Industrial park developers are optimistic
By Cassie Leap
Wednesday, May 6, 2009 9:35 AM CDT

Friday, May 1, was the official commencement of Ashland Industrial Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony initiated the grand opening of the park, with representatives from the cities of Ashland, Columbia and Jefferson City in attendance. Ashland Industrial Park is a pre-engineered, shovel-ready park located 1.5 miles south of Columbia Regional Airport, off Angel Lane. The park consists of 8 sites, each between 2 and 3 acres that are pre-engineered and awaiting businesses.

The project is headed by Sanron Development, whose owners purchased the land in 2005 looking to do something positive for the community, according to one owner, Bill Harper. Harper and his two partners, Larry Butler and Brian Duffield, have divvied up the responsibilities of the project over the last 4 years and are finally ready to market the land. "The utilities are in and the zoning is complete," said Harper. "The next step is marketing. I'm hopeful that supporting members can help direct new business to areas like ours."

Harper says he and his partners, as well as the city of Ashland, have been optimistic about the project. They feel it is an attractive site for new businesses because of its location, central to Ashland, Columbia and Jefferson City and has the ability to service the whole area. Harper described Ashland as "pro-business" and having a positive attitude about growing. "Some areas are not helpful to new businesses, but Ashland is. They've been helpful to us as a business and I know we're not special in that," he said. Currently, Columbia Regional Airport is also planning on increasing services and Sanron Development hopes that having this site nearby will create an advantage for everyone involved, as the areas is zoned Airport Industrial.

Currently, there is one lot that has been sold. Samuel Excavating has purchased lot #5, and has been involved in helping Sanron in the past. Samuel Corporation did most of the groundwork and the street work on the site. Sanron owners say they have no preference to what other businesses enter the area, but offers a list of ideal business types on the park's website. The types of businesses listed include regional manufacturing, data and service centers, centers for distribution of food or medical supplies, offices or condos.

In order for a new business to successfully build upon one of the sites available for purchasing, they must go through a process that involves Sanron Development, the city of Ashland, and Columbia Regional Airport. The plans will need to be presented to the Industrial Park owners, who will determine the overall facade of the area. "We want attractive buildings," said Harper. The plans will then move on to the Ashland Board of Aldermen and the Ashland Planning and Zoning Committee, who will have to approve the plans. The airport review requirements have limits on building heights and lights, ensuring that nothing will obstruct air traffic.

The city of Ashland has invested money into the sewer system laid throughout the park, but aside from this aspect, Sanron has personally funded the entire project. The process of transferring streets and sewer to be the responsibility of the city of Ashland is currently in progress. Electricity services will remain under the ownership of Boone County. The purchaser will own all other aspects of the sites at the time of purchase.

"We're really very optimistic about the future of this site," said Harper. "It's like a calling card for new businesses."