Baxter officials are banking on incoming industrial growth and housing developments to secure new retail options for the town.
Mayor Danny Holmes said retailers have indicated that increased population density and job numbers are prerequisites for setting up shop. The town is currently working to land a grocery store and chain restaurants to serve the growing community.
“And, you know, what they’re telling me is we need more industry, we need more rooftops. And that’s coming. That’s coming, that’s coming, of course we want it to happen yesterday and unfortunately it doesn’t work that fast,” Holmes said.
Holmes said Anatolia and Portobello are expanding their operations, bringing high-paying jobs to the area. He also alluded to a major industrial announcement expected to be made in April regarding further development.
“There’s more jobs coming to our area. And when you get more jobs, you get more people. These are going to be high-paying jobs. And of course, that’s what we all work for is high pay money to support our families. But we’re going to get them a grocery store, it’s coming,” Holmes said.
While interest rates have slowed some housing construction, commercial development continues with a new strip mall called The Hive on Highway 56. Holmes said the town is also utilizing the Business Resource Collective to attract potential investors.
“We definitely will offer them incentives. There’s no doubt about that. But, you know, it’s just making sure, making sure that—I mean, you know, when you look at Cookeville,” Holmes said, “You know Home Depot, how many years have we been talking about Home Depot? How many years have we been talking about Target? And now, it’s a reality for Cookeville.”
Holmes said the goal is not to become another Cookeville, but to provide enough local services to keep tax dollars within Baxter. He noted that the town has not raised taxes in over 15 years and relies on retail growth to operate.
“One day it’s gonna be a reality in Baxter too. Everything that the citizens want, it’s gonna happen. It just takes a little time,” Holmes said.
In addition to the grocery search, Holmes said he is actively reaching out to bring a Baskin-Robbins to the community.