Two Businesses Request Incentives From Crossville

The City of Crossville has begun incentive negotiations with two future businesses.

Mayor James Mayberry said the prospects plan to develop property on North Main Street.

“They are like a lot of these new retailers that come to town,” Mayberry said. “They feel like they need incentives when they join your community and that’s what they are requesting.”

The unidentified businesses have requested waivers for building fees, water taps, and inspection fees. The city council will decide whether or not to grant the request during next week’s meeting.

Mayberry said granting the request could set a precedent as other national chains consider moving to Crossville.

“When it comes to industry, factories, and distribution centers, the state helps you out when it’s a big operations,” Mayberry said. “There’s no help from the state, so these [retailers] all fall on the local municipality.”

Crossville chose to waive building fees for Rural King when they began redeveloping the old K-Mart property earlier this year. Rural King also requested a tax incentive from Crossville, but Mayberry said he strongly opposed that plan.

“The problem I had with Rural King was their competition with at least 20 plus other retailers in town that had no incentives to help them start their business” Mayberry said.

Mayberyy said a no vote from the council will not keep the businesses from locating in Crossville. The developer has already purchased the property and plan to begin work at the former Ryan’s location.