A new development named the “Mosheim Crossing Development” was discussed for Greene County in the Budget and Finance meeting that would bring a whole new setting to Mosheim, off I-81 near exit 23.
The developer has been communicating with several in the past couple months so the project could move forward, which if approved would include a hotel, restaurant, and a small retail center on 30 acres. The project is estimated at around $9 M and the Marriott Hotel has been secured as a Franchise. The hotel, which will include Fairfield and Towneplace Suites by Marriott, will be a 4 story hotel with about 65,000 sq. ft. and feature about 115 rooms. The development also has potential to include a gas station, another hotel, fast food restaurants, an additional dine-in restaurant, and a grocery store.
The developer, Joe Patel, works with Joe Squared Construction and JPP Property Management and has lived in Morristown for 30 years. He says his engineer is ready to get started on building the hotel but Phase 1 still needs to be completed. It includes grading and road work. A traffic light was proposed coming off the exit and into the development, which could also have a turning lane. The road going into the development would most likely be a one way lane according to Patel, for easy access and flow in and out. That phase of the project does have to be reviewed by the Tennessee Department of Transportation.
Patel was requesting support for a TIF (Tax-increment Financing) from the committee. The TIF would provide a tax break for the development, according to County Mayor Kevin Morrison. Once there is approval of a TIF Phase 2 and 3 can begin. That includes utilities, curbing and grading finishes, and a traffic light.
A previous developer that planned on developing off exit 23 has left a bad taste in some mouths after failing to keep their promise back in 2018, so there may be some hesitation from the community for the plan. Patel intends on providing his contracts to County Attorney Roger Woolsey and further discussions will be had. Once TIF approval is given, the next phase of the project can begin.
