An industrial site closed for 10 years may soon have new life.
Last week, Gov. Tom Wolf announced the approval of new funding to conduct an environmental assessment of a former industrial site in Clarion County and prepare it for positive use.
The site is the former All American Plaza at the Strattanville exit on Interstate 80. The 63.9 acre location contains a 16,650-square foot, two-story multi-purpose rest area, amenities (showers) and a 5,925-square-foot garage facility.
A document filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission says that in 2007 Able Oil Company combined with All American Travel Plazas to form All American Properties. The company determined in April 2008 to close the Strattanville plaza since it was experiencing “substantial, continuing losses.”
“My administration is committed to returning brownfields to public use, and this is the first step in that process,” said Wolf. “Assessments help determine how a formerly unused site can be transformed and how it can be used to boost the economy and support residents in the surrounding community.”
The Clarion County EDC is applying on behalf of private developer Miles Brothers LLC to purchase the site and clean up the property for use.
“ISRP funding will support the necessary evaluation of the unused, remaining portion of this property,” said Dennis Davin, secretary of the Department of Community and Economic Development. “From there, Clarion County EDC can best determine how to appropriately utilize this space to bring opportunity to the surrounding community.”
“Conducting an environmental study is a critical component of revitalizing this former industrial site, as it will ensure that the site is safe for development and re-use,” said Patrick McDonnell, secretary of the Department of Environmental Protection. “I’m pleased to see that this funding will redevelop a brownfield site, which will benefit the community, the economy and the environment.”