Thebes officials address questions about floating bar, restaurant

THEBES, Ill. -- Village officials addressed questions about the possibility for alcohol abuse, biker gangs and strip clubs coming into the town along with a floating bar and restaurant.

Five of the six members of the Thebes Board of Trustees signed a lease allowing Neal Day to dock Grady's Barge & Grill at the village riverfront. About 15 people came to the board's special meeting Tuesday to debate the project.

"This is going to be at my front door, and I didn't know anything about it until last night," said Tamra Dougherty, who lives two blocks away from where the barge will be.

She and others said the project was not communicated to village residents. They also said they did not want to bring alcohol into the town.

"We're not looking for a full-blown tavern down there," said Mayor John Kennedy.

Other residents said they welcome new business in town.

Kennedy said he also wants to bring in law enforcement. He said he will address the board at the regularly scheduled meeting Thursday about hiring a police officer for the village.

Day has been working with the village since August to get the project off the ground. Late last year, the village passed an ordinance allowing alcohol to be sold in the town.

"This is not going to be Hells Angels came to Thebes by any means," he said, addressing concerns about biker gangs.

Day said he has plans to further develop the riverfront area once the restaurant opens. The barge restaurant, which is partially enclosed, would be in operation for about seven months out of the year, he said.

He said he has other development ideas, including a diner and a Laundromat.

Day will pay $6,000 per year to lease about six acres from the city. The lease starts March 1 and could be renewed after five years. The contract is contingent upon approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

With a signed lease from the city, Day said he can file for a permit from the corps. The corps previously denied permits for similar projects in Commerce, Mo., Scott City and Cape Girardeau, he said. He had a one-year lease from a private landowner in Commerce but did not have agreements with the cities.

With support from the village and a five-year lease, he said, he will have a better chance of obtaining a permit. He said he will know within 30 to 60 days. Day said he plans to open the restaurant in April and have a grand opening Memorial Day weekend.

abusch@semissourian.com

388-3627

Pertinent address:

6th Street Thebes, Ill.