Baxter officials are reopening discussions with Food City as the city experiences a surge in residential growth and potential commercial interest.
Mayor Danny Holmes said he and city staff reached out to the grocery chain and confirmed the company is willing to meet for further talks. Holmes said he feels positive about the renewed communication.
“So that doesn’t mean we’re getting a grocery store, but it does mean that they are willing to talk to us again and, you know, I feel good about it,” Holmes said. “Of course, I felt good about it last time and it just didn’t happen.”
Building Inspector Bob Lane said the city currently has 22 new residential houses under construction, including 15 on Main Street and six townhouses. Lane said the increase in “rooftops” is beginning to attract more inquiries from commercial developers interested in property near the interstate.
“I feel like we’re about to turn the corner with that, but that’s all I have,” Lane said. “Hopefully we’ve got enough rooftops now to start attracting businesses.”
Holmes said the city has also been contacted by an unidentified auto parts store interested in opening a location. Lane said he is receiving various calls from parties interested in different areas of the city, though specific details remain confidential.
“Got about three remodels going on, little bit of commercial stuff going on and there’s rumors floating around, I’m getting some calls, I can’t tell you everything, there’s some people calling, interested in some things that may be going on around the interstate, different places,” Lane said.
Holmes said the city’s growth is driven largely by the reputation of local schools and athletics. Lane said the current construction includes a mix of residential projects on Main Street, First Avenue, and the townhouses.
Holmes said the city has not yet set a specific date for the upcoming meeting with Food City representatives.
