Economic trend continues with new openings
Story by Linda Long
Contributed photos
Ribbons may soon be in short supply in Moody thanks to a flurry of grand openings and ribbon cutting ceremonies. The old tradition of putting scissors to ribbon symbolizes a new start that says, “come on in, we’re open for business.” And Moody is definitely open for business.
Proof lies in the sounds of the times: That annoying, but necessary, ‘beep-beep’ warning as a construction foreman lets folks know his heavy bulldozer is backing up. The nearby rat-a-tat-tat of a noisy jackhammer is heard playing its raucous tune. And the cement trucks maintain a steady drone as concrete is smoothed out for a new foundation.
Some might call it noise. But for Moody Mayor Joe Lee, it’s music to his ears.
And, why not? Lee loves seeing the town grow from barely a blip on a map to the second largest city in St. Clair County. He has been in public service for the past 27 years, first as a member of the Moody City Council, then as mayor for the past 16 years.
Commenting on the number of building projects, both commercial and residential, under way right now, Lee said, “I’m real proud of what I see happening here. I’ve been part of the leadership of this city for a long time, now. I’ve put a lot of effort into making sure we have grown and grown in the right way.”
The new Metro Bank building, which opened its doors officially with a ribbon cutting in November, is testament to that growth. It’s the newest and, perhaps, brightest gem in Moody’s economic crown.
“They were leasing a spot in the Professional Building, and people couldn’t find them,” said Lee. “Now, they’ve got their own brick-and-mortar store and the location is promoting new business. People drive by them every day. They say Moody has a Metro Bank that’s here to stay.”
Although the bank building is new, Metro Bank has been open in Moody for the past 10 years. Still, Metro Bank President and CEO Jason Dorough agrees with the mayor predicting new customers will come with the new location built by Goodgame Co.
“We really needed more exposure,” said Dorough. “We had people tell us they didn’t even know we were in Moody.”
That problem should be eliminated with the building’s new location, right on Moody Parkway and its 6,500 square feet. The bank’s lobby is graced with a stately cathedral ceiling with lots of cheerful windows to bring in the light.
“What can I say?” laughed Dorough. “We’re a newer, bigger, prettier facility.”
He was quick to point out that despite moving upscale, the one thing that will not change, is Metro Bank’s commitment to remain Moody’s only community bank. “All of our employees are Moody people.
“They live here, shop here, work here. They’re making a big commitment here,” Dorough said.
“Most of the other banks are larger, not headquartered in St Clair County. We try to leave the bank business to the people who run the branch. They are all good people, with a lot of experience. We let them make their own decisions. If they need our guidance, we’re here for them.”
One of the biggest pluses with the move is “we’ve got room to grow. In all of our other locations, we’ve wished we had more offices and things of that nature. Moody is a growing town, and we want to grow right along with it. We feel like there’s a lot of potential here in Moody.”
More growth ahead for city
Apparently, Metro Bank isn’t the only investor seeing potential in this St. Clair County community. According to Lee, several new businesses are in varying stages of completion.
A 95-room Holiday Inn Express is under construction fronting Interstate 20. According to Lee, “the same folks building the Holiday Inn are also building a new Exxon station with an additional two new store fronts for lease, though we don’t know yet what’s going in there.” Those structures are located on U.S. 411, across from Adesa Auto Auction.
Popeye’s Fried Chicken, located on U.S. 11 and Markeeta Spur Road was 90 days away from opening in November and according to Lee, another yet to be identified, retail store will be built on property located between Popeye’s and Bojangles.
“We’re expecting a real shopping hub to develop in the area around Popeye’s,” said Lee. “We’ve got more property for sale around there and behind Bojangles, there’s eleven commercial acres for sale. We look for it to develop in the near future.”
Two other business developments that are expected to bring new jobs to Moody include a supermarket located in the shopping center at Moody Parkway and an expanding J.M. Exotic Foods, located in Industrial Park.
“We’re in negotiations right now with a supermarket to try to backfill the space left vacant when Fred’s went out of business. That’s going to create 55 new jobs, Lee said. “Also, Exotic Foods has a new packing contract that’s going to double the size of their operation.
That will bring in 11 more jobs.
The growth is seen well beyond retail and industrial, though. “All the commercial growth we’re having is pushing residential growth as well.” A 58-unit senior citizen complex is under construction for those 55 and up. Completion date is expected around the first of the year. “It’s a little village in itself,” said Lee.
“It has a clubhouse and common areas, and each unit is for rent.”
The mayor said some new subdivisions under construction include 120 new homes at The Reserve in the Highlands and 135 houses being built in Oak Hills.
Population in Moody following the last census was 12,457. According to Lee, the projected population following the next census in 2020 is expected to be 15,000, underscoring the fact that Moody has long since shed its status as a blip on the map.
