Developers not thrilled with proposal

Property developers in the Shoals are not thrilled by a recommendation that TVA no longer sell shoreline property along the Tennessee River for private residential development.

Many of those developers used terms such as "ridiculous," "terrible idea," and "not thinking straight" to describe the recommendation.

Tennessee Valley Authority board members will meet in November to discuss the recommendation, which was made Friday by a community relations committee formed by the agency.

"They're just not thinking straight," said Harvey Robbins, a Tuscumbia businessman who is working on projects that involve waterfront development. "They're going to run up against a big backlash, in my opinion. I just don't see the public standing for that."

Robbins said TVA should "loosen up, not tighten up" its control over shoreline development.

"It's poor decision-making and bad for economic development," Robbins said.

If the policy change occurs, it would affect about 293,000 acres that TVA manages along the Tennessee River.

TVA officials say if the policy is approved, it would not stop new marinas or industrial development in areas that have already been designated for that use.

But there would be problems for property developers who are trying to get involved in a nationwide trend of developing houses and condominiums with riverfront views. The trend has already reached the Shoals and surrounding areas.

The Shoals, in fact, has become a hotbed for activity in recent months, with condos being developed along Elk River, Pickwick Lake and Wilson Lake as well as other areas.

"That would definitely curtail development in our area," said Gene Aycock, part owner of Martin-Aycock Properties in Muscle Shoals. "One of the biggest draws for our area is the river.

"We're developing a condo right now, and that beauty is what attracts people. Everyone loves the water. That's what people want."

Nancy Muse, an environmentalist from Florence, is among those who want the river to remain open to the public. She said developments -- residential and commercial -- restrict the public's access.

Her take on the proposal is complete different than the property developers.

"Thank God and praise the Lord," she said. "This is great news, certainly a step in the right direction. I personally think it is unethical for private hands to grab public lands for residential or commercial use. When all the land along the river is gone, there goes the character of our area. I don't want the riverbank to look like a strip mall or subdivision."

Muse said the move would protect the area's natural beauty, which attracts new residents to the Shoals.

"Our public lands need to be protected for future generations," she said. "If TVA doesn't protect this, it will be gone."

A moratorium was imposed in May on additional private land deals on TVA shoreline.

"Their (river) system is so big, I just don't see how this is such a big deal to TVA," said Troy Woodis, a Colbert County commissioner who is also involved in property development. "Every situation, in my opinion, should be judged individually instead of making a blanket decision.

"If a developer wants to buy a piece of property to do residential development, it's not a threat to take away from industrial development, and if TVA doesn't have plans for the property, why not let someone do something with it?"

Aycock and Robbins said TVA should be more concerned about its debt of more than $20 billion.

"With their debt situation, this should be a priority for them," Robbins said. "They should sell the land for good projects and provide land for economic development, which is part of their charge. They're just not thinking straight."

Aycock said TVA should use the money it makes from land deals and put it toward the debt.

"TVA has done a wonderful job and has been very important to our area," Aycock said. "But they are a bit dictatorial in the way they try to control the Tennessee River. I believe the land still belongs to the people, not TVA."

Robbins added, "TVA wants to control but they don't want to do anything to maintain it."

Aycock said TVA would be wise to hold a meeting that includes developers, elected officials and other interested parties to discuss the issue.

"We need to discuss this thing and pick and choose areas that should be developed for industry, areas that should be developed for residential use, areas that should be developed for recreation and areas that should be left alone."

Tom Smith can be reached at 332-0140 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.