A major project, possibly a shopping center that could include a Bass Pro Shop, is in the works for Decatur-annexed portions of south Limestone County, but officials are remaining mum—until Monday.
Decatur attorney Barney Lovelace, who represents the landowner, said Thursday a confidentiality agreement prevented him from discussing the project before Monday.
Athens Electric Department Manager Gary Scroggins spent Wednesday afternoon meeting with Decatur officials to discuss energy needs in Decatur-annexed areas.
“We actually met on several subjects having to do with our capacity and serving that area,” Scroggins said. “I don’t believe they are ready to announce the project.”
“It’s pretty big and we have to consider the whole area if we need to build a new substation—we have to know if we can carry the power load,” said Athens City Councilman Ronnie Marks.
One Athens city official, who asked to remain anonymous, said he heard that Bass Pro Shops was among those considering the site. The company bills itself as the “world’s leading supplier of premium outdoor gear” for fishing, hunting, camping, golfing and marine activities. It also sells electronics, apparel, footwear, gifts and home items.
There are Bass Pro Shops in 26 states, including Prattville and a location announced for Spanish Fort in December. There is also a store in Toronto, Canada.
Decatur Mayor Don Kyle did not return multiple telephone messages Thursday.
One Decatur city councilman said, “Everyone connected with the city had to sign a confidentiality agreement.”
John Seymour, president and chief executive officer of the Decatur-Morgan County Chamber of Commerce, said there is “no kind of agreement.”
“I know we’ve had conversations with a lot of different retailers, but there’s nothing official,” Seymour said. “There’s just nothing to comment on.”
Exactly four years ago, developer Michael Belew pulled the plug on a proposed retail center in the Alabama 20 corridor because he couldn’t get infrastructure funding. Plans were for a $450 million shopping center that was projected to generate 5,000 jobs and $9 million in annual sales-tax revenue and another $2.2 million in property tax revenue.
Belew, the managing partner of the Burnham Group LLC of Kansas City, said the proposed Tennessee Valley Crossing project was dead in March 2004 because an incentive package for infrastructure did not come about.
The incentive package would have earmarked sales-tax revenues to pay off a bond issue for infrastructure construction. The measure initially failed to gain the necessary unanimous support of the Decatur City Council, so developers brought the package to the Limestone County Commission, hoping to gain support for incentive legislation.
However, a resolution of support was never included on the commission agenda and the developer began to look elsewhere.
Local News
Major mall in works?
- Local News
-
-
Ala. House starts session with job creation bills
The House also approved bills offering tax incentives to coal mining businesses and to data processing companies.
-
Judge: Bishop inquest transcript to be made public
Bishop is in prison awaiting trial, charged with opening fire on her co-workers at the University of Alabama in Huntsville in February 2010, killing three and wounding three.
-
Gas prices up; could hit $4 by spring
Gas prices have risen steadily over the past several days to above the $3.30 mark in most locations across the state.
-
Williams reflects on 1st week of session
With the first week of the 2012 Alabama Legislative session in the books, Rep. Dan Williams, R-Athens, is enjoying a victory after the House passed a jobs bill that includes an amendment he sponsored.
-
Cook, eat or bid on goods at upcoming Chili Challenge
The 24th annual Hospice of Limestone County Chili Challenge and Silent Auction will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, at Athens High School. - AMVETS offer free membership
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Calhoun offers course in solar energy
he Alabama Center for Excellence in Clean Energy Technology at Calhoun Community College is offering a 40-hour course for those interested in learning the basics of solar photovoltaic design and installation.
-
Shot of winter coming this weekend
The cooler weather is in stark contrast to the unseasonably warm and wet winter that has impacted the Tennessee Valley.
-
Sex offender arrested for failing to register
- More Local News Headlines
-
Ala. House starts session with job creation bills
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
