Development
True
development is comprised of goals and objectives aimed at strengthening
and growing all facets of a community. New recreation opportunities and
the availability of affordable housing are just as critical to a
community as are the issues of job retention and creation. For over a
decade, Farrell has engaged in activities geared toward the
revitalization of the entire city – from both an economic and
community development standpoint. Working by itself and, when
appropriate, with local non-profit organizations, the city has converted
numerous abandoned and under-utilized properties into opportunities for
industrial, residential, and recreational development.
Economic
Development
The following list, while
not exhaustive in its scope, represents some recent economic development
projects undertaken in the City of Farrell that have produced positive
results:
-
Legacy Commons
– a 20-acre industrial park located on a portion of the former
site of Sharon Steel was developed by a local non-profit
organization
-
Hillside I
Industrial Park – a 4-acre industrial park
located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) in the northwest corner
of Farrell
-
Hillside II
Industrial Park – an 8-acre industrial park (adjacent to
Hillside I) that will be developed using $500,000 from the state’s
Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) and $573,000 from
the City of Farrell; will open in the spring of 2005
-
Former Farrell
City Park – 10-acre site of the former City Park is now
occupied by medical and professional offices
In addition to these
key developments, the City of Farrell offers businesses the following
benefits:
-
Access to the city’s
Revolving Loan Fund
-
The opportunity to
locate their business in a Keystone Opportunity Zone (KOZ) which
offers numerous tax breaks to eligible companies
-
Easy access to
Interstates 80 and 79, Route 60, and the PA and OH Turnpikes
Community
Development
Community
development projects do not always garner the attention or headlines
associated with industrial or job-creating projects. However, in order
for a city to remain viable, projects that focus on fostering a sense of
community are just as important. In the past several years, Farrell has
benefited from several important and, in some cases, on-going community
development initiatives, such as:
-
Centennial Place
– the Mercer County Housing Authority and a private developer
teamed up to construct new, affordably priced homes and apartments
-
Gargano Towers –
Farrell contributed $100,000 to Community Action Partnership towards
the construction of affordable housing geared toward senior citizens
-
Continued
improvements to the city’s playgrounds and recreation facilities
These projects, along
with the continued support of existing businesses, local schools,
churches, and community groups are the keys to building a stronger
Farrell.
UPMC
Horizon Hospital
Useful
Links
For more information on
the City of Farrell's Community & Economic Development programs and
activities, contact Frank Gargiulo, Community & Economic Development
Director at (724) 983-2705 or
cofarrell@neohio.twcbc.com.
