The 50-acre parcel is zoned for agricultural conservation, and developer Ray Mertz needs the county commissioners' approval for a floating planned development zone that will allow him to build an office park. Mertz has promised to build the park to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design green building standards.

"Mr. Mertz has put his money where his mouth is," said Hughesville resident Donna Cave, reading the group's statement during a public hearing on the project. She said his project matches the vision her group has for a "bustling, busy and vital" village center.

The project was also supported by Christy Hartman, owner of the Appliance Source in Mechanicsville. She plans to relocate her business to the park.

The Hughesville Station development was unanimously endorsed by the county's planning commission. The developers say the project's tenants could employ as many as 178 workers and furnish the county with $262,000 in yearly tax revenue.

Mertz's development team said they plan to pursue the minimum "certified" LEED standard, but might shoot for a "silver" rating if funds permit.