The Botetourt County Economic Development Authority (EDA) got a tour of the General Shale brick plant in Blue Ridge last Thursday afternoon following its May meeting at the Blue Ridge Library. EDA member John Williamson (from left) spoke with General Shale officials Jeff Emery and Charlie Watts about the process during the tour. The company makes 1.2 million bricks a week. During its meeting, the EDA got an update on plans for the new Colonial Elementary School. The EDA will be responsible for delivering a pad for the school. The School Board will select the architect to design it. Economic Development Director Ken McFadyen presented preliminary master plans for developing Greenfield/West Center Drive in Botetourt Center at Greenfield. The property will require a new road west of the shell building. There will be three lots from 13 to 20 acres that would accommodate 75,000- to 100,000-square-foot buildings. The EDA owns the property and is expected to apply to the Virginia Department of Highways for possible industrial road access funding once the master plan is complete.
