Friday, May 15, was a historic day for the City of Brundidge as city officials signed the necessary documents for the purchase of 222 acres of property adjacent to Southern Classic Foods on the north side of town for potential industrial growth.

The city paid $1.2 million for the property with financing by First National Bank at the rate of 2.75 percent for 10 years.

The property was purchased from members of the Regentine family, Jodi Klugel, Russell Regentine and Peggy Regentine.

Klugel said she and her siblings inherited the land from their mother, Margaret Regentine.

Klugel said her great-grandfather Jim Ramage deeded the land to Margaret Regentine for her lifetime.

“Our mother died in 1986 and we wanted to keep the land,” Klugel said. “We planted it in pines and it’s a beautiful piece of property. But, we realized what a good opportunity this is for industrial growth for the city and we are proud to be a part of the good things that will come from this.”

Brundidge Mayor Jimmy Ramage said the property is located on the main line of the CSX Railroad and will lower the number of competitors who are vying for industrial locations with rail access.

“The fact that the city now controls this site is also a big plus,” Ramage said. “Often times, a company is looking for a location but isn’t in a position to wait until property can be purchased. With this purchase and the infrastructure we have in place, Brundidge will be open and ready for business.”

The City will deed 30 acres of the land parcel to the Brundidge Industrial Development Board to earmark for a project currently being considered.

“The entire 222 acres will be available for industrial growth,” Ramage said. “We are excited to have this property and look forward to the opportunities to bring new industry and jobs to Brundidge.

“This land transaction is one of the best things to happen in Brundidge in years. I would think that, years from now, this purchase would be equal to the decisions that were made in regard to owning our utilities. Because of those decisions, Brundidge has been able to maintain the kind of cash flow that has allowed us to survive. Today was a good day for Brundidge.”