FERRIDAY — Ferriday aldermen voted Tuesday night to begin clearing the way for a potential economic development project, but would not disclose details.

With Mayor Glen McGlothin away at a tourism convention, Mayor pro tempore Johnnie Brown and the board voted to apply for a grant that would turn the former Kelly’s Kids building on Louisiana 15 into an industrial property available to house a new potential industry.

Town Attorney Anna Ferguson said the industry has not committed to locate in Ferriday, but things are looking good as of now.

“We have a very impressive, very serious business that is working with our parish economic developer,” she said. “They are very excited about the potential that is available in Ferriday, and they are definitely looking at the Kelly’s Kids building to put a business in.”

Brown said the town can’t release any information on the company as of yet, but he will keep updating the residents as more information rises.

Brown said the city has been working to get new businesses to move to Ferriday, and that a new farmer’s market on First Street should open up in the town within the next year.

In other news:

• The board also voted to apply for a grant to restore Concordia Motel located in downtown Ferriday.

Brown said the property was given to the town, and needs to have work done in it before anyone can use the facilities.

• The board heard safety concerns from Fifth Street resident Faye Bazley regarding overgrown trees, grass and bushes on Fifth Street.

Bazley said the overgrowth is dangerous because children play on the street, and are unaware of the animal and drowning hazards that lie behind the trees.

“They don’t know that is a trap, because they can’t see any of the danger,” she said.

Brown said the board was going to send someone out this week to clear the brush and alleviate the danger.

• The board voted to pay $15,000 as part of a matching grant to provide the Ferriday Police Department with two new police cars.

FPD chief Johnny Evans said the cars will cost approximately $60,000, with $45,000 of that coming from the grant.