CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) — Chesapeake City Council voted 7-1 on Tuesday night to spend more than $14 million to purchase 1,420 acres for an industrial use “mega-site.”
Vice Mayor Dr. John M. de Triquet was the lone no vote.
Chesapeake’s Economic Development Authority (EDA) will purchase the land and the area is set to become the Coastal Virginia Commerce Park. The land is a small portion of a much larger plot of farmland owned by Virginia Beach’s Frank T. Williams. It sits with Route 17 directly to its west, the North Carolina state line directly to its south, Cavalier Wildlife Management Area to the east and Ballahack Road is north.
The purchase will allow for the city to bring infrastructure like sewer and water lines to the site.
Mayor Rick West said big manufacturing companies have shown interest in setting up shop on the land, which could increase revenue within the surrounding area.
However, there is pushback from some Chesapeake residents. Several have come to meetings saying it will dramatically change the way of life in Southern Chesapeake.
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