IBD One Step Closer

The Jefferson County Industrial Development Board is one step closer to making a decision regarding the location for County owned business or industrial park. In their regular meeting on November 14, 2014, Board Members viewed a presentation by Barge Waggoner Sumner and Cannon concerning three properties that had been identified as possible locations for development.

All three sites were scored and potential issues with each location were discussed. Of the three, 536 acres at Roy Messer and hwy 113 is the largest of the three optioned properties and scored the highest for potential with a 124. According to information provided, 2/3 of the property is developable and it has good access. The Cameron property, near exit 4, received the next highest score, logging a 107. With 46 available acres, the best possible use, as is, would likely be a small business park. 70% of the property is deemed developable, however there are problem with access. The third property is the Kyte property located near hwy 92 in Dandridge. This property had the lowest score, with a 99. Problems with access also plague this site and around ½ of the 66 acres are developable, however there is a possibility of acquiring an additional 25 acres.

At the Regular Work Session, Chairman Masters informed the Jefferson County Commission that the Board is intent on finding the best location that meets the needs of the IDB, the County Commission and the residents of Jefferson County. He stated that the property that is currently under option was offered by the property owners and, while the Board may contact adjacent property owners to identify other available property, he and the Board are committed to keeping the process transparent and open.

Source: K. Depew, News Director