FERRIDAY, La. – A committee of government and civic leaders who will decide the use of the Pasternack Building is taking shape. Chris Vaughan, president of the Ferriday Chamber of Commerce, said he hopes to name members by next week to represent the chamber on the committee.

&uot;Hopefully, I&160;can call and confirm this with (the prospective members) by Monday,&uot; when the chamber holds its December meeting, Vaughan said.

Ferriday native Joe Pasternack Jr. called Councilman Sammy Davis Jr. Nov. 14 to offer the First Street building to the town for use in economic development.

The Town Council voted a week later to accept the donation.

Mayor Glen McGlothin suggested to the chamber’s executive board that a committee of civic leaders, including representatives of the chamber and town government, be formed to develop uses for the building.

&uot;I would hope they (committee members)&160;would look into possible outcomes of what the building might be converted to and how it might be renovated,&uot;&160;Vaughan said.

Ideas citizens have submitted to the town for the building’s use have included crafts, outlet, and specialty food stores; furniture and silk screening showrooms; a flea market; a coffee house and ice cream parlor; a seafood eatery; or a combination of those options.

&uot;We don’t need to rush it, though,&uot;&160;Vaughan said.

Instead, he said he hopes that all those involved in the project will take time to explore all options for use of the building.

The building, located between Louisiana and Texas avenues, housed the Pasternack’s store beginning in 1913. The building housed a variety of businesses — furniture, clothing, grocery, hardware and drug stores, said Pasternack — before closing in 1983.