Owensboro approves purchase of Massey site for industrial expansion; city says acquisition won’t hit general fund

The Owensboro City Commission voted Aug. 19, 2025 to acquire two adjoining parcels on West Parrish Avenue — a 73.372‑acre tract and a 48.233‑acre tract — together forming roughly 121 acres identified for future industrial development.

City Manager Nate Pagan said the purchase followed a 2023 consultant site review that ranked the Massey site among the county's top industrial sites. The parcels have frontage on West Parrish (U.S. 81) and provide four‑lane access to the bypass, factors the city cited as favorable for recruiting employers.

Pagan said the purchases are funded from a designated economic development fund the city has been building; he stressed the acquisition "will not impact the city's general fund," and that the city has budgeted the money in advance.

Brad Davis, vice president of business development for the Economic Development Corporation, said due diligence has been completed, including a Phase I environmental study and a site intelligence report, and described the property as "ready for development" once city acquisition is finalized. Pagan said the combined acreage gives flexibility to subdivide into multiple 20–30 acre sites or to accommodate larger users if a tenant requires 50–60 acres.

Commissioners repeatedly framed the purchase as a long‑term investment. One commissioner called it "a long term play" and said the city needed land to market to prospective employers.

Price and funding: For the 73.372‑acre parcel, the city cited a purchase price of $38,500 per acre and noted the tract appraised higher at $41,022 per acre. Pagan said the funds come from an economic‑development savings account and that the money for the acquisition will be appropriated later in the meeting through a budget amendment; no general‑fund borrowing was required.

Votes and next steps: The commission approved both purchase agreements on first reading and instructed staff to complete closing steps. Staff said infrastructure, utilities and road access will be evaluated for site preparation and that future subdivision decisions will depend on tenant needs.

Ending: City and EDC officials said the acquisition positions Owensboro to compete for industrial projects as remaining acreage in the current industrial park diminishes. Commissioners emphasized the outcome is an investment in long‑term job and tax‑base growth.