Date: Sun, 10 Mar 2013 12:00:15 -0400
From: Karen Crowell
Subject: a megasite in Chatham County?
Gene brought to his readers’ attention the exciting news that a “megasite” is awaiting us in the not too distant future! A signal, so it seems, has been delivered “that the push is on to develop a third site that could attract an auto plant or major manufacturer to this region.
Chatham County, technically outside the area intended for development, might be able to lure such a contract away from our neighboring county. Apparently we have plenty to offer that they don’t, including the prospect of negotiating with only two “motivated landowners” instead of a handful of Randolph County landowners who aren’t so eager to sell.
Indeed, these landowners are so motivated that their site “was assembled specifically for this. The current owners are doing the due diligence themselves. They’ve actually been trying to get the jump on the one up
here.” Well, sure they are. Think of the money they’ll make if they close on this deal!
It seems that the owners “have already done most of the engineering work to study soil, environment and other technical details.” Really? So we won’t have to? That sounds a little naive to me. We just take their word that there won’t be any problems?
“On Monday, the commissioners are expected to vote on a resolution in support of the effort. A similar resolution will be on Siler City’s agenda in a few weeks.”
It would be nice to hear more details about what Chatham citizens can expect to get out of this deal. Does having a megasite guarantee that a major manufacturer will relocate here? We are always told that development brings jobs, but the promise doesn’t come true until an employer actually shows up with offers in hand.
What incentives will our County Commissioners make to win this contract? Will it be worth the wait until the megasite fulfills its promise? These are the questions we need to ask our elected officials before they commit to supporting such a deal.
Karen Crowell