Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Economic Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Board tables 80‑acre commerce‑park purchase option amid public questions about Linde air‑separation project
Summary
County staff presented an option to buy 80 acres adjoining the Northampton County Commerce Park for $3.38 million (option fee $19,000); public speakers raised workforce and environmental concerns about a proposed Linde air‑separation facility and asked for clearer public outreach; the board tabled the purchase-option decision to the May 18 meeting.
County economic development staff presented an option to acquire an 80‑acre tract immediately across from the Northampton County Commerce Park (Lebanon Church Road) with a purchase price quoted at $380,000 per acre and a total of $3,380,000; the option includes a $19,000 option fee that would be credited if the county exercises the agreement, and a 90‑day due‑diligence period.
Mister Bennett (economic development) told the board the land is being acquired to maintain inventory for future industrial prospects: “This is a way for us to promote growth in our county,” he said, adding the county has not had large industrial developments recently and must provide shovel‑ready parcels to attract capital investment and jobs.
During public comments a range of concerns were raised about public notice and the related project sometimes referred to as Project Opal (Linde/Lindy). Resident Sylvia Vincent said citizens were excluded from an earlier announcement for a gas‑separating plant on Lebanon Church Road and criticized nondisclosure agreements used in recruitment; she questioned monitoring and long‑term community impacts. Others asked how many jobs would be created and whether the county had the infrastructure (water, sewer) to support large industrial users.
County staff clarified the purchase-option presentation concerned land acquisition only and that any incentive agreements or project details would be discussed in a separate public hearing. The board voted to table the purchase‑option decision to the May 18 meeting so staff can complete due diligence and provide additional materials for review.
The board also discussed related housing and infrastructure matters, including a septic evaluation contract for the Odum housing site and a request to enter negotiations with a property management firm for upcoming county housing projects.
