Multiple Megasite Proposals Targeting Auto Industry Revealed – SOFAH Prepares for Worksession

SOFAH Meeting, March 9, 2013 - Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

SOFAH Meeting, March 9, 2013 – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

The Save Our Farms and Homes group met on Saturday afternoon to make plans in advance of the upcoming Jefferson County Commission Work Session and County Budget Meeting on Monday evening. Attorney for the group, Scott Hurley, stated that the opposition group continues to hold 1400 acres of the proposed 1800 for the East Tennessee Megasite slotted for the Valley Home area of Jefferson County. Property owners gathered to discuss recent developments that are of concern for those in and outside the footprint of the proposed site. Hurley presented evidence of several other proposed Megasite locations that are associated with the Certification firm McCallum and Sweeney. The sites discussed were in multiple States in the South and all were in the hunt for an automotive manufacturer. Hurley said that he requested accurate information regarding the status of any property options that might exist outside the 1400 acres that are represented by his firm, however he has received no credible information that there has been any further advancement (beyond the initial 400 acres which are reported to be both in and out of the main footprint) in procuring options. The group has plans to attend the Budget Meeting and County Commission Work Session on Monday evening and will have a joint meeting with the New Market and Strawberry Plains residents who have a shared interest in property owner rights next weekend.

Source: K. Depew, News Director