New industry slated for Angel Lane
Twenty-two acre property sold to area developers
by Laura Brandt
City officials hope that a piece of land northeast of town on Angel Lane will bring some new jobs to Ashland.
"We've been working with the landowners for a long time out there," City Administrator Ken Eftink said. "(The development) will add to the tax base that supports the City, the schools and the fire district. So, we're excited about the prospect of some new development and creating more jobs."
Farmer and landowner Ralph Goetting sold the 22-acre property. He said that he had purchased the parcel of land about 20 years ago and had not been trying to sell it very long when Sanron Development decided to purchase it.
Owners of the Columbia-based Sanron Development Brian Buffield and Larry Butler would not say what their plans are for the site, but said that they will disclose that information within the next couple of weeks.
The 22-acre property was annexed on August 22, 2000, as part of 870 acres annexed into the City limits that day in the Angel Lane area.
There were some concerns before annexing about the land being so close to the regional airport; some were concerned that Columbia might want to try to annex it, Eftink said.
After annexing the property, the City then created a new zoning for the piece of land called "airport planned industrial district zoning."
The new zoning was meant for light industrial development and excludes any residential development, Eftink said. Anything that goes there would also have to be compatible to the airport, so as not to affect the airport negatively, he said.
Lucy Nichols, the RE/MAX realtor who was involved in the sale of the property, said that Ashland City officials were more than helpful in the process.
"Ken Eftink went above and beyond and so did his staff," Nichols said. "It started in January. He answered every question. The buyers were really impressed with his work. He had maps and information ready for us when we needed it. Goetting needs to be commended as well."
The City also recently passed a resolution to enter into a contract to make improvements on the Angel Lane sewer. The project is scheduled to begin soon, and contractors estimate a November 15 completion date.
"The improvements to the Angel Lane sewer definitely attracted the interest of the developers," Eftink said.
Eftink said that any possible development to the land on Angel Lane would still have to go through Planning and Zoning and the City before any project could begin.