Moran Expansion Helps Williamsport Create ‘Pro-Business’ Environment
Mayor Gabriel J. Campana announced his new “economic development stimulus package” as he accepted a $30,000 down payment from Moran Industries, to go toward the purchase of the former Kennedy-King housing development on Wednesday.
The plan includes the improvement of infrastructure in the city’s industrial park, low interest loans for businesses and the stimulation of new construction throughout the city, Campana said.
“It is my objective to fast track this plan because we need new jobs now,” he said.
According to Campana, details on the “pro-active” plan will be given in the near future in front of City Council.
As a start to the stimulus plan, Campana accepted the $30,000 down payment from Moran Industries, which will demolish the former low-income housing project in Newberry and build a “modern warehouse and distribution center,” according to Jason Fitzgerald, general manager of JDM consultants, a division of Moran Industries.
Fitzgerald estimated that 35 “good, family-sustaining jobs” will be available at the new facility. He said even more jobs could come in the future as the site grows.
“We’re very happy about our relationship with the city of Williamsport, and we hope to enjoy the success here that we’ve enjoyed in Watsontown (the company’s headquarters),” Jeff Stroehmann, president of operations at Moran, said.
The 10-acre Kennedy-King property was purchased by Moran Industries for $301,000 from the city of Williamsport. The company hopes to begin demolition at the site in the next several months, according to Stroehmann.
Campana said all funds from the sale will go toward “infrastructure improvements to other areas of the city,” such as further street paving in the Williamsport Industrial Park.
He added that such improvements to the city will create a “pro-business environment.”
“It is imperative to improve the necessary infrastructure to retain these jobs and open up additional land in the vicinity to spur future business,” he said. “We can’t have businesses looking elsewhere to grow.”
Source: Sun Gazette, Ashley Wislock
