DANVILLE — When a new project breaks ground, it is usually met with shovels and smiles.
However, the groundbreaking ceremony at the site of the former Red Lobster in Danville was not met with all smiles.
The soon-to-be site for Chick-fil-A in Danville was met with union protestors who say the construction work in Danville should be done by local workers.
Phil Davidson, communications director of the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council Union, released a statement following a small protest held during the ground-breaking ceremony.
“Development should work for Danville and not just happen in Danville,” Davidson said. “When public dollars help make a project possible, taxpayers have every right to expect that local workers, local contractors, and local training programs will be given a fair shot. We think that’s just common sense.”
During the ceremony, there was a blow-up rat pictured with a handful of people protesting.
Ward 7 Alderman Tricia Teague posted about the ordeal on her campaign Facebook page.
“When the City of Danville gives taxpayer dollars to developers, language should be put into those contracts that give incentives for hiring our local contractors,” wrote Teague, who has announced that she plans to run for mayor. “We can’t keep telling people to go into the trades because there’s a shortage of skilled labor but then sit on our hands and not help the local contractors or their employees.”
Teague added that the local construction workers would spend their money locally as well on tools, trucks, and grocery purchases.
Developer Jason Gigot talked to the council back in December about the development.
“Our goal has always been to redevelop it in a first-class manner, on a long-term lease,” Gigot said in December.
While this will be Gigot’s first development in Danville, he has been given other properties in need of a developer.
“We look forward to doing this one first, and expanding and committing to the city and spending many dollars down here, and look to continue that,” Gigot said.
It cost $80,000 to tear down the former Red Lobster.
Mayor Rickey Williams Jr. said during the February 10 council meeting, “The good thing about Chick-fil-A, you know whether you love it or hate it, it’s the hardest franchise in America to get right now. The fact that we got it is a good thing for Danville and our developer, and it will actually likely lead to some more development in the community.”
Williams also posted on his social media a reply to Teague’s shares.
“Every member of the City Council has the opportunity to review agreements, ask questions, propose changes, and vote accordingly,” Williams said. “That’s how the process works. As mayor, I do not vote unless there is a tie or an additional confirming vote is required.”
Williams went on to state the agreement was first presented to council members on Dec. 5, and then was approved unanimously by council on Dec. 16, and was motioned by Teague.
“If Alderman Teague believed the agreement was flawed, she had multiple opportunities to raise those concerns before the vote,” Williams said. “She did not ask questions, request additional information, propose amendments, move to postpone the item, or vote against it. Instead, she seconded the motion for approval, and it passed unanimously.”
Williams says the remarks about the $380,000 to Chick-fil-A are false, but the landowner will receive $300,000 when the restaurant opens. He says the restaurant will create around 35-50 full-time positions, and overall 70-100. And he says the financial return will impact Danville positively.
Williams says the city will get, “roughly $405,000 in new annual revenue, including approximately $317,000 for the city alone,” between sales tax, property tax, and sales.