Hall Commissioners support agreement for new industrial park

GAINESVILLE - Hall County commissioners said Monday morning they are "on board" with an intergovernmental agreement, option to purchase and sale agreement for the new industrial park on New Harvest and Calvary Church roads near the new Hall County jail.

Gainesville City Council agreed to the transfer of the site to the Gainesville/Hall County Development Authority last week. The authority would sell the land to Gwinnett Industries Inc., a subsidiary of Pattillo Construction Company, the developer.

Commissioners cited a Calvary Church right of way issue because of an existing cemetery, but Chairman Tom Oliver said it would not stop road improvements to support the park.

Public Works and Utilities Director Ken Rearden said a road re-alignment design using curb and gutter on a 24-foot section would allow improvement through the cemetery area.

County Administrator Jim Shuler said right of way would be narrow with the cemetery on both sides of the road but it would not be noticeable.

"I think we've got that worked out," Oliver said. "The good part is we've already got the infrastructure there, the sewer and water going down to the jail."

Added Oliver: "This is a piece of property that has no value essentially and we're turning it into a gem. The city is to be commended for taking the lead and we're glad to work with them."

City council put the land transfer on its consent agenda last Thursday during a work session and votes on it during a regular session Tuesday morning.

Tim Evans, vice president of economic development with the Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce, said the jail location made the industrial site development possible because of the water and sewer installed for the jail.