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Richlands News Press
http://www.swvatoday.com/comments/plans_moving_forward_for_the_bluestone_technology_park/news/1172/
Plans moving
forward for the Bluestone
Technology Park
Wednesday,
November 21, 2007
By Jim Talbert
TAZEWELL - If all goes
as planned development of the Bluestone
Technology Park
could be underway in one year.
Rick Chitwood of Thompson & Litton Engineering outlined the plans for the
park during a meeting at the Tazewell County PSA office Nov. 16. The county
purchased the 680 acre site for a $million. Chitwood said there are 433 acres
at a 15 percent grade or less and 233 acres on a five percent or less grade.
The county hopes to market the property as a place to work, live and play and
will offer sites for technology companies as well as stores, houses, walking
trails, motels and restaurants and a golf course. County Administrator Jim
Spencer said the county does not plan to put in any of those facilities but
will work with companies or individuals interested in developing one or more of
them at the Bluestone.
Chitwood said the engineers hope to have the first phase of the development
ready for bidding by March of 2008. He said the next step would be to have the
work on that part completed by March of 2009. The second phase would go out to
bid by June of 2008 and be completed in June of 2009.
The third phase which is the first building to be constructed at the site would
be completed in 2,010. The first phases of developing the project would get
roads, water and sewer lines, electricity, internet and other utilities to the
site.
Joe Gillespie of Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority said the
county should make sure services are available from more than one source and
one area. He said technology companies want and need backup sources.
Sam Wolford said Bristol Virginia Utilities, Verizon and other providers offer
broad band internet service in the area. Gillespie said having amenities
available or close by is a big part of attracting a high tech company.
He said the close proximity of Abingdon and the willingness of Lebanon to develop coffee shops and other
businesses was a factor in Northrup-Grunman locating in Russell County.
Chitwood told the gathering that the plans call for maintaining the natural
appeal of the property.
Representatives of Hill Studio showed plans that call for the development of
walking trails in the area. Many of the stones already on the property would be
used in the signage and bridges associated with the development.
There are several barns and outbuildings that will either be modernized and
used or torn down and the lumber used in the signs or other structures. In
addition to county leaders, representatives of VDOT, Rural Development, chambers
of commerce and town managers attended the meeting.
Spencer also outlined the financing sources the county is looking at for the
project and said three colleges have signed memorandums of understanding to
offer classes at the Workforce
Investment Center
adjacent to the technology park.
The county is also planning to link the center with the business incubator in
Richlands so the two agencies can webcast programs. Spencer said the county is
also working to upgrade its web presence to get more in line with what people
in E-commerce expect.
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