Should Double Springs be annexed?

[JMT]

Originally Posted by JoeCartpath

Could someone explain why annexation/incorporation of an unincorporated area would automatically result in an influx of commercial development? I've never been a business owner but I can't see that being a factor in a decision to open or relocate a business in a particular place. I'd only be concerned about the number of potential customers within a certain radius, cost of commercial property, tax burden, etc. If anything, an unincorporated location might be preferable since taxes and property cost might be lower, bureaucratic hindrances fewer, etc. I just can't envision businesses moving into an area just because it incorporated. Educate me....

I think it just depends on the business. Let's say someone wanted to build a shopping center, it would need to be on a sewer system and not septic tank, something usually unavailable in rural (non city) areas. Likewise, they'd want better fire and police protection which would also be within a city.

While being in the city does mean paying higher taxes (city + county), it also means lower insurance premiums because of the better fire and police protection. It may not make enough of a difference to the average homeowner, but I imagine it would make a considerable difference to a business like a supermarket or factory. A few years ago when Academy Sports announced its intent to build a 1.7 million square foot distribution center SW of Cookeville right off I-40, the land it chose was outside the city. So a referendum had to be held of the then-current land owners to be annexed into the city so the city could then extend sewer lines and also provide fire and police protection. The 2 landowners voted yes, sold their farm for millions, and Academy now employs hundreds at its mammoth facility.

But like you said, for the most part, just being inside a municipal boundary doesn't magically translate to more businesses. But some businesses do need to be inside a city for some things. Since Double Springs is so close to Cookeville and, especially, Baxter, I really don't see the pressing need to be incorporated into either city.

[justindb29]

Originally Posted by Sun Belt-lover L.A.M.

"It's absurd."

It's also extremely corrupt. I was genuinely surprised to learn that today. Very few people in any of those three areas are likely to have five acres, and farming needs to be less spread out for eco-friendliness anyways.

If annexation is really that bad of an idea, hopefully us becoming a metro area is enough to change things for the better in some of the busier places "out in the county".

How is that corrupt? I agree that the language in the ordinance may be a little ridiculous, but most people living in the city probably don't want their neighbors to have chickens in the back yard. I know I wouldn't.