Sullivan County Commission Green Lights Friendship TIF

A Boost for Local Economy

In a remarkable stride towards economic revitalization, the Sullivan County Commission recently convened to vote in favor of a redevelopment strategy and tax increment financing (TIF) for a new dealership in Kingsport.

Bristol’s trusted Friendship Family of Dealerships is all set to lay the foundation of a new dealership in the Lynn Garden neighborhood, at the location of the Westside Inn. With three members absent, the commission demonstrated a unanimous consensus for the plan, furnishing a $560,000 tax break for the project. This decision comes at the heels of its approval by the Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen.

Towards a Brighter Future for Lynn Garden

The Kingsport Housing and Redevelopment Authority, the agency responsible for executing redevelopment programs within its jurisdiction, has formulated an exhaustive plan for the Lynn Garden Redevelopment District. The authority had previously conducted a public hearing on April 8 to gauge the necessity of the plan, which includes the usage of tax increment financing, according to the Sullivan County resolution.

The redevelopment district encompasses approximately 118 acres, and the resolution details that several buildings within the district have become deteriorated and economically obsolete, warranting urgent redevelopment. Nuanced plans highlight the construction of a new Friendship auto dealership at the site of the Westside Inn, which is currently being emptied to allow the commencement of redevelopment work.

Revamping Infrastructure

The company is projected to channel an investment worth $13,150,000 towards the demolition of prevailing structures, removal of existing asphalt, grading, installations of storm water and utilities, construction of parking areas, erection of a 24,800 square foot automobile dealership, and installation of landscaping, lighting and associated amenities.

The revamp plan also includes the demolition of the Westside Inn, a site with a history of several police, fire, and emergency medical services calls. The former Hog Wild Saloon, which was situated at the same site, had been demolished in 2019.

Opposition and Support

While Commissioner Dwight King expressed reservations regarding the amount of money being spent on TIFs in Sullivan County, other commissioners aired their enthusiasm and support for the plan. Commissioner Larry Crawford insisted that the project would be a “wonderful thing” for the area, and Commissioner Joe Carr echoed his sentiments, stating that the project brought “hope” to a lot of people.

Optimistic Economic Impact

John Gardner, a commissioner that represents the Kingsport area, sponsored the resolution and chaired the commission meeting. Crawford and Gardner expressed their hopes that the project would inspire others to bring new business to the Lynn Garden community and foment economic development.

The new dealership by Friendship is touted to initially employ a bunch of people, with projections asserting an expected increase in workforce to around 50 employees in the future.