Board approves $1.65M in business park enhancements

At its meeting Monday night, the board approved a bill that includes plans for enhancements, such as sewer installation, to Branson Commerce Park, which is located west of the Tri-Lakes Center on Highway 248. Those improvements are estimated at $1.65 million and will be paid through special assessments in the park’s Neighborhood Improvement District.

The 350-acre park is targeted at light industrial companies that could support Branson’s tourism industry. Officials have said they are open to warehousing, regional distribution, call centers and commercial and office space, in addition to affordable housing.

Also at its meeting, the board approved an ordinance expanding the boundaries of the Community Improvement District in Branson Hills, along Branson Hills Parkway.

The CID was approved last July and now will include the right-of-way along Branson Hills Parkway.

Branson Hills, which already has a Home Depot and a Target, is set to open in early 2008 and will include a Wal-Mart Supercenter, Kohl’s and other retailers and restaurants.