• What's Going on at Hamlin EDC??
  posted on:

What’s Going on at Hamlin EDC? April 3, 2008 Finally, after much time and many inspections and investigations, the EDC Building that once housed Advanced Outdoors boat manufacturing plant has been released for demolition. The plant was completely destroyed by fire in July of 2006. A subrogation lawsuit by the insurance company has delayed any activity at that site. The suit is still not settled, but the demolition is well underway and, in fact, near completion. The addition to the north end of the original building was not destroyed in the fire. HEDC is making plans to restore that portion for future use. In that connection, your EDC continues discussions with the insurance company and with the Economic Development Administration of United States Department of Commerce about the possibility of rebuilding. Only through rebuilding could HEDC recover the full replacement cost loss settlement as determined by the insurance company. The U.S. Department of Commerce has an interest because of a 2001 grant award to HEDC for the development of the Industrial Park (including this building). All parties would have to agree and several details would have to be worked out before HEDC would proceed with a plan to rebuild. Mesquite Fuels and Agriculture has discussed with HEDC the possibility of using this opportunity to construct a building to house wood-fired steam generators. Lots of “ifs, ands, buts,“--- Yet, HOPE and the opportunity to BE POSITIVE!! Your EDC recently sold one of its building. C.L. White purchased the building located at 50 East Lake Drive, formerly Joe’s Boot Shop. He will use the facility as a used car sales lot, office, shop, etc. Mr. White, a Texas Department of Transportation retiree, has been in the used vehicle business for many years. If one has a need for a good used car or pick-up truck at a very reasonable price, “Piper Motors”, HERE, is the place to be. Hamlin EDC continues to offer and negotiate the sale, lease, or rent of other downtown buildings, as well as facilities at the Industrial Park. Our goal is to develop the economy of Hamlin through job creation and retention, primarily in the area of manufacturing and industrial facilities. BE HERE, BE POSITIVE