Brunswick considering $18 million land purchase for 'economic development purposes'
A vacant business park in northern Brunswick County may soon have its first tenant.
At its Sept. 5 meeting, the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners announced it would hold a public hearing on the purchase of up to 539 acres in the Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park.
Here are five things to know about the property.
Who is purchasing the land?
Meagan Kascsak, spokeswoman for Brunswick County, said the county would be purchasing the property for “economic development purposes.”
How much will it cost?
“Brunswick County intends to acquire the property in fee simple for $18,865,000,” Kascsak said in an email. “If approved, the County will fund the local payment with available revenues in the County’s general fund.”
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Who owns the land currently?
According to Brunswick County tax records, it is currently owned by William L. Grainger and located in the Northwest Township.
Why does the county want to buy the land?
The public notice states the board of commissioners “believes this property will incentivize businesses which shall stimulate and stabilize the local economy and result in the creation of new, permanent jobs in the County.”
Kascsak said this is the only information the county can release at this time.
Earlier this year, Bill Early, executive director of Brunswick Business and Industry Development, said a company was looking to locate on a portion of the site, but he could not provide additional details due to confidentiality agreements.
The site has been marketed to businesses and industries for a number of years, and now has water and sewer infrastructure provided by Brunswick County, fiber internet service provided by Focus Broadband, access to natural gas service and rail transport.
When is the public hearing?
The public hearing to discuss the purchase of the property has been set for 6 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 18, 2023, in the administration building at the Brunswick County Government Center, 30 Referendum Drive, Bolivia.
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This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Brunswick considers land purchase at Mid-Atlantic Industrial Rail Park
