Firms interested in developing vacant properties along West Eighth Street in Millcreek will have a few more weeks to finish and submit their proposals.
Proposals to develop the properties for mixed commercial and residential use originally were to be submitted to the Millcreek Township General Authority by Sept. 30. That deadline was extended until Oct. 17 after more than one would-be developer asked for more time, authority Executive Director Matt Waldinger said.
Five firms submitted qualifications to develop the properties in May. Those pre-qualified companies were then invited to prepare and present development proposals. All now will have until Oct. 17 to submit them.
Proposals will be reviewed by authority members before their Nov. 11 meeting. The authority could select a developer at that time.
The properties
The vacant properties in Millcreek’s Presque Isle Gateway District previously were occupied by Joe Root’s Grill, the Manor Motel, Sandbar Draft House & Grille and the Bel-Aire Hotel.
The former Bel-Aire Hotel on West Eighth Street in Millcreek was demolished earlier this year.
The properties were purchased by the authority for approximately $7.2 million in 2023. Buildings on the properties were demolished beginning in 2024.
The goal
Millcreek Township’s Embrace Millcreek comprehensive plan, adopted in 2018, and Presque Isle Gateway District Plan, adopted in 2022, envision a kind of main street along West Eighth Street near Peninsula Drive. The goal is to create a walkable neighborhood of shops, services and apartments.
New developments would be built close to sidewalks with parking in the rear.
Sidewalks, lighting and other streetscape improvements from Pittsburgh Avenue to Peninsula Drive will be funded with a $3.5 million grant from the state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.
The street and curbs will be improved by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Contact Valerie Myers at vmyers@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Millcreek’s West Eighth Street development proposal deadline extended