Planners give JARI project green light

By SHAWN PIATEK
The Tribune-Democrat

January 09, 2007 11:40 pm

— Plans for the Phase II expansion of the JARI Business Park moved ahead Tuesday as the Richland Township Planning Commission recommended that supervisors approve the project.
Linda Thomson, head of Johnstown Area Regional Industries, breathed a sigh of relief as the commission recommended the six separate measures needed for the expansion to proceed. She and her staff have invested about four years in the Oakridge Drive project.
“You have no idea how much of a relief this is,” Thomson said.
“We have been working with the township for three years on this project, giving them every little bit of information and making sure we cleared all the hurdles.”
The only concern raised by the commission dealt with road access. A road to be constructed will loop in a U, connecting at both ends to JARI Drive. The only exit from the park and its expansion will be onto Oakridge from JARI Drive.
Commission members voiced some concerns about traffic congestion. But because that is a future issue, the commission decided it should not impede approval of the project.
Thomson said she expects the township supervisors will approve the expansion and bids for building the new road and other infrastructure will go out in March. Road construction is anticipated to begin in June.
With final approvals expected from township supervisors, Thomson said JARI will begin to market the 12 new lots that cover 73 acres. She said the group’s goal is to have the first tenant of Phase II breaking ground in spring 2008.
“This is a significant development,” Thomson said. “Just as the city is a hub for certain types of development, so to is Richland. This is going to allow future economic growth for the next 10 years.”