Lowe's may be closer to reality

By Staff
Leada Gore, Hartselle Enquirer
A zoning variance approved this week by the Board of Zoning Adjustments may be the first sign of a change in Hartselle's retail landscape.
The board approved two variances for a 27-acre site on Highway 31. The site, now home to the Slate Security System, is rumored to be the proposed site for a Lowe's Home Improvement Store. The property is now zoned for light industrial development.
McWhorter Properties of Anniston requested a variance to allow for a larger building on the site. Another request allows for a larger sign on the property.
McWhorter Properties has handled numerous Lowe's Developments in Alabama.
Lowe's officials have not confirmed they are coming to Hartselle. Company officials did say they construct two different types of stores, including one for smaller markets like Hartselle.
The smaller stores are around 94,000-square feet and employ between 75 and 100 full and part-time employees.
The prospect of Lowe's coming to Hartselle is good news to city leaders, who hope the home improvement store will be a compliment to existing businesses.
"The economy in Hartselle is strong," Mayor Dwight Tankersley said. "Our businesses will remain strong."
Tankersley said the city saw an increase in sales tax in the last fiscal year, something that would be boosted even further with a big-box retailer like Lowe's. Sales tax in Hartselle brought in $4.9 million in 2006-07, up $177,000 from last year.