Wayne business park a go

By TOM KANE

HONESDALE, PA — WEDCO (Wayne Economic Development Corporation) was recently granted conditional uses permits for its proposed business park after a ruling by Judge Robert Conway of the Wayne County Court of Common Pleas.

Despite a 2-1 rejection three months ago by the Sterling Township Board of the WEDCO application for a conditional-use permit to build the business park, the business group filed an official appeal to the court.

The township wanted each new business to go through its own conditional use process to insure compliance with township regulations, something that WEDCO leaders objected to. The action by the court allows one conditional use for all future businesses.

According to Michael Sibio, a neighbor to the proposed park, the township did not respond in a timely fashion to questions and objections presented by WEDCO in the application process, thus leaving themselves open to a reversal by the court.

“I am disappointed in the township’s failure to follow the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code in this matter,” Sibio said.

Sibio’s principal objection is that the park takes up 50 percent of a residential district.

“This will adversely affect the property values of the homes around the park,” he said. “The quality of life of the area is damaged.”

Sibio claims that there are numerous sites already existing in the area where the businesses could be located. “Why create a park that will hurt residents when there are so many alternative sites?” he said.

He also objected to taking away open space at a time when many feel that these dwindling spaces should be preserved.

Representatives of Sterling Township could not be reached for comment.

The park is located on Route 191 in Sterling Township, just one mile north of I-84.

The only permits left are the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection permits.

“That process will take nearly one year,” said WEDCO Project Manager Mary Beth Wood.

Construction is scheduled to begin in the second quarter of 2006. Phase I will include interior roads, a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant, central water system and underground utilities, Wood said.

The park will consist of 23 parcels.

“This will be one of only two parks located on I-84 in Pennsylvania,” said WEDCO Executive Director Robert Suhosky. “We expect to attract businesses from nearby areas who are looking for lower capital and operating overhead costs, the quality of life afforded by our rural communities and superb access to all the northeastern U.S. and Canadian markets.”

Last week, PPL Utilities contributed $23,000 to WEDCO to help with the creation of the a business park.

Paul Canevari, PPL’s regional manager, chaired WEDCO’s site selection committee and had a significant role in finding and procuring the site.

“PPL has been supportive of this project since its inception in 2001,” said Alfred Howell, president of WEDCO. “This latest contribution further demonstrates PPL’s commitment to the economic development of Wayne County.”

For more information, call WEDCO at 570/253-5334.