Minutes 01/28/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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uJ HONDAY JANUARY 28, 1985 ~ areas, such as recreation, jail facilities, etc. There is also a need for cooperation on a day-to-day basis on matters involving both juris- dictions. This would tend to erase barriers and would establish a base for future County/City cooperation involving many areas of mutual con- cern. If consolidation is to be accomplished at some future date, a record of cooperation must be established. Industrial/Commercial Growth and the Economy A viable economy is dependent upon industrial and commercial growth and development. The following comments are offered regarding each type: Industrial Development a. .,.....-.. Martinsville has been fortunate in the past in having considerable industrial development take place. The 1980 census indicated that 44 percent of all persons employed in Martinsville are working for manufacturing concerns as compared to 19 percent manufacturing-type employment on a statewide level. However, this concentration of the labor force can cause economic problems during times of recession, since employment in industry is generally confined to textile, furniture and wood-products manufacturing. There is a need to have more diverse industry in order to minimize the effects of a slow-down of manufacturing in textiles, furniture, etc. It would be desirable to attract high tech industry that would employ professional and highly skilled persons who would be paid higher wages. Martinsville should continue its support of the Economic Development Corporation in its efforts to expand existing industry and attract new industry into the area. In addition to the promotion of development of the City's Industrial Park, an effort should be made to develop indus- trial sites in Martinsville along the principal railroads extending through the City. Even though these sites are small, their develop- ment would expand the tax base, as well as generate new jobs. The City should consider extending utilities into these areas at no cost to industry and should assist in obtaining industrial access funds to help pay the cost of needed roads. b. Commercial Development ,- Martinsville serves as the principal trade center for Henry County and parts of Patrick and Franklin Counties. Taxable sales in the City from all types of commercial activity are well ahead of the County and other localities in the planning district and compare favorably to the economy of the State. This has occurred even though employment in the commercial/retail sector has shown no growth. Con- siderable commercial development has occurred in Henry County along principle roads, such as Route 220 in Collinsville. Martinsville is losing retail trade to other trade centers, such as Danville, Eden, Greensboro, Roanoke and Winston-Salem. In order to recapture some of this loss, commercial activities in the City must be stimulated. This will require continued interest in development and expansion of the CBD and other commercial areas. There is a need for a greater variety of goods and services to minimize the loss of sales to other trade centers.