McDonald Farm is a special place.
The front doors of McDonald’s Farmhouse have been opened to thousands of people, from generations of members of the McDonald family to friends who have used the property for family gatherings and parties.
Ben McDonald built what is now known as the Main Farmhouse in 1884 using trees from his land, help from his sons, and $100.
But this expansive farm is more than just a large tract of land; it represents a community that enjoys the beauty this rural landscape has to offer, as well as the slower pace and small-town feel of northern Hamilton County.
In 2021, the McDonald family sold their more than 2,000-acre farm to Hamilton County for $16 million.
Since then, Sale Creek and Soddy-Daisy residents have raised questions and concerns about county leaders’ intentions with this valuable property.
Intentions such as the use of the area for manufacturing or some industrial use. That doesn’t seem to be quite in line with what the community wants. Last Tuesday night, 200 people filled the Sale Creek Middle and High School gymnasium to learn more about what happens on the farm.
Some local residents are concerned that large-scale development will diminish the beauty of the land. And it’s too risky for them.
To prevent future development from blighting the area, include the surrounding community in all plans for the property.
intention is questioned
A $3 million grant from the state has already been challenged by local residents over the wishes of county leaders.
Nathan Janeway, the county’s director of development services, said the state last week announced subsidies to pay for water connections to farms that provide industrial water supplies. Currently, the farm is operated using well water.
Some residents were skeptical, wondering if water infrastructure subsidies were nothing more than a money grab.
“They are lining their own pockets for the future and giving themselves the option now to make money later on this land,” concerned citizen Zerin Makenna told Local 3 News. . “They’re trying to cover it up as, ‘We just want water for next year’s campground.'”
But Hamilton County Mayor Weston Wamp said the immediate priority is creating park space and recreation. Furthermore, when economic development opportunities arise, not everyone is a potential employer.
“We told (the Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce) not to bring random businesses here,” he said. This was first reported by TFP business writer Mike Pare. “It should fit into the fabric of the community.”
Jim Stewart, executive director of the Chattanooga Audubon Society, told the crowd last Tuesday that the farm has great potential for recreational use.
Wamp said it will take more than $100 million to get the site ready for development, most of which will come from the state.
This is reassuring. Remember, the city and county agreed to issue $80 million in bonds for the new Lookout Stadium on South Broad Street. How much more local taxpayer support will the community have to shoulder to fund developments such as what will happen to the Sale Creek property in the coming years?
The future of McDonald Farm and its development potential will be revealed at a slow pace. Wamp said the process will take years, but it will favor communities that want to know the whole story.
To accompany you on your journey
The best way to utilize this land is to keep it “community first.” Industrial land is certainly important, and Hamilton County is running out of land available for sale for economic development purposes. The focus of this great Sale Creek property is to maintain it in line with the community’s desires for the land, whether for recreation or park development.
Whenever a development occurs on your farm, you need to immediately send a message to your community.
Hamilton County is lucky. Not many counties can boast an authentic McDonald Farm. The land reflects the essence of the county’s history and charm. What the surrounding communities are facing is change and growth. Naturally, this creates skepticism.
Growth and change can be scary, especially when you don’t feel like you’re in control. The county’s immediate goal is to convince residents in the northern part of the county that they have and will continue to have a legitimate say in what happens to MacDonald Farm and the surrounding area as it develops. That’s true.
Hopefully.