Hempfield is planning to create an authority that officials hope will spur development.
Once it’s established, the development authority’s first task will be identifying new uses for the former SCI Greensburg state prison property that the township owns.
“An initial focus would be on the redevelopment of the SCI parcel, and possible future disposition of that property,” said township Manager Aaron Siko. “Then, that authority would exist to be a benefit to other commercial/industrial properties throughout the community for economic development or redevelopment.”
Hempfield supervisors this week gave the OK for the township solicitor to start the process of creating the development authority. Solicitor Scott Avolio said a public hearing would be scheduled and the authority would be created by an ordinance, possibly in the next few months.
“Hempfield Township, I think, envisions some of the larger parcels that they have could benefit from this type of private-public partner development,” Avolio said.
Officials intend for authority board members, who will be appointed, to work with developers interested in Hempfield but also reach out to businesses to promote the township. They can coordinate or lead projects that will benefit development or redevelopment in Hempfield.
“I think it’s going to be a great vehicle for the township in regards to focusing on economic development for our community and it will help do what’s best for our residents to help maintain low taxes,” said Supervisor Doug Weimer.
He thinks there’s plenty of opportunity aside from the 94-acre old state prison property off Route 119 between Greensburg and Youngwood. Hempfield bought it in mid-2023, 10 years after the prison closed, for $3.5 million with the intent to redevelop the property. Demolition got underway last year.
“I think there are other areas that can be looked at in our business corridors, as well as some of the under-utilized light industrial areas that have great infrastructure, rail lines and all utilities,” Weimer said.
