Products Mart catches more flak over land deal

By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
A South Cedar Cove resident wants the State Products Mart Authority disbanded because it is efforts in purchasing 175 acres of land nearby for a future agribusiness development.
Ivan Self spoke to the Morgan County Commission following its regular meeting Dec. 8. He asked the governing body if it has the authority to disband the organization since it has responsibility for appointing its board members.
County Commissioner Jeff Clark said no.
They are a stand- alone appointed body similar to a water board. However, we may have the only such body still active in the state. Many of them have disbanded voluntarily. Otherwise, it would take an act of the State Legislature (to disband),” Clark said.
Property purchased on Monday
Earlier this week, the Authority moved ahead to buy the property, as an investment not as a future site for the Morgan County Fair or other agribusiness developments, according to Ed Monroe, chairman.
The farm was purchased from Linda Newman and Gary Thompson for $760,000. property
That’s not enough assurances for Cedar Cover residents, however.
Self said he spoke for the majority of people who live within three miles of the property in question. More than 150 people signed a petition opposing the land purchase and about 75 of them voiced their disapproval at a public hearing conducted by the Products Mart on Dec. 4.
At that meeting, a “visionary concept” for the future development of the property was introduced. It consisted of an RV campground, Agribusiness center, automotive complex with asphalt and dirt tracks and an equestrian center. Nothing was designated for a 26-acre tract.
Commission Chairman John Glasscock informed Self that the commission would take his questions and concerns under advisement and get back to him with answers and comments at a later date.