Clear Creek development gets green light

DOUBLE SPRINGS - A significant step toward both tourism and economic development was taken by the Winston County Commission at their Tuesday, May 26, meeting when they approved, through two separate resolutions, a $7 million project known as The Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve.
The commission first approved the application for an authority to incorporate a capital improvement cooperative district in Winston County, known as The Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve Improvement District, according to Commission Attorney Jeff Mobley.
The commission also approved a separate resolution authorizing the establishment of a community development district, located within the cooperative district, known as the Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve Community Development District, Mobley added.
Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve, which is being developed on 65 acres on Clear Creek of Smith Lake property in the area of Lamon Chapel Road near the Winston/Walker county line, has been described as a mixed-use, deeded lakefront community,  according to  the property’s owners, who attended the commission meeting.
Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve is being developed as a nature-forwarded lake community centered around deeded residential ownership, outdoor recreation, lake access, flexible use, public-facing amenities and long-term infrastructure support, according to Lauren Humphries, director of public relations for HJL Development, LLC, the official company owning the development.
The development will contain 101 total deeded lots designed for mixed-use development for residential and/or camping and an RV park area, owners described.
The property will also include a 64-slip marina,  community boat dock, 12,000 square foot lodge complete with a restaurant capable of seating around 200 and meeting/conference rooms, (including a Smith Lake exhibit area), owners explained.
The development will also contain an entertainment area featuring an amphitheater, an olympic-size pool, a splash pad, pickleball courts,  playground areas, hiking and bicycle trails, covered pavilions and picnic areas, according to owners.
The development will also have five to six miles of walking trails, with future plans to possibly use 20 to 30 acres of adjoining property owned by the U.S. Forest Service as part of the Bankhead National Forest, to be used - if the owners can be granted a special use permit  by the U.S. Forest Service, owners indicated.
“There is no fee that will be charged to make a profit,” explained owner Justin Humphries, who attended the commission meeting along with fellow owners Lauren Humphries and Hal Isbell, of HJL Development LLC. 
“This is all open to the public,” Justin added. “Our intent is the district will create enough revenue from the restaurant area of the clubhouse, in order to pay for this, and the event rentals, conference room rentals,” Justin added. Profits will also be generated from the deeded properties, he added.
“Clear Creek Wilderness Reserve is not being developed as a private country-club style community, requiring a membership to enter or participate,” Lauren emphasized.
“The current plan is for the project’s amenities to be public-facing and open to the public,” she added. “Our goal is to create a welcoming Smith Lake destination that serves residents, visitors, boaters and the surrounding community.”
“This project is intended to offer a flexible alternative to traditional lake subdivisions by combining deeded lot ownership with meaningful amenities, recreational infrastructure and lake access in a less restrictive ownership model,” Lauren continued.
“Rather than relying on a traditional homeowners association framework, eligible infrastructure and common-area obligations are expected to be supported through a public improvement district structure,” Lauren added.