PRESQUE ISLE GATEWAY DISTRICT UPDATE
The Millcreek Township General Authority has been making progress in the Gateway District . Here ’ s what has been happening , and what is soon to come :
Phase 1 of the demolition project was completed in May 2024 . Buildings removed during Phase 1 were : The Sandbar , the Manor Motel , Joe Root ’ s Grill , and a motel strip in the Bel Aire parking lot . The Authority has awarded a contract for Phase 2 , which is to begin shortly . Phase 2 of the project will involve the demolition of the remaining portions of the Bel Aire hotel . The Bel Aire hotel building will be removed before February 28 , 2025 , and the entire site will be cleared and restored by May 31 , 2025 .
Empire Excavation and Demolition was the low bidder on both phases of the project , and the only local company to bid on Phase 2 . The Authority is pleased to be working with a local business , resulting in significant savings on the project and keeping money in the region ’ s economy . $ 1 million in demolition funds have been provided to the Authority through a grant from the Erie County Land Bank . Both Phase 1 and Phase 2 will be completed at an approximate total cost of $ 500,000 , requiring only half of the Land Bank grant funds .
MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP NEWS
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MILLCREEK TOWNSHIP GENERAL AUTHORITY BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT DAVE ZIMMER
Dave Zimmer , Executive Regional Director at ERIEBANK , was the founding President and first Erie-based employee when ERIEBANK , owned by CNB Bank of Clearfield , PA , was launched in August 2005 . ERIEBANK has grown to thirteen offices ( plus one under construction ) in two states with assets in excess of $ 1.5 billion dollars . With over 40 years of experience in financial management , risk assessment , and compliance , Zimmer brings financial credence to the MTGA . “ It has been an honor to use my experience in strategic financial planning and investment to help forward the Township ,” Zimmer states about serving the last two years as the MTGA Chairman . “ The investments we make now will benefit the Millcreek for generations to come .”
GATEWAY PURCHASE FACTS Fact 1 : The total price paid for all the 8th Street properties was $ 2.4 million less than their assessed value . Fact 2 : The funds to make the purchases came from a separate account that hold the proceeds from the sale of the Millcreek Township Water Authority assets . Fact 3 : The Water Authority sale money was designated by Resolution for use towards significant capital projects and was NEVER intended to be a rainy-day fund . Fact 4 : The Authority ’ s role is to prepare the sites for future development and then engage with a qualified private developer to carry the project forward .
MILLCREEK ❘ WINTER 2024 9