A major development with three national businesses will soon start taking shape in Jasper, according to an announcement by Mayor David O’Mary during Tuesday’s meeting of the Jasper City Council.
O’Mary couldn’t release the names of the businesses but said an announcement naming the businesses could come within a week.
“I’m really excited about this,” he said. “This is will be a much welcomed addition to the City of Jasper.”
An Atlanta-based developer has purchased the former Crump Nissan car dealership property, located near the intersection of Highway 78 and Viking Drive, which is where the businesses will be located.
O’Mary said the developer sent an application requesting economic incentives.
“We talked about that this past Friday at the work session, and I shared what I would suggest as an economic incentive package for this development,” he said.
With no objections from council members on Friday, O’Mary said the city wrote to the developer’s attorney on Friday electronically. The city received word late Monday the developer has accepted the proposal and will move forward.
“What I will share today is that we will have a multi-national brand and a national brand located on our retail corridor. There will be a third business there that has yet to be determined yet, but I think we’ll know that in the next few weeks,” O’Mary said. “That is really good for our city, because it speaks volumes for our business climate.”
O’Mary said economic incentives are a must in recruiting businesses to any city or area. The incentives in this project were not announced during the mayor’s comments.
“It would be nice if we could get these type of developments without having to give economic incentives, but if we didn’t offer the economic incentives then we wouldn’t be competitive and we’d be a tumbleweed town,” he said.
There is already construction taking place near the property O’Mary spoke about on Tuesday. That location, adjacent to the former Popeye’s Chicken, will be a broad scope dental practice based out of Birmingham, O’Mary told The Community Journal on Tuesday afternoon.
O’Mary also spoke of a development of Interstate 22.
“We learned of a major property acquisition on the south end of Industrial Parkway, and in a couple of days the senior leadership from a major travel center will be here to begin to put the finishing touches on a major travel center,” he said.
O’Mary said business in a city is the roots that “drives a a $34-35 million budget that we can pay for playground equipment and all that sort of things.”
“I’m excited about this,” O’Mary said. “We’re on a lot of people’s radar screens, and I think we’re going to stay there. I really think the future is bright for our city, and I don’t see it reversing course.”
In other business, the council:
• Held a public hearing and approved a retail wine and beer license for off-premise consumption for RAI Food Mart LLC, located at 1206 Highway 69 South.
• Heard a report and recommendations from city purchasing agent Jessica Cook on awarding bids for:
Exclusive non-alcoholic beverage rights to Coca-Cola.
Grease, oil and lubricants to W.H. Thomas Oil Co.
Grounds maintenance at New Prospect Cemetery to Premier Lawn Service.
Grounds maintenance at Gay Reed Cemetery to Eddie Mills Lawn Service.
•Approved Cook’s request to renew contracts for:
Fuel with Petroleum Traders Corp.
Tree removal services with Newman Tree Service.
On-call concrete services with Suburban Concrete.
The council also approved Cook’s request to send out bid invitations for pool chemicals.
• Adopted an amendment to the city’s budget in order to provide funds to purchase a mower, for the upcoming SIAC Softball Tournament that is scheduled for Saturday through Monday at Memorial Park, and an ALDOT audit.
• Introduced an amendment to the budget to purchase a 2014 Ford pickup for the Memorial Park Natatorium, a van to be used for animal control, and a commercial washer for the Jasper Police Department.
• Approved a request from O’Mary to provide emergency funding of $55,000 for repairs to a 2003 CAT loader used at the city landfill.
• Approved an ordinance to amend the garbage ordinance concerning landfill fees for the disposal of tires.
• Approved the appointment of Robert Epps to the Jasper Waterworks and Sewer Board.
