Aldermen weigh accepting donated industrial property; concerns over maintenance and cost

FAYETTEVILLE, Tenn. — Fayetteville aldermen split over whether the city should accept a no‑cost offer of a parcel from the local industrial board, with several members saying they want a plan first and others urging the city to show interest so discussions can proceed. Board members discussed an offer of land described to the board as rocky and mountainous — terrain that county development officials said makes the site expensive to prepare for industrial use. Several aldermen said the property would be an asset on the city’s books and could be used for trails, recreation or other amenities if a plan and funding were developed. Supporters urged the board to indicate interest and move the question to the industrial board for a vote; opponents said the city lacks manpower and capital to develop or maintain the site and asked for a strategic plan before accepting ownership. One alderman said the land could remain an asset without immediate development; another said taking ownership without a plan could create unfunded maintenance responsibilities for city crews. City staff said accepting the property carries no immediate cash cost but will require decisions about long‑term maintenance and possible capital investments. The board did not record a formal vote at the work session but planned further discussion at the regular meeting.