Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: WEDNESDAY, June 21, 1995 TAG: 9506210104
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: B-6 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: RON BROWN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: FINCASTLE LENGTH: Medium
The Botetourt County Board of Supervisors announced Tuesday the proposed $4.3 million acquisition of about 875 acres owned by the estate of Mary Blount. The deal is expected to be completed within a month.
The site, just north of Amsterdam, is bounded by U.S. 220 and Etzler Road.
The proposed development, to be named Botetourt Center at Greenfield, is seen as as a pre-emptive strike to cover anticipated growth. About 150 acres would be used as a park with open greenways, a 30-acre site would be reserved for an elementary school, and there would be land available for a fire-rescue station.
About 650 to 700 acres would be set aside for the business and office park.
County Administrator Gerald Burgess estimated that the center could employ 1,000 to 2,000 people when fully developed and could generate about $4 million in taxes annually.
"It will be a model for the Roanoke Valley," Burgess said. "Today is a momentous day, not only for Botetourt County, but for the whole Roanoke Valley."
Beth Doughty, executive director of the Roanoke Valley Economic Development Partnership, said Roanoke Valley landowners are hard-pressed to satisfy a prospective industry needing 100 acres or more already served by roads, water lines and sewerage. Botetourt County plans to add utilities and roads necessary to meet those needs at the business park.
"We have made a big step," Doughty said. "This is really good for the future."
Doughty said she can start marketing the land immediately, as long as companies understand they can't take possession for 18 months.
That time frame will work nicely for Botetourt County as it attempts to market other available industrial sites it owns, including two lots in East Park Commerce Center and 105 acres at Vista Corporate Center, adjacent to the new Lawrence Transportion System building at Hollins. Economic development sources say the county is close to a deal with an industry on the Vista site.
The county has been negotiating the purchase of the Blount farm since 1987. It will spend $2.8 million gleaned from general obligation bonds authorized by county voters in November, and the remainder of the $4.3 million price will come from money set aside for industrial and recreational projects.
The land will cost $4,950 per acre, which Burgess said was cheaper than land at the other county-owned industrial parks.
The county hopes to get state money to build access roads to the property and will pay for sewer and water lines with other grants or loans.
Burgess said the county will seek only environmentally friendly businesses that will be compatible with the suburban character of the changing Botetourt County countryside.
"Our emphasis has been on clean industry for Botetourt County," said Bill Loope, the vice chairman of the board of supervisors. "That will continue here."
Staff writer Jeff Sturgeon contributed to this article.
by CNB