New group wants to draw business here

By Justin Faulconer

Published: August 13, 2008

As the U.S. 29 Bypass nears a third anniversary this fall, a new citizens’group is working to attract more business to Madison Heights.

The Business 29 Development Group started earlier this year with several interested citizens and a hope to revamp the county’s largest residential area, said chairwoman Bonnie Limbrick.

“We’re in the beginning stages of organizing,” said Limbrick, a Realtor who has served the past five years on the Amherst County Planning Commission. “Trying to attract business is our goal.”

Limbrick said the bypass is good for the county but that she fears it has potential to draw business away from Business 29.

Its main focus is the Amherst County Ornamental Roadway Network (ACORN) project, which Limbrick said would aim to beautify the area for business promotion purposes.

County officials have attended the monthly meetings that are open to public involvement — the group is seeking members. Limbrick said she hopes the group can help ensure better use of space in Madison Heights.

“There (is) a lot of empty, open undeveloped land space that has not been utilized — even before the bypass opened,” she said. “The area is beautiful and certain sections you can see for miles.”

Eventually the group would seek tax-deductible contributions and approach organizations.

“We realize we’re not starting at the best economic time,” Limbrick said. “Hopefully we’ll make the area more attractive and businesses will come.”

The group meets every fourth Tuesday at 4 p.m. at the county’s administration building at 153 Washington St. in Amherst.