Bradley/Cleveland officials develop lists for future

CLEVELAND, Tenn. -- Ten completed projects are coming off Bradley County's action plan for the Governor's Three Star Program, but others are taking their place.

"It's a measure of how much Bradley County, the cities of Cleveland and Charleston, the Chamber and our other partners have been able to accomplish the past two years,'' said County Mayor D. Gary Davis.

Projects done or completed by the end of 2010 are:

1. Development of Hiwassee Industrial Park with the commitment from Wacker Chemical.

2. Hiwassee River boat dock improvements at Charleston.

3. Downtown signage for MainStreet Cleveland.

4. Cleveland High School science wing.

5. New Park View Elementary School.

6. A countywide flood mitigation plan.

7. A $43 million capital-improvement project completed by SkyRidge Medical Center.

8. First-phase construction of new Cleveland airport.

9. Sewer line extensions serving Minnis Road, Elrod Park, Park View School and potential industrial sites.

10. Comprehensive growth plan looking to 2035.

Certified Three-Star communities reap several benefits, including priority showings to potential businesses looking at Tennessee, Mr. Davis said.

Meanwhile, the Bradley County Commission adopted a new development plan that extends to 2014.

In April, the Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Council approved a priorities list now included with the new plan, said Dan Howell, assistant to Mr. Davis. New priorities include:

1. Upgrades for I-75 at Exit 20; interchange on APD 40.

2. Purchase and develop an industrial park site.

3. Purchase sites for county school system's future needs.

4. Career-oriented education beginning in middle school.

5. Conference/civic center.

Chamber President Gary Farlow reviewed the new goals during a joint meeting of the Bradley County Commission and the Cleveland City Council.

"We are looking at what it would take to become one of the state's first LEED-certified industrial sites,'' Mr. Farlow said. That certification indicates construction and utilities are more environmentally friendly.

"We have actually gotten several inquiries for LEEDS certified sites,'' he said.

Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design certification was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council.

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