New Tracy Development Corp. seeks community support
By Seth Schmidt
A grass-roots effort to redevelop the former Red Rooster property is gaining momentum.
The newly-organized Tracy Development Corporation recently acquired the 2.5 acre property, with the goal of getting the prime Hwy. 14 location “shovel ready” for redevelopment. The non-profit group’s objective is to expand Tracy’s tax base and bring more jobs to the community
“The Red Rooster property is the best available location in the community for new business development,” said Jim Keul, who helped with the Tracy Development Corp’s organization and Red Rooster acquisition. He and other local leaders got involved, after the Red Rooster site had stood vacant for an extended period after going out-of-business.
“With no one stepping forward to buy it, we decided to make a concerted effort to get the site ready for redevelopment, in hopes of getting a business that employs people and pays (real estate) taxes.”
Others involved in the Tracy Development Corp. effort include Mark Seager, Jeff Salmon, Dean Salmon, and Dennis Fultz. Tara Onken and Jeff Carpenter of the Tracy Economic Development Authority have provided auxiliary support.
Keul said that he and others involved in the Red Rooster’s acquisition, don’t seek any personal financial gains from the project, and only want to see a new development that benefits Tracy.
The Red Rooster building, which has been closed since December of 2015, is in poor condition, and likely will have to be razed, according to the new owners. The old truck stop property, which dates from 1956, has suffered extensive interior water damage from a leaking roof. The old restaurant would no longer meet current state codes, the Tracy Development leaders note, and the building’s mechanical plant (heating, air conditioning, ventilation, electrical, plumbing) badly needs upgrading.
The property has environmental issues as well, including the presence of underground fuel tanks and pumps, and asbestos removal. Non-compliance with the American Disabilities Act is another redevelopment challenges.
For more on this article, see this week’s Headlight-Herald.