Monday, December 17, 2007

Proposed Geneva Street district on hold

Citizen communication turned into a public hearing Tuesday at an Opelika City Council meeting after countless comments were made in reference to a proposed “Geneva Street Opelika Historic District.”

June 20, 2007

Citizen communication turned into a public hearing Tuesday at an Opelika City Council meeting after countless comments were made in reference to a proposed “Geneva Street Opelika Historic District.”

Some had expected the measure to pass, but it quickly became apparent to council members that not all citizens were in favor of a third historic district housed in the City of Opelika.

Those in favor spoke of the importance of preserving historic structures not only now but for future generations.

“Historic properties are our natural resource,” Preservationist John Marsh said. “It’s not something you can go out and get again. Once you tear it down, you can’t replace it.”

But longtime Opelika resident Joe Dean said it wasn’t right to have a body of people tell him what he could and could not do with his own property.

“If I want to tear down my house that should be up to me, not a commission that tells you that you’ve got to do this - you’ve got to do that,” Dean said. “As for me and my property, I’d like to be left out.”

Andy Bell, community development administrator, said that no change in the exterior appearance of any building, structure or site within the district would be altered, erected or demolished unless first approved by the Opelika Historic Preservation Commission.

Dean warned that the historic commission of today may not be the same down the road. “What will it be like 10 years from now?”

Whether for or against the proposal, there was a palpable sense of pride felt from both sides. Some said restoration had long taken shape on the Southside of Opelika, and it didn’t take a commission to oversee it. Others pointed to the Northside of Opelika and regaled its historic district beauty while others said the charm of Northside was there all along and did not need a commission blessing to make it so.

It seemed like both sides were seeking protection of their properties, just in different ways. Some said historic districts keep crime at bay and help keep property value at a premium while others said it had no bearing.

For now, there’s no ruling on the proposed “Geneva Street Opelika Historic District.” A public hearing on the subject was held June 7.

In other council news, a standing ovation was given to the men and women of the 206th Transportation Company, a U.S. Army Reserve unit headed to Iraq for a year. Of the more than 170 soldiers to be deployed to Iraq, approximately 80 are local.

On behalf of the City of Opelika, Council President Jerry Teel declared today, June 20, 2007, as “206th Transportation Company Day” in Opelika. A military ceremony will be held today in their honor at 1 p.m. at Opelika High School located at 1700 LaFayette Pkwy.

The public is encouraged to come out and show support. Those planning to attend the event, should be seated 15 minutes prior to commencement as soldiers are expected to start marching in at approximately 12:45 p.m.

Meanwhile a “memorandum of understanding” was approved between the City of Opelika and DeBartolo Development LLC in reference to the Shoppes at Capps Farm, a lifestyle and retail shopping center to be built near TigerTown.

Once the project is complete, it is estimated to stretch 821,971-square-feet and is expected to be $125 million capital investment.

“This will generate almost $7 million in sales tax for the City of Opelika,” Economic Development Director Al Cook said.

Area schools to get millions

Long before Gov. Bob Riley signed the record $1.07 billion education bond issue into law Wednesday, public school administrators throughout Lee County already had plans for the millions in funds coming their way.

June 14, 2007

Long before Gov. Bob Riley signed the record $1.07 billion education bond issue into law Wednesday, public school administrators throughout Lee County already had plans for the millions in funds coming their way.

The bond issue was approved by the Legislature on May 31. It’s the largest bond issue for school construction ever in Alabama and will provide funds to replace or repair decaying school buildings across the state.

Auburn City Schools will receive $4,321,704, Lee County Schools $8,297,566 and Opelika City Schools will get $3,594,574, according to figures released by the governor’s office.

Auburn City Schools will use the funds to renovate the cafeteria at Auburn Junior High School and to finish the school system’s transportation and maintenance shop project on Pumphrey Road, said ACS Superintendent Dr. Terry Jenkins.

The state education bond issue funds will also go toward installing security cameras in all of the elementary schools, Jenkins said.

Opelika City Schools will initially use the approximately $3.6 million in funds from the bond issue to serve as a financial “cushion” for the planned Opelika High School construction project, OCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors said.

The estimated $38 million OHS project, which includes renting trailers for up to two years and other associated costs, is currently on hold until funding can be secured.

If the bond issue funds are not used during the OHS project, Neighbors said the monies could go toward the future expansion of existing schools or to build a new elementary school in the growing northeast corridor of the school district.

Lee County Schools will use the approximately $8.3 million in funds to renovate schools and construct new schools, particularly in the Smiths Station area in preparation of the expansion of Ft. Benning in Columbus, Ga., said LCS Public Relations Coordinator Cindy Irvin.

Every school system in the state is required to provide a five-year capital plan to the Alabama Department of Education every year, which outlines construction needs and future plans and makes it easier for them to determine how to spend such funds.

Construction of new schools and repairs to old education buildings could begin by the end of this year, state schools Superintendent Dr. Joe Morton said Wednesday after Riley signed the law.

The bond issue divides the money with public colleges receiving 25 percent and K-12 schools 75 percent. For K-12 schools, the funds will be divided among all school districts based on enrollment, with even the smallest districts receiving at least $200,000. Morton said some larger districts will be able to mix the money from the bond issue with funds from other sources, but he said the bond issue formula assures that small rural districts without other options will receive some construction money.

Morton said some school systems that have already made plans for construction projects shouldn’t have to wait long before they receive some of the money.

“They need to be getting ready now. Hopefully some bonds will be available by the end of the year,” Morton said.

Postsecondary two-year colleges and four-year institutions will also benefit from the education bond issue. Auburn University will receive $35,546,573, according to figures released by the governor’s office.

WestPoint plant to close its doors

Opelika will face the end of an era in August.

May 30, 2007

Opelika will face the end of an era in August.

The Opelika Finishing Plant - the city’s last WestPoint textile mill - will close by Aug. 31, putting approximately 350 employees out of work, corporate officials in WestPoint Home’s New York office announced Tuesday.

The closure is part of the company’s continued efforts to expand its operations overseas, according to Carolyn D’Angelo, senior vice president of corporate marketing for WestPoint Home.

“This is not something that came out of the blue,” D’Angelo said. “It was planned in conjunction with our growth overseas.”

WestPoint officials had closed two other plants - one in Opelika and one in Lanett - in November.

D’Angelo declined to comment on the specifics regarding how the jobs would be reallocated; however, industry publications noted the company’s acquisitions of textile companies in Pakistan and the Middle Eastern nation of Bahrain last year.

In a news release, company officials said they had “applied for assistance for terminated associates from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Trade Act of 1974.”

Opelika Economic Development Director Al Cook said the closure, while “unfortunate,” came as no surprise.

“It’s been a done deal for a long time,” Cook said. “All you have to do is read the tea leaves. This whole textile-related industry - not just (in) Opelika, but also Valley, Alex City, Sylacauga, everywhere where there’s a predominant textile industry - has been a dying industry over the last 10 years.

“It’s really unfortunate, but it’s a testament to Opelika employees and management that they were able to last as long as they did,” Cook said.

It is unclear what will happen to the plant itself. D’Angelo confirmed that some of the previously closed plants have been put up for sale, although she declined to comment about the status of negotiations regarding those plants.

Whether the Opelika property will be put up for sale is “not something we would release at this point,” she said.

Cook said city officials do their best to match prospective industries they are recruiting with available facilities, and those efforts would include the WestPoint plant, if it was to be put on the market.

“Eighty percent of all the new companies that we come in contact with in some point of their search process consider available facilities,” Cook said. “...Certainly, we would use all our efforts to fill the facility and to find someone to take it if (WestPoint officials) choose to market it.”

Cook said that if there is a silver lining to Tuesday’s announcement, it is that the local economy is thriving and that new industries coming to the area have yet to begin their hiring processes.

“We’re hopeful that the affected people will be able to find employment in the area,” Cook said.

“Obviously, WestPoint is one of Opelika’s oldest industries, and it’s always a sad day when one of your oldest industries closes, but again, we’ve been very successful in the recruitment of new industry and expansion of existing industry.

“There are jobs out there, and there are going to be more jobs.”

Financial reports from American Real Estate Partners, the owners of WestPoint International Inc., indicated that its home fashion division suffered an operating loss of $39 million in the first quarter of 2007. The division’s operating losses in the same period in 2006 were $38 million, the reports said.

TigerTown landscape grows with new shopping experiences

TigerTown will soon house a Kroger complete with its own gas station, as well as restaurants such as Shane’s Rib Shack and Zaxby’s.

May 23, 2007

TigerTown will soon house a Kroger complete with its own gas station, as well as restaurants such as Shane’s Rib Shack and Zaxby’s.

Kroger, which opens this summer in TigerTown, will open its own nearby gas station next to First American Bank, according to Amy Flowers-Uphold, public relations director for TigerTown Inc. Once built, the TigerTown Kroger will join its sister store located in Auburn at 300 Dean Road.

And for all those rib lovers out there, TigerTown will soon be home to Shane’s Rib Shack to be built near TigerTown’s freestanding Starbucks. And yes, there is indeed a Shane out there, who used to have a “highfalutin corporate job,” and decided to quit that suit and tie job to dust off his grandfather’s secret barbecue recipe. He put his family to work and created Shane’s Rib Shack, according to http://www.shanesribshack.com.

Meanwhile a Zaxby’s restaurant will become next-door neighbors with Logan’s Roadhouse. Already two Zaxby’s restaurants are open in Auburn at 1659 S. College Street and 2075 E. University Drive.

And not long ago, TigerTown developer, Newton Oldacre McDonald, announced that Dick’s Sporting Goods would break ground in TigerTown sometime before Christmas. The 45,000-square-foot store at the intersection of I-85 and U.S. 280 will house all manner of sporting goods stretched across 11 specialized sporting departments. The sporting giant is known for its interactive presentations.

“I can’t tell you how many people have come up to me and said how pleased they are with TigerTown and what it means to the community,” Flowers-Uphold said. “We never expected something this nice coming to this area. This has exceeded all of our expectations. TigerTown has become a great asset to the city.”

Opelika OKs new retail center

It looks like TigerTown and The Shoppes at Capps Farm will soon be retail rivals near heavily traveled I-85.

May 16, 2007

It looks like TigerTown and The Shoppes at Capps Farm will soon be retail rivals near heavily traveled I-85.

A public hearing was held on the proposed retail commercial shopping center during Tuesday’s Opelika City Council meeting. The center, located on the southeast corner of Exit 58 off I-85, is slated to stretch 370,000-square-feet. The 62-acre property would include retail, restaurants and its own movie theatre and would also boast a children’s playground and open-air amphitheater.

The Capps proposal went through an Opelika Planning Commission review and approval process complete with a public hearing. The process was repeated with a public hearing held in council chambers Tuesday followed by ordinance approval that would essentially give the developer, Capps Family Partners LLC, a green light to move forward and turn those long-held blue prints into eye-catching structures.

“Crank the bulldozer,” Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said.

Council members approved changing a portion of the Capps Farm property from a rural district to a planned unit development.

In other council news, Opelika High School seniors Somyr C. Stephens and Desmond T. Barnett were awarded Alabama Municipal Electric Authority Scholarships. Stephens plans to use her $4,555 at the University of Alabama and Barnett will use his $2,355 at Southern Union State Community College.

The council also applauded the Opelika High School Track & Field Team for bringing home the State 6A Champion title for 1998, 1999, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006 and 2007 having won 12 consecutive sectional championships. The track team includes, Sam Trammell, Arsenio Abrams, Charles Johnson, K.R. Snipes, Quitaze Baker, Douglas Payne, Eric Slaughter, William Roberson, Phillip Baker, Rodney Johnson, Alexander Blunt, Orlando Ezell, Greg Rowe, Jay Locke, Nick Clayton, Noah Bartlett, Marquez Strickland, Andrew Fort and Tony McLeod.

Head Track Coach Bill McManus spoke highly of all the boys and especially of Trammell, a three-time wrestling champion who excels in track and football.

The council also recognized the Lion Tamers Social Club and presented it with a proclamation handed to Wilbert Payne and George H Floyd. Also Opelika police officer Richard Converse was named Officer of the Month.

Meanwhile an upcoming public hearing for a proposed Geneva Street Historic District will be held June 7 at 5:30 p.m. at the Public Works facility, according to Andy Bell, community development administrator.

Area a top spot for business

In its May issue, Inc. Magazine ranked the Auburn-Opelika area No. 19 on its Top 20 BoomTown List of best small cities to do business and ranked it No. 30 nationwide, which is 15 spots ahead of last year’s No. 45 ranking.

May 7, 2007

In its May issue, Inc. Magazine ranked the Auburn-Opelika area No. 19 on its Top 20 BoomTown List of best small cities to do business and ranked it No. 30 nationwide, which is 15 spots ahead of last year’s No. 45 ranking.

“I’m glad to see Opelika-Auburn recognized in this manner by Inc. Magazine,” Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said. “It is no surprise to me that we’re in the Top 20 of Best Small Cities or that we moved up 15 spots to No. 30 nationwide. All segments of our economy are strong. Opelika is truly a great place to live, work and raise a family. I’m very confident job growth in Opelika and Auburn will continue by expansion of existing business and new plants. Jobs, high paying jobs, provide the engine that creates residential and retail growth.”

On a slide show presentation at Inc. Magazine’s Web site, http://www.inc.com, a photo of historic Downtown Opelika graces the No. 19 spot under “The Top 20 Small Cities For Doing Business.” The Auburn-Opelika area was the only small Alabama city on the Top 20 List compiled by Michael Shires, a professor of public policy at Pepperdine University. The list was based on an employment base of less than 150,000. The Auburn-Opelika area’s hottest industries included, business services, wholesale, education and health.

“I think that both Auburn and Opelika together is an excellent area,” said Phillip Dunlap, Auburn economic develop director. “We have a major university, interstate, good quality of life, excellent school systems and all that goes into making it a desirable place to live.”

In a “Boomtowns ’07” article, Joel Kotkin writes in the magazine, “As always, our rankings put the focus on job growth, which we believe is the best measure of economic vitality. Strong job growth suggests that an economy is expanding-which means plenty of opportunity. What’s more, the Small Business Administration estimates that as many as three-quarters of new jobs are created by small companies; as a result, regions showing strong job creation are likely to be hotbeds of entrepreneurial activity. To compile the rankings, Inc. examined job-growth data, supplied by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, on 393 metropolitan statistical areas. We analyzed current-year employment growth, as well as average annual job growth over the past three years, and compared job growth in the first and second halves of the period comprising the past 10 years.”

Opelika Economic Development Director Al Cook said the area is definitely booming.

“Anytime our area is recognized as being one of the hottest areas in the country it’s a good thing,” Cook said. “This is just another bullet in our collective bandoleer.”

Meanwhile, Alabama received an award Monday in Montgomery for having the best state economic development agency. Dunlap was there to hear the announcement as Site Selection magazine named the Alabama Development Office as the winner of the 2006 Competitiveness Award. During the announcement, Gov. Bob Riley pinpointed the recent accomplishments made by the City of Auburn staff, recruiting approximately 17 companies last year and drawing in nearly $162 million in capital investment.

“He said that within the last year we had an exceptional year and that’s why (the State of Alabama) is so successful, because communities like Auburn are out there trying to recruit this business for Alabama,” Dunlap said.

Piggly Wiggly to open May 9

It’s looking Piggly Wiggly pink in Opelika along Second Avenue where doors will open May 9 at what was a long-standing Kroger store.

April 19, 2007

It’s looking Piggly Wiggly pink in Opelika along Second Avenue where doors will open May 9 at what was a long-standing Kroger store.

Given the competition of Wright’s Grocery, Winn Dixie, Wal-Mart Supercenter, The Meat Store and Kroger opening this summer in TigerTown, Mike Milligan, his dad, JT, and his brothers, Keith and Gil say there’s room in the community for all players including their Piggly Wiggly store managed by Danny Hudson.

“We hope folks will come out and see us and take a look,” Co-owner Mike Milligan said. “We hope they see things they like and will tell us if they want to see things done differently. We really want community input. This is their store.”

From Georgia peaches to Mississippi sweet potatoes, Milligan says a strong produce push is part of Piggly Wiggly’s commitment to farmers.

“We get our produce from local and regional farmers,” he said. “We feel it’s important to support our local farmers instead of having it shipped in from somewhere.”

Private Piggly brand labels are also a big draw. Milligan says the prices and quality keep customers coming back. The store will also house a deli and bakery. But the meat department is what he says is the real store showstopper.

“My dad (JT) was a meat cutter,” Milligan said. “My brothers (Keith and Gil) and I grew up learning the meat business. Our meat department is the cornerstone of what we do, it can make or break a store.”

The Opelika store will mark the 18th Piggly Wiggly owned by the Milligan family with roots in Phenix City and Columbus, Ga. JT Milligan opened the first store in 1966. And already a third generation of Milligan men are grocery groomed under the watchful eye of their grandfather and their dads. Three Milligan sons are currently enrolled at Auburn University where their dads once attended.

“We’re all big Auburn University football fans,” Milligan said.

An autographed photo of AU head football coach Tommy Tuberville will hang on a store wall. Piggly Wiggly history and historic Opelika memorabilia will also be featured there. Once doors open May 9, the store will be open seven days a week at 1515-A Second Ave. Each Wednesday, seniors will enjoy a 5 percent grocery discount.

“We’re thrilled to be here,” said Milligan of the store’s prime real estate locale along well-traveled Second Avenue. “Opelika has warmly welcomed us. We feel at home here.”

Area one of fastest growing

A new U.S. Census Bureau report ranks the Auburn-Opelika area 89th among the top 100 fastest-growing metro areas in America.

April 5, 2007

A new U.S. Census Bureau report ranks the Auburn-Opelika area 89th among the top 100 fastest-growing metro areas in America.

In the period between April 1, 2000, and July 1, 2006, Auburn-Opelika gained 10,689 residents - a growth of 9.3 percent, according to the population estimates released this week.

Huntsville was the only other Alabama city to appear in the top 100, registering a 10 percent growth rate and coming in at No. 83.

Local officials say the news reflects positively on the area.

“Wow,” Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller said when notified of the report. “What fuels this (growth) are good paying jobs and all of the industry and manufacturing and the opportunities that there are for people to be employed. People will move for good jobs and for opportunities, and I think that is one of the things that has happened.

“I’m excited about that.”

Growth in Opelika remains steady, Fuller said, noting that in the coming months, his city has a chance to break its record, not yet a year old, for the number of new homes built in a fiscal year.

Auburn Mayor Bill Ham echoed Fuller’s delight with the report but attributed Auburn’s continued growth, currently paced at about 2,000 residents per year, to residents’ satisfaction with city services.

Ham called the city’s annual citizen survey, released this week, “very telling.”

“There’s a tremendous amount of information in there ... the overwhelming numbers are very positive,” Ham said. “The quality of life and schools are still very, very big issues.”

Ham said the positive reviews Auburn consistently draws in the citizen survey show that the rate of the city’s growth has not negatively impacted residents’ quality of life.

“Nearly all the numbers, across the board, were more positive than they were the previous year,” Ham said. “I would have a concern if they were going in the opposite direction.”

Fuller and Ham agreed that the spoils of growth, such as increased tax revenue and expanding retail opportunities, come with their own challenges - especially in ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with residential growth.

“We don’t want to outrun our infrastructure,” Fuller said, noting as an example Opelika’s recent expansion of its Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant. That plant, he said, was reaching capacity, and the expansion project will allow it to serve an 1,100-home development planned at National Village.

“We work at it every day,” Fuller said. “We’re a long way from being at the tipping point, but we’ve got to be conscious of it, and we are.”

Ham said as growth continues, cooperation between Auburn and Opelika, especially on transportation issues, will be key for both cities. It is fortunate, he said, that Auburn and Opelika enjoy a good working relationship and cooperate on many projects, including public safety issues, the Auburn-Opelika Robert G. Pitts Airport and workforce development, among others.

“We’re essentially joined at the hip in so many ways,” Ham said. “A healthy working relationship with Opelika is vitally important.”

Auburn City Manager Charlie Duggan agreed, saying that municipal officials share a desire to explore “areas of cooperation” that have the potential to make government services more efficient.

“Under the current climate right now, among Auburn, Auburn University, Opelika and Lee County, I think we have as much political cooperation as has ever been enjoyed here before,” he said. “We do compete, and I don’t see that changing, because we each want what’s best for our cities. Where we go head-to-head, we’re going to fairly compete. But where we can combine, I think the willingness is there.”

More than 400 acres between interstate exits

Nearly 400 acres of property near Interstate 85 in Opelika has been purchased and is slated for development. 

February 28, 2007

Nearly 400 acres of property near Interstate 85 in Opelika has been purchased and is slated for development.

Silver Companies - a diversified real estate investment and development firm co-headquartered in Metro Washington, D.C. and Boca Raton, Fla. - invested in Opelika with its sizable purchase of more than 400 acres between Exit 64 and 66.

Each acre reportedly cost the company $25,000, and city officials say Silver wants more.

With this prime piece of Opelika real estate under its already bulging development belt, Silver has the potential to do what it did in Virginia with its “Celebrate Virginia” project.

“Located in the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford County, Va., Celebrate Virginia spans 2,400 acres along Interstate 95 between Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Va. Located at exits 130B and 133B off I-95, ‘North America’s Largest Retail Resort’ is home to a wealth of historic attractions and modern activities alike, while keeping pace with a world-class business address,” according to Silver Companies’ Web site, http://www.silvercompanies.com.

Already Silver has developed more than 11 million square feet of retail space.

Opelika Economic Development Director Al Cook said the city’s horizon is bright right now and that residents need to go ahead and pull out their sunglasses.

“We see tremendous potential for that side of the interstate between Exit 64 and 66,” said Cook in a measured tone without giving too much away.

The acreage the company recently purchased is less than 6 miles from TigerTown and what will soon be a Holiday Inn Express, which mirrors the Celebrate Virginia project which is anchored by Fredericksburg Expo and Hilton Garden Inn.

Ever since Newton Oldacre McDonald broke ground on TigerTown in 2003, investors have been making the commitment to the retail development.

Come June, Kroger is expected to open doors in TigerTown near World Market.

Silver Companies officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday. For more information about the company, visit its Web site at http://www.silvercompanies.com.

Opelika’s Old Mill could turn into lofts and hotel rooms

Three years ago, mill material was in piles at the Old Mill behind Sonic on First Avenue in Opelika. Construction crews could be seen from the road shifting those piles, and it seemed at the time that construction of the proposed TigerTown Apartments would soon turn a vacant historic mill into luxury condos.

February 27, 2007

Three years ago, mill material was in piles at the Old Mill behind Sonic on First Avenue in Opelika. Construction crews could be seen from the road shifting those piles, and it seemed at the time that construction of the proposed TigerTown Apartments would soon turn a vacant historic mill into luxury condos.

But there were unforeseen construction concerns that brought the project to a halt. Contaminated ground water on the property stemmed from a longstanding diesel tanker truck where fuel had seeped into the ground there.

The Alabama Department of Environmental Management ran aggressive tests in 2005 and completed a finalized assessment report in 2006 and even returned to the site recently to make sure all was well, according to property manager Jerry Schwarzauer, who handles the mill property owned by Johnny Dudley of Phenix City.

“We’re in the clear,” said Schwarzauer of ADEM’s approval of fuel removal from the property. “They have given us their blessing to move forward.”

Potential property buyer Mark Harris out of Atlanta, who had initially planned to convert the mill into condos three years ago, said he had to step back from the project for a year and a half. During that time, he went on to convert two mills in South Carolina into over 200 apartments.

“I walked away from the project for a year and a half to build multi-family apartments in South Carolina,” Harris said. “But I never forgot this project, and I came back seven to eight months ago and brought it back up.”

He said focus is back on the mill conversion and that what was once proposed condos is now a proposed mixed-use property where part of the mill would house 90 to 100 hotel rooms and part would house 50 to 60 apartments and/or condos.

“This is an awesome hotel site,” said Harris, who pointed out that Windham World Wide Hotels and other high-end hotels have expressed interest in the property for its hotel rooms.

Harris says having hotel rooms at the property would mean the property could reap historic tax credits to the tune of $1.5 million.

“In Alabama, there’s no revitalization credit and no mill credit, but there is a national park service credit that provides for historic tax credits,” he said. “The hitch is there’s a five-year restrictive deed where you would have to serve as a landlord, and we wanted to be able to sell the condos.”

If Windham or another hotel builds its hotel rooms at the property, the historic tax credits could come into play with Harris and general partner, Opelika Mills LLC, to serve as the required landlord.

Harris said he hopes to buy the mill from Dudley in three months and that site work, such as window replacement and concrete prep flooring, would begin at that time. He said initial work, three years ago, was about moving the industrial equipment out of the mill.

“If everybody does what they’re supposed to do, we’ll be ready to start in the next three months,” Harris said. “But this is not like building a Lowe’s or a bank. This is a $14 to $15 million project, and that’s nothing to sneeze at.”

Schwarzauer said there was a party who expressed interest in buying the property, but it would mean bulldozing the building.

“To demolish the building would be a shame,” Schwarzauer said. “We just don’t want it to come to that. We get people who come up to us all the time and say, ‘My mama and my daddy used to work at the mill.’ There’s a lot of history there. We’ve held out this long. We’ve seen what Harris did in South Carolina and believe he can do great things here.”

He said star power could be a draw, too.

“It’d be great if we could get actress Sally Field to come back here,” said Schwarzauer of the two-time Academy Award-winning actress who once graced the Old Mill with her unforgettable performance in “Norma Rae.” “I think she’d come back if we asked her to. I really do. I just don’t know how to get in touch with her.”

Economic Development Director Al Cook said the city will provide infrastructure such as installing a 4-way stop sign in front of the building and curbside streetscape.

“We’re hopeful that he’s (Harris) able to put this thing together to provide housing opportunities for that end of town,” Cook said. “The potential is absolutely there. This would be a perfect place for people who work at the hospital or business professionals.”

Opelika Northeast Industrial Park acquires acreage

An Opelika Industrial Development Authority (OIDA) request for $545,000 to help acquire 307 acres priced at $1,535,000 for the ever-expanding Opelika Northeast Industrial Park received approval Tuesday during an Opelika City Council meeting.

January 11, 2007

An Opelika Industrial Development Authority (OIDA) request for $545,000 to help acquire 307 acres priced at $1,535,000 for the ever-expanding Opelika Northeast Industrial Park received approval Tuesday during an Opelika City Council meeting.

Already the City of Opelika has secured the main chunk of change through a grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development totaling $990,000. The council voted and approved the balance of $545,000, which will come from the city’s general fund of undesignated-unreserved money.

Tenants of the Opelika Northeast Industrial Park include Wal-Mart Distribution Center, Benteler Automotive, Mando America Corporation, Jo-Ann Distribution Center, Maxforma Plastics and Daewon America, which broke ground in December and represents a $30 million investment with 170 new jobs.

The fully-equipped industrial park is on 1,900 acres in the northern portion of Opelika along Interstate 85. Utility providers of the park include Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative and Alabama Power Company, Alagasco and South East AL Gas District, Opelika Water Utilities and City of Opelika sanitary sewer.

Economic Development Director Al Cook says the addition of 307 acres will offer more industrial opportunities at the park, which in turn benefits the community at large.

“The addition of this property to our park increases the total acreage to 2,200 acres and will extend the city limits to the Chambers County line,” Cook said. “After the purchase we will have almost three-and-one-half miles of interstate frontage in our park.”

Essentially the purchase of those 307 acres means Lee and Chambers county now have a chance to house an industrial giant should one come calling.

“We were able to get that development grant to help purchase the land because of Congressman Mike Rogers and how he was able to look at the big picture here and see the possibility of two government entities working together,” Cook said. “Our Northeast Industrial Park now will join Chambers County’s industrial park; from mile marker 63 to mile marker 70 it will be one continuous industrial park with part in Lee and part in Chambers. It will be seven miles of industrial property, and that’s a pretty good deal. If something big should come along, we’ll both be more than ready.”

In other council news, Bob Merrill has been appointed as the city’s new Municipal Court Clerk. Merrill replaces long-time city employee Elaine Kirby, who retired in December after more than 30 years of city service. Also during the council meeting, Margie Cannon was appointed to the Opelika Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. Cannon replaces Djaris Hall, who recently passed away.

Meanwhile, street milling will continue today and throughout the weeks ahead as part of the city’s aggressive five-year resurfacing campaign. East Alabama Paving crews will be working at Third Avenue from Fifth Street to 10th Street and 10th Street to 12th Street; Fifth Avenue from 10th Street to Dead End; Sixth Avenue from Eighth Street to Floral Street; Floral Street from Fourth Avenue to Victoria Avenue; Seventh Avenue from Eighth Street to 10th Street; 10th Street from Second Avenue to Past the Y at Renfro; Eighth Avenue from Fifth Street to Eighth Street; Denson Drive from McClure Avenue to India Road; Sixth Avenue from Rocky Brook Road to Past Fourth Street; Preston Street from Fourth Avenue to Etowah Street; Fox Trail from US 431 to Dead End; and Fox Trail within the Public Works compound.

For a complete road resurfacing list, visit the City of Opelika Web site, http://www.opelika.org.

High-end RV park planned for Auburn

Mathan Holt has plans to bring a luxury RV condominium park to his University Station Motorcoach and RV Resort located two miles west of Auburn on Alabama Highway 14.

November 24, 2007

There is no place like home, but there is a new place for “homes on wheels” planned for Auburn.

Mathan Holt has plans to bring a luxury RV condominium park to his University Station Motorcoach and RV Resort located two miles west of Auburn on Alabama Highway 14.

Holt said having their RV here is convenient for people because it is already set up, and they save money because fuel is so high driving back and forth.

He said the resort has grown in popularity to the point he wants to make it into something permanent.

“I’m planning on building at least 500 lots in the back with all kinds of amenities,” Holt said. “Among those I am going to have some leased lots, and also going to have some RV condominium lots so they can buy the lot and get a deed.

“This is a fairly new concept in the RV industry, but there are several of them around,” he said.

Two luxury RV parks are in operation, or in the planning stages, in the region. One is Bull Dog near Athens, Ga., and the other is Bella Terra Resort near Gulf Shores.

Holt said a Web site for his luxury resort will be up and running by the first of the year.

“What I have started doing this year is talking to all the RV folks about the lots and asking them about what kinds of amenities they would like to have when I do this.

“I want to utilize the existing environment, the natural setting here,” he said. “I want to work around the nice big trees and have a couple of small ponds. I plan on having walking trails and low-speed vehicle trails for people to drive around.”

Some of his plans include the shuttle bus on gamedays; restrooms and showers; a pet kennel; a fueling area; a wash, repair, service and maintenance area and a basic RV parts store.

“These folks are from Texas, California, Kentucky, Georgia, Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida and all over,” he said, “and don’t know were to get those things in this area if they need them.

“I also plan on having a covered pavilion that we are going to use as (an) entertainment venue for bluegrass, country or gospel shows and family reunions. There will be a stage, some dressing rooms and some meeting rooms for the RV people during football season. They will be able to sit around, eat and socialize in the shade, or out of the rain.”

Holt said his present resort was opened in 2000 as the Eagle’s Nest.

“At the time, there was just a little fenced in area next to the store and people just stored their RVs there for the ballgames. They kept them there during the season because they didn’t want to drive them all the way back,” he said. “There were no hookups or anything.”

He said the park has grown each year after that.

“Some of them said it sure would be nice if we had some water and somewhere to dump our sewage, so I fixed that up for the next year. Then they said it sure would be nice to have some electricity so we could plug in our battery chargers and keep our refrigerators cold, so I fixed that.”

He said the park continues to grow.

“Over the years, I added 25, 50 or 75 spaces, and every time I add some I fill them up,” Holt said. “And I’ve got 60 something on the waiting list for next year.”

He said this year he started a shuttle service to take campers to campus on gamedays.

Auburn lands two new businesses

In a matter of days, the City of Auburn welcomed two new industries, CNJ Tech Inc. and ToolCare US, that are expected to bring a total estimated capital investment of $18.4 million and create approximately 35 new jobs in the coming years.

November 7, 2007

In a matter of days, the City of Auburn welcomed two new industries, CNJ Tech Inc. and ToolCare US, that are expected to bring a total estimated capital investment of $18.4 million and create approximately 35 new jobs in the coming years.

Auburn’s city manager said the city is starting to bring industry into the new technology park.

“We are very excited about the two new industries,” said Auburn City Manager Charlie Duggan. “Our economic development department works very hard in trying to find businesses and industries that match Auburn.

“I know it is not often that people realize this, but there are quite a few projects we pass on because we don’t think they are good for Auburn.

“One of these is a tool manufacturing company and that is very important because they provide services to these other industries.

“We are excited about them locating here and we are looking forward to getting underway on our new technology park,” Duggan said.

Both industries are bringing their first US-based operations to Auburn.

CNJ Tech Inc. first phase will result in an estimated capital investment of $15.66 million and approximately 25 jobs and will locate in Auburn’s Industrial Park located off of Shug Jordan Parkway on Teague Court. The company specializes in the machining of precision parts including brake discs and knuckles.

ToolCare US International LLC is expected to create 10 new jobs over the next two years with an initial capital investment of $2.8 million and will locate in Auburn Technology Park North. The company will serve a variety of industries for their tooling needs, including prototype molds, die-cast tooling, fixtures and gauges, stamping tools, blow-molding tools and plastic-injection molds as well as offer complete maintenance and repair programs for tools.

Economy can absorb layoffs

Nearly 100 people are losing their jobs, depleting the workforce at one of Auburn’s major industries, but it’s not expected to hurt the local economy.

October 24, 2007

Nearly 100 people are losing their jobs, depleting the workforce at one of Auburn’s major industries, but it’s not expected to hurt the local economy.

Cary Cox, director of workforce development with Auburn Training Connection, said it’s unfortunate that 90 Briggs & Stratton employees will be out of jobs soon, but, “if there is ever going to be a time to be laid off, this is it.”

His optimism is based on the simple fact that Auburn has so much industry coming in right now, these people will be absorbed back into the workforce rather quickly.

“We’re booming right now. If you were going to be laid off and have bad news, this is a good time because we’ve got industry that’s expanding, we’ll have new industry coming in with the announcement of Kia, plus Kia hiring as well.

“We won’t have any problems placing these workers,” he added.

ATC worked with Briggs & Stratton last year to conduct a job fair when 200 assembly line workers and machinists were laid off. Cox said a fair will not be held this time, but added that the state has programs for those workers interested in seeking assistance or training opportunities.

The industry Cox refers to is primarily associated with the Kia plant coming to West Point, Ga. Not only will it need workers, but existing suppliers of the motor company will need additional staff as well as new suppliers to Kia. Area economic development officials will not disclose the names of said suppliers.

Officials at Briggs & Stratton told employees of the job cuts at the start of each shift Monday.

“My understanding is it’s all weather-related,” Cox said. It is in no way is a reflection on production or the quality of the company, he added, but simply with a lack of severe weather, demand for portable generators produced by Briggs & Stratton is down.

Briggs & Stratton is the world’s largest producer of air-cooled gasoline engines for outdoor power equipment, according to the company Web site.

Seasonality was the reason for last year’s job cuts as well.

City council approves changes to dates and fees for business licenses

The due date and late fees for Auburn business’ payment of business license fees are changing.

October 17, 2007

The due date and late fees for Auburn business’ payment of business license fees are changing.

The Auburn City Council approved changing the due day for business license fees, changing the late fee penalty and establishing a new delivery license fee category during Tuesday’s regular meeting.

The council approved moving the due date from the last day of February to Feb. 15, changing the late penalty from 25 percent to15 percent for the first 15 days, increasing the late penalty to 30 percent for fees more than 15 days delinquent, and creating a delivery license fee for some businesses located outside the city making deliveries into the city.

Before the regular meeting, Phillip Dunlap, the city’s economic development department director, made a presentation on widening Beehive Road in a joint project with Lee County which will split the cost of $1,668,872 between the two governments at $834,436 each. The widening is needed to help bring an expected 2,400 jobs to the Auburn Technology Park West. Widening of the county road is necessary because of the increased number of large trucks expected to come with the tech park’s new industries.

On the recommendation of the city’s planning commission, the council approved two rezonings involving property that was zoned as Redevelopment District (RDD).

One was an application by Tom Hayley/Terry Holdridge for Tiger Crossing, 435 N. Dean Road, which was approved for a zoning change from RDD to Comprehensive Development District (CDD). Changing the zoning to CDD will allow the property owner to change tenants within the building without having to seek conditional use approval as required in the RDD zoning.

The other rezoning was for Jay Conner’s application and the council agreed to amend the Tuscany Village Planned Development District (PDD) and remove approximately 95.61 acres from the PDD. The property is Lot 1 of the Tuscany Village Plat Revision of Tuscany Hills Parcel which is an administrative subdivision which divided Lot 1 from the remainder of the Tuscany Village PDD.

The council authorized the mayor and city manager to execute contracts for:

• replacing the 31-year-old communications tower located behind the public safety administration building with a new 260-foot, self-supporting tower at a cost of $139,708. Sabre Communications in Sioux City, Iowa, was the low bidder. Southern Company has agreed to a multi-year lease so they can locate their equipment on the tower. The city expects additional lease agreements with other cellular providers to generate
• the Timberwood Sanitary Sewer Extension Project at a cost of $1,243,725. The project is part of the Wastewater Treatment and Disposal Master Plan approved in August 2005.
• the Richland Road South Sewer Project at a cost of $350,197. The project will extend the existing sanitary sewer system to serve the new tennis center, elementary school and any future development, and
• Phase 1 of Auburn Technology Park West at a cost of $2,698,437.50. The project will provide road access, utility infrastructure and an amenity area. Phase 1 opens up 260 of the 375 developable acres for industrial development.

At the request of the Industrial Development Board, members approved the use of $90,000 from the revolving loan fund for a parking lot expansion at Hoerbiger Automotive Comfort Systems, 284 Enterprise Drive; a package of incentives for “Project Brum Beat,” a British tool and die company; and a conditional use approval for an industrial use at Lot 4, a 1.93-acre lot in Auburn Technology Park North at the southeast corner of West Veterans Boulevard and Cox Road.

Bill James, the city’s public safety director, and Matt Jordan, a battalion chief with the fire division, were recognized by the Auburn University Center for Governmental Services for achieving certification for Emergency Management for Government and Public Sector by completing the required five courses in 10 weeks.

The Auburn City Manager Charlie Duggan announced two board vacancies on the parks and recreation advisory board.

Any individual interested in serving on any of the city’s board should contact the city manager at city hall.

The council’s committee of the whole will meet at 6:15 p.m. with the regular meeting at 7 p.m. in council chambers at 141 N. Ross St.