[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6474736,"mediaKeyId","5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da","parentId",5739710,"title","Wallace Research Park leadership prioritizes infrastructure, VEDP site characterization and marketing","audioSeconds",1505,"startMs",889000,"endMs",2394000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da&start=889&end=2394","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da/thumbnail_889000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6474736/Accomack-County/Virginia/Wallace-Research-Park-leadership-prioritizes-infrastructure-VEDP-site-characterization-and-marketing","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474736-fc155aa4106512ecb93fcc4325cdbaae/orig.mp4?Expires=1774940057&Signature=hcUGc34c-0S2bcqs3~4ncN6JdtW53vVmbsGJ7DdBhDVohrJ4d4RbUoFnEbZZqKa71Wqr2-CUumjl3aT6Mbv6w2jBbOUD6VrwsTrlCkEyuPFQNovfpU7YDGG50KD5szL1ZDFC8eL9N7aNFi3j5-~5BxGGJQeApcwiWvbUo-Q6gkK3p7V-EZALSSRkOdsEizWhB4aElUsiiRcnV9ouCkr0Lk0ERi-4a-hgBcLHdy9QcBghtaVMaXXeC7KYC3edb1vgygrqdtcqr-WnyG7eF7-1QDpjyok0e-OwmeBtb7Ua-YPq4j4uGThQqNi6pMQ9kBcXCp~LWPwwCAvgYM~vXg4UPg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Accomack","date","2025-09-08T00:00:00Z","article","The Wallace Research Park Leadership Council on Sept. 8 discussed five suggested priorities for 2026 intended to make the park more marketable to aerospace and related firms, including site readiness work, an updated concept plan, pursuit of state site-characterization funding and a targeted marketing effort.

Council members and staff said the initiatives aim to convert interest generated by recent activity at Wallops into real prospects. Lee Pambitt, Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development, presented staff’s list of five suggested priorities: (1) infrastructure development for temporary pads and sites, (2) a rear access road to improve access behind the taxiway near Rocket Lab, (3) a refresh of the park’s concept plan (last updated in 2014), (4) pursuing site-characterization and site-development grants through the Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP) and (5) a marketing program including an offering memorandum, website updates and outreach materials.

Pambitt said some enterprises have inquired about temporary pads where a prospect could operate while preparing a permanent site and that the southern half of the park could be a logical location for that work. He described the rear access road as a county responsibility to construct and said staff has previously sought congressionally directed spending for that road but will continue to explore funding options.

Staff and council members emphasized the two-step VEDP process: a site characterization is generally required before applying for site-development funding. Pambitt and others said a characterization would move the park from a lower readiness tier toward a shovel-ready condition that attracts developers.

On marketing, staff described a planned offering memorandum (a 4-page PDF with drone and ground photos) and estimated production cost at about $1,500–$2,000. The council agreed staff should begin assembling materials and consult with VEDP’s real-estate team and other partners as part of next steps. Robert Sabatini, executive director of the Eastern Shore Virginia Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Commission, offered the chamber’s assistance for outreach and engagement.

The council did not take a formal vote to adopt the priorities but instructed staff to proceed with exploration and initial work and to return with updates and scheduling information at a future meeting.

Staff noted budget limits: the county’s funding is limited and some projects will require external grants or allocations from the Board of Supervisors. Pambitt said staff would start outreach to VEDP’s real-estate team and to potential design/photography vendors for the offering memo and would report back at the next meeting.

Less-critical details: staff reported the new park sign installed before the Rocket Lab LC-3 dedication and said future signs could include QR codes directing visitors to park documents. Staff also noted Kimley Horn is the county’s usual engineering consultant and could be engaged for concept-plan graphics.

The council asked staff to return with draft materials and grant next steps at a subsequent meeting.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Accomack - Wallops Research Park Leadership Council Meeting","oneSentenceSummary","The Wallace Research Park Leadership Council on Sept. 8 discussed five suggested priorities for 2026 intended to make the park more marketable to aerospace and related firms, including site readiness work, an updated concept plan, pursuit of VEDP funding and a targeted marketing effort.","taxTitle","Accomack County, Virginia","taxId",73497,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474719,"Votes at a glance: Wallace Research Park Leadership Council — Sept. 8 meeting",2398,237000,2635000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da&start=237&end=2635","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da/thumbnail_237000.jpg","/articles/6474719/Accomack-County/Virginia/Votes-at-a-glance-Wallace-Research-Park-Leadership-Council-Sept-8-meeting","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474719-b21c5ac53c1de85b8e8e7f0ab7dd0bb1/orig.mp4?Expires=1774940057&Signature=c2PiwD4mLKhwWlYTzXy6PP54WT3t9fwHlzwHYamP2kluMtSmB54JAT6MnSMeu6DRZ4mQBORn~JkzpSDsSiWPoJetyZlY4y4fDDhxVg41J9QHUw3ywP7px~RlNX9ue~PIVv9lFvoyrvgHRr3GYm6n4bzRrWNhgTl27FbS4HVt7QiCp2Ekb9WJN-dVoVCYs5mjX-Uw3XvORQtnmk~i1OxcaiKvZH4c1OsBb0zBhrKQppOOl8LhMQIIA~4Z7KHB16E9nwEi-lnKwT89E31UQRz6rS0252-qZ3PNxvzmmc1PNYrbkJKTIHuiB0s4Yj-uh72s~b4CMj1EyesnsJVRcxkLsw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At its Sept. 8 meeting the Wallace Research Park Leadership Council recorded the following formal actions:

- Adopt agenda: Council entertained a motion to adopt the agenda; members present approved the agenda by voice vote (ayes recorded). The meeting proceeded with the published agenda.

- Adopt minutes: The minutes from Feb. 18, May 20 and July 15 were presented and adopted by voice vote; the chair recorded ayes for approval.

- Closed session: The council moved into closed session under Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(a)(5) for discussion of prospective business or industry locating or expanding in Accomack County where no prior announcement has been made. The motion to convene closed session was seconded and approved by voice vote.

- Certification vote: Upon reconvening, council members certified by roll call that only matters permitted under the closed‑meeting exception were discussed. The certification recorded affirmative votes from the members present (three yes, zero no).

- Adjournment: The meeting adjourned by consensus at 5:10 p.m.

No final public actions (such as approvals of leases, contracts or rezoning decisions) were taken during open session at the Sept. 8 meeting; staff reported they will pursue follow-up steps on the priorities and development items discussed.","The council adopted the meeting agenda and minutes by voice vote, moved into a closed session under Virginia Code §2.2‑3711(a)(5) and certified the closed-session purpose by roll call; the meeting adjourned by consensus at 5:10 p.m.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474724,"Leadership council discusses shifting meetings to Wednesdays at 1 p.m.; staff to survey members",328,289000,617000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da&start=289&end=617","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da/thumbnail_289000.jpg","/articles/6474724/Accomack-County/Virginia/Leadership-council-discusses-shifting-meetings-to-Wednesdays-at-1-pm-staff-to-survey-members","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474724-53c4123c119840173c6d20f7c7cf9c17/orig.mp4?Expires=1774940057&Signature=Nu4Iie9JE59X3VXNLj~m6mY0fTpBWsC94GG6PMrARgOLXeyzuS~zuCXwAAooEdwZ3O48e66DWkSri5eI31GTIWXCM2bq6nGY~MHfb2o0HpHnPgXmDqjPURVWbOpxcHHHDw~fh~-fnGik~sd0H4tzUQ7XSvRPk~xf3DchIWUMWR075XQyb6xgK0xSoF~dFH5iyO~OPlfdGJWX7lHO~LcdjLm3Oxb2oiEA99ahqMZksTxkfDMhs89Ig-67Gs4hrI041bRyjr8zcHhxZ2XjdnLzWFzNbxdp4Z5TdosgudVJ7iy-2B7aNP4NWHhYAqye5UjIJcuGK1bLNKKbwaYT-lIcww__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Wallace Research Park Leadership Council discussed adjusting the regular meeting time at its Sept. 8 session and tentatively agreed to target Wednesdays at 1 p.m., subject to checking conflicts with county boards and absent members’ schedules.

Lee Pambitt, Deputy County Administrator, reviewed staff’s original choice of 3 p.m. (based on room availability) and invited members to propose alternatives. Members cited travel times and other standing obligations: one member reported a three-hour commute and said early afternoon would be easier; another said evenings are not possible; a council member who serves on the Maryland State Board of Education said the last week of each month is not available.

Multiple council members said a 1 p.m. Wednesday meeting could work and asked staff to check county scheduling conflicts (Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, Board of Supervisors) and to poll the two absent council members. Pambitt said staff will return with a recommended quarterly meeting schedule for 2026 and will research outside organization meetings that might conflict with a permanent meeting day.

The council did not take a formal vote but asked staff to research options and report back at the next meeting.","Members discussed meeting start times and tentatively agreed to target Wednesdays at 1 p.m.; staff will survey absent members and check county calendar conflicts before finalizing a standing schedule.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474728,"Rocket Lab LC‑3 ribbon cutting and Neutron hardware noted in Wallace Research Park briefing",123,3340000,3463000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da&start=3340&end=3463","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da/thumbnail_3340000.jpg","/articles/6474728/Accomack-County/Virginia/Rocket-Lab-LC3-ribbon-cutting-and-Neutron-hardware-noted-in-Wallace-Research-Park-briefing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474728-8b0516e0b1b55b1569db4104676ce341/orig.mp4?Expires=1774940057&Signature=ZsExuSCc~mDpgAr5hxNKiPGvp0LMHwhxq2ZTU6ubZBAEZgd1KEiUW0ljKJRGBvT8NotRYybkkLz1JlPfrSC0vpnJE5WFUgf0pyUQFr9e9NK1wqr8HnWjtGbPYQxqWrNax1Hi2InsZe4CYRiqtUVcTol1IK7tEtX7R8mWd7762gPP2m1GikMVDtlXM1pTZ--1M34o7ZaoVxksTT99y5STUENsS6uxjY7L3604tpf~m8OmhmqHdUQP1FfrOSSffTHuKabFTmb-05Tb1yjpme7HbePanqmyFQ6qgjmmxt4q6IgVsmXx~8KputMxrYzNSGir~9GKuTXWPkeLudS7tDbWQw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","County staff and council members reported on recent activity by Rocket Lab during the Sept. 8 Leadership Council meeting, citing the LC‑3 ribbon cutting and movement of Neutron flight hardware to the Wallops site.

Chairman Jeff Parks and staff recounted attendance at the LC‑3 dedication and said Rocket Lab representatives, including founder Peter Beck, indicated the company intends to move the Neutron program forward. A staff update noted that Neutron flight hardware is on its way to the launch site and that Rocket Lab expects the first Neutron launch this year. Staff also referenced local operations issues (dredging at Sloop Gut) but said Rocket Lab does not expect that matter to delay the initial launch.

Council members described a strong, supportive reaction in local media and on social media to the LC‑3 dedication and said the event brought international attention and local momentum that the county should capitalize on. Staff recommended continued outreach and coordination with Rocket Lab and Virginia Space as the park pursues readiness and marketing steps.

No formal actions were taken on Rocket Lab matters at the meeting; staff will continue to coordinate and to include Rocket Lab developments in future updates to the council.","Staff summarized recent Rocket Lab activity: LC‑3 ribbon cutting, Neutron flight hardware en route to site and company expectation of a Neutron launch this year; local response was described as positive.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6474731,"Virginia Space files rezoning requests for two sites near Wallops totaling about 167 acres; planning commission review expected",178,3512000,3690000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da&start=3512&end=3690","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5739710-87c49da0152593b517115453709398da/thumbnail_3512000.jpg","/articles/6474731/Accomack-County/Virginia/Virginia-Space-files-rezoning-requests-for-two-sites-near-Wallops-totaling-about-167-acres-planning-commission-review-expected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6474731-85f3b2970d8cd314a2572508b40ce8f0/orig.mp4?Expires=1774940057&Signature=nIGOp1qrPUwT7Aae2a4c3BRPAve6bpcIHQbM7wWYW16eowhoc9GbEoWwY0vpEU9v0rhYKXqQeBsZQuugeoE9PKwSwyel~dMolR~9VzYe~XhcWps3herlElx9ZkXvhkx52gYuUeTeGVrub7vDt95mcoCZEyW8FM35ghGa-B3RJtUe8F7eDHO8e4d8koIiD21MKWKC9TLZRaH1pbDHUMKam6XEfrPzKWjY4toF4Q6eacDr8qBZFd1F1voSIBJcOU-gCTUq4NDGiYKV0B828F1VhcqnNVSvhg4~OEsuuJa9xCGq5lDUGI7JW0KOFDyWtD-VrlXkn5UHFiZltI0IqjVkhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Accomack County staff told the Wallace Research Park Leadership Council on Sept. 8 that Virginia Space has submitted rezoning applications for two properties to support manufacturing and other facilities tied to the aerospace cluster near Wallops.

The primary application covers four parcels totaling about 167 acres currently zoned agricultural; staff said the parcels would be rezoned to industrial to accommodate manufacturing and support facilities. A second application covers a roughly 55-acre former seafood/clam-plant parcel under consideration for similar industrial uses. County staff said the total acreage Virginia Space holds in the area is closer to 500 acres.

Lee Pambitt, Deputy County Administrator for Community and Economic Development, said staff has received proffers from Virginia Space and is recommending that the Planning Commission hold a work session on the two rezoning items at the end of September, with formal Planning Commission hearings anticipated in October.

Pambitt said one of the sites (the former clam plant) contains a large interior footprint suitable for temporary operations and storage, while the other site near Walshe Island Road and the taxiway would support industrial uses close to the launch and assembly facilities. Pambitt also identified local attorney John Custis as Virginia Space’s counsel and noted coordination with Virginia Space representatives, including Deborah Bryant.

Staff said Virginia Space indicated its preference to keep remaining land as farmland for the time being; any future expansion beyond the submitted parcels would require additional review.

No formal council action was recorded on the rezoning items at the Sept. 8 meeting; staff will continue administrative review and carry the items to the Planning Commission schedule.","County staff reported Virginia Space submitted rezoning applications to change roughly 167 acres from agricultural to industrial and a separate 55-acre site for aerospace-support uses; staff anticipates Planning Commission review in October and recommended a work session in late September.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Wallace Research Park leadership prioritizes infrastructure, VEDP site characterization and marketing

Votes at a glance: Wallace Research Park Leadership Council — Sept. 8 meeting

Leadership council discusses shifting meetings to Wednesdays at 1 p.m.; staff to survey members

Rocket Lab LC‑3 ribbon cutting and Neutron hardware noted in Wallace Research Park briefing

Virginia Space files rezoning requests for two sites near Wallops totaling about 167 acres; planning commission review expected