Citizens Align to Oppose Commerce Park in White Pine

Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Citizens opposing the location of the proposed White Pine Commerce Park met last week to organize their efforts to derail the project. While there are multiple reasons cited from those opposing the Commerce Park, location and funding appear to top the list. Stress on roads, property value impact and proximity of an established similar park in Hamblen County were also stated concerns regarding the project. The group, along with the County Commission, is anticipating a benefit analysis for Jefferson County that would include potential numbers on employment opportunities that might become available if the Jefferson County Commission decides to invest more than $15,000,000 to start the proposed project. That information, including the potential cost, was not available at a previous Town Hall meeting and it was unclear if any benefit to cost analysis would be available before the County Commission was to hear the request for funding. Recently, it has been announced that there will be a presentation of available information to the Jefferson County Commission when they meet on Monday, March 13, 2017 for their Work Session.

Concerned citizens attending the meeting were encouraged to make their voices heard at the Jefferson County Commission Work Session and the Regular Voting Meeting, both of which will take place this week on Monday and Thursday respectively. They will also be initiating a call campaign to encourage the Commission to decline funding for the proposed Commerce Park when it is presented for funding by the County Industrial Development Board.