HERMITAGE, April 16, 2021 – An investment of $1.23 million will allow the City of Hermitage to continue to advance the vision for a transformational town center project, state Sen. Michele Brooks, R-Crawford/Mercer/Erie/Warren, and Rep. Mark Longietti, D-Mercer, announced today.
Awarded under the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Multimodal Transportation Fund this morning, Brooks and Longietti said the funding provides a second round of infrastructure dollars for the planned Hermitage Town Center project at the Shenango Valley Mall site.
“Securing this funding helps lay the groundwork for realizing our vision of a thriving regional hub for Hermitage that will attract business and commercial activity, create jobs, draw visitors, and provide new housing, recreational and entertainment options for our community,” Longietti said. “This project has the power to transform our region, and it’s truly exciting seeing the work beginning to take shape from the ground up.”
The grant will fund excavation and paving work for new roads, curbs and sidewalks; the installation of stormwater facilities; and landscaping and other improvements, the legislators explained.
Brooks said, “This funding builds upon our other successful efforts to fulfill the future plans for the Hermitage Town Center, which will add to the vibrancy, quality of life and economic growth of Mercer County and the surrounding counties. We continue to work in a coordinated, collaborative effort to give this project a strong foundation for growth and success, and I appreciate the partnership in working with Gary Gulla, Gary Hinkson, and Rep. Longietti.”
The city is in discussion with developers to help fulfill the future vision for the property, which includes a mixed-use development that is slated to be a mix of retail, entertainment and culinary amenities, multipurpose greenspace and walking trails, office space and residential housing.
The grant was part of a package of nearly $46 million awarded to 43 projects under PennDOT’s Multimodal Transportation Fund. It is the second round of funding for the town center project. In November 2019, the city received $730,000 under the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Multimodal Transportation Fund for initial roadwork.
Longietti said he is hopeful that funding from the American Rescue Plan slated for Mercer County can be tapped for additional job-creating infrastructure projects that fuel economic recovery.
Contact:
Diane McNaughton (717) 787-1322 dmmcnaughton@pasen.gov
Liane Leshne (978) 549-1868 lleshne@pahouse.net