Redesign in the works for office, retail space along Route 28 in Harrison

A mixed-use development that could bring offices, restaurants and retail along Route 28 in Harrison is back on the drawing board.

The project, known as Harrison Point, is moving forward despite sitting dormant for 11 years, according to Richard Gasperini Jr. of Genfor Real Estate. His group is soliciting development deals for the 162-acre property that sits above the expressway near the Tarentum interchange (Exit 14).

“A number of use scenarios are being evaluated: light industrial, various commercial and retail uses, etc.,” Gasperini said.

Harrison Township Manager Amy Rockwell said the township has not received updated information on the development.

The property was purchased by Lower Burrell developer Ron Zampogna Jr. in 2014 through his R&Z Harrison Properties. Initial plans floated in 2017 included 249 units for senior independent living, a 62,000-square-foot technology park, restaurants and a grocery store.

Plans also included 100,000 square feet of medical office space, nearly 23,000 square feet of restaurant space and a gas station with a convenience store.

Zampogna did not return calls seeking comment.

The state was among several government agencies that awarded funding over the years to help move the project along.

PennDOT spokesman Steve Cowan said the project is on hold for redesign because a portion of it sits within a limited access right of way.

In 2019, $1 million was awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program for stormwater mitigation, utility installation and roadwork. The following year, $3 million was announced to modify Bull Creek Road near the proposed entrance to the business park.

The money came through the PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund to build a new northbound turning lane at Exit 14 and separate the expressway ramp from the intersection. The plan called for constructing a barrier and extending the northbound ramp through the intersection with Route 366 (Bull Creek Road). It also called for building a new left-turn lane to serve traffic coming off the expressway, or from Fawn that’s headed toward Pleasant Avenue, a short road at the Tarentum line.

“The municipality requested an extension, and it was approved through early 2027,” Cowan said. “The funds remain in the Multimodal Transportation Fund until they are either used or the grant expires.”

While it’s unclear whether any site prep was done, crews early on cut down 45 acres of trees to deter northern long-eared bats that nested there. Zampogna worked with state and federal agencies to minimize the impact on the bats by spurring them to make their homes elsewhere.

At the same time, developers donated a portion of the land to the township for upgrades to Silverlake Park, which opened in 2022.

R&Z property portfolio has included Yellow Jacket Square and The Shoppes at Bear Creek, both in Buffalo Township, China Lobster Restaurant in Lower Burrell and the Sheetz gas station/convenience store in the Parnassus section of New Kensington.