State grant will allow deeper soil assessment at Joy Redevelopment site
NEW PHILADELPHIA – The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation is digging deeper into the 17-acre Joy Redevelopment site in New Philadelphia.
Executive Director Marla Akridge says a $300,000 state grant is allowing the TCEDC to find out what is in the soil underground at the former industrial site at 338 S. Broadway St.
“Every developer that we’ve had look at this property has asked what’s under the concrete,” she said, noting that the grant covers soil borings at lower levels than previously explored. “It’s very expensive, so we’re very fortunate and blessed to receive the EPA grant funding to get it done.”
Pivotal Housing Partners earlier this year proposed an $80 million mixed-use development at the site that would include apartments for workforce and senior housing, single-family homes, townhomes and a retail component.
Akridge says Pivotal is one of five developers looking at the property and waiting for the assessment results. The proposals include two housing projects and other mixed-use developments with restaurants and retail.
Akridge is optimistic that once the assessment is finished, TCEDC officials will be able to evaluate and choose a developer for the site. She hopes to see the development of the property within the next three to five years.
PRESS RELEASE FROM TCEDC
Economic Development and Finance Alliance Announces Phase II Environmental Assessment Underway at Joy Redevelopment Site
(DOVER, Ohio) — The Economic Development Finance Alliance of Tuscarawas County (EDFA) and The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation (TCEDC) announced that a Phase II Environmental Site Assessment is actively underway at the 17-acre Joy Redevelopment site to support future development opportunities.
The ongoing assessment is funded by a $300,000 grant awarded through the Ohio Department of Development’s Brownfield Remediation Program. The Phase II study utilizes targeted soil and groundwater testing to determine the property’s current environmental conditions.
Over the past several years, EDFA leadership has engaged in extensive consultations with local and regional developers to determine the highest and best use for the property. Current strategy evaluations encompass a wide mix of potential uses, including commercial enterprises, healthcare facilities, modern housing solutions, and entertainment venues aimed at driving local economic growth and enhancing downtown connectivity.
“This assessment is an important step in preparing the Joy/Howden Buffalo site for its next chapter.” said EDFA Chair Jon Elsasser. “Our goal is to remove barriers to redevelopment and position this significant property to attract private investment, create new economic activity, and contribute to the continued revitalization of New Philadelphia and Tuscarawas County.”
The EDFA of Tuscarawas County is an Ohio Port Authority and serves as an economic development agency for Tuscarawas County. The EDFA provides a wide range of services and information to commercial businesses and builders and is managed by the Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation. Learn more at tuscedc.com