Crystal City and county officials are inviting the public to attend an “Economic Development Announcement” on Thursday, Oct. 20, presumably about a proposed industrial development the officials have been calling the Redbird project.
The project’s developer insisted on a non-disclosure agreement for all involved parties, leading to the secrecy surrounding the project.
However, according to another news source, the developer is James Hardie Industries. The company, which is based in Ireland “is the world leader in fiber cement siding and backerboard,” according to the company’s website.
The announcement is scheduled for 10 a.m. in front of Crystal City Hall, 130 Mississippi Ave.
Little information about the announcement is included on the invitations, which were sent to various elected officials and other interested parties.
Gov. Mike Parson is scheduled to attend the event, according to his website.
The Crystal City and Jefferson County logos are featured on the invitations, as are logos for the Jefferson County Economic Development Corporation, state of Missouri, Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Partnership and Greater St. Louis Inc.
Today, Oct. 18, a Missouri Partnership spokeswoman said no other information about what would be announced would be released until the public meeting on Thursday.
Crystal City officials would not release any information about the subject of the announcement either.
Both Crystal City and Jefferson County officials, as well as state officials, have been working to bring what they have called a large-scale industrial project to the area surrounding and including the Festus Municipal Airport.
Over the past several months, the Crystal City Council has approved annexations and rezoning requests to clear the way for the proposed development.
In addition, the Jefferson County Council has committed $7.25 million for to help cover infrastructure costs for the project.
The airport is expected to close this week, said Mike Bippen, a spokesman for Citizens for Airport Economic Expansion, a group that has operated the airport for years.
Jim Kennedy, who reportedly has sold the property to the proposed Redbird project developer could not be reached for comment.