Pa. House proposal moves ahead

By Jaime North
The Daily Item

February 19, 2009 07:04 am

— LEWISBURG -- Meridian, the New York City developer hoping to turn the former Pennsylvania House property into a multi-use site possibly anchored by a Giant supermarket, is inching closer to launching the first phase of redevelopment.
East Buffalo Township officials still are reviewing a proposed ordinance amendment that would rezone a portion of the property from highway-commercial to industrial. It could be considered for approval by the township supervisors next month.
The township planning commission decided Wednesday night to split the proposed amendment into two amendments to make it easier for public advertisement due to the amount of wording that needs to be posted at the site.
The planners, along with the Union County Planning Commission, need to make a final review before the supervisors get the proposal.
Ryan Baughman, a principal with Meridian, said once the rezoning is in place, Meridian will be ready to reveal potential tenants for the 45-acre site anchored along Route 15 and St. Mary Street.
"At this point, it would be premature to confirm any interested tenant," Baughman said, adding that the plan is to develop retail space first on the eastern end, then commercial and finish with residential development on the western end. "We have several tenants expressing interest. We're still actively trying to identify all of the potential uses to fill the site."
The project's attorney, Charlie Courtney, said the rezoning is necessary to ensure the redevelopment is consistent with the township's plans for the industrial zone. The township is working with Meridian on a traditional neighborhoods ordinance that would guide the mixed-use redevelopment.
Howard Schlesinger, another principal with Meridian, said earlier this month the firm has been talking with several major grocery chains that could fill the 70,000-square-foot store proposed on the site's concept plan.
Earlier this month, Giant officials declined to confirm speculation the grocery store chain was coming to the Pennsylvania House site, but said efforts are continuing to find a location in Lewisburg.
Giant opened a new 76,400-square-foot-store at Monroe Marketplace, Snyder County, four months ago.
n E-mail comments to jnorth@dailyitem.com.