East Ridge officials hear from developer John Healy
A new Zaxby's will be built across from Bass Pro Shop at I-75's Exit 1 in East Ridge, developer John Healy said Thursday night.
He said other restaurants and hotels are also coming to the Jordan Crossing site at the entrance to Camp Jordan Park.
Mr. Healy said he hopes to make a "significantly larger" announcement soon.
The East Ridge City Council, at a special called meeting, approved using $1 million of the city's state road aid funds for a $3 million improvement of the entrance to the new development.
Mr. Healy said the current road would not be adequate for both Bass Pro Shop and the additional development that is coming.
He said half of the Bass Pro Shop construction trailer has arrived and the other half should be here soon. He said Bass Pro Shop should pull its construction permit on Monday.
Thad Jablonski, East Ridge finance director, said the city received its final permit payment from Bass Pro Shop earlier Thursday.
It was agreed that the city will pay $500,000 in fiscal year 2016 and $500,000 in fiscal year 2017 to widen the roadway.
Mayor Brent Lambert said County Mayor Jim Coppinger was on board for the county to contribute $1 million. The other $1 million would come from the state.
The developers are handing over the completed plans for the road improvements and that will be bid soon.
Mr. Healy said, "It is very important that we improve this road. Without it we would not be able to complete the full gamut of the development."
East Ridge is hoping for a tax windfall from the development down the road - accelerated by its being under the Border Region Act that gives incentives to cities on the state's borders to come up with major economic development projects.