The Cadiz-Trigg County Planning Commission took a critical step in local commercial development on Tuesday evening, when it unanimously approved preliminary plans of a 12-plot plat, along a new street connecting Glenwood Mill and US 68/80 — across from FNB Bank.
Property developers Scott and Ellen Jolly — with architectural and engineering specs from Ronald Johnson & Associates — have scripted and designed what they’re calling “Jolly Ranch” and “Jolly Road,” in what they hope will be continued economic development along the four-lane and on the outskirts of Cadiz.
Jolly said he’s already getting verbal commitments for what could eventually become a four-way stop with a turning lane, while interim commission chair Mike Heffington noted this is the kind of development the people of Cadiz needs.
A new restaurant and its frontage road are already in development and close by this potential project, which appears to be coming to fruition. Frank Williams, president of Ronald Johnson & Associates, said “Jolly Drive” should be complete within the next 60 days, and that the Cadiz-Trigg County Planning Commission need only approve a final plat at a later date in order to get things fully under way.
Williams and Jolly both noted an 8-inch and a 10-inch sewer line are connecting to the area — with each of the 12 lots nearly an acre in size. Williams said Craig Oakley with the City of Cadiz inspected it while it was going in, and it will pressure and vacuum tested before being certified and given back to the state of Kentucky.
The only noted concern came from city representative Josh Adams, who forecasts possible traffic concerns with a turning lane along US 68/80 if, indeed, a four-way stoplight is installed.
Adams referred to the constant trouble that has beleaguered I-24 as of late, and since US 68/80 serves as an active corridor and detour route for local freight and traffic, that stoplight often becomes a hot spot — particularly with the Trigg County School’s bus garage in close proximity.
In a project that’s long been in the works, Jolly approached the Cadiz City Council in May, in hopes to receive fiscal assistance to install a water line along Jolly Drive and inside the development.
In June, the Cadiz City Council approved a $12,000 payment for such service in three $4,000 installments, for what was an expected cost of $28,000 for the water connection.
