The most recent study on the best use for McDonald Farm, a 2,100-acre property in Sale Creek purchased by Hamilton County to develop as an industrial park, found the site is not viable for industry.
Economic development consultant Randall Gross on Wednesday highlighted recreation, agriculture and agritourism as realistic potential uses for the site when presenting the results of the study to the county commission.
He also recommended destination lodging, culinary experiences and event venues as possible uses.
The lack of interstate access and the Sale Creek area’s limited labor market are among the major challenges to industrial development on the property, Gross said. The county purchased the site for $16 million in 2021.
He said the cost of developing the site for industry would be about $360,000 per job created, with a $4 return on investment for every dollar spent on infrastructure.