Plans moving forward for the Bluestone Technology Park

By JIM TALBERT\Staff
TAZEWELL - If all goes as planned development of the Bluestone Technology Park could be underway in one year.
Rick Chitwood of Thompson & Litton Engineering outlined the plans for the park during a meeting at the Tazewell County PSA office Nov. 16. The county purchased the 680 acre site for a $million. Chitwood said there are 433 acres at a 15 percent grade or less and 233 acres on a five percent or less grade.
The county hopes to market the property as a place to work, live and play and will offer sites for technology companies as well as stores, houses, walking trails, motels and restaurants and a golf course. County Administrator Jim Spencer said the county does not plan to put in any of those facilities but will work with companies or individuals interested in developing one or more of them at the Bluestone.
Chitwood said the engineers hope to have the first phase of the development ready for bidding by March of 2008. He said the next step would be to have the work on that part completed by March of 2009. The second phase would go out to bid by June of 2008 and be completed in June of 2009.
The third phase which is the first building to be constructed at the site would be completed in 2,010. The first phases of developing the project would get roads, water and sewer lines, electricity, internet and other utilities to the site.
Joe Gillespie of Virginia Coalfield Economic Development Authority said the county should make sure services are available from more than one source and one area. He said technology companies want and need backup sources.
Sam Wolford said Bristol Virginia Utilities, Verizon and other providers offer broad band internet service in the area. Gillespie said having amenities available or close by is a big part of attracting a high tech company.
He said the close proximity of Abingdon and the willingness of Lebanon to develop coffee shops and other businesses was a factor in Northrup-Grunman locating in Russell County. Chitwood told the gathering that the plans call for maintaining the natural appeal of the property.
Representatives of Hill Studio showed plans that call for the development of walking trails in the area. Many of the stones already on the property would be used in the signage and bridges associated with the development.
There are several barns and outbuildings that will either be modernized and used or torn down and the lumber used in the signs or other structures. In addition to county leaders, representatives of VDOT, Rural Development, chambers of commerce and town managers attended the meeting.
Spencer also outlined the financing sources the county is looking at for the project and said three colleges have signed memorandums of understanding to offer classes at the Workforce Investment Center adjacent to the technology park.
The county is also planning to link the center with the business incubator in Richlands so the two agencies can webcast programs. Spencer said the county is also working to upgrade its web presence to get more in line with what people in E-commerce expect.