The City of Clinton is advancing its long-term comprehensive plan to stimulate economic growth by pursuing the annexation of unincorporated land on the city’s west end.

Because a TIF boundary can legally only encompass land within the City's jurisdiction, municipal officials are working to bring several unincorporated parcels of county farm ground into City limits to set up the economic development zone. Clinton City Administrator Tony Harris explains the annexation is the crucial first step required to establish a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) district out toward Kleemann Drive. 

According to Harris, currently, the City boundary on the west side strictly crosses State Highway 51, encompassing just one immediate parcel before hitting unincorporated county land. The proposed annexation will bring in fields located on the north side of Kleemann Road, joining a few parcels the City already controls further to the south. 

The ultimate vision for the annexed territory involves a diverse, balanced mix of commercial retail spaces and residential housing. Harris notes while the project will take years to fully realize, securing the land and forming the TIF district provides the necessary financial mechanisms to fuel that growth.

While some residents scoff at the City's pursuit of growth, Harris stresses proactive economic expansion is necessary to sustain Clinton’s long-term municipal services and infrastructure. 

City leadership considers the west-end property an ideal location for development, and the City has already engaged in preliminary discussions with an outside developer who has shown strong interest in the project. 

The west side of Highway 51 has long been a targeted location for expansion for the City of Clinton.