LAPEL — Plans for a new concrete plant and a project to serve people with special needs are moving forward as scheduled in Lapel.

Tyler Comstock, a project engineer with American Structurepoint Inc., presented the town planning board with plans for Shelby Materials Ready Mix Concrete Plant during a recent town planning commission meeting.

The plant is to be built on 10 acres at 9302 W. County Road 650S, near the proposed Giving Hope site, a 30-acre development that will feature a center for children and young adults with special needs.

The concrete plant plans have yet to be reviewed by the town’s building inspector and the project is still in the developmental phase. However, the town’s planning commission did give approval for dirt to be moved and a temporary road built.

The concrete plant will work in conjunction with the proposed Giving Hope project, Lapel Planning Commission President Gary Shuck said.

“They’re going to be using lots of concrete for the Giving Hope project,” Shuck said.

The 40 acres earmarked for both projects have been rezoned, and plans are being finalized and moving forward.

The plot has been laid out, and officials are waiting to see the final plans before construction begins. Shuck said he expects construction work on both projects to start soon, by this spring at the latest.

“We’re just glad they picked our area to develop this project, and I think it will be a catalyst for other projects to come,” Shuck said.

Although both projects are in the Town of Lapel, the mailing addresses will be Pendleton ones.

Town officials said they are seeing a lot of interest in the land near Exit 214 (at Interstate 69 and State Road 13). Shuck said he expects the Pendleton, Ingalls and Lapel areas will feel the effects of development in this area.