I often get a question pertaining to commercial development in Tellico Village. Villagers want to know what the Tellico Village Property Owners Association Board of Directors can do or is doing about recruiting businesses or keeping businesses in our community. A couple of years ago, the TVPOA Board asked the Long Range Planning Advisory Committee to take on the challenge of looking into this issue. I am pleased to report that the LRPAC provided a thorough update at the board workshop held April 5.
Bart Margoshes of the LRPAC started his report with the following: The goal of the LRPAC’s commercial development strategy report is to establish a set of recommendations to the POA Board of Directors to promote business growth within Tellico Village that enhances the community in which we live, attracts new residents and increases property values.
The current members of the LRPAC are Village residents Tom Greene, Marty Hulett, Bart Margoshes, Jeff McMillan, Susan Dial, Larry Elder and Gary Stuart. This was a two-year project with year one dedicated to gathering information and developing a set of recommendations. Year two is focused on reporting findings and recommending an implementation plan for commercial growth, reported Margoshes.
As the LRPAC catalogued the current commercial locations, they discovered there are approximately 45 existing businesses in and around Tellico Village. There are 10 storefronts not currently occupied. Included in the existing businesses are the four restaurants that are part of Tellico Village. There are other adjacent restaurants.
A map of properties, including lots and areas, available for commercial development was created. Most of the available properties are owned by developer Cooper Communities Inc., while other property owners include Tellico Village POA and other private parties.
To ensure they obtained homeowner input, the LRPAC conducted a survey with the help of the HomeOwners Association and received 1,182 responses. The most requested businesses were a medical facility, sandwich/coffee/bakery/ice cream shop, sports bar and a liquor store. Other requests included car wash, cleaner, card or gift shop and a drug store. Although this input was very important to receive and note, at least one of these desired businesses is not possible under current Tennessee law — a liquor store. Under current law, a liquor store can only be licensed in an incorporated community, and Tellico Village is not an incorporated community.
Additionally, the LRPAC conducted a comprehensive benchmarking study. The benchmarking study completed in 2014 did not specifically address commercial development, but much was learned through site visits and interviews. Other than The Villages in Florida, there was very little commercial development in or adjacent to other benchmarked communities.
Finally, the LRPAC interviewed local subject matter experts on commercial development within Tellico Village. The Architectural Control Committee agreed that taking a look at revising the Commercial Construction Handbook (Red Book) is a reasonable strategy to move forward to positively influence commercial development.
The LRPAC also spoke with POA Marketing Manager Beth Kuberka. She relayed that visitors wish that Tellico Village was closer to shopping and that local medically related services are important. She also included that empty storefronts and dated facades in Village Square create a negative perception.
Additionally, the LRPAC discussed with me the importance of maintaining a good relationship with the Tellico Reservoir Development Agency and local chambers of commerce. Finally, they held discussions with commercial real estate developers in our area.
LRPAC’s research yielded the following list of conclusions:
Historically many commercial ventures have failed due to a lack of patron support or as a result of poor management.
The survey suggests that a medical facility, sandwich/coffee/bakery/ice cream shop and a “Cheers type” sports bar are likely to be supported by the residents.
The benchmarking study found that Tellico Village is not at a competitive disadvantage with similar communities as it relates to commercial development.
The POA can positively influence commercial development.
There is an opportunity to revise the ACC Red Book.
The LRPAC concluded their report with a healthy list of recommendations that will continue to be in discussion with the board, including:
Continue, strengthen and promote the excellent marketing program that has demonstrated great results thus far.
Investigate capitalizing on the POA relationship with TRDA for potential commercial development in or near Tellico Village and local Chambers of Commerce to help attract businesses identified by the HOA survey, Loudon County Economic Development Agency and Department of Tourist Development.
Improve the environment and process that supports commercial development by leveraging the POA relationship with the HOA, New Villagers and Channel 3 that would create a business-friendly environment that supports and attracts businesses. This could involve supporting current businesses through a “Buy Tellico Village” initiative.
Search for a medical provider to establish a practice in Tellico Village. Ideally, the office would provide both primary care and walk-in care.
Establish a location in the Welcome Center where information is available on commercial development properties.
Review the Red Book for opportunities for revisions with the intent to minimize traffic congestion, maintain and improve Tellico Village aesthetics, promote safety and increase property values.
LRPAC to include a commercial development analysis as part of the regularly scheduled benchmarking study.
Share this report with other Tellico Village POA committees, which may provide new ideas and insights to improve current capabilities and offerings.
It’s important to note that what the LRPAC reported on are recommendations. Additionally, the LRPAC is to be commended for the complexity and completeness of their work that will hopefully bear fruit for our community in the near future.
