MONTICELLO – A Lawrence County native returned home Friday todiscuss potential economic development in Monticello with membersof the Board of Aldermen during a specially called meeting.

Steve Lewis met with the board to inform them how his company,S&L Enterprises Inc., in cooperation with the CommunityDevelopment Support Group could help the town developeconomically.

“What we’re presenting today is a concept brief,” Lewis said.”We want to bring in something that will be beneficial to thetown.”

The developer mentioned a bowling alley or small movie theateras possible projects.

“We thought it would be a worthwhile benefit for the childrenwhile returning revenue and taxes to the county,” Lewis said. “I’mnot coming into this as a money-making venture. I want to givesomething back to the community.”

Ward 2 Alderman Steve Moreman said the board would be interestedin anything that would benefit the town.

“I think this board would be in support of anything we couldlegally do to support any economic-development project,” hesaid.

Under Lewis’ proposal, the city would fund a feasibility studyon the city’s demographics while S&L Enterprises gathered inputfrom the community and officials on their desires for thecommunity. The developers would then work to secure grants andinvestors for the project.

The feasibility study has cost other communities about $3,500,Lewis said.

The developer said he would own the project but would turn itover to the community.

“When the project is complete, it’s not going to be SteveLewis’s theater, it’s going to be Monticello’s theater,” hesaid.

The board took no action on the proposal Friday and will reviewthe program and consult with Bob Smira, director of the LawrenceCounty Community Development Association. Smira attended themeeting.