Governor Tom Wolf announced last week new funding to revitalize the Pittston waterfront by converting an underused warehouse into a mixed-use facility with apartments, offices, retail space, and a business incubator.
“This comprehensive redevelopment project will be a noticeable update to a section of downtown Pittston that has a lot of potential, but not expansive use,” Wolf said. “By renovating the structure and surrounding area, we will be creating jobs, expanding offerings for businesses, college students and residents, while opening up opportunities for more economic development.”
Waterfront Management Group, LLC was approved for a $2 million grant to rehabilitate a 101,997-square-foot warehouse at the corner of East Street and Kennedy Boulevard. The completed project is expected to have 27 apartments, a food court supporting the students of the recently opened nearby Luzerne County Community College’s Pittston center, 28,296 square feet of office space, and a business incubator with space for 36 units. The warehouse is only partially occupied, and the 13 existing jobs will be retained while approximately 60 new jobs are created through the new uses.
“I’m extremely proud of the wide array of community enhancements in the City of Pittston and this significant investment of state funds will advance an integral commercial and residential project along the Susquehanna River waterfront,” said Representative Mike Carroll, D-Avoca. “I am grateful to Governor Wolf for his unyielding support of our community.”
The project is expected to bring economic growth through enhanced property values, a stronger local tax base, and increased commercial and residential development. The renovation will also beautify the waterfront through exterior renovations and new landscaping.
“(This) announcement of RACP funding for the Waterfront Warehouse Conversion project in Pittston is yet another positive step towards the City’s revitalization,” said State Senator John Yudichak. “The repurposing of this former warehouse facility into a state-of-the-art multi-use asset along the Susquehanna River will create the opportunity for continued economic growth in Pittston and our core cities in Luzerne County.”
Supported through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP), funding will support critical expansion projects, some of which will provide opportunities for additional economic development.