Lehigh Valley’s · PDF fileLehigh Valley’s 2011 Economic ... and Lehigh counties...

Lehigh Valley’s 2011 Economic

Development Priorities

The Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation continues

to successfully collaborate and bring together Lehigh Valley

leaders to present to the Commonwealth and other funding

sources a unified list of Lehigh Valley priority economic

development projects.

2158 Avenue C, Suite 200, Bethlehem, PA 18017 | t 610.266.6775 / 800.LV.1.SITE | f 610.266.7623 | lehighvalley.org

Introduction

Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program Projects

City of Allentown City of Bethlehem City of Easton Lehigh County Northampton County

Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy Program

City of Allentown City of Bethlehem City of Easton

This document represents the priorities of the Cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, and Easton as well as Lehigh and Northampton Counties. LVEDC through significant regional effort, compiles and presents this report to the Lehigh Valley’s State and Federal Legislators, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office.

Printed: May 2011.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

The mission of the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation (LVEDC) is to promote economic prosperity by helping to attract, expand businesses and jobs for the Lehigh Valley region. Sometimes attracting private-sector investment to a project requires public-sector in-vestment. LVEDC partners with the cities of Allentown, Bethlehem, Easton, and Northampton and Lehigh counties to identify salient economic and community development projects, rank them and then work together to secure state and federal funding for these local economic de-velopment priorities. The “Priority Projects” process has been in place since 2003 and has helped to secure funding for some of the Lehigh Valley’s most important community assets, business developments and urban redevelopment projects such as Coca-Cola Park, the Ben Franklin Technology Incuba-tor, The Fowler Center of Northampton Community College, Riverport, SteelStacks Performing Arts Center, and the Simon Silk Mill Redevelopment, to name a few. It has also allowed the Lehigh Valley to address all economic development projects from a regional and collaborative approach, which has improved the success of garnering Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C. support. This united effort has identified 120 economic development projects as priorities for Redevel-opment Assistance Capital Program Funding (RACP). Pennsylvania DCED has funded more than 40 of those projects, placing more than $100 million of public investment to work in the Lehigh Valley. These projects have resulted in hundreds of jobs and leveraged hundreds of millions of dollars in direct and indirect investment. We are grateful for Commonwealth’s confi-dence in these Lehigh Valley projects. Some of the projects identified as priorities by this process and that secured funding in 2010 are: Redevelopment of the Simon Silk Mill Phase II, Lehigh Riverfront Project in Allentown, Majestic Bethlehem Center, redevelopment of Martin Towers, Avantor office relocation and the new arena project in Allentown. LVEDC continues to successfully collaborate and bring together the Lehigh Valley’s economic and community development leaders to present to the Commonwealth and other funding sources a unified list of Lehigh Valley priority projects. This document contains a list of the 2011 state priority projects. And this year, LVEDC is publishing a separate list of priority pro-jects for funding under the Federal Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Ad-ministration grants through the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy or (CEDS) process. There is little question 2011 will be a difficult financial year for the Commonwealth. The state budget deficit and proposed changes to economic development funding will require that LVEDC and our local economic development partners to do more with less. Pennsylvania’s fiscal reality makes it even more vital that the Lehigh Valley be unified to secure state funding for regional economic development priorities and help to attract greater private-sector invest-ment for development.

LEHIGH VALLEY REGION’S 2011 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT PRIORITIES

INTRODUCTION

REDEVELOPMENT

ASSISTANCE

CAPITAL PROGRAM

PROJECTS

South 10th Street Industrial/Manufacturing Corridor

County Lehigh

City/Municipality City of Allentown

Submitted By Sara Hailstone

Contact Information [email protected]; 610-437-7610

Dated Submitted April 8, 2011

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City, in partnership with the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) seeks to further develop the South 10th

Street Corridor into thriving and expanded industrial and manufacturing district. This development can be approached in phases

and requires investment in several buildings. The first of which being the Bridgeworks Enterprise Center (BEC), a 76,000 square

foot former Mack Trucks plant on 2.5 acres of land. In 1988, the AEDC invested nearly $2 million in the conversion of the build-

ing to a multi-tenant light manufacturing incubator, but made few energy efficiency upgrades. AEDC operates a business incuba-

tion program that has graduated over 30 companies and created 300 jobs. AEDC proposes to invest in environmentally sustain-

able building upgrades to the BEC. This project would enhance the site for use by manufacturers interested in becoming part of

the Bridgeworks Manufacturing Neighborhood, a cluster of reinvigorated industrial buildings.

The Allentown Metal Works site is comprised of 7 buildings totaling over 260,000 square feet on 19 acres of land. Most of the

buildings are over 100 years old, single-story manufacturing facilities, dominated by a 121,000 square foot principal site. The

existing structures were in use for fabrication and metal manufacturing as recently as 2010. It is also adjacent to the Barber’s

Quarry Branch, a retired freight rail line that AEDC, through a grant from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, is committed to

resurrect. Allentown proposes to invest in the redevelopment of this site for use as a modern manufacturing facility. Working with

the City of Allentown and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, AEDC would prepare redevelopment plans for

the site that would include selective demolition of obsolete buildings, environmentally sustainable building and facility upgrades to

the principal manufacturing site and returning freight rail service.

The Hill's Import site is comprised of 4 buildings totaling over 270,000 square feet on 12 acres of land. Most of the buildings are

over 75 years old, all single-story manufacturing facilities, dominated by a 163,000 square foot principal site. The existing struc-

tures have most recently been used for warehousing, although some of the space is suitable for manufacturing. It is also a Key-

stone Opportunity Zone as designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, exempting it from property tax and net corporate

income tax. Allentown proposes to invest in the redevelopment of this site for use as a modern manufacturing facility. Working

with the City of and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, AEDC would prepare redevelopment plans for the

site that would include selective demolition of obsolete buildings, and environmentally sustainable building upgrades to the princi-

pal manufacturing site.

STATUS OF PROJECT/TIMELINE

Include timeline for expected date of construction, shovel-readiness. Also include amount and source of funds already commit-

ted to the project.

BEC—Final Design and permitting for Phase 1 of the Project, the creation of the Collaborative Entrepreneurial Work Space, is

anticipated to be completed in the fall of 2011

Phase 2 of the project is the Clerestory replacement of the entire glazed portion of the sawtooth roof structure. Final design and

construction are scheduled for 2012.

Phase 3 of the project is the creation of the shared Machine Shop and Manufacturing. Final Design and construction is antici-

pated in late 2011 into 2012.


(continued)

STATUS OF PROJECT/TIMELINE (CONTINUED)

Allentown Metal Works

The initial Phase of the Project, the reinstallation of the Barbers Quarry Branch is currently scheduled to begin construction this

summer (2011). This phase will bring freight rail service back to this site and will leverage existing infrastructure by coupling the

heavy load capacity of the railroad with the existing 100-ton and 25-ton cranes that exist at the facility. This Phase of the project

has a commitment of $1,400,000 from the State of Pennsylvania through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program.

The second Phase of the Project involves the demolition and associated environmental remediation of selected obsolete build-

ings along with construction of approximately 60,000 sf of modern industrial buildings. This Phase is dependent upon site control

which could be secured in the third quarter of 2011 with construction beginning in mid 2012.

Hill’s Imports

The Project involves the demolition and associated remediation of the low ceiling buildings located on the eastern portion of the

site while preserving the 80,000 sf high-bay overhead crane served building located on the western portion of the site. A new

100,000 sf modern building is proposed to replace the demolished, functionally-obsolete structures. The project would also im-

prove truck access to the existing 80,000 sf building which is currently limited by the existing building configuration. The project

is dependant on the property owner’s cooperation or willingness to sell and could be initiated in 2012. No funds are currently

committed to this project.

FUNDING

Amount of funds still needed/being requested for project completion. Please include details on leveraged and/or matching funds.

Total RACP request is $12,020,000:

BRIDGEWORKS ENTERPRISE CENTER – TOTAL PROJECT $2,040,000

Potential Sources of Funding that have been identified and/or formally applied to for funding include:

RACP - $620,000

The Surdna Foundation $100,000

National Science Foundation (NSF) $1,200,000

Century Fund $30,000

Rider Pool Foundation $30,000

PPL Lighting Rebate Program $40,000

AEDC funding $20,000


(continued)

FUNDING (CONTINUED)

ALLENTOWN METAL WORKS - TOTAL PROJECT $10,900,000

Other than the RTAP grant of $1,400,000 mentioned above no funds are currently committed to this project, however, the follow-

ing sources of funds are contemplated:

RACP $5,550,000

EPA Brownfields funding $1,000,000

EDA $1,500,000

TIF District $3,000,000

Private Financing $3,450,000

HILL’S IMPORT - TOTAL PROJECT $11,800,000

No funds are currently committed to this project, however, the following sources of funds are contemplated:

RACP $5,900,000


EDA $1,500,000


Private Financing and/or Owner Equity $400,000

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $ 24,740,000

Martin Tower

County Lehigh

City/Municipality City of Bethlehem

Submitted By Joseph Kelly

Contact Information [email protected]

Dated Submitted March 30, 2011

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Martin Tower Complex was acquired in May 2006 by local developers with deep roots in the Lehigh Valley with the intent to redevelop the property. The Complex, including a 650,000 square foot 21-story high-rise completed in 1972, was developed by the Bethlehem Steel Cor-poration as its sole-occupant corporate world headquarters. Today, the building, due to its age, design, code compliance deficiencies and extensive environmental issues remains obso-lete and no longer viable for its originally intended purpose. The “project” consists of the pres-ervation and adaptive reuse of the 21-story Martin Tower into a mixed-use facility containing office, retail and residential uses, in conjunction with various amenities including a complete fitness center, public spaces, interior and exterior recreation areas, convenience store and meeting rooms.


Demolition and abatement of several buildings will begin in Spring 2011 with construction of

the tower expected to begin in Fall 2011. The project currently has a RACP commitment of

$9,075,000.

FUNDING

The City of Bethlehem and Martin Tower are requesting an additional $3 million in RACP

funding.

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $70 million for Tower

South Main Street Parking

County Northampton

City/Municipality Bethlehem

Submitted By Bethlehem

Contact Information Joseph Kelly, [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Project involves implementation of parking solutions including the construction of a new park-ing garage adjacent to the existing parking garage at the south end of Main Street in Down-town Bethlehem behind the Main Street Commons. The existing structure will be connected to the new garage once built. The garage will contain approximately 400 parking spaces and will support the existing needs of the Central Moravian Church, Moravian book Shop, Hotel Bethlehem and other businesses along the southern end of Main Street.


The rehabilitation of the existing garage was completed in 2010. The expansion of the deck is still in the design phase with a construction start date of late 2011.

FUNDING

City of Bethlehem is requesting an additional $1.5 million in RACP funding. The remaining

funds will be generated through City and Parking Authority borrowing.


mailto:[email protected]

Southside Parking Structure

County Northampton

City/Municipality Bethlehem

Submitted By Bethlehem

Contact Information Joseph Kelly, [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This is an integral project to the revitalization efforts for the SouthSide commercial business district. A

number of key economic development projects remain reliant on this project to ensure that parking

capacity will be available upon build out of these projects. A Feasibility Study was completed in winter

2010. The structure will be located along New Street between 3rd and 4th Streets where a surface

parking lot is currently owned by the City of Bethlehem and operated by the Bethlehem Parking Au-

thority. The site is accessible to transit users, shoppers, businesses and downtown residents and is

adjacent to the South Bethlehem Greenway.


The Southside Parking Structure project currently has $2.75 million in RACP funding. The

project is currently in design with an expected construction start of fall 2011.

FUNDING

The City of Bethlehem and Parking Authority are requesting $1 million in RACP for the pro-

ject.



CITY OF EAStON

Intermodal Parking Facility/High School Sports Hall of Fame

County Northampton

City/Municipality Easton, PA

Submitted By Gretchen Longenbach

Contact Information 610.250.6719 [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project consists of the demolition of two parcels totaling approximately 2 acres total on

the west side of South Third Street in downtown Easton, followed by construction of an inter-

modal bus/parking facility and the National High School Hall of Fame Museum. The facility

will be a parking deck and bus intermodal facility in the rear and a 3-story, 45,000-square foot

commercial building along Third Street which will house, in part, the National High School

Sports Hall of Fame Museum.


A feasibility study has been completed, and land development plans are complete. Property

acquisition is complete; demolition is scheduled for July, 2011, construction is slated to begin

in spring, 2012.

FUNDING

Acquisition costs: $ 3,000,000 Secured: $ 4,000,000 LANTA Project development: 350,000 4,700,000 RACP Design: 900,000 Site preparation: 1,900,000 Construction of parking deck and intermodal facility: 6,900,000 Construction management: 1,200,000 Financing: 250,000 Contingency: 1,000,000 Building construction: 8,400,000 TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $ 23,900,000

13th

St. Silk Mill Property Redevelopment

County Northampton



Contact Information Phone: 610-250-6719 Email: [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The 13th St. Silk Mill Project includes the acquisition and redevelopment of several underuti-

lized commercial and industrial properties along N. 13th Street (former Simon Silk Mill and

Moon Properties). Proposed redevelopment is for a mix of commercial, residential, and open

space/community uses with a creative arts focus.

2010 EDA application for this project was deemed competitive but approval was denied.


The Facilities Analysis and Program Development are complete. Funding: EPA $ 200,000 (brownfield cleanup grant) EPA/County 477,000 (sub-grant and sub-loan for environmental clean-up) RACP 5,000,000 (acq., infrastructure const., and demo. of Francis Bldg.) EPA 40,000 (environmental assessment grant) DCED 1,115,000 (environmental remediation and planning) Preserve America 150,000 (planning) EDA 1,200,000 (infrastructure design and construction) - pending Total $ 8,182,000

FUNDING

Financial Request: $1 million for additional environmental cleanup and infrastructure. Acquisition: $ 3,500,000 Site and facilities analysis 600,000 Design of infrastructure 300,000 Environmental 2,000,000 Phase I rehabilitation of Bld. K 6,000,000 Construction of infrastructure 2,500,000 Future construction $65,000,000 Total: $79,900,000


13th

St. Intersection Improvements

County Northampton



Contact Information Phone: 610-250-6719 Email: [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Improvements to the intersections at 13th Street and Wood Ave., one of the Route 22 ex-

changes in Easton, and Bushkill Street and Bushkill Drive need to be done in preparation for

extensive redevelopment activities at the Silk Mill on North 13th Street and east along the

Bushkill Creek as part of the larger Bushkill Creek Corridor RACP Project. These activities

have the potential to generate a great deal of additional traffic to an area that is already con-

gested. Additionally, these intersections need to be pedestrian and bike friendly.


Timeline to be determined based on funding.

FUNDING

Design: $ 150,000

Construction: 1,500,000

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $ (+/-) $ 1,500,000

325 Northampton Street Retail/Dining Center

County Northampton



Contact Information 610-250-6719 [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

325 Northampton Street, most recently home of the Weller Health Education Center, is an

approximately 20,000 sq. ft. commercial building in excellent condition following a complete

renovation in 2006. It sits in a prime retail/restaurant location and is surrounded by successful

redevelopment projects such as the Sigal Museum and the Pomeroy Building. Just one block

off Centre Square, 325 Northampton Street also has office space available on the upper

floors. Northampton County has made significant investments in this building, to date.


Timeline: dependent on funding

Total project cost: Approximately 2.0 million

1.5 million – acquisition

.5 million – interior fit-out

FUNDING


Black Diamond Redevelopment of South Side Easton Mill Complex

County Northampton



Contact Information 610-250-6719 [email protected]


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project consists of the redevelopment of a blighted and structurally unsound mill complex

on the city’s South Side at Lincoln and Coal streets. This 4 AC parcel is in an excellent mid-

dle class neighborhood adjacent to an elementary school. The complex encompasses a full

square block that is prime real estate for the redevelopment of a mixed-use development of

single family, townhouses and neighborhood services.


Funds will be used for acquisition and demolition of the property to provide a developable 4-acre site.

FUNDING

Acquisition costs: $ 1,200,000 Environmental costs: 1,000,000 Demolition costs: 800,000+ Soft costs: 400,000 Construction costs: 8,000,000+ Total: $ 11,400,000+

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $ 12 million.

COUNTY OF LEHIGH

J. G. Petrucci and Aztar Parcels Adjacent to Coca-Cola Park

Martin Tower

Catasauqua Borough Redevelopment of F.L. Smidth Property

County Lehigh

City/Municipality Borough of Catasauqua

Submitted By Don Cunningham, Cindy Feinberg

Contact Information Cindy Feinberg, [email protected], 610-782-3614


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

F.L. Smidth currently owns a 12.52 acre parcel in Catasauqua along the Delaware and Lehigh Heritage Trail Corridor adjacent to the Lehigh River. The property, along Front Street, makes up 3% of the Bor-ough of Catasauqua. F.L. Smidth is actively marketing the property for sale. The Borough is inter-ested in having the property redeveloped to help generate needed tax revenue and to help with the revitalization of the community. They have signed a Letter of Intent and are investigating redevelop-ment opportunities and acquisition costs. Catasauqua has been part of the Lehigh Valley Borough Business Revitalization Program for the past five years and has been very proactive about revitalization of their business district. They are developing a plan for the area and are being proactive in discussing development opportunities with the community. The property is a brownfield as soil investigations have been done on the site and identified raised lev-els of lead, arsenic, and Benzo(a)pyrene. A Special Industrial Area cleanup plan was approved for the site that outlined a need for capping and deed restrictions to the site. The Lehigh Valley Land Recy-cling Initiative (LVLRI) has been involved in the project and has provided funding of approximately $100,000 for ground water and soil testing. They are also developing an estimate for the reuse of a 65,000 square foot rolling mill building. This is a significant project for the Borough, Lehigh County and the Lehigh Valley Land Recycling Initiative (LVLRI). The best reuse for the site has been determined to be multi-use with municipal, townhomes, apartments, retails and mixed-use units along Front Street. Redevelopment efforts could result in $453,000 in new taxes for the Borough.


F.L. Smidth is actively marketing the property. The Borough of Catasauqua is considering redevelop-

ment opportunities and purchase options for the property. LVLRI, DEP, EPA and FEMA have been

involved in redevelopment discussions with the Borough. The Borough should be voting on purchase

options in the next few months.

Lehigh County has recently involved the support of the Regional Housing Coordinator to help investi-

gate additional partnerships and creative financing opportunities. Lehigh County has provided a Main

Street Planning Grant to help develop a plan for the property. The Borough has funds available to pur-

chase the parcel and is looking for additional partners to help develop the 12.52 acres.

FUNDING

Property acquisition is under discussion. The purchase price discussed with the Borough of Catasau-

qua is $900,000. Additional brownfields funding is under discussion. Lehigh County has offered to

fund the Act II plan to help bring closure to the environmental concerns on the site.

Overall RACP Request : $5M

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: TBD


Regional Development - City Central Land Development (Former Martin Tower Complex)

County Lehigh

City/Municipality City of Bethlehem




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The City Central land development (formerly the Martin Tower complex), located in the City of Bethle-hem, consists of 53 acres of land and encompasses the 21-story Martin Tower constructed in 1970 with a gross floor area of 664,450 square feet. In addition to the Tower, the property includes three peripheral buildings: 1) the U-shaped Annex, a 253,452 square foot building adjacent to the Tower (connected by a common corridor) was constructed in 1958; 2) the Printery Building, a one story indus-trial building containing 95,000 square feet with an office area, loading dock and printing reproduction area; and 3) the Central Heating and Refrigeration Building (known as the CH&R Building) is a one-story plus mezzanine level industrial plant building used to generate hot and cold water which heated and cooled the Tower. In total, the former Martin Tower complex contains over one million square feet of building area – all of which has been completely vacant since the last tenants moved out in February 2007. The conditions of the property apply to the respective characteristics of blight as defined in the Urban Redevelopment Act, which resulted in the City of Bethlehem declaring the entire property a Redevelopment Area in 2008. The City Central land development plan is centered around the adaptive re-use and redevelop-ment of the Tower and surrounding 53 acres as a mixed-use residential, retail and commercial prop-erty. A committee made up of members from Lehigh County, the City of Bethlehem and the Bethlehem School District have been involved in the evaluation of financial opportunities for the project, including the development of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) District. A TIF has not been approved and is not currently planned. The developer has received a loan of $900,000 from Lehigh County through the County’s EPA Revolving Loan Fund. The loan is being used for clean-up of the Printery and CH&R buildings. The clean-up is scheduled to begin in May 2011.


The current owners purchased the property in 2006. An updated Master Development Plan is being finalized for review with the City of Bethlehem. The site has received a historic designation and His-toric Tax Credits are possible for the Tower. A tax assessment appeal was approved resulting in the reduction of taxes annually of $312,492.55. RACP funding of $1,250,000.00 has been approved by the Office of the Budget, with additional RACP ($7,825,000) funding pending. A TIF is not currently approved for the project. The clean-up of the Printery and CH&R Buildings should begin in May 2011.

FUNDING

Estimated Project Value: The investment for the proposed redevelopment of Martin Tower is approxi-mately $90 million. The planned redevelopment of the peripheral land will exceed $200 million in total value. RACP Funds: $9,075,000 ($1,250,000 approved) TIF Funds: $10,000,000 Requested by not approved. Conventional Financing: To be determined Owner Equity: To be determined TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $200,000,000.00


City of Allentown – J.G. Petrucci and Aztar/TROPACANNA land and LSI Office/

County Lehigh

City/Municipality City of Allentown




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Coca-Cola Park opened to Lehigh Valley baseball fans in April of 2008. The return of profes-

sional baseball to the Lehigh Valley for the first time since 1960 was met with remarkable

community support, unprecedented excitement and unrivaled fanfare in 2008. By becoming

one of just six Minor League franchises to surpass the 600,000 mark for total attendance, the

Iron Pigs emerged as one of the top draws and premier franchises in Minor League Baseball.

Coca-Cola Park, the foremost baseball and entertainment venue in the Minors, drew rave re-

views for its intimacy, fan-friendly atmosphere and architectural design. The fourth season

opens on April 7, 2011 with fans excited about prospects of another successful year.

Retail, entertainment and sports venues are an economic generator for the community and

are often clustered in one area. There are two vacant parcels and one office/manufacturing

facility, adjacent to Coca-Cola Park, which are available for development. The first vacant par-

cel, bordering Dalphin Street is 26 acres and is owned by J.G. Petrucci. The second vacant

parcel, consisting of 18 acres, was planned to be used by Aztar/Tropicanna for the develop-

ment of a slots-based casino if they received the license. The development of these two par-

cels and the redevelopment or the reuse of the office/manufacturing facility would complete

the redevelopment of east Allentown and allow for continued economic revitalization of the

community.


The two vacant parcels are available for development. The office/manufacturing facility, cur-

rently owned by LSI, is mostly vacant and has been on the market for several years. The de-

velopers are eagerly awaiting the development of the American Parkway Bridge, which they

believe, will enhance the marketability of the area.

FUNDING

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $ To be determined based upon the scope of

the project.


Infrastructure – Waste Water County Lehigh

City/Municipality Western Lehigh County




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Effective wastewater plans are important to the successful growth of Lehigh County. This is especially important in Western Lehigh County where several of the municipalities have ex-perienced heavy growth in commercial and residential projects. The Lehigh County Authority (LCA) provides the majority of the wastewater services for the region. The Lehigh County Authority has developed a 10-year capital plan consisting of $83 million in projects. The Lehigh County Authority would be responsible for $72 million and plans to apply for grants and loans through Pennvest, the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) and other infrastructure funders to move forward with the projects. LCA hopes to re-ceive 50% of the $83 million through grants and loans to help finance the projects. Wastewater capacity is depleted in Western Lehigh County. An agreement was reached with a large local user to borrow capacity for a new manufacturing prospect. LCA has convened the services of a local facilitator and community group to discuss opportunities for the devel-opment of additional wastewater capacity in region. The local signatory communities are pre-paring to embark on numerous projects associated with its wastewater treatment and convey-ance infrastructure to obtain the additional capacity required to meet its short and long-term capacity needs. The projects are interrelated, very large in scope and will require support from LCA staff, consultants, surrounding communities and regulatory staff.


Additional funds are needed to allow the Lehigh County Authority to provide additional capac-

ity, particularly with wastewater to allow expansion of current businesses and development of

new businesses to occur. The Lehigh County Authority has developed a 10-year Wastewater

Capital Plan which includes $83 million in projects. The Lehigh County Authority will be re-

sponsible for 50% of the $83 million and will solicit grants and loans for the project.

FUNDING

Lehigh County Authority: $72 Million - LCA will be responsible for the total project and

hopes to receive 50% of the total project through grants and loans.

Pennvest: $TBD

Current CFA Requests: $TBD

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $83,000,000.00 over 10-years


Manufacturing Opportunity

County Lehigh

City/Municipality Multiple Municipalities




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The region is working on the recruitment of a major food manufacturer in Western Lehigh County. The total project cost of the facility is estimated to be $110,000,000. The prospect has significant water and wastewater requirements. As a result of wastewater capacity issues in Western Lehigh County, the Lehigh County Authority has made arrangements with their signatories including Upper Macungie, Lower Macungie, Lowhill, Weisenburg, Alburtis and Macungie to reallocate some wastewater capacity to help the region recruit this new major employer. Additionally, a major user in the area has agreed to loan capacity to the prospect, should they decide to come to Lehigh County. In addition to local teams, the Governor’s Action Team and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development are involved in the process. The development of a 250,000 square foot facility would result in 165 permanent full-time jobs and another 175 in part-time construction and engineering positions. This prospect would add significant revenue to the region and would be a major new employer in the Lehigh Valley.


The prospect is expected to make a final decision on a location in the early 2011. The short-listed sites are shovel-ready and the communities are working with the prospect to help streamline the process. The prospect has the funds committed for an expansion on their cur-rent facility or a relocation to a new facility. If local sites are selected the construction should begin in mid-2011. The goal is for a new facility to be operational in mid/late 2012.

FUNDING

The total project is estimated to be $110,000,000. This includes the development of a

$30,000,000 facility. The Governor’s Action Team and the PA Department of Community and

Economic Development are involved in the project. The prospect has the funds committed for

an expansion on their current facility or relocation to a new facility.


COUNTY OF

NORTHAMPTON

GenOn Property

Bangor Business Park Site

Slate Belt Industrial Drive

Route 33 Interchange

County Northampton

City/Municipality Palmer Township

Submitted By John Stoffa, Alicia Karner

Contact Information Alicia Karner, [email protected], (610) 559-3200 x3


PROJECT DESCRIPTION

A Point-of Access Study (POA) was completed at the expense of Chrin Companies and ap-

proved by PennDOT in August 2010, which requires the interchange be completed and op-

erational by the end of 2013.

Construction of the interchange will be financed using both public and private monies. The

interchange will open up the entire 800 acres to industrial, distribution, office and retail devel-

opment. A Market/Feasibility Study completed by the Dietrick Group in 2010 concluded that

demand exists for development over the next twelve years, with an expected job creation of

3,600 direct jobs.


The Chrin Companies have invested over a $1 million to date on engineering and design.

Final engineering began in October 2010 and all permitting is expected to be complete by the

end of April 2012. Construction is expected to begin May 2012. In 2011, State Senator

Boscola supported the project with a $500,000 RACP grant.

FUNDING

Northampton County is requesting $10 million through the commonwealth’s TIF Guarantee

Program and $5 million in additional RACP funds.



Chrin Commerce Centre County Northampton

City/Municipality Palmer Township and Tatamy Borough




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Chrin Commerce Centre is a unique multi-phased development to be constructed on an

800-acre site along Route 33. Phase I, the Business Park, consists of 11 lots designed for

light industrial and office uses. This 77-acre tract received subdivision approval in 2008 and

is home to Porsche’s 130,000 square-foot Northeast Retail Support Center, which received

LEED Gold certification for environmental sensitivity. Chrin is exploring development options

for Phases II and III including a corporate office park, retail/lifestyle center construction, along

with light industrial uses. Industrial users will value the rail service which is available to serve

the 300+ acres which constitute the NW quadrant of the Centre. Chrin’s construction of a

50,000 square-foot office and/or flex building is also in the planning process. Current projec-

tions estimate that over 5,000 jobs can be created with the build-out of the Centre. PennDOT

required on-site and off-site traffic improvements with a cost $2,195,354. In May 2009, an In-

frastructure Development Program Grant (IDP) was approved for the development, in the

amount of $1.25 million. Approximately $4.5 million, excluding land costs, has been privately

invested by Chrin Companies for on-site infrastructure development to-date. A key component

in the ability to continue to attract top tier companies and employment is the construction of an

interchange at Route 33 and Main Street.


Detailed Phase I engineer’s construction costs estimates are completed and all on-site and off

-site traffic improvements are scheduled for completion in 2011. $825,000 of the Pennsyl-

vania IDP grant proceeds have been applied to improvements completed in 2009 & 2010.

The remaining improvements are expected to be completed in 2011.

The Porsche facility was completed and occupied in July 2009.

FUNDING

Phase I funding Leveraged Investment: $39,250,000

Equity in flex building and on-site improvements: $4,500,000

PA Industrial Development Program Grant for off-site traffic improvements: $1,250,000

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $45,000,000 for Phase I


DEVELOPMENT OF THE GENON PROPERTY

County Northampton County

City/Municipality Upper Mt. Bethel Township




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Located less than 3 miles from Rt. 80 in Upper Mt. Bethel Township sits 700+ acres of prop-

erty owned by GenOn Energy. Zoned as heavy industrial, this property sits across from the

GenOn power plant and adjacent to the Portland Industrial Park.

Originally purchased for additional power plant development, this property has been for sale

for 10+ years with little development. The community has indicated their willingness to see

planned industrial development at this site and is strictly opposed to additional housing.

Northampton County is currently negotiating with the property owner to survey and engineer

the site. This work would include a feasibility study, wetlands investigation, subdivision,

stormwater management and permitting.


The first phase of the project is expected to begin in the summer of 2011 and be completed

by the Spring of 2012.

The cost to engineer the entire 700 acre parcel is approximately $1 million. Northampton

County is prepared to support the immediately planning on Phase I at $250,000.

FUNDING

$250,000 from Northampton County



BANGOR BUSINESS PARK County Northampton County

City/Municipality Bangor Borough




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Bangor Business Park, formerly identified as the Municipal Waste Incinerator site, has

been the subject of economic revitalization in the Borough of Bangor for many years. In 2005,

the Bangor Borough Authority (BBA) was awarded a Business In Our Sites Planning Grant to

conduct a Site Feasibility Study. Despite having had prior environmental constraints, the

study identified this site as ideal for redevelopment and was approved as a Keystone Oppor-

tunity Zone through 2017.

The proposal includes ten buildings in four phases over 79 acres with an expected total 227

jobs created. Phase I and II consists of seven buildings totally 210,000 sq. ft. which would

create 188 jobs, accessible by the proposed access road. Total estimated construction cost

of the Phase I and II access road is $1,250,000 and includes all necessary infrastructure,

such as construction site prep, erosion control, sanitary and storm sewer, utilities, paving and

inspection fees.

The project puts an underutilized former industrial site back into productive use.


The Site Feasibility Study was completed and accepted by the BBA in February 2009. Aside

from the $131,500 awarded through the BOS program and approximately $50,000 spent by

the BBA, no additional funds have been committed at this time.

FUNDING

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $1,250,000


SLATE BELT INDUSTRIAL DRIVE County Northampton County

City/Municipality Plainfield Township/Wind Gap Borough




PROJECT DESCRIPTION

PA Routes 512 and 115 run through the Borough of Wind Gap. Route 512 is classified as a

minor arterial roadway with current Average Daily Traffic (ADT) of approximately 17,000 vehi-

cles per day, including 700 trucks per day. In the Borough, PA Route 512 is characterized by

one through-lane in each direction with on-street parking on both sides of the road. The

SR512 and SR1007 corridor receives significant through business traffic from the north going

south along SR1007 and east along SR 512 through Plainfield Township, Washington Town-

ship and Bangor Borough.

The construction of Industrial Drive will provide valuable local access which is required for the

beneficial development of a 10-Lot Industrial Park. This Industrial Park will redevelop an exist-

ing brownfield site, and will provide over one mile of new industrial frontage. The development

will also include infrastructure improvements including sanitary sewer mains, pump station,

water mains, and additional storm water drainage improvements. A future Phase 2 bypass

road is envisioned to further alleviate traffic congestion within the Borough. Phase 2 will con-

nect Industrial Drive with PA Route 33 via a new south interchange. The benefit projected by

these improvements is a reduction of 6,200 vehicles per day (21%) due to the Phase 1 and 2

connector roads when fully developed.


Detailed engineer’s construction costs estimates are complete, as well as on-site storm water

improvements. To date, $600,000 has been spent on Engineering, Environmental and Legal

costs and approximately $350,000 has been spent on the stormwater improvements

FUNDING

Construction $8,263,000 NEPA and Permit Renewal $300,000 Contingencies $744,000 Engineering, Legal, Administrative $693,000



The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) refers to the planning proc-

ess and document generated from it which sets forth the Lehigh Valley’s economic devel-

opment vision, goals, strategies, and priorities for the future. CEDS work in the Lehigh

Valley is accomplished by the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation

(LVEDC) and other organizations who participate in various ways on project implementa-

tion.

The CEDS is viewed as the economic development plan for the Valley, with desired out-

comes and action steps aimed at:

• Creating better jobs and incomes.

• Diversifying the economy and strengthening economic sectors.

• Exposing new market potentials and business opportunities.

• Protecting resources and environment.

• Developing and improving infrastructure.

• Enhancing the quality of life.

The main purpose of this section is to list the economic development projects that are of major

importance in the Lehigh Valley and are potentially eligible for federal funding under the Public

Works and Economic Development Act of 1965, CFR 13, Chapter VIII “Public Works and Eco-

nomic Development Assistance.” The projects listed here are consistent with the goals and ob-

jectives of this plan. These projects need to be consistent with the goals of the United States

Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Assistance funding program which are:

“EDA will provide Public Works investments to support the construction or reha-

bilitation of essential public infrastructure and development facilities necessary

to generate private sector jobs and investment, including investments that sup-

port technology-led development, redevelopment of brownfield sites, and eco-

industrial development.” (13 CFR, Chapter VIII)

COMPREHENSIVE ECONOMIC

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY (CEDS)


Hill’s Street Imports S. 10th Street

Bridgeworks

Bridgeworks Enterprise Center

Project Name Bridgeworks Enterprise Center

Project Location S. 10th Street and Harrison Street, Allentown, PA

Submitted by Allentown Economic Development Corporation

Contact Information Matthew Tuerk

Date Submitted April 5, 2011

Project Categories:

Construction/Development

EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Bridgeworks Enterprise Center (BEC) is a 76,000 square foot former Mack Trucks plant on 2.5 acres of land. The building was built in 1923 and features a sawtooth roof. In 1988, the Allentown Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) invested nearly $2 million in the conversion of the building to a multi-tenant light manufacturing incubator, but made few energy efficiency upgrades.The site is zoned I-3 (heavy industrial) and is adjacent to another industrial site to the North. It is located in Lehigh County, PA Census Tract 14.01 that has seen median household income decline by 18% since 2000. The site is presently in Allen-town’s Enterprise Zone, making it eligible for a variety of state incentives. At the BEC, AEDC operates a business incubation program that has graduated over 30 companies and created 300 jobs. The focus of the program is on light manufacturing that can provide high-quality jobs to Allentown residents. Allentown proposes to invest in environmentally sustainable build-ing upgrades to the BEC, reducing the cost of operating the incubation program and provid-ing a model for industrial site reuse. This would enhance the site for use by manufacturers interested in becoming part of the Bridgeworks Manufacturing Neighborhood, a cluster of rein-vigorated industrial buildings connected to low-income transition communities, and home to Allentown’s green manufacturing cluster.



ted to the project.

Final Design and permitting for Phase 1 of the Project, the creation of the Collaborative Entrepreneurial Work Space, is antici-

pated to be completed in the fall of 2011 with construction following immediately thereafter. Phase 1 also includes HVAC, light-

ing and insulation improvements for the area of the building associated with Phase 1.

Phase 2 of the project is the Clerestory replacement of the entire glazed portion of the sawtooth roof structure, which will signifi-

cantly reduce heat loss/gain while maintaining the excellent natural light associated with the building. Preliminary design for

Phase 2 was completed last year and final design and construction are scheduled for 2012.

Phase 3 of the project is the creation of the shared Machine Shop and Manufacturing Education area that will also include the

HVAC, lighting and insulation improvements for the area of the building associated with Phase 3. Phase 3 is will be largely

funded by a National Science Foundation Grant that AEDC has already applied for in cooperation with the Da Vinci Science Cen-

ter. Final Design and construction is anticipated in late 2011 into 2012.

AEDC has currently committed a minimum of $20,000 towards this project

NSF, Surdna and Century applications have all been submitted and are awaiting responses.

PROPOSED PROJECT BUDGET

Include all sources/amounts of additional funding, include total project cost.

The total project cost is estimated to be $10,900,000 and will include the following uses of funds:

Property Acquisition $2,000,000

Selective Demolition and Remediation $800,000

Rail Service restoration $1,900,000

Redevelopment and Building Improvements $6,200,000

Other than the RTAP grant of $1,400,000 mentioned above no funds are currently committed to this project, however, the fol-

lowing sources of funds are contemplated:


EDA $1,500,000



Enterprise Zone Tax Credits may also apply to this project

FUNDING PRIORITIES/CRITERIA FOR EDA ASSISTANCE

Does your project do any of the following? (Check all that apply.)

X Support long-term, coordinated and collaborative regional economic development approaches.

X Support innovation and competitiveness.

Encourage entrepreneurship. X Support strategies that link regional economies with the global marketplace.

X Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant closures or disas-ters).

Enable BRAC-impacted communities to transition from a military to civilian economy.

Advance the goals of link historic preservation. X Support the economic revitalization of brownfields.


Project Name Allentown Metal Works

Project Location S. 10th Street, Allentown, PA




Project Categories:


EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Allentown Metal Works site is comprised of 7 buildings totaling over 260,000 square feet on 19 acres of land. Most of the buildings are over 100 years old, single-story manufac-turing facilities, dominated by a 121,000 square foot principal site. The existing structures were in use for manufacturing as recently as 2010. The site is zoned I-3 (heavy industrial) and is adjacent to another brownfield site to the South and by the Little Lehigh Creek to the North. It is located in Lehigh County, PA Census Tract 14.01 that has seen median household income decline by 18% since 2000. The site is presently in Allentown’s Enterprise Zone, making it eligible for a variety of state incentives. It is also adjacent to the Barber’s Quarry Branch, a retired freight rail line that the Common-wealth of Pennsylvania recently committed to resurrecting as part of its RTAP. Allentown pro-poses to invest in the redevelopment of this site for use as a modern manufacturing facility. Working with the Allentown Economic Development Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Eco-nomic Development Corporation, Allentown would prepare redevelopment plans for the site that would include selective demolition of obsolete buildings, environmentally sustainable building upgrades to the principal manufacturing site, and returning freight rail service. This would prepare the site for use by manufacturers interested in becoming part of the Bridge-works Manufacturing Neighborhood, a cluster of reinvigorated industrial buildings connected to low-income transition communities, and home to Allentown’s green manufacturing cluster.



ted to the project.

The initial Phase of the Project, the reinstallation of the Barbers Quarry Branch is currently scheduled to begin construction this

summer. This phase will bring freight rail service back to this site and will leverage existing infrastructure by coupling the heavy

load capacity of the railroad with the existing 100-ton and 25-ton cranes that exist at the facility. This Phase of the project has a

commitment of $1,400,000 from the State of Pennsylvania through the Rail Transportation Assistance Program.

The second Phase of the Project involves the demolition and associated environmental remediation of selected obsolete buildings

along with construction of approximately 60,000 sf of modern industrial buildings. Additionally, improvements to the buildings

that are to remain are proposed including primarily energy efficiency improvements such as replacing the heating system, adding

insulation and replacing the lighting. This Phase is dependent upon site control which could be secured in the third quarter of

2011 with construction beginning in mid 2012.

.


Include all sources/amounts of additional funding, include total project cost.



Selective Demolition and Remediation $800,000

Rail Service restoration $1,900,000

Redevelopment and Building Improvements $6,200,000

Other than the RTAP grant of $1,400,000 mentioned above no funds are currently committed to this project, however, the fol-

lowing sources of funds are contemplated:


EDA $1,500,000












Hill’s Import Project Name Hill’s Import

Project Location S. 10th Street, Allentown, PA




Project Categories:


EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Hill's Import site is comprised of 4 buildings totaling over 270,000 square feet on 12 acres of land. Most of the buildings are over 75 years old, all single-story manufacturing facili-ties, dominated by a 163,000 square foot principal site. The existing structures have most re-cently been used for warehousing, although some of the space is suitable for manufacturing. The site is zoned I-3 (heavy industrial) and is adjacent to another brownfield site to the North and by another industrial site to the North. It is located in Lehigh County, PA Census Tract 14.01 that has seen median household income decline by 18% since 2000. The site is presently in Allentown’s Enterprise Zone, making it eligible for a variety of state incentives. It is also a Keystone Opportunity Zone as designated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, exempting it from property tax and net corporate income tax. Allentown proposes to invest in the redevelopment of this site for use as a modern manufacturing facility. Working with the Allentown Economic Development Corporation and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Allentown would prepare redevelopment plans for the site that would include se-lective demolition of obsolete buildings, and environmentally sustainable building up-grades to the principal manufacturing site. This would prepare the site for use by manufactur-ers interested in becoming part of the Bridgeworks Manufacturing Neighborhood, a cluster of reinvigorated industrial buildings connected to low-income transition communities, and home to Allentown’s green manufacturing cluster.



ted to the project.

The Project involves the demolition and associated remediation of the low ceiling buildings located on the eastern portion of the

site while preserving the 80,000 sf high-bay overhead crane served building located on the western portion of the site. A new

100,000 sf modern building is proposed to replace the demolished, functionally-obsolete structures. The project would also

improve truck access to the existing 80,000 sf building which is currently limited by the existing building configuration. The pro-

ject is dependant on the property owners cooperation or willingness to sell and could be initiated in 2012. No funds are cur-

rently committed to this project.

PROPOSED PROJECT BUDGET Include all sources/amounts of additional funding, include total project cost. The total project cost is estimated to be $11,800,000 and will include the following uses of funds:


Selective Demolition and Remediation $1,100,000

New Building Construction $7,000,000

No funds are currently committed to this project, however, the following sources of funds are contemplated:


EDA $1,500,000


Private Financing and/or Owner Equity $6,300,000






Encourage entrepreneurship. Support strategies that link regional economies with the global marketplace.

Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant closures or disas-ters).



Lehigh Structural Steel

Project Name Lehigh Structural Steel

Project Location Lehigh Landing, Allentown, PA




Project Categories:


EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The Lehigh Structural Steel site is comprised of 9 buildings totaling over 236,000 square feet on 20 acres of land. Most of the buildings are over 50 years old, all single-story manufac-turing facilities. Most of the existing structures have most recently been used for manufactur-ing. The site is zoned I-3 (heavy industrial) and is situated on the Lehigh River Waterfront, with a brownfield site to the North and additional brownfields and industrial sites to the South. It is located in Lehigh County, PA Census Tract 4 that has seen median household income decline by 11% since 2000.The site is presently in Allentown’s Enterprise Zone, making it eligible for a variety of state incentives. It is also a Keystone Opportunity Zone as desig-nated by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, exempting it from property tax and net corpo-rate income tax. Allentown proposes to invest in the redevelopment of this site for use as a modern manufacturing facility. Working with the Allentown Economic Development Cor-poration and the Lehigh Valley Economic Development Corporation, Allentown would prepare redevelopment plans for the site that would include selective demolition of obsolete buildings, and environmentally sustainable building upgrades to the viable manufacturing sites. This would prepare the site for use by manufacturers interested in becoming part of a riverfront manufacturing neighborhood, a cluster of reinvigorated industrial buildings connected to low-income transition communities, and home to Allentown’s green manufacturing cluster.



ted to the project.

Significant environmental testing and characterization of this site has been completed along with a

complete property and boundary survey. Development plans are in the conceptual stage.

Phase I includes acquisition, selected demolition, clean up and installation of infrastructure and may

commence as early as 2012. Phase II includes construction of the buildings and would occur following Phase I and continuing

through 2014.

$5 million is committed from the City of Allentown in the form of RACP funds from the State of Penn-

sylvania.

PROPOSED PROJECT BUDGET Include all sources/amounts of additional funding, include total project cost.



Selective Demolition, Remediation and Infrastructure $2,600,000

New Building Construction $5,500,000

In addition to the RACP funding mentioned above for this project, the following sources of funds are

contemplated:

RACP $5,000,000


EDA $2,500,000

Private Financing and/or Owner Equity $4,600,000









Hamilton Street – 600, 700 & 800 Project Name Hamilton Street – 600, 700 & 800 Blocks

Project Location Allentown, PA




Project Categories:


EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The 600, 700, & 800 Blocks of Hamilton Street represent a total of 49 structures on either side of one of the most prominent intersections of Allentown's Central Business District: 7th & Hamilton. Each block contains a combination of buildings that are either totally or partially vacant, assessed and determined to be blighted, and/or occupied but underutilized. The Cen-tral Business District is bounded by dense and diverse residential neighborhoods to its north and south. Each block is within the B-2 Zone permitting almost any type of development, bar-ring heavy industrial or manufacturing uses. The buildings range from two stories up to nine with varying footprints and square footage. The area is also located in the core of a newly designated and funded Main Street Program by the State of Pennsylvania. The southwest corner of 7th & Hamilton possesses anchor tenants in Wachovia/Wells Fargo and the Lehigh/Carbon Community College, Donley Center. The southeast corner of the intersection main-tains more offices for Wachovia/Wells Fargo as well as street frontage for part of the Lehigh County Government Center. Despite its location in Allentown's Enterprise Zone; creating op-portunities for state financing and assistance, the 600 & 700 blocks have struggled to produce any influential or significant impact on the overall vitality of the city's downtown. The 800 block has successfully leveraged public financing to spur significant privated developments such as the Butz Corporate Center and the PPL Plaza/Office building. The connection from the 700 to 800 block remains weak. Allentown proposes to develop a project(s) that will regain the underutilized portions of these three blocks. A recently completed SDAT project in Allen-town highlighted the need to revitalize this critical district in the city. Specifically by enacting project(s) that would create opportunities for residential units, regional entertainment, and stronger retail storefronts and small businesses operations. The area is poised to take advan-tage of unique and collaborative financing incentives available at the state and local levels. The developments would require intense public/private partnerships and strengthen the sur-rounding underserved communities by creating jobs and new economic opportunities.



ted to the project.

Timeline – The comprehensive development of this area will continue to maintain a rolling timeline. Elements that support the

Entertainment, Arts, residential and business components within this priority area will be addressed and supported as they are

viable. Aspects of each are currently under way and will further commence nearing the end of 2011 and into 2012.

$400,000 is currently committed through State HRA dollars for the redevelopment of 809-813 Hamilton Street

PROPOSED PROJECT BUDGET Include all sources/amounts of additional funding, include total project cost.

Until a comprehensive development plan is created for downtown, a total project cost will not be available.

RACP dollars are earmarked for downtown projects.




X Support innovation and competitiveness. X Encourage entrepreneurship.

X Support strategies that link regional economies with the global marketplace. Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant closures or disas-

ters).

Enable BRAC-impacted communities to transition from a military to civilian economy. X Advance the goals of link historic preservation.

Support the economic revitalization of brownfields.

Majestic Bethlehem Center

Majestic Bethlehem Center

Majestic

Project Name Majestic

Project Location Northampton County

Submitted by Bethlehem

Contact Information Joseph Kelly


Project Categories:

Planning Study

X Construction/Development

X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Majestic Bethlehem Center is being developed by Majestic Realty Co., one of the oldest and

largest privately held developers, owners and operators of commercial real estate in the

United States. The 441 acre property that Majestic acquired in Bethlehem represents

nearly 25% of the former Bethlehem Steel Plant. Majestic Bethlehem boasts the availability

of rail service, intermodal rail service, and excess trailer storage and truck staging areas.

Transportation of goods by rail allows the supply chain a much lower carbon foot-print than

truck transportation. Rail produces one-fifth of carbon emissions that trucks do. Bethlehem

Intermodal Logistics Center will reduce truck trips and therefore greenhouse gases. It will

become the first intermodal logistics center to join the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency SmartWay Program, a brand that represents environmentally cleaner, more fuel

efficient transportation options. At full build out, the intermodal logistics center will be 8.2

million square feet of industrial space. It will create approximately 2,700 direct full-time per-

manent jobs.

In order to complete the Logistics Center, the sanitary pump station that services most of

the remaining Bethlehem Steel lands, including the Majestic Bethlehem Center, parts of Le-

high Valley Industrial Park VII, the IESI-BFI landfill and Calpine’s gas turbine power plant

needs to be replaced. The lift station and related pressure lines currently have insufficient

capacity.


Demolition and environmental work on the site is complete. Construction is expected to begin

this summer on the site.

Majestic Realty has invested $30 million in the project thus far. The Commonwealth of Penn-

sylvania has granted $9.25 million of Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds.

Northampton County invested $13 million to build Commerce Center Boulevard, a road and

rail grade separation project that makes the property fully accessible from Route 412 and In-

terstate 78.


The project is requesting $1 million in EDA funding for infrastructure on the property. The to-

tal construction budget for the project is estimated at $500 million.


X Support long-term, coordinated and collaborative regional economic development ap-

proaches.

Support innovation and competitiveness.

Encourage entrepreneurship.

X Support strategies that link regional economies with the global marketplace.

Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant closures or

disasters).


Advance the goals of link historic preservation.

X Support the economic revitalization of brownfields.

Pi: Partnership for Innovation Project Name Pi: Partnership for Innovation

Project Location 521 E. Fourth St., second floor, Bethlehem, PA 18015

Submitted by Joe Kelly

Contact Information [email protected] or 610-865-7085

Date Submitted March 30, 2011

Project Categories:

Planning Study


X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Pi: Partnership for Innovation is a multi-tenant commercialization center for technology busi-

nesses to be built on the second floor of a former silk blouse factory located on the Southside

of Bethlehem in the Four Blocks International neighborhood, an emerging commercial corri-

dor.

Bethlehem sits in Lehigh and Northampton counties, the two counties which compose the rap-

idly developing Lehigh Valley region in the central-eastern portion of Pennsylvania. Located

within 300 miles of the major metropolitan areas of the eastern United States, the Lehigh Val-

ley encompasses 62 municipal governments, 17 school districts and various special purpose

authorities.

Though the final tenant composition of Pi has not yet been established, Pi is projected to cre-

ate 45 to 60 jobs in about three years. About 80 percent of the jobs are projected to be above

minimum wage. Pi is expected to continue to create new jobs beyond Year 3 as it will further

a cycle where firms can come from an incubator, mature in Pi (sometimes acquiring more

than one space) and relocate operations and employees to other Bethlehem industrial parks

such as Lehigh Valley Industrial Park or Majestic Bethlehem Center. Then, new incubator

graduates will enter Pi and generate new jobs. The cycle should continue uninterrupted. We

also anticipate that Pi tenants will serve as a catalyst for the Four Blocks commercial corridor

as employees will need outside services from stores and restaurants.


We anticipate the renovations to begin in late April 2011 with the project opening in fall 2011.

The project will be funded through a loan from the Bethlehem Enterprise Zone Revolving

Loan Fund to Bethlehem Economic Development Corp. which will then be responsible for

leasing spaces to tenants in the technology center. The Southside Bethlehem Keystone Inno-

vation Zone is responsible for helping to identify and market the space to potential tenants.


The total project cost is expected to be between $500,000 and $700,000. The two major com-

ponents are fit-out of the tenant space, including a new HVAC system, electrical work and

renovations to bathrooms to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and the construc-

tion of a new elevator tower and installation of a new elevator to bring the building into ADA

compliance.



proaches.


X Encourage entrepreneurship.

X Support strategies that link regional economies with the global marketplace.


disasters).


X Advance the goals of link historic preservation.


Intermodal Parking Facility/High School Sports Hall of Fame Museum

Living Wall

Silk Mill

CITY OF EAStON

Intermodal Parking Facility/High School Sports Hall of Fame Museum

Project Name Intermodal Parking Facility/High School Sports Hall of Fame Mu-seum

Project Location Easton, PA

Submitted by Gretchen Longenbach

Contact Informa-tion

610.250.6719 [email protected]


Project Categories:

Planning Study


X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project consists of the demolition of two parcels totaling approximately 2 acres

total on the west side of South Third Street in downtown Easton, followed by construc-

tion of an intermodal bus/parking facility and the National High School Hall of Fame

Museum. The facility will be a parking deck and bus intermodal facility in the rear and

a 3-story, 45,000-square foot commercial building along Third Street which will house,

in part, the National High School Sports Hall of Fame Museum.


Feasibility study: completed

Engineering: land development plans are complete

Property acquisition: complete

Construction: demolition slated for July, 2011

construction to begin spring, 2012


Acquisition costs: $ 3,000,000 Secured: $ 4,000,000

LANTA

Project development: 350,000 4,700,000 RACP Design: 900,000 Site preparation: 1,900,000 Construction of parking deck and intermodal facility: 6,900,000 Construction management: 1,200,000 Financing: 250,000 Contingency: 1,000,000 Building construction: 8,400,000




proaches.



Support strategies that link regional economies with the global marketplace.


disasters).




13th

Street Silk Mill Property Redevelopment

Project Name 13th Street Silk Mill Property Redevelopment

Project Location 13th Street and Bushkill Drive, Easton, PA



Phone: 610-250-6719 Email: [email protected]


Project Categories:

X Planning Study


X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

The 13th St. Silk Mill project includes the acquisition and redevelopment of several un-

derutilized commercial and industrial properties along N. 13th Street (former Simon

Silk Mill and Moon Properties). Proposed redevelopment is for a mix of commercial,

residential, and open space/community uses with a creative arts focus.

2010 EDA application for this project was deemed competitive but approval was de-

nied..


The Facilities Analysis and Program Development and asbestos abatement are complete.

Funding: EPA $ 200,000 (brownfield cleanup grant) EPA/County 477,000 (sub-grant and sub-loan for environmental clean-up) RACP 5,000,000 (acquisition, infrastructure construction, and demolition of Francis Bldg.) EPA 40,000 (environmental assessment grant) DCED 1,115,000 (environmental remediation and planning) Preserve America 150,000 (planning) EDA 1,200,000 (infrastructure design and construction) - pending

Total $ 8,182,000


Financial Request: $1 million for additional infrastructure.

Acquisition: $ 3,500,000 Site and facilities analysis 600,000 Design of infrastructure 300,000 Environmental 2,000,000 Phase I rehabilitation of Bld. K 6,000,000 Construction of infrastructure 2,500,000 Future construction $65,000,000 Total: $79,900,000



X Support long-term, coordinated and collaborative regional economic development ap-proaches.




X Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant closures or

disasters).




13th

St. Intersection Improvements

Project Name 13th St. Intersection Improvements

Project Location Easton, PA





Project Categories:

Planning Study


X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Improvements to the intersections at 13th Street and Wood Ave., one of the Route 22

exchanges in Easton, and Bushkill Street and Bushkill Drive need to be done in

preparation for extensive redevelopment activities at the Silk Mill on North 13th Street

and east along the Bushkill Creek as part of the larger Bushkill Creek Corridor RACP

Project. These activities have the potential to generate a great deal of additional traf-

fic to an area that is already congested. Additionally, these intersections need to be

pedestrian and bike friendly.


Timeline to be determined based on funding.


Design: $ 150,000

Construction: 1,500,000

TOTAL PROJECT INVESTMENT/COST: $ (+/-) $ 1,500,000


X Support long-term, coordinated and collaborative regional economic development

approaches.


Encourage entrepreneurship.


Respond to sudden and severe economic dislocations (e.g., major layoffs, plant clo-

sures or disasters).




325 Northampton Street Retail/Dining Center

Project Name 325 Northampton Street Retail/Dining Center

Project Location 325 Northampton Street, Easton, PA



610.250.6719 [email protected]


Project Categories:

X Planning Study


X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

325 Northampton Street, most recently home of the Weller Health Education Center,

is an approximately 20,000 sq. ft. commercial building in excellent condition following

a complete renovation in 2006. It sits in a prime retail/restaurant location and is sur-

rounded by successful redevelopment projects such as the Sigal Museum and the

Pomeroy Building. Just one block off Centre Square, 325 Northampton Street also

has office space available on the upper floors. Northampton County has made signifi-

cant investments in this building, to date.


Timeline dependent on funding and developer/business owner investment.


Timeline: dependent on funding

Total project cost: Approximately 2.0 million

1.5 million – acquisition

.5 million – interior fit-out



approaches.









Black Diamond Redevelopment of South Side Easton Mill Complex

Project Name Black Diamond Redevelopment of South Side Easton Mill Com-plex

Project Location At the intersection of W. Lincoln and Coal streets, Easton, PA





Project Categories:

Planning Study

X Construction/

Development

X EDA Eligible

Non-EDA Eligible

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

This project consists of the redevelopment of a blighted and structurally unsound mill

complex on the city’s South Side. This 4 AC parcel is in an excellent middle class

neighborhood adjacent to an elementary school. The complex encompasses a full

square block that is prime real estate for development of a mixed-use development of

single family, townhouses and neighborhood services.

Financial Request: $3 million RACP.

Total Project Investment: $12 million.


Funds will be used for acquisition and demolition of the property to provide a develop-able 4-acre site. An RFP would then be sent out to interested developers for subdivi-sion and construction.


Acquisition costs: $ 1,200,000 Environmental costs: 1,000,000 Demolition costs: 800,000+ Soft costs: 400,000 Construction costs: 8,000,000+ Total: $ 11,400,000+



approaches.









Lehigh Valley’s · PDF fileLehigh Valley’s 2011 Economic ... and Lehigh counties...

Documents

Transcript of Lehigh Valley’s · PDF fileLehigh Valley’s 2011 Economic ... and Lehigh counties...