Council authorizes negotiations with Hilltop after developer outlines truck‑park, food‑hall and entertainment plans

Trooper Arnold, who manages Hilltop, presented a multi‑phase plan that would convert the existing Hilltop site into a larger truck park and mixed commercial destination. He told council the site currently operates 360 storage spaces with high occupancy and hosts about 16 taxable businesses; his buildout concepts included a 67,000‑sqft self‑storage expansion, a 40,000‑sqft indoor food‑hall (Hilltop Hangout), a 20,000‑sqft indoor concert venue and a 22‑acre par‑3 golf course.

"We have about 55 acres in total... we're gonna replace 0.25 mile of Thompson Road," Trooper Arnold said, offering the road work as an in‑kind contribution to the town while asking for sewer support to unlock later phases. Councilors asked about sequencing, food‑truck transitions into permanent vendors, and parking; staff noted sewer and water upgrades would be required. After executive session the council authorized the town manager to negotiate and execute a master development agreement and associated micro‑development agreements for two residences on the property.

Trooper Arnold estimated short‑term direct tax revenue of about $80,000–$100,000 per year once initial phases are operating and suggested long‑term potential of $250,000–$500,000 annually depending on full buildout. Council members praised the concept while noting the town will need to review sewer capacity, traffic impacts and public‑safety arrangements before final agreements are executed.