By Alan Johnson, EDC (Economic Development Commission) Board member
The May 24 meeting started with a detailed update from Dexter Muller, the City’s Economic Development Consultant. He stated that the first phase of the economic development had been identifying available commercial properties and determining if there were any potential obstacles to development, such as sewer and utilities. A comprehensive site file has been established and is posted on the www.comediscoverlakeland.com website. The site has already produced inquiries, which have resulted in the purchase of commercial property along U.S. Highway 64. Sewer options for the property have been established and several options for development are currently being discussed.
Another part of the strategy has been to meet with current owners of key commercial properties to determine their interests and to motivate them to begin development and/or consider partnerships to facilitate development. Mr. Muller has been working closely with City Planner Cory Brady and Lakeland Chamber of Commerce Director Brittney Buchanan. Mr. Muller and Mrs. Buchanan have met with 12 key commercial property owners to discuss options and needs. Several options are being discussed, but no announceable decisions have yet been made. Of key interest to the EDC is the northeast quadrant between I-40, Canada Rd. and Beverle Rivera, some of which is undeveloped and some of which has existing development. The desire is for a more efficient, more coordinated, more aesthetic outcome. This area was previously included in a Small Area Plan strategy https://www.lakelandtn.gov/documentcenter/view/6451 that was commissioned by the EDC and was openly vetted, considering input from local citizens, commercial developers, multiple boards, various professionals and other interested parties.
Now that the various commercial property owners have been engaged, Mr. Muller and the EDC discussed shifting some focus toward engaging end users of the commercial space. I.e. retail businesses, local franchises, restaurants, professional services and tenants. Creating an interest with these end users will lead to a demand for commercial development and tenants can be connected with or introduced to interested developers.
Other topics of discussion included the need for sewer supporting other key areas of commercially zoned property. City Engineer Emily Harrell is assessing current needs, options for service and options for funding. The possibility of coordinating with Shelby County regarding their recruitment efforts for the Memphis Opportunity Package (corporate headquarters and advanced manufacturing, i.e. medical device, etc…) was also discussed. This would involve the EDC developing a PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes) policy and guidelines. Mr. Muller advised that this would be a prudent step and that PILOT incentives were sometimes the preferred and most appropriate economic development tool to attract businesses.
An update on The Lake District (TLD) was discussed and included the following key developments:
- Osaka Restaurant has committed to The Lake District
- A leading beauty salon has agreed in principle to locate in TLD
- A popular restaurant chain in Shelby County has agreed in principle to locate in TLD
- Keith Allen, a prominent custom homebuilder has formalized a relationship with TLD to construct single-family homes
- Billy Rogers, a well-established agent for Crye-Leike, has formalized a relationship with TLD to coordinate and help manage prospects for single-family homes
- A grading permit has been obtained, clearing the way for preparation of the site for infrastructure and development. (A land disturbance permit was approved for TLD by the Municipal Planning Commission/Design Review Commission this month on the condition that the property be acquired prior to issuance of the permit.)
In the next three or four weeks, the names of the new businesses and several others will be announced.
Mr. Brady provided updates including:
- Regions Bank is now open
- The Pet Hospitals is now open
- A conditional permit has been issued to Gateway Tire for expansion
- Rainbow Daycare has received conditional approval for their Final Site Plan
- Modifications to the Sign Ordinance, Tree Management Ordinance, and Planned Development Ordinance are being finalized
- Final Plat for 32 lots in Evergreen Manor has been approved
- Site work on 39 lots in Herons Ridge underway
- Site work on 24 lots in Kensington Manor underway
- Site work on 25 lots in Winstead Farms underway
Other agenda items addressed include:
- An increase in funding of $500/month to the Lakeland Chamber will be recommended by the EDC to BOC (Board of Commissioners). The Chamber currently acts as a significant marketing arm for the City and the increase in funding will provide more resources to be allocated to this function.
- A recommendation to the BOC will be made to continue the Economic Development Consulting contract with Dexter Muller. Muller has played a key role in engaging interest in Lakeland’s economic development and he will continue to be an asset in these efforts going forward.
- Stakeholders from the Chamber will be invited to next month’s meeting to solidify a Marketing Committee and a plan to execute continuing initiatives from the Lakeland Marketing Plan.
