c020314_II_GoodyearClosed Session II (Goodyear) February 3, 2014
At 8:00 p.m., the Board, already in closed session on another matter, began closed session on
a different matter relating to the location or expansion of business in the area, pursuant to NCGS
143-318.11(a)(4). Commissioners Holmes, Frye, Kemp, Lanier and Haywood were present. Also
present were County Manager Richard Wells; Will Massie, Assistant County Manager/Finance
Officer; County Ben Morgan; Aimee Scotton, Associate County Attorney; Cheryl Ivey, Clerk to
the Board; and Bonnie Renfro, Randolph County EDC President.
Bonnie Renfro said that a company that has asked to remain confidential has expressed
interest in obtaining part of the former Goodyear site, which is located in the Asheboro city
limits. This site includes a 287,000 sq. ft. building and 129 acres. If the company locates to
Asheboro, it proposes 300 new jobs. However, the company does not need all of the 129 acres
that Goodyear wishes to sell. The building would need major retrofitting and there may be some
environmental issues that would need to be mitigated. Goodyear has indicated that it may be
willing to sell the entire 129 acres and building for $2 million. Goodyear also indicated that it
might be willing to remove the building at no cost to the purchaser. Ms. Renfro pointed out the
prime location of the site, which is rail -served and has all infrastructure in place.
County Manager Richard Wells said that a meeting was held on January 30 that was attended
by himself, Will Massie, County Commissioner Chair Harold Holmes and County Commissioner
Phil Kemp. Also attending were Bonnie Renfro, as well as, Mayor David Smith and City
Manager John Ogburn from the City of Asheboro. The group discussed the possibility of
purchasing the Goodyear site for an industrial park. There would be potential to sell part of the
property to the confidential company that has recently expressed interest in part of the site and
also to neighboring businesses or to a new company wishing to locate to Asheboro. The City
expressed interest in purchasing the site with the County, sharing the cost with the County
equally. Asheboro also indicated its willingness to extend a road at the site that would open up
the northern part of the site that is currently land locked.
Mr. Wells said that a tour of the building and site is scheduled for February 7 for County and
City officials.
The Board expressed interest in this project and asked that another closed session be placed
on the March 10 agenda to hear an updated report.
Closed Session on this topic ended at 8:16 pm.
J. Harold Holmes, Chairman Darrell L. Frye
Phil Kemp
Arnold Lanier
Stan Haywood
Cheryl A. Ivey, Clerk to the Board