Motorists have likely noticed grading underway at several locations around town. We touched base with city and county leaders to confirm what new businesses and developments are coming down the pike.
•Large grocery store chain – A major commercial project, including a well-known grocery store, will locate at the former site of the Lawson Chevrolet dealership on Highway 515.
Rumors have swirled for months that Publix would locate at that property, but according to Jasper’s Assistant City Manager Kim Goldener it is officially listed only as a large “grocery chain.” It is believed the developer will have signs announcing specifics in the near future.
Goldener recently told the Progress the city has received word from a project engineer that developers are finalizing plans and should be submitting those plans to the city for review and approval, and subsequent permitting.
The assistant city manager added that there are several outparcels in the overall grocery chain project.
“We’ve been approached by different engineering firms that are working on behalf of some well-established restaurant names regarding the site and building plan process, the city’s requirements, general permitting questions, etc., but have not received any plans as of yet,” she said. “I believe most of them are in their due diligence period prior to signing lease agreements with the overall site developer. Hopefully very soon we’ll have more information we can share on who will be coming in.”
The Progress previously reported that the city worked for months hammering out a deal between council members and staff with the developer. The city will provide enough waterline to run it from an existing line on the corner of A.W. Lawson Blvd. out Camp Road to the corner of Hwy. 515 where the old dealership site is on the north. The pipe supply was valued at roughly $33,000.
According to previous reports, the city will waive a $75,000 cost of construction aid for the developer in exchange for them installing the pipe. They are not waiving any meter fees or other costs. The construction aid amount is based on the acreage to be developed as a commercial tract. The city will also contribute up to another $40,000 for engineering and other costs with running the water line.
•Panda Express – The fast food restaurant that specializes in American-Chinese cuisine has plans to locate at the lot just north of the Murphy USA gas station on Noah Drive near Walmart. Goldener said this project is currently going through the plan review and approval process.
•Mavis Tires & Brakes – The automotive service center will locate on Noah Drive between Twins Express Car Wash and Dunkin. This project is currently under construction.
•Hive & Vine – The Facebook page describes this as a wine, beer and cocktail lounge. Renovations are currently underway at the space located at 57B N. Main Street on the backside of Pendley Creek Brewing Company, on a lower level. A Facebook post states that their “specialty will be accessible wines, [but] we’ll also offer wine-based cocktails, craft beer, and hard cider, plus a variety of refreshing non-alcoholic drink options as well.”
•Taqueria El Asador – A Mexican restaurant in the strip center on East Church Street that also houses the VA Clinic. The city confirmed they have applied for a business license, and that the business is pending a final inspection before release of the Certificate of Occupancy, which is anticipated sometime this week.
•Apartment complex – 48 units proposed for the intersection of Jonah Lane and Old Philadelphia Road. Goldener said the development is going through the plan review and approval process, but at this point there is no official name for the project.
•Apartment complex/townhomes – The city has received plans for a 152-unit apartment complex and 25-unit townhome development proposed for the property behind Ingles. This project is going through the plan review and approval process. There is no official name for this project at this time.
In unincorporated Pickens County there are fewer developments, but Ashley Craig of the Planning & Development confirmed the following:
•Dollar Generals – A Dollar General near the North Gate of Big Canoe has received its Certificate of Occupancy. Grading is underway for a Dollar General in Tate off Highway 108 near the intersection of Hwy. 53.
•Marble Hill Tavern – A restaurant in the IGA shopping center at the corner of Steve Tate Highway and Highway 53. Craig said the restaurant is awaiting alcohol license approval and clearance from the fire marshal.
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