BELMONT – Economic development efforts continue to progress
at the Crossroads of I-86 and Rt. 19 in Belmont –the Gateway to the three
colleges, businesses, industries, and tourism in Allegany County.
Talks continue to determine ways to assure that the final
planning can take place for the proposed development that includes;
construction, and operation of an upscale Hilton Tru hotel and conference
center, full-service restaurant, and modern fueling station that are planned
for the site. Meetings with the
communities of Belmont and Friendship continue to be productive.
“The Crossroads Development is one important step in the
economic development of the county that will add construction and permanent jobs,
along with tax revenue when the project opens,” stated Board of Legislators
Chair, Curt Crandall.
“On behalf of my partner Tarpan Patel, President of
Hemisphere Management LLC, and I, we are fully committed to the project and
looking forward to working with the Allegany County community to finalize plans
to bring the long-time dream into reality,” added Novat Corp. LLC President,
Pepsy M. Kettavong.
After a change of location at the request of local residents
and additional review, final designs for the waterline project, connecting the
Crossroads to the Friendship water system, have now been completed and
easements are in process of being signed.
“Through the cooperative efforts of local governments, the
Allegany County Industrial Development Agency (ACIDA), and private property
owners, efforts continue to fully develop the Gateway to Allegany County at the
Crossroads,” said ACIDA Executive Director, Craig Clark.
“Commencement of the waterline project is an important step
forward to create future economic development opportunities in Allegany
County,” Clark continued. “Based on the research we’ve done and feedback we’ve
received from site selectors, developers, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs,
Allegany County needs sites that are ready for development – meaning sites
where utilities like water, electric, and natural gas are already in
place. This project will allow
development of sites that check all of those boxes, giving us a great advantage
for future development opportunities.”
“We’re determined to
fulfill Allegany County’s years-long vision for development at the Crossroads
and the waterline is the first step. We
owe a big thank-you to the Allegany County Legislature and the public for their
support as we work to carry out this project for the benefit of the residents
of the county,” Clark concluded.
