Public expresses displeasure with McDonald Farm future plans

SALE CREEK, Tenn. (WDEF) — The people of Sale Creek are not happy with the plans for the McDonald Farm.

Community members showed up to the town hall Tuesday night to share how they felt about Hamilton County’s plans for the site.

Tensions were high and people were talking over each other, but about what?

“This piece of property was purchased back in 2021 by the Hamilton County Commision for roughly $6 million. I think back then, the idea was, ‘we have this very large piece of land for sale, and we want to make sure the right things are done to it to benefit the entire community,'” said Nathan Janeway, Director of Development Services.

The land was bought for plans of industry, but with the addition of recreational activities as well.

“You’re talking about this 871-acre pad. As he pointed out, only about 270 of it is considered prime for industry by the state. And we fully expect and intend for over half of the 871 to be for recreational use,” said Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp.

This idea rubbed people the wrong way, and most said they didn’t want any industry.

The question then became why it was bought in the first place from someone who voted to purchase it.

“That when the opportunity arises, that we are prepared to capitalize on that opportunity in hopes of obtaining an organization to this community that will provide substantial living-wage jobs for the community to continue to grow,” said Commissioner David Sharpe.

Mayor Wamp expressed that nothing has been finalized yet, and any changes to the farm will be made many years in the future.

One thing that has been confirmed on the site is the $3 million grant that will be used for water in the area.