Pike business park is a done deal

By DAVID HULSE

MILFORD, PA — After nearly a decade of financial, zoning, environmental and legal entanglement, the Pike County Commissioners signed documents last week, indemnifying Blooming Grove Township against sewage treatment liability and thus putting the final stamp on development of the county’s business park.

The action came two days after the township’s final approval of the project maps and in the midst of negotiations for the park’s first major tenant. That tenant, still undisclosed, was said to be considering relocating an existing corporation’s headquarters to the park.

“We’re moving ahead…It’s going to be wonderful to see those jobs coming in,” Pike Industrial Development Corporation (PIDCO) project supervisor Rachel Hendricks said.

Commissioner Richard Caridi, previously serving as a Blooming Grove supervisor, had been involved with the project since 1997 and he offered thanks to all “who helped to bring the bring the baby to birth and bring some jobs.”

Lee Oakes spoke of the frustration the project had brought with delays dating back to 1995. At its conclusion, she said it was very satisfying. “It looks very promising to see this park come to fruition.”

The park contains 20 sites of six to 20 acres each. PIDCO Chair Dave Wilson said Pike is jointly looking at individual sales as well as sale of the entire project. “We have an office staff of two people. It would really be preferable to get someone who is professional,” he said.