An answer has finally come to an often asked question by Cedar Creek Lake residents -- when will an HEB, Target or other large retail store open in the area?

The disappointing answer of "not anytime soon" came during a town hall meeting sponsored by Gun Barrel City for local businesses.

Economic Development Corp. President Linda Rankin said she contacted Target, Chick-fil-A, HEB, Kohl's, Academy Sports, Kroger, Costco, J.C. Penney, Home Depot and Old Navy to gauge their interest in Cedar Creek Lake, according to the Athens Daily Review. She noted none of the corporations planned to expand to the area in the near future.

For now, Gun Barrel City officials are focusing on helping existing businesses on the lake survive and thrive, they said. Mayor Jim Braswell said city officials wanted local businesses to know they stood behind them.

Rankin said 30 percent of the business in Gun Barrel City have been there six to 10 years, and most tend to be small employing one to five people, according to a recent survey.

The EDC is sponsoring a Facade Improvement Program to provide grants to existing businesses that want to upgrade the appearance of their stores on the outside. The EDC will contribute up to 50 percent of the project up to a maximum of $5,000. The application deadline if Oct. 1 for the fiscal year.

City Manager Gerry Boren said city officials are talking with the Athen's Farmers Maraket to help establish a similar operation in Gun Barrel City.

A veteran's rehabilitation center that would include an 80-unit independent living facility, along with a memory care and veterans clinic is still in the planning phase, Boren said. An industrial business park is still being discussed as well, he added.

Rankin said the Applebee's Restaurant that had been proposed will not be built.

Braswell said he planned to conduct a town hall meeting with citizens next.