In July, Rockdale residents were thrilled when a Tennessee-based development company announced plans for a “major” retailer to locate on a West Cameron Avenue (US 79) location which was once envisioned as the site for Rock-dale’s new police department.
It’s not going to happen.
City Manager Chris Whittaker told The Reporter he had been advised one of the venture’s three financial backers had pulled out of the project. “It’s not going to happen,” Whittaker said. “In fact we have posted, and advertised, a notice of bids and the property is for sale again by the city. Whittaker said the city had never signed a contract with the developer so there were no legal issues involved.
BID SPECS—Originally the property’s price was set at a minimum of $250,000 by the city. That’s the price the city paid in March, 2016, when it was purchased for use as Rockdale’s new police department. Opposition to the site developed and the new PD was built downtown.
But the new call for bids does not specify a minimum bid.
“We thought it was in the city’s best interests to try and get something for the property,” Whittaker said.
The tract is 6.0 acres at 1166 West US 79. Signed and sealed bids will be accepted until 4 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2020, and no verbal, electronic or fax bids will be accepted.
Winning bidder will be required to pay for the property within 30 days after a notification of bid award.
PLANS—As announced in July, the project was to include an unnamed “major” retailer as well as other stores with a good mix of retail business.
Developer would have been Horne Properties which has developed over 100 properties in the nation including several in Texas, one as close as Temple.
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