LEFT , This huge building , now hosting W . B . Transport , utilized the newest trend in building construction by shipping in concrete panels on tractor-trailers , then assembling the building by using a crane to place the panels . This is one of several businesses now located in Greer Industrial Park . BELOW , Brody Watkins , center , serves Chandler Conley and Samantha Dixon their meal during the grand opening of Local Honey restaurant , located at Block 300 on Main Street . | Photos by Nita Johnson
Business and employment opportunities made their mark early in the year , with the announcement of extended broadband services to over 9,000 Laurel families and a combined effort between Somerset Community College , Laurel County Correctional Center , and Louisville Gas & Electric - through cooperation with the London- Laurel County Economic Development Authority - with a grant to provide forklift training for incarcerated persons soon to be released back into the workforce . Somerset Community College is also rising to meet the needs of local businesses with expansion of their truck driving program to the London area to train drivers as the nationwide shortage of semi-truck drivers continues . Crafters were excited with the announcement of Michael ’ s craft and hobby store locating in London in 2022 , while the older generation celebrated the establishment of IGot Communities that will offer a living complex with apartments , clubhouse and pool for those ages 55 and over . That development is slated to begin in 2022 . That accented the new building construction in Greer Industrial Park , filling that area and resulting in the county ’ s economic development authority securing a 177-acre property on KY 192 for the newest industrial park , Rowland Acres , in late 2021 . Other properties to undergo development include a section near Exit 38 by Interstate 75 and construction at Exit 29 in southern Laurel County that promises to bring in more retail , restaurant and lodging options in the future . As the AirBNB lodging continues to grow in popularity , Laurel County rises to meet that trend with several such facilities in the area . Cabin rentals near Laurel Lake and Wood Creek Lake accent the rustic setting preferred by many , while the renovated cabins at J . M . Feltner 4-H Camp serve thousands of youth campers each year as well as accommodations for reunions and other events . Downtown London saw a revival with the expansion of Studio 206 with several small businesses offering clothing , crafts , children ’ s activities and a photography studio . The addition of Local Honey restaurant utilizes Kentucky farmers for their vegetables , honey and meats . The renovated buildings , which once sat vacant , also feature luxury apartments so residents can enjoy the full feel of an active downtown area .