Roanoke Valley in need of more land to attract manufacturers

Roanoke Valley in need of more land to attract manufacturers (Image 1) (Copyright by WSLS - All rights reserved)

ROANOKE COUNTY (WSLS 10) - A lack of developed land is preventing the Roanoke Valley from attracting large scale manufacturers.

A recent study conducted by the Roanoke Regional Partnership found a shortage of sites 100 acres or more. It focused on areas in Roanoke, Roanoke County, Salem, Vinton, Franklin County and Botetourt County.

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The communities will share in the up front costs and eventually any tax revenue that comes from a business relocating to the region.

"By looking at what's doable, a minimum of 100 acres, what we're able to do is offer a broader inventory and not leave as much money on the table and not pass by opportunities," said Beth Doughty, the executive director of the Roanoke Regional Partnership.

She adds there's a need to offer a wide variety of land options to potential companies interested in moving to the Roanoke Valley.

But that interest in adding jobs extends to other businesses as well.

Jody Draper owns Wing Boss on Blue Hills Village Drive in Roanoke County. Located at the entrance of the Roanoke Center for Industry and Technology, Draper hoped his restaurant would become a hot spot for hungry workers. 

"It's something I was thinking about that's exciting," Draper said. "You've got plenty of room for industry up here and down the street. It would increase business for us and we could hire more people. It would be a big impact on everybody."

Less than a mile up the road, Blue Hills Golf Club is also hoping a new industry will move in and bring more golfers.

The course lost four members over the last year due to restructuring at Norfolk Southern, Advance Auto Parts and the United States Postal Service forced hundreds of jobs to leave the Roanoke Valley. General Manager Gary Haught said that equals more than 100 rounds of golf lost each year.

"It's definitely hurt us," Haught said. "Public players that would play here, they're getting transferred too. So new businesses in the area would definitely help us out."

But that help likely won't come soon. While the study identified several spots that could be leveled, cleared and developed into 100 acre properties, where and when that will happen is unclear.

Despite the uncertainty, Doughty said the Roanoke Valley is moving in the right direction.

"This authority is really well suited to be proactive and forward thinking in identifying property, securing it and holding it for future development."