Camden agency eyes use of warehouse

CAMDEN — A proposal allowing the Camden Public Works Department to use the former Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development building’s warehouse temporarily will be presented to the City Council.

Public Works Director Kevin Franklin proposed the idea to the Camden Port Authority. He said that during Hurricane Laura, the roof over the public works building on Adams Street was knocked down. The area that received the most damage was the maintenance space where city vehicles were repaired and where city equipment was stored. Franklin said that the insurance adjuster is scheduled to visit the site this week to give repair estimates.

Camden attorney Michael Frey said that the former Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development building would still be used for its normal day-to-day operations, meaning start-up business could still rent office space and it could still be used for city business.

In September 2019, some of the functions of the Public Works Department moved to the former Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development building. Franklin said that his department would use the warehouse portion of the building so repairs for city vehicles can be done.

Franklin said that the roll-up door to the warehouse would have to be lifted to fit some of the city’s larger vehicles.

Ouachita Partnership for Economic Development Executive Director James Lee Silliman asked if there was any estimate on how long the city’s public works department would need the building. Camden Mayor Julian Lott estimated a minimum of 6 months to possibly 18 months.