 |
| Seated L-R: Rich Ewell, IDA; Mike Johnsen, IDA, Curt Crandall, Chairman of Legsilature; Judy Hopkins, Legislature; Randy Shayler, IDA. Standing: Novat Corp. LLC President Pepsy M. Kettavong; Deb Root, Allegany County; Craig Clark, IDA; H. Kier Dirlam, Director of Planning; Tarpan Patel |
Rochester-based Hemisphere Management LLC and Novat Corp.
LLC signed a contract for development, construction, and operation of a
nationally branded upscale hotel and conference center, full-service
restaurant, and modern fueling station. The site consists of approximately 32
acres and is the location of a previously operated truck stop at the
intersection of State Route 19 and County Route 20.
"Local, state and federal leaders have worked
tirelessly to develop this site, and now those efforts are bearing fruit. New
jobs, an increased tax base to help take pressure off local property taxpayers,
and more opportunity and prosperity will result. It will provide accommodations
to grow tourism so that visitors can experience our region's rugged, scenic
beauty, outstanding small businesses and rich history. It was a challenge to secure funds for the
waterline, but it was an economic priority for me and I'm thrilled that we
invested $400,000 in state grants to help make it happen. Sincere
congratulations to the IDA, Allegany County legislators and everyone who worked
together, believed, and never gave up," said state Sen. Cathy Young.
“Crossroads Development will add construction and permanent
jobs along with substantial sales taxes and bed taxes as the project opens,”
stated Board of Legislators Chair Curt Crandall.
The developer anticipates that construction will begin in
2018, at a cost of approximately $15 million, and will provide 50 permanent
full-time and part-time jobs. Early designs call for a 90 room hotel, with
5,000 square feet in conference space, and a 3,500-square-foot restaurant. This
summer, the ACIDA and developers will hold meetings for the community to
discuss details during the design phase of the Crossroads Development.
“On behalf of my partner Tarpan Patel, President of
Hemisphere Management LLC, he and I are looking forward to working with the
Allegany County community in bringing the long-time dream into reality” stated
Novat Corp. LLC President Pepsy M. Kettavong.
“This project has been high on a wish list to advance
economic development in Allegany County for several years and now is becoming a
reality,” stated ACIDA President Mike Johnsen.
Three world‐class colleges and universities are a major resource for
Allegany County, with Houghton College in the north, Alfred State
College and Alfred University in the south. ACIDA Executive Director Craig
Clark said, “The Crossroads Development is important to all three colleges and
businesses throughout the county to be competitive and assure economic growth.”
“The three colleges in the county, local businesses, and
tourism are all in need of more facilities like this for accommodating
visitors,” stated Alfred State President Dr. Skip Sullivan.
Alfred University President Mark Zupan said, “This is a great
step forward for Allegany County. We have been pleased to partner with the
ACIDA, Alfred State, Houghton College, and other organizations in our county in
support of the endeavor.”
Houghton College President Shirley Mullen stated, “We are
grateful to Craig Clark and his team for their hopeful, persistent and patient
pursuit of the most appropriate partner for developing the crossroads property.
This is a great benefit to all the educational institutions of Allegany County.
We look forward to the many ways this project will leverage further economic
development in our county.”
The Crossroads Development project includes a new waterline
under development by Allegany County supplied by water from the Town of
Friendship. The waterline project is in the final design phase now, anticipated
to be ready for construction bids in 2017, and installed in 2018. The waterline
will make additional sites for development possible, since access to water is
often needed to attract investment.
“The Allegany County IDA is extremely excited about the
project and its impact on the county and the community for jobs and economic
development,” stated ACIDA Executive Director Craig Clark.
