BY PHILL BARNETT
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — The Martin County Economic Development Authority announced in a meeting Oct. 19 that it would not enter into an amended lease with Boxvana.

Boxvana, which leases the EDA’s building at the industrial park on Honey Branch, evaded eviction in August by filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy days after the EDA filed eviction proceedings.

As part of the bankruptcy, the tiny home manufacturer must submit a plan by the end of the month. Part of their tentative plan was to seek a lease amendment to have more time to shut down.

The EDA filed a proof of claim Oct. 11 in the bankruptcy for $108,854 based on the original lease with Boxvana.

Also on Oct. 19, Gov. Andy Beshear and Hal Rogers attended the SOAR Summit in Pikeville and announced a $3 million Abandoned Mine Land Economic Revitalization grant to Thunder Ridge Property Acquisition. Thunder Ridge will use the money to develop an industrial park in Floyd County, where Boxvana intends to construct a 200,000-square-foot facility.

Other business

By switching to LED bulbs for external light fixtures and adjusting thermostats, the EDA has saved significant money on power in the business center. Internal fixtures have not yet been changed due to the unavailability of licensed electricians.

The Authority agreed in a Sept. 13 meeting to lease the first floor of the business center to TEK Center, a new nonprofit facility geared toward meeting the demand for skilled trade workers in the region.

The EDA was using the space to store supplies. To make up for this lost space, the EDA will need to purchase a storage building. The board approved purchasing a prefabricated building that can be moved later if needed.