd Strange and recreation directors say they needed something else to attract people to that area of downtown.

They agreed to build a facility and have someone else run a business there. The city sent out what's called a Request for Proposal--or more simply put, an idea for a business the city could build on the riverfront.

After repeated attempts to recruit multiple ideas, only one person responded.  The winning idea is now known as the Sand Bar.

The City of Montgomery may own the property and building, but it doesn't operate the Sand Bar.

That job belongs to Mike Watson--also the owner of Alley Bar in Montgomery's entertainment district.

"It's a real game changer for downtown redevelopment and the riverfront," says Watson.

Watson leases the building from the city.

A Montgomery city ordinance--adopted April 3rd--states each month Watson must pay the city a rent payment which equals 10% of his budget.

"The first half month was $3,000 and the last month was $3,000 as well," says Watson.

Mayor Todd Strange admits in years past, the riverfront park hasn't made any money.

This agreement not only attracts people to the park, but puts cash into city coffers.

"What we're trying to do is bring commerce and revenue to our city," says Strange.

But at what cost?

Many we spoke with are against the city spending nearly $40,000 dollars to build a facility housing a bar.

An equal amount are for it.

"I would rather see private enterprise take the lead on any kind of entrepreneurial business in town, but I like the fact that this area is growing and bringing people back downtown," says Montgomery resident Lee McElvaine.

"Public funds are used for many different things.  The city is getting revenue from this. It's just like building the office buildings and getting revenue from the office buildings," adds resident Marie Majerick.

"Anybody that has a good idea that has a good business plan that is willing to risk some of their money, obviously we will work with them to provide incentives any way we can," says Mayor Strange.

The entire riverfront park is one address--355 Coosa Street.

For Sand Bar to get a liquor license they had to use that address as their own.  That means they're the only people licensed to distribute alcoholic beverages there and is the reason why personal beer coolers are not allowed.

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