The Point Township site offers 101 acres and rail access ready for development

DRIVE is actively improving land parcels and commercial properties in Central Pennsylvania to attract businesses. The Point Township site in Northumberland County was acquired by DRIVE and is being improved to better accommodate rail service for future buyers. This 101.73-acre site will be a tremendous value as a result of the improvements made by the DRIVE team.

“The Point Township site is right on Route 11, just six miles from I-80, with a strong population base to provide a company’s workforce,” says Bill Shrader, Principal of Lee & Associates of Eastern Pennsylvania. “The area in general is known for residents with a strong work ethic.”

DRIVE works closely with partners such as Focus Central PA and Blueprint Development Corporation to help companies relocate to the region and find high-quality sites for their operations. The Point Township property highlights how DRIVE is actively improving parcels to support future development. 

DRIVE received a PA SITES grant to improve the property

DRIVE received a $5.7 million grant from the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program (PA SITES) to make the land more desirable for buyers. It will utilize the funds to rough grade the property, install utility infrastructure, address flood plain limitations, and improve rail access to the property, enabling companies to directly access the North Shore Railroad, with connections to Norfolk Southern and Canadian Pacific.

“The PA SITES Grant is huge,” says Shrader. “If DRIVE deploys the grant fully, and I expect them to, there will be $5.7 million of improvements in place to benefit the new owner.”

The focus on creating a shovel-ready site allows for maximum flexibility for companies considering the land. It makes the site ready without limiting the types of buyers the property could attract. If DRIVE had used the funds to build a warehouse or spec building, for example, the size or layout could be incorrect for some potential businesses. This site provides a blank slate for future buyers with amenities already in place.

“Not every business needs rail access, but there are very few substitutes for companies that rely on it,” says Shrader. “We’d love to have someone here who could take advantage of the rail service.”

Rail is often relied on by manufacturers producing goods that are too heavy or difficult to move by truck. It provides an easy link in their supply chain to quickly send large quantities of supplies or products to their next destination. 

Investors can develop the utilities they need

At present, plans call for on-site water and sewer facilities, with access to a local natural gas line and a 12kV power line, with the option to increase power capacity if needed. “Adding heavy power could take longer, but it is often a question of when, not if,” says Shrader. “The current electric access will meet most industrial users’ needs.”

The team has already done a fair amount of due diligence and doesn’t anticipate any significant barriers to development.

“This site is priced well, with the grant funds, it’s priced even better,” Shrader adds. “It will be a good fit for a lot of buyers and businesses considering the area.” 

The property reflects local development partnerships 

Not only is the Point Township property in a great location with rail connections and access to a large workforce, but it also puts companies in a development-focused community. DRIVE and Focus Central PA work with several partners throughout the year to move projects forward and turn ideas into viable opportunities. Companies will be able to link with these teams to overcome any unforeseen hurdles.

“Local government in this area tends to be very pro-development,” says Shrader. “Jennifer Wakeman at DRIVE is very knowledgeable and connected.”

Companies can meet with the local railroad authority, the local council of governments, and county commissioners as they plan to invest in the area. It’s easy to get a clear picture of what business will be like when companies choose Northumberland County.

“We have found economic development in this part of Pennsylvania to be very strong because of DRIVE,” says Shrader. “You have a rich opportunity here.”

Let’s bring your business here 

DRIVE creates opportunities for businesses to thrive in Central Pennsylvania. It supports entrepreneurs, businesses starting their next chapters, and new companies moving to the area. Let DRIVE create a plan to help your business reach its goals. By contacting this team, you are unlocking a wealth of connections and support systems for your organization. Let’s move forward together.

Contact us to discuss the Point Township property and other commercial development options in the area.