The Orange City Council Tuesday rejected a plan to build restrooms at the Riverfront Pavilion but will reconsider the proposal at another meeting.
The restrooms had been eliminated from original plans for the pavilion, park and riverwalk four years ago after the cost was two high. City Economic Development Director Jay Trahan said the plans were to gradually add more features to the overall project, including the restrooms.
The city opened the riverfront pavilion three years ago and has rented portable potties for events.
The city has saved money for three years from special funds to pay for the bathroom construction.
SpawGlass construction representative Jerry Vandervoort told the council the bathrooms will cost $299,000. The project includes a total of 810 square feet for men’s and women’s restrooms, plus 410 square feet for a ‘green room’ for performers.
District 2 Councilor Wayne Guillory said he’s not sure the city needs the bathrooms and a green room. He said a pavilion is needed at the Boat Ramp on Simmons Drive and not downtown.
A request by Mayor Jimmy Sims for a motion to approve the restrooms died when no one moved.
Councilor Bill Mello is the only one of the seven-member council who has served throughout the building of the riverfront.
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