Sylacauga officials approached the development of a movie theater for their city the right way and while the project may be delayed, much to the disappointment of many, their conclusion is right.It is much too risky a venture for the city to use public money to finance a private venture of this magnitude with caution flags popping up all over the place.
They rightly point out that what NAOS Entertainment promised and what it can no longer deliver should not be transferred to the responsibility of the city. It simply is an unwise move at this point.
NAOS had pledged to bring a multi-screen movie theater to the city, but its financing has fizzled, and officials of the company are looking for bond help from the city. The city is saying, ‘no,’ and vowing to look elsewhere.
So, they will regroup and continue to recruit a movie theater that does not require an unbalanced share of city support, and we suspect they will get one.
Anyone who has watched Sylacauga leaders in action before knows the track record. An empty ice cream plant didn’t faze them. They went after a new occupant and landed Blue Bell Creameries.
Ryan’s Steakhouse moved out. Budsy’s moved in. The success stories are innumerable.
Officials know what they need for their city, and they will go after it with all the recruiting power they can muster.
That’s for sure even if this movie theater is no longer a sure thing.
