FLORENCE — The next city administration in Florence will be getting a list of priorities for downtown from the merchants association.

In a meeting this morning of Downtown Florence Unlimited, several topics were brought forward for a more formal list that will be delivered to City Hall when the new mayor and council take office Nov. 5.

In fact, City Councilman Dick Jordan, whose district includes the downtown, encouraged the group to give the new administration the list of what they would like to see happen during the next four years.

DFU President Van Morgan said one of the most important concerns is what will become of Eliza Coffee Memorial Hospital if the state approves construction of a replacement hospital, which would be built off Helton Drive in east Florence.

An empty, multi-story building on the edge of the downtown business district is a worrying proposition for merchants. Russell Pigg, chief executive officer of the hospital, said his company will work with city officials and others should the state clear the way to build the new hospital.

“The plan to redeploy the hospital will be a high priority for DFU,” Morgan said.

Other issues mentioned during the meeting at Dish Cafe were opening an entrance to the parking deck on Mobile Street, establishing an entertainment district downtown, and building a bridge on West College Street to the sportsplex off Alabama 20.