Red Bay purchases more land
At Monday’s meeting of the Red Bay City Council, council members approved the purchase of 55 acres of land to be used towards the creation of an industrial park in Red Bay.
The land, known as the Whitfield property, will be purchased for the sum of $458,333.15.
Appraiser Mike Sewell of Sewell Realty was retained by the city to assist in the search for property the city could use for the industrial park and he gave the council his recommendation at the meeting.
“After several months of investigation and review of various tracts, the property known as the Whitfield property was chosen as the property that best met the city of Red Bay’s growth goals,” Sewell said. “This recommendation is based on the professionals hired to test and study the property and on my experience.”
The property passed all Phase I and Phase II testing completed by the S&ME engineering firm, which shows the land is suited for industrial and other developmental purposes.
“This is a great day for the city of Red Bay,” Councilwoman Charlene Fancher said.
“The number one issue we heard about when we were campaigning was the lack of jobs in the city. This project has been in the background for two years and I’m proud that we are now able to make a pathway for progress for our citizens.”
“Sen. Roger Bedford said it best when he said that the days of showing industries a cotton field are over,” Mayor Bobby Forsythe said. “We must be prepared whenever opportunity presents itself so that we can bring in more jobs and a better quality of life for the people of Red Bay.”
“Selecting this land was a very detailed process,” Councilman Mike Kennedy added. “We looked at many properties, especially along the new four-lane, but none of them met the criteria as well as the Whitfield property did.”
“I’m excited to see Red Bay moving in a positive direction,” Councilman Brad Bolton said. “I’m also glad that the Franklin County Industrial Board has been very supportive of the city’s efforts at industrial growth as well.”
The purchase of the property will be finalized subject to a final title insurance policy.
