Tazewell County IDA asks Richlands council to back emergency housing, approves request to seek $1M sale for Bluestone site

The Industrial Development Authority (IDA) of Tazewell County on Feb. 11 unanimously voted to request that the Town of Richlands’ town council adopt a formal resolution authorizing the IDA to perform the Richlands Emergency Housing Project within the town and to determine whether a housing emergency exists under the cited Virginia code provisions. The motion was made by Darell Cantrell and seconded by Melanie Protti‑Lawrence and passed 6–0.

The action follows a closed-session review of multiple confidential projects. IDA members directed staff to seek the town council’s finding so the agency can proceed with contract negotiations and grant-related steps tied to the application the IDA submitted in December 2025.

In a separate outcome from the closed session, the IDA authorized its Economic Development Department to evaluate and select the most qualified firm to perform an Environmental Impact Study for Project Homestead, a proposed housing development on Town of Tazewell property adjacent to the Tazewell County Career and Technical Center. The motion to authorize staff selection was made by Rick Chitwood, seconded by Melanie Protti‑Lawrence and approved 6–0.

The Authority also authorized staff to formally request that the Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority (VCEDA) Board of Directors submit a Purchase & Sale contract offer to Wilderness Mountain Water Company in the amount of $1,000,000 for the Bluestone shell building and the approximately 7.1 acres where the building sits (official address listed in the minutes as 326 East Shannondale Drive, Bluefield, VA 24605). The motion, made by Mack Payne and seconded by Melanie Protti‑Lawrence, passed 6–0. The motion includes a condition that Project Well execute a development agreement tying job creation and capital investment commitments to the property within 24 months.

Background provided earlier in the meeting by Economic Development Director Tim Danielson noted the department was tracking 12 active projects with an estimated $1.1 billion in potential capital investment, about 440 net new jobs and $23.2 million in annual payroll. The minutes show the IDA handled the authorizations as part of two executive-session discussions; the body certified after each closed meeting that it discussed only matters authorized by the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.

Next steps recorded in the minutes: staff will request the formal Richlands town-council resolution; staff will solicit and evaluate EIS firms for Project Homestead; and staff will pursue the VCEDA Purchase & Sale request tied to Project Well. The minutes do not list a timetable for those steps beyond the 24‑month development-agreement condition attached to Project Well.