Plans for the development include hotels, restaurants, retail shopping, car dealerships, a movie theater and a convention center, Auburn developer Tom Hayley said, displaying plans in his office.

It could be seven to 10 years before the entire project is finished, Hayley said.

The development will be built in phases. The first phase, which has already started, will be a group of six auto dealerships.

“Nissan poured their slab (this week), and Toyota will be the next one,” Hayley said. “We’re moving right along.”

Local Nissan, Toyota, Chevrolet and Cadillac dealerships have already committed, he said.

Hayley said he hopes to have the first phase finished within six months.

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The details are found on page 40 of the May 8 Planning Commission Packet.

Finally, a Waffle House that people visiting downtown at night will not have to drive to!

Selzer Automotive, LP announced plans to locate its first North American based facility in Auburn at The Alabama-Germany Partnership 10th Anniversary Celebration held in Huntsville on Thursday, April 24. The new facility will be located in Auburn Technology Park West, located off of Beehive Road, Auburn, AL. Initially, the company will bring a $22 million capital investment to the Auburn economy and create 80 new jobs. Selzer is the first US venture for Germany-based Selzer Fertigungstechnik GmbH & Co. KG, parent company of Selzer Automotive, LP.

Governor Bob Riley was joined by Auburn Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. and company officials to make the announcement at the event Thursday night in Huntsville.
“Alabama is making such tremendous strides, and this announcement helps us continue our progress,” said Governor Riley. “Selzer is a world-class company joining the ranks of 57 other German-based manufacturers that have located in Alabama. This company could’ve gone virtually anywhere in the nation, but they chose Alabama and we are proud to be their partner in bringing more economic opportunities to our citizens.”

Selzer has been a renowned name in precision engineering for more than 80 years, developing and manufacturing metal components and subassemblies for gearboxes, engines, braking systems, and professional electrical power tools. Based out of Driedorf-Roth, Germany, Selzer employs more than 600 people at its German and Brazilian locations and is one of the foremost suppliers for the automotive and electrical power tool industries.

In its first phase of production, the Auburn location will produce and assemble transmission components for a dual-clutch system for the US-based automotive industry. Dual-clutch systems improve driving performance and provide better gas mileage than traditional clutch systems.

“After an extensive search and site selection process involving 27 locations in 7 states throughout the Southeast, we are pleased to announce the location of our first US facility in Auburn, AL,” said Hans-Joachim Selzer, Authorized Signatory of the Selzer Companies.

Mayor Bill Ham, Jr. commented, “On behalf of the citizens of Auburn, I would like to welcome Selzer to their new home in Auburn Technology Park West. At a time when many cities nationwide are losing industry, we are fortunate to be able to announce the location of a new business with such a significant capital investment and job creation. Over the last several months, we have enjoyed getting to know the Selzer family during the recruitment process and we look forward to welcoming them to Auburn.”

Construction of Selzer’s new facility will begin in summer 2008. Company officials are currently utilizing the Auburn Center for Developing Industries (ACDI), located at 1500 Pumphrey Avenue in Auburn, until their permanent facility is complete. For more information on Selzer please visit www.selzer-automotive.com or contact the City of Auburn Economic Development Department at (334) 501-7270.

Source: City of Auburn Website

The South College Street building that recently housed Hooters will soon be a new sports-themed restaurant.

Hooters closed several weeks ago. Lane Powell, communications director for Landlord Hayley-Redd Development, said he thought Hooters corporate had some issues with the franchisee.

That wasn’t the case, said Alexis Aleshire, Hooters corporate public relations manager.

“Corporate didn’t close them down,” Aleshire said. “The franchisee who owns the restaurant wasn’t happy with the restaurant, so they’re looking to relocate. It’s probably going to take a while before they rebuild another store. We don’t have any specific dates.”

Bogies Bar and Grill is scheduled to open Feb. 25, food and beverage director Brandon Metcalf said.

The restaurant is the second of its kind and takes its name after the original in Montgomery, which is located next to a golf course.

The new restaurant at 1651 S. College St. has no links to Hooters. Like Hooters, Bogies will have wing specials, but the colors and ownership is different, Metcalf said.

“It looks entirely different inside,” he said. “We put carpet down and remodeled inside. It’s really nice. It’ll be a fun place.”

The restaurant will serve a full menu, including steaks, seafood and appetizers, and a beverage license is on the city council’s agenda for Tuesday’s meeting.

Source: Opelika-Auburn News

The American Red Cross operates under a Congressional Charter to provide Armed Forces Emergency Services and disaster services to the American people. “Red Cross workers live and die with our military personnel in times of war and peace and know first hand the sacrifices they make to keep our country free”, said Jennifer Ryan, Executive Director of the Lee County Red Cross. This fly-in is about enjoying and learning about all types of aircraft, honoring our military and making sure our local Red Cross has the funds it needs to continue serving the residents of Lee County, Ryan said”.

“We invite aviation enthusiasts of every age and interest to come out and enjoy the events and activities at Fly-in,” said Lee County Commissioner and Event Chairman Johnny Lawrence. “We’re looking forward to welcoming participants and guests from across the county and around the country to this event.”

“There’s really something for everyone here at Fly-in,” said Airport Director Bill Hutto. “It’s an event in which the entire family can participate and enjoy.” Ongoing entertainment will be offered during the Fly-in this year including music by Master of Ceremonies and local pilot John Bodiford from Qantum Communications, parachutist Buddy Blue and others from Sky Dive Opelika, a children’s area with face painting and inflatables from Party Depot, and more. Local police, fire and EMS will have vehicles on display, military vehicles will be on display and K-9 units will give demonstrations. Special commemorative t-shirts will be for sale along with military memorabilia and Red Cross merchandise.

Over 50 aircraft are scheduled to be on display including a P-51 Mustang, a B-25 Bomber, a Japanese Zero replica, a Japanese Kate torpedo bomber replica, experimental aircraft, corporate jets, helicopters, military aircraft and more. Applications for food vendors, sponsors, volunteers and pre-registered veterans are currently being accepted. The next meeting of the fly-in committee will be Tuesday, January 15 at 1:00 p.m. at the Lee County Red Cross office.

Lee County Red Cross Health and Community Services Manager Leigh Warren emphasizes the commitment and involvement of Fly-in’s volunteers and sponsors. “None of this would be possible without our dedicated volunteers and sponsors,” she said. “There is no way we could put on an event the size and scope of Fly-in without their time, talent and enthusiasm. We appreciate all of their contributions, which play a part in our chapter’s ongoing success and ability to serve our community.”

Because of overwhelming response to last year’s event, parking has been arranged at Lakeview Baptist Church and the City of Auburn ball fields at Glenn and Airport Rd. LETA shuttles will run continuously during the event to ride patrons from the parking areas.

The cost for the event is $5.00 per adult in advance or $ 8.00 at the gate. Children 12 and under are just $2.00. Adults purchasing tickets in advance will receive a commemorative lapel pin and money saving coupon package. For safety reasons, no pets will be allowed.

Tickets will be available in January and can be purchased in advance at the Lee County Red Cross Office, the Opelika-Auburn News, and various retail locations or online at www.leeredcross.org.

The fly-in is always the second Saturday in March, so you can mark your calendars now for years to come. For more information on the fly-in contact the Lee County Red Cross at 334-749-9981 or visit their website at www.leeredcross.org.

Source: Lee County Red Cross News Release

During the training period, participants will learn about the different areas of public safety, including Police, Fire, Communications, and Codes Enforcement services. Citizens interested in participating in the academy are encouraged to apply early due to limited seating. The program is free for participants.

For more information on the Citizen Public Safety Academy, including application procedures, please contact the Department of Public Safety at 501-3110.

Applications are available on the City’s website here

CSX is expected to provide the City with frequent updates regarding the closings. A list of updated closings will be posted as the top story on the City’s website at www.auburnalabama.org. Citizens are encouraged to check the website frequently for updates.

Source: City of Auburn Website

Source: AuburnAlabama.org

Auburn will soon get a new sports store, Academy Sports & Outdoors, which plans to locate next to the soon-to-open Sam’s Club.

Construction on the approximately 85,000-square-foot store is scheduled to start in mid-February, Academy Real Estate Director John Hay said.

The stores, based in the Houston suburb of Katy, Texas, offer various items from sports apparel to outdoor supplies to exercise equipment.

Academy is finalizing the purchase of the property, and Hay said his company would like to open sometime in August.

Source: OANow.com