JWC

MW Builders, construction company for the developer of the Fed Ex distribution center in Lindale Industrial Park has started construction.  Trees were cleared last week.  This week dirt movers are leveling up the site.  It's great to see action in the park.

In addition, Hawley Disposal Service has been clearing land for two easements for electric, water and natural gas utilities.  This work is about done.

Several new restaurants have opened recently in Lindale.  Rumors are that additional restaurants are under consideration.  New restaurants include:

IHOP

Lincoln's Restaurant

Dixie Pig BBQ

Main Street Cafe

Subway on FM849

Fatt Apple Catering

Whataburger

TCBY

Collin Street Bakery/Restaurant

A new/larger building is under construction for Pizza Inn.

The boom is being driven by very strong traffic counts on US69 and I-20, totalling a combined count of about 61,000 vehicles a day.  Also, Lindale is underserved for retail.  The population signs on the highway show about 5,000 but that is misleading.  The 5-mile radius population from Lindale's City Hall is almost 17,000, and the 10-mile radius is over 40,000.  Lindale's retail trade area is 60,000 to 80,000.

This must be the season for marketing Lindale!  Just spent a day at the AHR trade show for the air conditioning and heating industry.  1,900 booths at the Dallas Convention Center.  This was a very impressive show.  We are also sending out post cards this week to a bunch of real estate and site selection consultants across the country.  Finally, we will be representing Lindale in Anaheim California in February at Plastec West.  We'll be exhibiting with Oncor Electric and several other economic development agencies from cities in the Oncor trade area.