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Rocky Top welcomes new business, makes changes to ATV trail routes

Ground has been broken and a site is being developed for a three to four business plot in Rocky Top.

The site is at 301 Norris Freeway, at the corner of Longfield Rd and Norris Freeway.

Rocky Top City Manager Michael Foster said that from what he understands, the developers already have an agreement with Little Caesars to fill one of the available spaces.

The proposed project could be completed late July, but may be pushed back if necessary.

Also coming to Rocky Top, state licensure pending, is a package store.

The City Council has approved a Certificate of Compliance and issued a new beer license.

“We are very excited about new businesses coming here. It shows that we are doing something right. Some growth is happening in the city,” Foster said.

Foster also stated that it shows that the zoning they’ve done has helped.

Along with brick and mortar developments, Rocky Top is lengthening their ATV trails as well.

“Right now we allow ATVs on the road from 8th St. all the way up to Colonial. Now this opens it up all the way to the city limits into Campbell County where Campbell County has them on 116,” said Foster.

“It will allow people in Campbell County that have been riding at Royal Blue to come down through our town.”

This lengthening of ATV routes goes into effect July 1.

“We are excited to allow more tourism, open up more roads for ATVs. It’s been a good thing for the city. A lot of the local businesses have seen their business pick up.”

“We are doing the right things and going in the right direction.” said Foster. He cited the introduction of Ace Hardware to the city as a sign of it.

“We want to be business and tourism friendly. We have updated our zoning map in the last year. We are always tweaking things to make them more user and business friendly.” said Foster.

There are also mutterings of a potential campground, which would pair great with the extended ATV trails and would be another great addition to the city.

“We’re open for business and we just continue to work hard to recruit new business and support our existing businesses.”

Look for developments on Rocky Top in the near future.