The Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority is looking at attracting commercial retail to an under-used 29-acre tract of land near the Harrisburg Area International Airport.
The authority will have a mandatory pre-submittal meeting Monday for prospective developers at 1 p.m. at the McIntosh Board Room at One Terminal Drive in Middletown.
Known as the North 29 lot, the land is a targeted redevelopment site and situated in Lower Swatara Township in a commercial highway-zoned district and features more than 1,200 feet of road frontage alone the heavily traveled Route 230, and more than 1,600 feet of road frontage along Rosedale Avenue, a local road.
The site has historically been used exclusively for airport-related parking, the authority said.
The authority said market demand studies, which have already been completed, say the lot is located in an emerging growth area. The intent of the zoned district is to serve the needs of transient highway travelers and to provide a retail marketing center that offers a variety of shopping options and amenities, an authority spokesperson said.
“This is particularly attractive to developers who typically underwrite the cost of infrastructure improvements associated with development, including to area roadways,” said Timothy Edwards, authority executive director.
“Ultimately, the real benefit is to consumers who will enjoy more shopping and service options in a highly traveled, but easily accessed area.”
The final development concept will include a Sheetz convenience and fuel facility with a car wash and drive-through. Construction is expected to begin in the summer.
Other tenants consistent with the authority’s best-use study will include a 70- to 100-room hotel, a restaurant, retail shopping, fast food and a bank.
“The development of the North 29 lot will benefit local residents, area workers, and travelers, and will add to the positive economic impact HIA continues to have on the region,” Edwards said.
Paperwork from developers must be submitted to authority by March 1, with a selected developer announcement anticipated by the end of March.
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