KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — The locals of Cocke County came to WBIR in 2023 with concerns about a potential development that would change the face of Hartford.
One of those locals, Dana Caton, is worried that her way of life is at risk.
"I've finally got a little piece of what, you know, the old-school American dream; owning your own land, owning your own house, owning your own property," Caton said.
A social media post showing the proposed mysterious development plan was later released. It demonstrated the large-scale development stretching three exits, from Exit 440 to the North Carolina state line.
The proposed development could benefit local businesses, according to Lucas Graham President of the Cocke County Partnership.
"We're distressed, we need the tax revenue. We need the growth," Graham said.
Caton said that she feels the county was not transparent with its residents when it came to the proposed plan, while Graham feels that the county didn't do anything wrong.
"Oh, 100%, I think we were doing everything as we should. And by the books, I wouldn't do anything otherwise, this is way too important to do anything illegally or unethically," said Graham.
Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis said he met and will continue to meet with prospective businesses and thank them for considering an investment into the county. He said it is in that manner he met with individuals from Velocity Resort LLC.
"Several major development plans have come along every 15 or 20 years in Cocke County, none of which have been completed," the mayor said.
"We got to know what exactly, what they're going to plan, what those development plans are going to be, and then what they're gonna look like going forward so we can present it. Until then, it's just an idea — it's just a concept," Graham said.
Some of the locals of Cocke County are frustrated by the deal being cut in private while county leaders said the development map is just another way to attract businesses and show neighbors what's possible in a small rural community.
Caton, however, refuses to give up. She said she will continue to bring her concerns to leaders in public meetings.
Mayor Rob Mathis also said, "Several major development plans/concepts have come along every 15 or 20 years in Cocke County, none of which have been completed."