Developer makes South Strabane a ‘sweet offer’
The developer trying to bring a mixed-use facility to South Strabane returned to the township this week with an enhanced proposal.
“The township has a one-time opportunity to accept a very sweet offer,” Steve Thomas of Chapman Properties said Tuesday.
Owner of a 158-acre parcel of land adjacent to Tanger Outlets, Chapman Properties wants to develop a 1-million-square-foot plan with offices, retail and light manufacturing. Four stages of development would begin with Ensinger Inc., a plastic fabrication company intending to move its North American headquarters from Meadowlands Boulevard in North Strabane Township.
Supervisors denied Chapman’s application and master plan Sept. 13, citing opposition from residents of neighboring Strabane Manor and the requirement that the township take over a 2,888-foot portion of Tanger Boulevard as a public road.
Thomas told the board the development would be a quarter-mile away from the closest house, and the difference in elevation would block it from view.
“We respectfully request you reconsider,” Thomas said. “The subsequent offer significantly increases the economic benefit to the townhship and ensures there will be zero out-of-pocket costs.”
Thomas offered complete reimbursement of costs to maintain the road, through the end of 2026; the cost to resurface the road after phase one is complete; $160,000 for the purchase of a truck with snow-plowing capabilities; and donation of a one-acre parcel to the Strabane Manor homeowners association for development of an outdoor recreation area.
“I want to make you aware that this offer is an opportunity with a short shelf life. If you choose to reject our offer, we will continue to pursue our project on appeal. However, all the economic benefits will be off the table,” Thomas said. “This is no way intended as a threat. I just want you to be aware of our next course of action.”
Thomas said the property, as it sits vacant, generates about $180 a year in real estate tax. Upon full build-out, he estimated the township would collect about $445,000 in taxes annually. Trinity Area School District would collect more than $1.5 million a year and Washington County about $350,000 a year, he said.
“We are not requesting any economic assistance, nor are we part of the (Pennsylvania Tax Increment Financing Act),” he said. “Thousands of jobs will be created. This is simply a win-win situation for South Strabane Township.”
Supervisors directed the township engineer to research the condition of Tanger Boulevard. A meeting on the matter is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Tuesday.
In other business, W&W Realty Enterprise (Washington Ford) submitted a conditional-use application for a proposed vehicle sales lot on Munce Ridge Road. The group previously filed the application for a vehicle storage lot, which was denied by supervisors Aug. 23. 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. A public hearing on the application will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 25.