A new marketing strategy for Bessemer approved!

BESSEMER – A new marketing strategy has been approved by members of the Bessemer Planning Commission while an ordinance relating to storage containers drew no audience. The marketing strategy describes Bessemer as “a small, affordable town centered in the outdoors with miles of motorized and non-motorized trails and a great place to raise a family with phenomenal schools.” The plan also suggests promoting the town as a trail and recreation area and a community for telecommuting, retirement and business. In addition, the initiative advises an interactive promotional push in relation to striving to attract businesses that will appeal to retirees, telemarketers and trail users. Also the commission also passed Ordinance No. 371 in relation to the use of shipping containers for storage and housing in the city. The ordinance defines such a container as “a large standardized, durable, closed steel box, designed and built for intermodal freight transport.” The definition describes “standard sizes” as 8 feet in width, and either 20 or 40 feet in length, with heights of either 8 feet and 6 inches or 9 feet and 6 inches. The ordinance notes that if a shipping container is of a nonstandard size, it must be approved by the city. If a shipping container is intended for use as housing, the ordinance states that it must meet all state building code requirements. The ordinance also specifies other conditions for placement and bases.