LONGVIEW, Texas (KLTV) – The Longview Economic Development Corporation is beginning to make plans after purchasing over 1,100 acres, marking the end of a long-time dilemma.
LEDCO didn’t have large lots available to attract big industries, but the recent purchase of acreage north of Highway 80 and west of Reeves Road will make LEDCO competitive again.
LEDCO CEO Wayne Mansfield said they have been focused on the takes a look at what will become the Bar-K business park.
“We have been looking and studying where do we go, what are our next steps. So, we’ve been doing that for the past four to six years,” Mansfield said.
They have been dealing with a shortage of acreage.
“Currently at the Longview Business Park we only have 34 acres that can be developed, existing. And then in the north business park only about 130 acres remaining,” Mansfield said.
The acreage is split into more than one tract.
“They’re small tracts, 10 to 15 acres scattered here and there,” Mansfield said.
Only one tract is 40 acres, but the 1160-acre purchase will put LEDCO back in the competitive market.
“Acquiring this property gives us opportunities to be in the discussion for site consultants for companies that are looking for 50, 100, 500 acres,” Mansfield said.
The land is presently undeveloped.
“I think one small tract is fairly wooded but for the most part it’s pastureland,” Mansfield said.
They still have a lot of design work to do:
“Regarding utilities, how do we put out utilities there. We have had some preliminary discussions with SWEPCO regarding power,” Mansfield said.
But the purchase of this much land is a huge first step.
“Probably from Dallas towards Louisiana, I don’t know of any tract in existence where a park would have that much property, contiguous like we have,” Mansfield said.
The deal was finalized last week and involved two Harrison County landowners. Development is planned to begin late this year.
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