Hartley to sell first lots in new Highway 18 Industrial Park

Grass isn't the only thing growing at Hartley's Highway 18 Industrial Park.

A public hearing is scheduled to take place May 10 during the city council's meeting regarding the sale of four lots to Wyatt and Monica Glime, of rural Everly. The couple plans to use the property for their trucking business, Backroads Express, LLC.

"It's really exciting. HEDC (Hartley Economic Development Corporation) is excited as well," said City Administrator Erica Haack. "We're just happy to see that somebody is excited to invest in Hartley and help that industrial park grow."

According to Haack, the Glimes were the first party to take interest in the new industrial park. Negotiations have been in the works for several months, she said, and the couple can begin developing the lots shortly after the hearing next week.

Haack said plans call for a 17,000 square foot building to be built on the property, which totals 4.69 acres in the northwest portion of the park. The lots will be sold for a total price of $100,000.

The Glimes plan to use the shop to house and repair Backroads Express' trucks.

"They will take ownership when all the legal paper is done, and we'll work with them on a TIF (tax increment financing) rebate," Haack said.

The 20-acre industrial park was constructed last year. HEDC and the city council pursued its development due to a lack of space in Hartley's current industrial park on the southeast side of town.

Haack reported that one other party has expressed interest in purchasing property in the new industrial park.