The Sterling Business Park is nearing the end of a critical construction phase, which once completed, will open the door to businesses to set up shop and hire employees, according to Mary Beth Wood, executive director of the Wayne Economic Development Corporation.
• What stage is the project on?
“WEDCO is in the final stages of developing Phase I of the Sterling Business Park.
This phase consists of three construction contracts: site development, wastewater treatment plant, and the main entrance. The site development work, which includes storm water controls, interior roads, water system and sewage collection lines, is complete.
The wastewater treatment plant has been constructed and has a starting capacity of 12,000 gallons per day (GPD). The plant has been designed for expansion and is permitted for 35,000 GPD overall. The contract for the main entrance work will be awarded in the very near future and we expect construction activity to resume as soon as the weather breaks.
Completing Phase I will give result in 73 saleable acres; however, some of the components, such as the water tanks, will serve the entire business park.
One of our next steps is to apply for final subdivision approval through Sterling Township. During the approval process, the Township reviews WEDCO's preliminary subdivision plan and determines whether we have built the park as proposed or bonded the improvements that remain to be done.
Final subdivision approval is required in order for property to change hands.
Our efforts have started to change focus as we see that the construction of Phase I is nearing completion.
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.”
• Have many businesses shown interest in moving in?
“Obviously the question as to when Sterling Business Park will see its first tenant is a big one. 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.
Building this park has taken perseverance and dedication by our Board and investment from our local business community.
The good news is that we expect to have all infrastructure in place and permitting completed this year so we can sell property. We are currently working with two prospects, but it is too early to tell if they will choose Sterling Business Park.”
• What's so important about having a business park like this in Wayne County?
“The short answer is that it increases Wayne County's ability to attract jobs with family-sustaining wages.
There are companies looking to relocate or expand even in difficult economic times. WEDCO gets leads monthly from prospects looking either for industrial land or an existing building, often of large size.
Prospects usually require three important site selection factors: highway access, a skilled and available workforce, and lower business costs. Most challenging is their requirement to be constructing or in a building in a relatively short period of time.
Wayne County has a limited inventory of large industrial space. In today's regulatory environment it takes many, many months to complete the permitting process. We are simply not in the game without a business park.
In order to attract business with family-sustaining wages Wayne County has to develop internal tools and infrastructure.
Currently, Wayne County's per capita is approximately 77% of Pennsylvania's. Our top five employment industries are in the bottom half in terms of wages.
The business park will be one of Wayne County's assets for attracting higher-paying industries, such as professional/technical jobs and manufacturing.
The business park will have the necessary utilities and permits to enable a company to relocate quickly and at lower cost.
WEDCO is also involved in other initiatives that are driving economic development, such as business-education partnerships and technology. WEDCO does not create jobs, businesses do.
But, if we help to prepare the County with appropriate infrastructure and works in partnership with our businesses, educational intuitions, government and civic entities, we will go a long way to attracting new investment in our communities.”
