Same District – Different Perspective

Jefferson County Post interview with two commissioners from County District #9 and their views of the East Tennessee Regional Megasite proposal.

Jefferson County Commissioners Daniel Estes and Jimmy Carmichael, District #9 – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Interview with Jimmy Carmichael,
County Commissioner District #9

The proposed Megasite that is slotted for the Valley Home/ Talbott Kansas Road area of the County will have a major impact on residents of District 9. County Commissioner for District 9, Jimmy Carmichael, has been open regarding his view of the Megasite and what will become of his community in the wake of the Megasite. Commissioner Carmichael, who has family property that falls within the projected footprint, stated that he was totally surprised when he was informed of the project late on Monday afternoon, January 7, 2013. Property owners were informed by letter that they were within the footprint of the proposed site on Wednesday, January 9, 2013-which was the same day that EDOC hosted a media event to announce the project. Carmichael stated that the entire process was not respectful to property owners and the community. He feels that land owner should have been contacted personally and should not have been treated in such a dismissive manner. The Commissioner stated that these are family farms and people’s homes-there are generations of traditions and commitment to the land that comes with property that has been passed down for years. He said that, as of Tuesday, he had spoken to roughly half of the property owners in the footprint and all but one was resistant to the idea of selling their land. One property owner had inherited land and was in the process of negotiating a sale for economic reasons. The announcement of the Megasite has all but killed that sale. Carmichael said that the numbers being thrown around to property owners are insulting and that he is unhappy that those in his community are feeling pressured to uproot their lives for the sake of the possibility that a large manufacturer might come to the area. He is sensitive to the fact that many property owners are fearful of eminent domain, if they elect to keep their property, and he feels that it is a very real possibility that could be costly economically and in human terms. He asserts that the entire project is “no holds barred stupidity”, especially in the current footprint. The Commissioner contends that the ground is unsuitable for the project and that farmers have trouble even burying their cattle in the proposed area. He said that he hopes that the project is exposed for what it actually is-an ill conceived idea that will impact not only those in his district but the entire County. Economically, Carmichael has serious questions on the impact to the County’s infrastructure, including schools and roads. He stated that he would need to see serious projections to vote for a Meagsite in anyone’s district and will be awaiting real numbers from EDOC. According to the Commissioner, the economic future of Jefferson County and the happiness of its residents should not rely on sketchy information and hopes of landing a big fish. Sometimes the big fish never comes and all that is left is a $300 million dollar hook and the memory of the one that got away.

Interview with Daniel Estes,
County Commissioner District #9

District Nine County Commissioner Daniel Estes was one of several Jefferson County residents that attended last week’s open house event, to further educate himself on the proposed Megasite project and connect with his constituents. Property owners in District Nine are the most heavily impacted by the proposed manufacturing Megasite. Commissioner Estes, who has no direct family or individual relationship to the proposed footprint, stated Friday afternoon that he had not received any calls from property owners and that, though some at the open house were upset, most were looking for information. Commissioner Estes said that he was informed of the project sometime around the beginning of the year, when he met with the representatives of EDOC. According to Commissioner Estes, Commissioners were invited individually to meet with EDOC and were informed of the Megasite proposal at that meeting. He said that he felt notification of property owners could have been handled differently, however the process has been more transparent than the one employed when residents were informed of the proposed Norfolk Southern Intermodal project. Because the Megasite proposal is still in the early stages, residents will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive information before any manufacturers are actually on the hook. Commissioner Estes stated that he is sympathetic to the frustration of property owners in his district and that there was no easy answer about the method that his constituents were contacted concerning their property. He is aware that some property owners are concerned about the possibility of eminent domain and he is committed to maintaining a community that is not divided. Estes believes that the sheer speed of the project will remove eminent domain, which often ties property up in court for several years, as a consideration and feels that it is outside of the timeline of this project. He said that he is encouraged that the proposal is beyond the typical industrial park and that the need for good jobs in Jefferson County is a priority. The Commissioner stated that the upfront costs associated with the certification process are small in comparison with the entire projected costs and that it could be a reasonable investment for the County. He said that projections on infrastructure impact and funding avenues that may present themselves, as well as incentive particulars, are on his short list of information needed before he signs on for approving funding for the entire project and that this is early in the process. Estes stated that he is neither 100% in favor, nor is he dead set against the proposed Megasite-he is looking for a more full picture of what the project is. Commissioner Estes is aware that all eyes are on his district and is sensitive to the decisions facing property owners in the footprint, however he said that he is also aware that this project is bigger than any one district and that, as a County Commissioner, the economic future of Jefferson County is the biggest issue.