BELLEFONTE – A recent land transaction along the Benner Pike will spur a significant investment via immediate construction spending, hundreds of newly-created jobs and impactful economic activity.
“A nearly 15-acre tract next to the Bellefonte Lanes on the Benner Pike is being converted from an untaxed, state-owned property of Rockview State Correctional Institution into a job-creating parcel that will contribute to the county economy,” explained Vern Squier, president/chief executive officer of the Centre County Industrial Development Corp. (CCIDC), a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC).
“Land of Paradise LLC, Gov. Tom Wolf, and his team at the Department of General Services (DGS), Senator Jake Corman and his team, as well as the entire Centre County state delegation and the Centre County Commissioners have been a pleasure to work with as this land transaction has come to fruition.”
The Bellefonte area has seen many recent projects launch, including the Bellefonte Waterfront Project and the Axemann Brewery.
“This project illustrates how teamwork can lead to economic gain,” said Corman. “The Benner Pike, fair-market value land transaction brought many parties to the table including DGS, local jurisdictions and organizations, and private enterprise. The result of this collaboration is prosperity for our area.”
Land of Paradise LLC, a Pennsylvania-based entity, is committed to driving a significant investment into Centre County.
“We will be announcing the anchor tenant in 2021. We further believe that local residents will be excited to see the businesses which will be will be located on this property,” said Tom Richey, partner of Land of Paradise LLC.
“Additionally, there will be other outparcels that will be filled as this project, zoned for commercial use, is completed.”
While each project is unique, no tax breaks were utilized. For residents and students relying on delivery of services and quality education, this project will represent an increase of funds over time into the COVID-19 impacted coffers of Benner Township, Bellefonte Area School District and Centre County Government.
“This land transaction is the catalyst for years of economic activity, hundreds of jobs, and a positive impact in the lives of local Centre County residents,” added Squier. “The CCIDC and CBICC proudly continues to pursue its mission of improving the local economy on behalf of Centre County.”