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Commissioners approve one-year option to buy roughly 115 acres near Alexander County industrial park
Summary
After a public hearing, the board approved an option-to-purchase agreement for two parcels adjacent to the county's industrial park (around 115 acres). The option fee is $1, projected purchase price $7,948.49 per acre (with an $8,000/acre incremental price above 115); the agreement allows due diligence including surveys and environmental testing.
The Alexander County Board of Commissioners voted to approve an option-to-purchase agreement for two parcels adjacent to the county's industrial park, a move county staff said will preserve the county's ability to acquire land for economic development while the county completes due diligence.
County attorney Ben Falenbury presented the item as a public hearing and explained that the parcels are owned by the Alexander Railroad Company and that the option does not buy the land outright. "This is simply an option that gives the county the exclusive right to purchase later," Falenbury said, noting that North Carolina law (Local Development Act, Chapter 158, General Statutes) authorizes counties to acquire options for property suitable for industrial use and requires public notice and hearing.
Falenbury said the option period is one year, the option fee is $1, and the projected purchase price is $7,948.49 per acre for an estimated 115 acres; if survey reveals more acreage, the price for acreage above 115 would be an additional $8,000 per acre. During the option period the county may enter the property for inspections, soils testing, surveys, engineering and environmental reviews.
Public commenters present expressed support for preserving land for industrial recruitment. After closing the hearing commissioners voted by voice to approve executing the option agreement and to authorize county staff to pay the option fee, record the memorandum of option, and begin due diligence. The motion passed by voice vote; the transcript records the board's approval but does not provide a roll-call tally.
