The $2 million bid was placed by Lawrence County Community Action Partnership (LCCAP), which plans to develop the property to accommodate educational, health care and short-term housing facilities, among other plans.
LCCAP estimates the project will create at least 275 jobs once up and running.
“This is one of the biggest wins for Lawrence County in decades,” Bernstine said. “I’m thrilled we were able to find a buyer for this property whose sole mission is to help the community and create jobs in the process.”
Specifically, LCCAP’s initial plans for redevelopment include a county-wide STEM program for school districts, special student needs programs, primary health clinic or urgent care facility, a new bus facility, file storage facility, greenhouse program for students, gym, swimming pool, auditorium, community space, and short-term housing apartments for fire victims.
A large portion of the property would remain undeveloped for future use or sale.
“This project gives us a huge opportunity to expand our relationships and provide programs and services to the community that historically we’ve never been able to do because of property limitations,” said Thomas Scott, CEO of LCCAP. “We’re proud to have had our board of directors and local and state government officials working together to advocate for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
LCCAP is made up of three agencies (Lawrence County Social Services, United Community Services of Lawrence County and Allied Coordinated Transportation Services) that seek to involve the community in assessing local needs and attacking the causes and conditions of poverty.
