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Economic development report: Commonwealth Crossing 'platinum' designation and active prospecting reported
Summary
The county’s economic development representative reported increased prospect activity at Commonwealth Crossing, noted grading and blasting progress, and said Track 2 at the site received a 'platinum' site-selector designation; officials said they are verifying the scoring and will discuss details in closed session.
Mark Keith, speaking for the Martin/Patrick/Henry County Economic Development Corporation, briefed the board on development activity around Commonwealth Crossing and other county sites. He said the site has seen a recent increase in prospect visits, ongoing grading (with substantial cut-and-fill and periodic blasting), and construction progress by incumbents such as Press Glass.
Keith said the site’s Track 2 received a 'platinum' designation from a site-selector group, which his office characterized as the highest rating; officials are verifying exact scoring but reported the preliminary and final scores as high. He also described ongoing design work for state-funded corridor and sidewalk projects, smart-scale applications, and work with the Commonwealth Transportation Board on local transportation needs.
Board members asked about local wage and poverty figures and workforce training connections. Keith said manufacturing wages in the county have risen significantly over the last decade and estimated a range in the mid-$20s per hour for some positions, while acknowledging he would verify specific wage averages. He also noted direct hiring connections with local training programs (for example, a heavy-equipment operator class supplying workers to site grading contractors).
Keith said some items related to site development and confidential prospect details would be discussed in closed session. The board acknowledged the update and did not take formal action on economic-development recommendations at this meeting.
