Pocono News Section

Two New Development Projects for Williamsport

Two New Development Projects for Williamsport - Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 4:47PM EST

Reported by: Jeremy Deebel
Thursday, Apr 10, 2008 @04:47pm EST
Williamsport, Lycoming County-

In Central Pennsylvania, the construction business appears to be in good shape, despite a struggling housing market nationwide. Williamsport city officials say applications for new construction permits are actually up about 6% this year.

Developers we spoke with credit Williamsport's new administration for creating heightened optimism about the city's potential for growth.

Many of those who used to worship here at Calvary United Methodist Church gathered to hear local officials announce that portions of the church would be transformed into luxury apartments. They say they're glad that the church building will be kept intact, citing its rich history and importance to the people of the community. Doreen Free, of Williamsport, said, "I think it's great. Particularly the fact that this is going to be kept, the sanctuary is going to be kept, and the windows. It's so beautiful."

As a gated rental property, the former church will be returned to the city's tax base.

City Councilman Skip Smith says he is excited about Williamsport's future. "There are numerous plans now for economic development. We're seeing a lot of good, positive things happening in the city of Williamsport," Smith explained.

Another one of those plans includes Tulane Gardens site, a complex of eight studio apartments, which is currently under construction on the city's East side. John Albarano, president of Albarano Construction & Development, said, "They're completely masonry construction, concrete construction, so they're fireproof, safe buildings with a sprinkler system. So they're very secure buildings, very safe."

The developers of both apartment complexes say Williamsport's new administration was key to convincing them to invest here in the George Hutchinson, of Hutchinson Realty & Development, explained, "My company builds and owns shopping centers all over Pennsylvania, and I'm in different cities. I know the ones that you can easily develop in, and that wasn't the case here before. It is now. I feel more confident and other developers do to."

Both of those apartment complex projects are expected to be completed this year, at a combined investment of nearly two million dollars.