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March 16, 2004 <br /> <br /> 4. Quality of Life <br /> · Objective 1 - Initiate a comprehensive Martinsville-Henry <br /> County Arts Development Strategy. <br /> · Objective 2 - Upgrade public spaces in Martinsville and Henry <br /> County. <br /> · Objective 3 - Work to alleviate local social and health issues. <br /> <br /> Mr. Holladay said that the key goal was the second one, and if the localities <br />cannot accomplish that goal, then the rest isn't worth discussing. He said that economic <br />development isn't about industrial development, but about building a quality community. <br />He said the community cannot succeed without a public-private partnership that also <br />encompasses the educational community. He added that Market Street would bring a <br />first-year action plan back to community next month, and discussion would be needed <br />on that item at that time. <br /> <br /> Members of City Council and the Board of Supervisors discussed various <br />aspects of Mr. Holladay's presentation, including the need for shell buildings. Mr. <br />Holladay said it was his belief that shell buildings aren't needed. He suggested the <br />community take part in the "Virtual Shell Building" program available through the VEDP. <br /> <br /> Mr. Barber explained that the program consists of making sure all the parameters <br />of creating a building for a client are in place, such as water and sewer infrastructure, <br />permits, etc., on a graded site. The VEDP can show clients 3-D renderings of buildings <br />that could be placed on those prepared sites, without localities actually spending the <br />money to create a building until one is needed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Teague said it was his belief that a shell building still could be an attractive <br />option for localities because it creates traffic in a community. He cited recent local <br />announcements such as MZM, MasterBrand Cabinets and Nautica as examples of <br />companies that would not have located in Martinsville-Henry County without being able <br /> <br /> <br />