The Heartland Industrial Park in Charlotte County and the Heartland Regional Industrial Facility Authority were the subject of investigative broadcasts from WDBJ-7 on Dec. 18 and Dec. 19 by investigative reporter Victoria Shirley regarding the industrial park’s development, funding for the park and responses from members of the authority to concerns expressed by members of the public.

Gary Walker, chairman of the authority and chairman of the Charlotte County Board of Supervisors, said, “You’ve got to have a facility infrastructure (that) has to be in place. You have to have the land. You have to have the water. You have to have the sewer. You have to have the roads. You have to have the internet, and you have to have a highway like (U.S. Route) 360 that they can get their product to and from. Without the infrastructure in place, you aren’t even in the ballgame.”

While we commend area counties for coming together in order to create a space for potential businesses to enter Charlotte County, there may be additions necessary in order to further facilitate interest in the park.

According to information from previous reports, the park spans roughly 773 acres, and 402 of those acres are suitable for construction.

While there is certainly land and space readily available for those who wish to potentially move a business into the area, other facilities, such as a building, may help draw potential businesses and showcase the park in a progressive light.

The less work that needs to be done, the more interested potential businesses may become in making Charlotte County their home.

Currently, the Virginia Growth Alliance is located in the park and the Heartland Regional Industrial Facility Authority hosts its meetings at the location every three months.

While the park is a fine start, perhaps there should be other considerations to increase its chances of productivity.