By ALEC ETHEREDGE | Staff Writer

JEMISON – The city of Jemison is on the rise with several new businesses already under construction and on their way to the town.

A Burger King and truck stop will both be coming to exit 219 next to Jacks; and a new Dollar General will be placed right across the street from the Piggly Wiggly on Chilton County 42.

“We have several new businesses being built here, which is very exciting news for the city,” Mayor Eddie Reed said.

Reed mentioned when the economy took a hit in 2008 so did the city, and they are now recovering from that.

“In 2007 we accepted a plan for 5 new neighborhoods, which would’ve brought 2,000 additional homes to the city,” Reed said. “To do so we had to fix our sewer system, which cost us $1.7 million. That was right about the time the housing market burst so we were unable to see that project through, which really put a hurt on us.”

Reed mentioned the regret of what happened, but said now the city is primed for growth because of the upgrade they’ve given the sewer system. He said this will help bring new businesses and more people to the city.

“Right now 68 percent of the people in Chilton County are leaving the county for work on a daily basis,” Reed said. “Bringing in these new businesses will not only help create local jobs, but will also keep people here to shop and eat.”

At the City Council meeting on Monday, Oct. 18, the council approved the sign that will go in front of the new Burger King.

Right now a lot has been cleared and crews can be seen working to build the fast food restaurant as quickly as possible.

The structure for the Dollar General has been built and is awaiting the completion of more construction to open.

Reed said there are a lot of people that are afraid for the city to change and grow, but it’s coming and now is the time to prepare.

“Having a task force since the economic downturn has really helped our city, and now we feel like we are on the right path for our city,” he said. “Jemison is on the move and it’s amazing to see where we came from.”

During the 2015-16 fiscal year the city had a surplus of $183,000 and this year Reed hopes to end with even more of a surplus because of the economic boom they will get from the new businesses.

“Even though we want to keep it small and quiet, growth is coming,” Reed said. “People are moving here from overpopulated areas in Shelby County, so not just Jemison, but the entire county needs to be ready for the impact.”