Staunton's largest commercial project is closer to happening after city leaders approved a land-transfer, according to NBC29.

The plan is for a new, modern Western State Hospital to be built, and the current property could be sold to developers.

This is great news for area residents because this development could significantly boost the local economy and bring in new jobs. For homeowners this could result in higher property values and lower property taxes - the perfect combination!

"The concept for Staunton’s largest commercial project is one step closer to reality. City leaders have signed off on a land-transfer deal that would open up nearly 300 acres of prime real estate.

For the commonwealth of Virginia it would mean a new, modern home for Western State Hospital. For Staunton it would mean a green light to take over the current hospital property along Route 250, and later sell it to developers.

It still exists only on paper but the re-development of the Western State Hospital property has cleared a major hurdle. The Staunton Industrial Development Authority has signed a property-transfer agreement with the state. The deal means a new mental hospital can be built on 70 acres now owned by the city.

Staunton City Manager Steve Owen said, 'This allows them to just sort of step away from the existing campus, and get a stand-alone facility. It puts the hospital where the hospital really should be. It doesn't tie up that very valuable land, which could have greater potential for retail development.'

Staunton is looking for a private developer who can maximize 260 acres of potential for stores, restaurants, hotels and offices. But the city's vision may compete with that of Augusta Marketplace just three miles and one interstate exit away. Both city and county are confident their neighboring projects will succeed."

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