Developer signs on for two lots at unfinished Westmoreland County industrial park
An Ohio-based real estate developer has plans to occupy two lots at a Westmoreland County industrial park even though it’s not yet completed.
Al. Neyer, based in Cincinnati, entered into an option agreement with the county for to yet-to-be-built lots totaling 53 acres at the new Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland. The board of the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corp., which consists of executive director Jason Rigone and the three county commissioners, approved the agreement Thursday at their regular meeting.
Al. Neyer will pay $3.2 million for the parcels, on which the company plans to build two structures with warehouse and distribution space that could be available for companies to lease for e-commerce activities. According to a news release from the firm, one building will be 240,000 square feet and the other 233,000 square feet – enough space for more than 200 employees in each building.
Commissioner Gina Cerilli was thrilled to have a firm sign on for the 206-acre industrial development so early in the process.
“We are pleased to have just broken ground on the industrial park and already, we have attracted an impressive partner such as Al. Neyer to Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland,” she said.
“Al. Neyer is excited about the potential Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland brings to the region, and we are confident our experience with many like-kind projects and our unique model of development, design and construction management will provide for a smooth process and lasting success for Westmoreland County and WCIDC,” Brandon Snyder, vice president of real estate development for Al. Neyer, said in the release.
Commerce Crossing at Westmoreland is located along Waltz Mill Road in Sewickley Township. It is the county’s first industrial park project Westmoreland County officials have tackled in a decade. The groundbreaking was in October and a $4.7 million contract for construction work was awarded to A. Liberoni Inc. IDC officials say the project is scheduled to be completed later this year.
Commerce Crossing is estimated at $14 million and is being funded through various sources including state grants and a state loan.
Commissioner Ted Kopas said the timing for the project couldn’t be more perfect.
“We are seeing a greater demand for large warehouse and distribution centers with land requirements slightly different from what our current industrial parks have to offer,” said Kopas. “With the flexibility in our overall park structure and having a prime location adjacent to Interstate 70, we’re well positioned to accommodate the increasing activity and diverse user needs.”
In addition, commissioners approved a program that allows the IDC to incrementally recover $2.5 million in property taxes that will eventually be assessed at the park. Over several years, the IDC will take 75 percent of taxes, while the county, township and Yough School District will share the remaining 25 percent until $2.5 million is reached.