By ERIN EDGEMON-April 5, 2007-8:36 AM

Murfreesboro wasn't selected as the site for an unnamed food and beverage plant to be constructed by a well-known company.

The developer and economic development officials hoped to secure the $70 million plant that could have brought as many as 200 jobs paying at least $21 a hour to a site on Joe B. Jackson Parkway.

Joseph Aydelott, Murfreesboro planning director, confirmed the company selected a site in South Carolina after Wednesday night's planning commission meeting.

Panattoni Development Co. had requested an approximately 54-acre portion of its property along Joe B. Jackson Parkway be rezoned from light industrial to heavy industrial to allow for the plant.

Speculative warehouse/distribution space is currently under construction on the Panattoni property on Joe B. Jackson Parkway just off Interstate 24.

Panattoni plans to construct more than 1 million square feet of Class A space on the site. Phase I of 363,250 square feet is under construction and should be available for occupation in spring 2007.

The rezoning request was pulled from Wednesday night's agenda before a public hearing and vote could take place. City Council was expected to hold a public hearing and vote on the the rezoning on third and final reading April 5.