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Blackstone officials plan $651,000 offer on county land near Fort Pickett, citing Textron and vertiport opportunities
Summary
Town representatives told the board they plan to offer $651,000 (about $9,000/acre for ~72 acres) for county land adjacent to Blackstone Municipal Airfield to support aviation‑oriented economic development tied to activity at the Blackstone Army Airfield and a licensed vertiport; the board discussed grant options and agreed to consider offers and negotiate in closed session.
A town representative and planner presented an economic development pitch for county land adjacent to Blackstone Municipal Airfield, telling supervisors the town will submit an offer of $651,000 for roughly 72 acres that are marketed on LoopNet. The town representative argued that proximity to the Blackstone Army Airfield, existing business activity such as Textron, and a licensed vertiport create an opportunity for aviation‑oriented industry, research, and support services.
Board members discussed possible grant sources (Virginia Tobacco Commission regional funds and Virginia Department of Aviation programs), the legal differences between town‑owned airports and county land for certain grant programs, and the need to clear stumps and prepare sites to attract prospects. The board noted a public hearing is required for any sale of publicly held land and that negotiations over price are appropriate in closed session under state code.
The town representative asked the board to take the offer under consideration; the board moved into closed session later in the meeting to discuss the property near Fort Pickett and bargaining strategy. No sale occurred at the meeting — the offer will be considered through the required public notice and negotiation process.
