GROUNDBREAKING: Attending the groundbreaking event at Perry County’s new development, Paradise Landing, were David Richardson, Middle Tennessee Job Development Director Jerry Merriman, Clifton City Manager Dana Deem, Jarrod Richardson, Lobelville Mayor Robby Moore, Wayne County Mayor Jason Rich, Perry County Mayor John Carroll, John Graves, Representative Steve McDaniel, Jeremy Pearcy, Danny Graves, Representative Vance Dennis, Linden Mayor Jim Azbill, Parsons Mayor Tim David Boaz, Community South Bank’s Steve White, Tommy Graham, Harry Floyd, and Perry County Chamber Executive Director Pat Vanden Bosche.

A groundbreaking ceremony for a multi-million dollar development on the banks of the Tennessee River was held Friday morning, culminating two years of work to offer channel-front building lots in Paradise Landing’s future community.

Three developers—Danny Graves, his son John Graves, and Jeremy Pearcy—have already spent $6 million on land purchase and improvements to the 400 acre site, which features six miles of river frontage in the “bend of the river.”

The property is located in the southwest corner of the county, referred to locally as the Hardin Bottom.

In fact, 35 lots were pre-sold, and 100 more are ready for immediate sale. When fully realized, the gated community will include 500 building sites, ranging from fourth-tenths to five-tenths of an acre each.

Every lot along the main channel includes sixty feet of river frontage, with lot depths of between 450 and 650 feet.

Future development calls for more building sites at the mouth of White Oak Creek—the northern boundary of Paradise Landing. The southern end of the property is 5.8 miles north of Clifton.

“We will have a regular little community here,” said Danny Graves, who envisions support businesses such as markets, fuel providers, and boat storage facilities being drawn to the area.

Graves also predicted that Paradise Landing will increase the property tax base for Perry County by $100 million in the next five years.

He said the unimproved land was purchased for $3,300 an acre, and that the roughly half-acre building lots are being sold for $37,500 each—more than 20 times the original purchase price.

The property has city water, purchased from the Town of Linden, and delivered on site through lines paid for by the developers. Paradise Landing also has electrical service in place. The now-gravel access road will eventually be paved, Graves said.

Linden Mayor Jim Azbill said the city has set a $1,000 tap fee for potential customers.

Building at Paradise Landing is restricted to permanent structures of 1,200 square feet of living space or larger. Two spec homes are currently under construction, featuring living quarters over raised foundation space because of high water concerns.

The banks leading to the river have been sloped and riprapped. Owners can apply to TVA for dock permits.

Locally, sales are being handled by Richardson Real Estate/United Country. Realtor David Richardson said financing is available.   September 5 has been set as the date for an open house, with lunch being served from 12-3pm.

Speaking at the August 14 ceremony, Perry County Mayor John Carroll said, “We appreciate what you are doing. The development has positive potential for the entire region, and Perry County will benefit from the increased tax base.”

Locals attending and participating in the groundbreaking included David Richardson, County Commissioner Jarrod Richardson, Lobelville Mayor Robby Moore, County Mayor John Carroll, Linden Mayor Jim Azbill, Tommy Graham, and Chamber Executive Director Pat Vanden Bosche.

Also attending were State Representatives Steve McDaniel and Vance Dennis.