Shaking OC’s land-buying reputation

Officials at the Oconee Economic Development Commission are intent to turn around the county’s reputation for buying real estate. And Richard Blackwell, the economic development director, vowed this morning his office will accomplish this by beginning to fill up available space for manufacturers and other job-producing companies. Hank Field, commission chairman, acknowledged what he called under the breath comments about Oconee County buying up too much property. But Field expressed confidence that the progress to shape up as many as three industrial parks to accommodate tenants will pay off for the county. The chairman and the rest of the commission had just heard reports from Blackwell and County Administrator Scott Moulder on the efforts to prepare the Golden Corner Commerce Park, the Oconee Industry and Technology Park, and the Seneca Commerce Center, where the county owns 100 acres.