Developer makes a push for South Strabane project

August 24, 2016

Natalie Reid Miller
Observer Reporter

The owner of a 153-acre parcel of land adjacent to Tanger Outlets in South Strabane Township offered to fund maintenance of a public road in an attempt to establish a multiple-use development there.

Chapman Properties informed the board of supervisors Tuesday it would fund maintenance of a portion of Tanger Boulevard for 10 years if the township assumes responsibility for the road. Chapman maintains the private road would have to be transferred to the township in order to develop the property.

Attorney Dusty Kirk said Chapman would pay about $29,000 a year – a figure he said would cover the cost of maintenance.

“It’s a big deal for the township,” said Steve Thomas of Chapman Properties of the potential development. “I think you should think of this project as a small Southpointe.”

Chapman has owned a portion of the property since the early 1980s.

The final site plan includes four stages of development, starting with Ensinger Inc., a plastic fabrication company. The company plans to move its North Strabane headquarters to the site, with a $40 million complex encompassing a light manufacturing space, offices and a robotic warehouse system.

In order to proceed, Chapman needs conditional-use approval for Ensinger and master plan approval for the entire development. In addition to Ensinger, Chapman plans to develop retail space, hotels, restaurants and offices.

Kirk said the project would generate about $378,000 in taxes for the township during a the construction phase alone.

Supervisor Laynee Zipko made a motion that the township maintain the road, but not incur the cost. Supervisors voted to table the motion to give them more time to consider the application. A special meeting was scheduled between the township and Chapman Properties at 7 p.m. Sept. 7.

In other business, the board denied a conditional-use application from W&W Realty Enterprises, Washington Ford, for a vehicle storage lot on Munce Ridge Road.

Residents of nearby Kingswood Court appealed to supervisors to deny development of the 4.5-acre parcel on the basis that it would put the burden of traffic, noise and lights on them.

Supervisors said they couldn’t approve the application because a private lot intended for car storage only is not addressed in the township’s zoning ordinance.

The next regular board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Sept. 13.