Landowners Amass to Battle Megasite

SOFAH Save Our Farms and Homes

L-R, Attorney Scott Hurley, Oliver Wood – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Property owners and citizens with concerns regarding the proposed Megasite that is slotted to be located on 1860 acres in the Valley Home Road area of the I-40 and I-81 split met on Saturday morning to discuss the project. Around 100 people participated in the organizational meeting of Save Our Farms and Homes, a ground roots group that is intent on stopping the Megasite from locating in the proposed area. Knoxville Attorney Scott Hurley opened the informational meeting with discussion of the certification firm of McCallum and Sweeney and other like ventures that the South Carolina based firm has had an integral part in certifying as a megasite. Hurley stated that McCallum and Sweeney had gone to 12 other communities to certify sites and that they are not occupied. The issue of conflict of interest was raised concerning McCallum and Sweeney’s relationship with both the automotive industry and the owner of the Megasite (should the site be established). Duel representation of both Jefferson County and interested automotive manufacturers was addressed as potentially problematic for taxpayers. He also discussed the recent significant labor reduction at the Clarksville, Tn Megasite, which, according to Hurley, was one of the sites that Jefferson County officials touted as a success when announcing the plans for the Jefferson County Megasite. Less than one week after the media event introducing plans for a Megasite in Jefferson County, Hemlock Semiconductor –which occupies the Clarksville Megasite- announced a reduction of 75% of their work force including 300 positions in Clarksville.

Oliver Wood and his wife Joan represent a large portion of the acreage that is sought for the Megasite. Wood informed those assembled that he would not sell his property. Hurley, who represents both Wood and the Kenleys (the other majority property owner), stated that both of his clients are committed to keeping their property. The Woods presented a list of megasites that are currently available in a multi state area and event organizers contend that some sites have been awaiting occupation for several years.

Commissioner Jimmy Carmichael, of District 9, addressed the group concerning the process to acquire funding, which will begin with a County Budget Committee Meeting on Monday, January 28, 2013 at the Historic Jefferson County Courthouse. Attendees at Saturday’s meeting received information about the land acquisition process, including eminent domain, and viewed a list of property owners that are in the affected area. Not all of those on the list received notification letters.

Hurley and Save Our Farms and Homes SOFAH  have established a website www.saveourfarms-homes.com to communicate with the community and keep the public informed. Several property owners joined the Wood and Kenley Families in seeking representation from Hurley, in an effort to have a larger voice with elected officials. The group plans to have a presence at the County Budget Committee Meeting on Monday.