EDC Finance transfers land on final phase of Northwest Gateway Project, James and Corrie Eby Farm rebuilds after February tornado, and John Biemiller celebrates 30 years at EDC.
EDC Finance Transfers Land on Final Phase of Northwest Gateway Project
On February 25th, EDC Finance Corporation completed its participation in the ten-year Northwest Gateway redevelopment in the City of Lancaster with the transfer of the final parcel of land to project partners Franklin & Marshall College and Lancaster General Health/Penn Medicine.
This final phase of the project involved the $9+ million redevelopment of the 27-acre former Norfolk-Southern rail yard roughly bounded by Harrisburg Avenue to the east and Dillerville Road to the west. EDC Finance secured a $938,090 PA Industrial Sites Reuse Program grant toward environmental assessment, clearing and remediation of the site. The project partners completed the site work and installation of infrastructure, including the connection of Liberty Street to College Avenue.
This final phase of the project was part of the larger Northwest Gateway Project, which was comprised of several stages, including the demolition of the former Armstrong World Industries site, the relocation of the main rail yard serving Lancaster County, extensive environmental cleanup of former manufacturing and rail yard lands to residential standards, and the installation of new infrastructure to accommodate development.
Resilience at Eby Farm
In 2014, the James and Corrie Eby Farm, which specializes in organic eggs, worked with EDC Finance Corporation to acquire a Small Business First loan to build a second bird layer house. Construction on the layer facility was completed in May, 2015. On February 24th, 2016, both the farm’s new and existing bird houses were destroyed by a tornado that touched down in Salisbury Township, Lancaster County. With incredible resiliency and the help of a generous community, the two chicken houses are quickly being rebuilt. Neighbors gathered to help clean up and rebuild effected areas throughout the area. James and Corrie Eby admit it has been an overwhelming ordeal, but they are confident the houses will be ready for the next batch of laying hens coming in June.
A full story and pictures of the damage can be found on Lancaster Online.
Happy Anniversary, John!
March 17th marked John Biemiller’s 30th anniversary working at EDC. John has played a critical role in all aspects of EDC’s growth, including the development of EDC Finance Corporation, navigating key EDC projects such as Clipper Magazine Stadium, the Northwest Gateway Project, and numerous business retention, expansion and recruitment projects. Among John’s greatest contributions to EDC and its mission are countless long-term relationships with business leaders, EDC members, real estate professionals and municipal officials all of whom play an integral role in local and regional economic development.
Upcoming Events
Lancaster Leadercast
Friday, May 6 from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM
Worship Center, 2384 New Holland Pike, Lancaster
For more information, click here.
EB-5 and Local Economic Development
Webinar presented by PEDA
Wednesday May 11, 2016 from 9:30-11:00 AM
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Ag Issues Forum: “What is Pennsylvania’s new strategy for meeting Chesapeake Bay clean up goals?”
Thursday, May 12 from 7:30-9:00 AM
Farm & Home Foundation, 1318 Arcadia Road, Lancaster
For more information, click here.
17th Annual International Trade Conference
Wednesday, May 18 from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Eden Resort
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Sponsor Highlight
Simon lever is one of South Central Pennsylvania’s premier public accounting and consulting firms. Its professionals take pride in providing exceptional service, honest value and original thought to every client relationship. Simon Lever is a valued sponsor of the Economic Development Company of Lancaster County.