Pocono News Section

Lyco to Get Warehouse/Distribution Centers

Lyco to Get Warehouse/Distribution Centers - Friday, March 27, 2009 at 5:27PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Friday, Mar 27, 2009 @ 05:27pm EST
Fairfield Township, Lycoming County-

Developers announced construction plans Friday for a 250-acre tract of land in Lycoming County.

They hope to bring hundreds of jobs to the area.

Where a field of trees and brush now sits, Arcadia Properties wants to construct two warehouse and distribution centers, along with a flex building.

The three buildings on the property would cover about two million square feet.

Lycoming County Commissioner Rebecca Burke said, “At a time when the economy is as it is, to have Arcadia continue their interest here, speaks volumes about how welcome I believe we’ve made them feel.”

The site is just off exit 17 of Interstate 180, directly behind Blaise Alexander Nissan. Developers estimate the construction could bring 700 jobs here to Lycoming County.

Charles Diacont, of Arcadia Properties LLC, noted, “Lycoming County’s got a slightly higher unemployment rate, so there’s workforce available. You treat that as a positive.”

And while officials are still in the process of marketing the property to potential tenants, they say developing the land is a critical first step.

Diacont added, “Companies can’t wait two and three years for a building to be constructed. They want ready sites. We call them paper shells, where all the approvals are in place, land development, etc.”

The property also sits in a Keystone Opportunity Zone, meaning tax abatements are available for businesses that set up shop here.

State Senator Gene Yaw said, “It’s just a tremendous day for Lycoming County and the entire area. And I’m really excited about it.”

Representatives from Arcadia Properties tell us they hope to start construction next year.