STAUNTON -- The director of economic development for the city said a $150-million, 300-acre plot of land is ready for development.

The land, named the Staunton Crossing, is located just off Exit 222. It used to belong to Western State Hospital, but now, it could be a promising, premiere development opportunity.

“We expect to see a lot jobs generated at this location. We're already beginning to get a great deal of interest because of the location at the two interstates. We're pretty excited about the potential going forward,” said Staunton Director of Economic Development Bill Hamilton.

The hope is to have businesses, industry and possibly housing occupy the land during the next 20 years. There is even some room for additional retail across the road near the Frontier Culture Museum.

Leaders plan to start the foundation before the end of 2013 and to have tenants move in sometime in 2014.

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