July 1, 2010, Longview, TX... The Longview Economic Development Corporation (LEDCO) will hold the official Grand Opening of the 700-acre North Business Park today, Thursday, July 1 at 11:30 a.m. Longview Mayor Jay Dean and Gregg County Judge Bill Stoudt will be on hand, along with LEDCO Board members, City Council members and other business and community leaders. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held by the Longview Partnership Chamber of Commerce and lunch will follow for guests attending the event.

 

The 700-acre site was outside the Longview city limits when it was purchased by LEDCO in 2007, but has since been annexed. The Park’s strategic location provides easy access to US Highway 259, a north-south artery and Interstate 20, a major east-west transportation corridor. The main entrance of the Park is on Judson Road, approximately 2.5 miles north of Loop 281.

 

LEDCO Board President Bob Metzler reported that in 2009 the board evaluated the economic situation and opted to begin construction taking advantage of lower construction costs. The entire project was completed early and under budget. The Groundbreaking ceremony was held in April of 2009 and the dirt work, construction of roads, water and sewer infrastructure and general site grading began immediately. 

 

“The contractors on this project are local so there has been a significant economic benefit to our community,” said Metzler. “During a slow economy, our project provided jobs to around 300 people over the course of the construction, in addition to the dollars spent with local suppliers of materials and services.”

 

The LEDCO board made the decision to promote the property earnestly while the infrastructure construction was underway. Interim Executive Director Susan Mazarakes said, “We’ve been marketing the acreage to prospects with actual photographs of the construction progress and a digital, 3-D animation of the Park. We now have the completed Park itself to show.”

 

Mazarakes anticipates the site will attract businesses that will complement and support existing industry in the area. “We worked with the City of Longview staff to have the Park acreage zoned properly. There are so many factors that go into the decision making process,” said Mazarakes. “We looked at the residential neighborhoods in the area and spoke with area business owners. We considered the city’s growth plan and projected roadway expansions and evaluated traffic studies. We also met with consultants who helped us determine the best future use for the property,” she concluded.

 

Mazarakes said that the Park site will continue to be marketed to real estate professionals and site selection consultants throughout the United States and abroad. If you are interested in more information about the available sites in the North Business Park or any other economic development initiatives in Longview, please contact the Longview Economic Development Corporation at 903-753-7878 or visit the website www.LongviewUSA.com.