Richmond Redevelopment Commission approves Heartland Pet Food plant spending

The commission voted to allow spending on road improvements, a new rail spur and a modification in land use for the Heartland Pet Food company, which is looking at Richmond as a finalist for its new processing plant.

Commissioners spent several minutes debating and questioning the proposals before them, including resolutions calling for $1 million to build a new Norfolk Southern Railroad spur, which would be owned by the city, near the project site. The proposals also called for an estimated $3.7 million for upgrades to Garr-Jackson Road, which is maintained by Wayne County, Centerville and Richmond government officials.

The measures, which ultimately were approved unanimously, sparked conversation between commission members and those presenting the proposals.

Commission member Mike Blum said he had hesitations about the potential expenditures but didn't want to hold up the project by denying the measure.