Pennsylvania sold 135 acres of land to a nonprofit development corporation for $1 in 2006, with plans to create a commerce park that would bring jobs and taxes to the community. However, over the past two decades, the park has seen sluggish growth despite efforts to expand the footprint and attract businesses. The state’s decision to essentially give away the land has raised questions about whether selling it to the highest bidder would have been more beneficial.
Now, Amazon is moving into the park, signaling to officials that the economic plan is finally coming to fruition. However, the details of the deal remain somewhat shrouded in mystery, with concerns raised about the secrecy surrounding the proposal for a million-square-foot warehouse.
Local developers who purchased parcels of the park faced setbacks, including the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, leading to the sale of portions of the park to a private company. Despite these challenges, plans for the warehouse and Amazon’s eventual purchase of land in the park have renewed hopes for economic growth in the area.
The arrival of Amazon is expected to create new jobs and generate tax income for Benner Township, fulfilling a vision for economic development that started nearly two decades ago. While there are still some approvals needed before construction can begin on the warehouse, officials and developers view Amazon’s presence as a positive step towards completing the vision for Benner Commerce Park.
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