Satisfactory.
Following a year that included a lawsuit that was settled with the Carter County Commission, Sam LaPorte, attorney and Carter County Tomorrow (CCT) member, told members that things are looking up heading into 2017 during the group’s regularly scheduled meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 7, inside the Elizabethton/Carter County Chamber of Commerce & Tourism facility.
“I would say it has been a satisfactory year,” he said. “I’m glad to see that things are moving forward in a positive direction and I appreciate all the work each of you have put in.”
Economic Developer Jon Hartman provided an update on the Matheson Property, known as the Alcoa Building, located on State Line Road in Elizabethton.
During the September CCT meeting, members voted to provide $5,000 to be provided for a Phase II environmental study to help the facility be ready for a developer. Hartman added he received two bids for the study, with the lowest bid coming in at $12,400 and the highest at approximately $20,000.
“It’s not unusual for a finding to pop up,” LaPorte said about a Phase II study, adding that most of the time findings can easily be taken care of.
Along with the $5,000, Hartman added he spoke with the Matheson family for possible funding to help cover the cost of the study.
Along with the property on State Line, Hartman added that he is working with the City of Watauga about bringing in a possible retail establishment.
To go along with possibile businesses coming into the region, Hartman added that tax-increment financing (TIF) is looking to move forward. The developer added that an attorney is looking to be retained to help make sure policies are in place to begin TIF projects within West Elk Avenue. The project is going to be assisted by Attorney G. Mark Mamantov with Bass, Berry & Sims PLC, based out of Nashville.
When asked about the possibility of having TIF implemented by Dale Fair, Hartman said he expects the TIF to go into effect for projects in 2017.
Carter County Tourism Coordinator Kayla Carter also provided an update from the county’s tourism efforts, which includes the recently formed tourism council, featuring a handle of representatives from different businesses and organizations within the county to promote tourism.
Carter added she had recently applied for a $20,000 grant to help receive a master plan from the state to help bolster tourism, started an e-newsletter, provided a presence on social media to help promote the area. Carter County has received interest from other cities across the state and has even impacted areas including New York, New Jersey and Illinois.
Tonya Stevens, Chamber of Commerce director, added the recent Downtown Elizabethton Christmas Parade featured around 70 entries. While adding the parade was successful, Stevens added she received complaints about vendors during the parade and that the matter would be addressed for future parades. The Chamber has also welcomed 10 new members, recently provided over $3,500 to two organizations within Elizabethton High School after a “successful” Taste of Carter County event, Stevens added. The Chamber’s next project coming up is the legislative breakfast.