Pie in the sky, Will never happen in Decatur.

Well, if you dont try, then your correct it will never happen, so at least they are trying.

Combined with downtown improvements, this is a new level of success for Decatur.

Thanks to everyone who helped make this a reality.

Please remember Kyle failed to negotiated an agreement on the previous project to be located at I-65 and I-565. Hopefully, he will not want every thing his way like last time.

I understood that the deal was settled, but the economy tanked.

And, WHAT did Hammon say?

Billy Jackson single handily killed one development and the economy stalled another.I grew up along that section of land and hate to see all the Limestone county farm land devoured. One day we'll run out of land to grow food on in the name of progress and development. However, the development of that corner is inevitable. The location, with its proximity to interstates, rail, air and river transportation is ideal for light or heavy manufacturing, the location midway between Birmingham, Nashville, The Tri-cities and Huntsville plus the major corridor from the North to the gulf will funnel an amazing amount of people through that area so retail development is ideal. The vast labor pool available along with a number of local colleges would make it ideal for a medical or R&D park.There is not another property located in such a pristine position anywhere else in N. Alabama. I hope Don realizes that and doesn't offer too much. I also hope he realizes that Bass Pro shops is not quite the draw it once was. They began building BPS in every little corner a few years ago so they aren't as rare as they once were. Don will make a sound business decision. We'll have to see how many of a certain council members friends and relatives they'll have to hire before any final decision is made.

I just hope the city doesn't throw so much $$$ at this that we never will be able to recover it. Don't believe much you hear from any politician when it comes to costs vs recovered revenue..

Officials have all signed strict non-disclosure agreements forbidding them from discussing details about the proposed development until a final deal has been reached.[Sic] This is a secret backroom deal Why the secrecy?

This is what I smell and it's called Privatized Profits and Socialized Expences.

If this development is so lucrative then why Public funding? these are question we can't ask until a deal has been penned.

Best wishes to our city leaders on winning a prosperous business venture, like we see in major interstate developments in Prattville, Oxford and the Trussville area. Those developments generated lots of jobs and revenue. Decatur needs another big win!

Best wishes to our city leaders on winning a prosperous business venture, like we see in major interstate developments in Prattville, Oxford and the Trussville area. Those developments generated lots of jobs and revenue. Decatur needs another big win!

The above (im)poster named Billy has it all wrong. The location is completely unacceptable for industrial, medical or R&D.

The highest best use for this property is regional commercial and residential.

Everyone has not signed non-disclosure agreements - some just can't be trusted no matter what.

The future is so bright. Good job City Council and all those that are making this a reality.

Dave: How is that location not good for industrial, medical, or R&D?

@Jay...simplest answer is land value. Also, how Does Decatur's image improve with a "dumpy" looking industrial corrider entering the city? That won't help attract anyone to Decatur.Ultimately, it is the propery owner(s) who will accept the highest price for the land. Right now, they all hold out on a major road for retail (commercial) value.

When this so called deal was done previously and the economy tanked why did all of the other deals of similar scope not get delayed also. Lots of similar deals built and completed during the past 5 years while dust blows at the I65-565 interchange.

Dave, Your AL.Com/Decatur forum friends have missed you.... Not!!!

Charles, I don't disagree. What city officials as well as these commercial developers should understand is that the value of that land is not totally dependent on retail development. It is a prime location for a multitude of uses and we don't have to buckle under to the demands of the first guy that says shopping center. As much as you and I might desire otherwise, a dumpy looking industrial corridor isn't a concern of any major industrial developer.

@Dave: Ok, I misunderstood your wording. Thanks.

If they build everything they are saying and Bass Pro Shop is included Decatur will benefit greatly financially. This is a good deal, and will put Decatur "on the map". You know what they say, if you build it they will come. The economy killed the deal last time and I mean just before ground breaking, ,OH and the hotelier pulled out of the deal so that hurt to.

I agree 6th Avenue needs some serious help in image, hopefully this may help ignite that cause. Decatur's first impression is at the bottom of the bridge, and if you're a newcomer you'll make a U-turn and go the other way because of what is seen. City Hall needs to enforce these businesses to clean up their property; no different than citing a home owner for their weed & seeds growing all over the place.

Only thing that scares me is Sequestration and what it will do to the economy. We'll find out Friday when it automatically kicks in.

Thank you city council for this wonderful present to Decatur.