After more than two years of inactivity, two long-dormant parcels in Habersham County’s Airport Business Park could finally see movement. At least, that’s what officials hope.
The parcels – lots five and seven – have remained untouched since they were purchased by the Hutchinson organization over two years ago. The company acquired 12 usable acres at a rate of $45,000 per acre, with initial plans to spur development in the business park.
Now, given a future meeting, there are signs that progress could be imminent.
At the Habersham County Development Authority meeting on Thursday, April 17, officials announced that Hutchinson representatives have agreed to meet and discuss potential plans for a spec building on at least one of the lots.
“I’ve got some good news – there is activity on some of our vacant sites,” Partnership Habersham Executive Director Charlie Fiveash said during the meeting. “…we have been disappointed in that Hutchinson has not performed as per their agreement to move forward – there are permits out to review and plans instituted for a 15,000 square-foot building.”
Fiveash explained the proposed spec building could include three suites: one space available to pre-lease for 10 years, along with two (office and warehouse) spaces under the same roof.
“We’re glad to hear Hutchinson is kicking off this building,” Fiveash said. “It does have a pre-lease in place. What’s left to be discussed is what their intentions are on (lot) 7.”
While no projections have been made yet regarding the potential job creation or revenue from the project, the long-awaited movement has been cautiously welcomed by officials.
In recent months, the development authority has debated the possibility of repurchasing the lots due to the lack of progress. Hutchinson representatives have attributed the delays to market-related challenges.
“We’ve been advocates for that (business) park since inception,” Grant Schmeelk, a representative of the company, said in March. “We’ve worked with multiple folks. We’ve had a full set of plans, but it didn’t work out at the last minute. There’s been movement, but the market is stagnant. We’re definitely advocates of the area and looking forward to the partnership.”
There is still no timeline when work on the parcel could begin.
Habersham County Development Authority Chairman Jim Butterworth has long called for movement on that property before the board issues a potential buyback of the land, indicating he’s ready to see action sooner than later.
“We want to get some activity going,” Butterworth’s said. “The idea is to build structures and create jobs and increase the tax base. That’s the goal.”
