Sterling Twp., PA -
Nearly a decade after beginning the project, the Wayne Economic Development Corporation (WEDCO) can finally begin to sell lots in the Sterling Business Park, a project Executive Director Mary Beth Wood says is likely to bring numerous jobs to the area once businesses start moving in and setting up shop.
Located on Route 191 in Sterling Township, over $9 million has been put into developing the park's groundwork through various federal, state and local funding sources, money WEDCO can now begin to recoup through selling or developing for lease nine of the 23 parcels that will ultimately be available.
Situated just one mile from I-84 - the only business park so located in the state - the park offers incoming businesses the ability to install light manufacturing, distribution and professional office facilities on parcels between 3 and 30 acres within easy reach of major east coast hubs in Boston, New York and Philadelphia.
Final subdivision approval passage July 11 marks a major milestone in the marathon development of the park and enables about 90 of the park's 252 acres to be sold of leased.
Physical site development work only began in 2008, but WEDCO has been working on the project - which it sees as the single largest potential job and revenue producer in the county aside from Marcellus shale exploitation - since the original idea came out of an economic summit in 2000. Collection of funding for the project began in 2004.
Site development work, including installation of stormwater controls and sewage collection lines, interior roads, the only re-use water system of its kind at a PA business park, and a 12,000 gallon per day (GPD) wastewater plant is already complete.
The water treatment plant is designed for expansion and is permitted for 35,000 GPD overall.
Work is now set to begin on Phase 2 of the project - completing and improving the Rt. 191 main park entrance including right and left turning lanes - thanks in part to a $469,000 grant from the Commonwealth Financing Authority.
In addition, Moon Road's Rt. 191 intersection will be moved about 300 feet north (directly opposite the Sterling Business Park entrance) to improve safety as part of Phase 2. This part of project is still in the permitting progress.
“Building this park has taken perseverance and dedication by our board and investment from our local business community.” Wood said, “Developing a project of this size and doing it as a public/private partnership has taken many years. WEDCO is appreciative of the tremendous collaboration with our federal, state and local government officials and agencies.
“Obviously the question as to when Sterling Business Park will see its first tenant is a big one. We have engaged a partnership of NAI Mertz and J.G. Petrucci Co. to begin serious marketing the business park. We also count Penn's Northeast, Inc., and the Governors' Action Team as important marketing partners.”
Though she says she has been in contact with a number of prospective buyers and lessees for lots in the park, Wood says there aren't yet any solid prospects - or at least none willing to come forward publicly - as yet.
