Bethlehem Steel Lackawanna unveils
a comprehensive Land Redevelopment Plan
For Immediate Release
Public Relations Division
Public Affairs Department
1170 Eighth Avenue
Bethlehem, PA 18016-7699
(610) 694-3711 - Phone
(610) 694-1509 - Fax
LACKAWANNA, N.Y., September 9, 1998 -- Bethlehem Steel Corporation today unveiled a comprehensive Land Redevelopment Plan that could eventually convert 1,100 acres of Bethlehem property here into recreation areas, business and industrial centers, and a distribution and transshipment center, providing enhanced opportunities for jobs in the region and increased tax revenues.
Details of the plan were outlined by Bethlehem officials at a meeting with the Mayor of Lackawanna, Kathleen Staniszewski. The meeting today is the first in a series of meetings with public officials and the community to solicit comments on the plan.
"The goal of the project is to facilitate the redevelopment of the property into productive reuse through a public/private partnership," said Bethlehem Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Curtis H. Barnette. "Bethlehem believes the plan will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the region through the establishment of greenways and recreational areas. Bethlehem also believes that working together through such a partnership offers an opportunity to help improve the local economy and broaden the tax base through the establishment of new business and industry."
This approach, the Bethlehem Chairman stressed, is in keeping with one of Bethlehem Steel's key corporate objectives -- to be a good corporate citizen.
A key player in the development of the Lackawanna Plan has been The Saratoga Associates. The Saratoga Springs-based company has been active in many area projects over the years and has had a Buffalo office for many years. The Plan evolved over a two-year period of review and analysis.
Speaking at the unveiling ceremonies today, Roger P. Penny, Bethlehem's President and Chief Operating Officer, said: "Saratoga has provided critical expertise in the areas of land-planning, market study and local economic development history, and we have been fortunate to have available Saratoga's vast experience, local knowledge and professionalism during the development of our Plan."
The Bethlehem President stressed that the successful implementation of "this exciting redevelopment initiative" will require an effective public/private partnership with various local, state and federal officials and agencies. He emphasized that Bethlehem Steel would not be the master developer of this site.
Rather, Mr. Penny said, agencies such as the City of Lackawanna Department of Development; Lackawanna Community Development Corporation; Erie County Industrial Development Agency; New York State Department of Transportation and New York State Empire State Development Corporation; the U.S. Housing and Urban Renewal Department (HUD) and the Economic Development Agency (EDA) and others, will be requested to partner with the appropriate development corporation to begin the necessary infrastructure reinvestment. He also stressed that the ability to return this "brownfield" site to a prosperous recreational, commercial and industrial center will depend upon a workable environmental remediation plan.
To demonstrate commitment, Mr. Penny said, "Bethlehem Steel is prepared to provide assistance in the form of seed money over a three-year period to begin implementation of the Land Redevelopment Plan, provided there is appropriate support for the plan including a public/private partnership." This assistance could include financial initiatives to help with site marketing as well as visual enhancements to the Route 5 corridor, including a portion of the Smokes Creek area and potential donation of a portion of the property to stimulate redevelopment.
"Enhancements to the Route 5 corridor," Mr. Penny said, "will reflect the importance of the entire redevelopment site as a desirable regional business address in Western New York State."
The Redevelopment Plan, which could take up to 20 years to complete, provides for:
Recreation -- 485 acres of Greenway and recreational uses designed to reconnect the community and region with the waterfront. Highlights would include the realignment of Smokes Creek and a new regional marina; enhancement of the Route 5 corridor; new public access via a Greenway along Smokes Creek, and open space systems.
Distribution and Transshipment Center -- 130 acres of world class transshipment facilities. The South Buffalo Railway intermodal center and the existing Gateway Metroport provide unique intermodal opportunities. Combined with the New York State Economic Development Zone and Foreign Trade Zone, these facilities can be marketed world-wide. Significant new investment is required to rationalize rail facilities on the site to open lands for redevelopment and to establish the intermodal facility.
Industrial Center -- 390 acres along Route 5 near Ridge Road are designated for use as an industrial center to attract a wide range of medium and light industrial users. Companies likely to locate in this area include manufacturing, assembly, metals processing, plastics and industrial machinery. The industrial center would provide additional acreage to complement the City of Lackawanna's New Village Industrial Park and the Steelawanna Industrial Park.
Business Center -- 144 acres located in the center of the Redevelopment Plan along Route 5 is for commercial and office uses. Surrounded by a greenway system including the Greenway trail and open space, the business center is designed to attract commercial uses such as back office operations, call centers, and retail uses. Potential office users would be attracted to the site due to the convenient access to larger employee population centers; direct access to highways serving the region, and the suburban style of the development, including adequate parking and 'green' and recreational opportunities.
"This is an extensive and complex redevelopment plan, with regional, national and international implications, and requires the assistance of the public sector to be implemented successfully. It presents a tremendous opportunity for a showcase 'brownfield' redevelopment project in New York State," said Mr. Penny.
Contact: Gary Graham, Bethlehem Steel Corporation, Public Affairs Division
610-694-5350