water, we need sewer in areas so that we can have housing developments primed for development.” Working closely with county commissioners and local authorities, two areas where infrastructure expansion can support broader growth have been identified. In Neshannock Township an underutilized industrial site is being transformed, bringing a major economic win for the community. “The Neshannock Township supervisors just made a big investment in a piece of property that sat idle for many years,” says Bush. “They did some due diligence work and made some investments so that specific pieces of industrial property could be brought to a higher, better use.” The result is a $50 million commitment from Steelite International to build its U.S. distribution center. “A large part of that was the effort between our organization, as well as the Neshannock Township supervisors, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and the county. Everybody came together to get this project across the finish line,” Bush asserts. A renewed vision for the Lawrence Village Plaza in Shenango Township is helping to breathe new life into that community. Working with a developer, township supervisors not only helped to rejuvenate the property but also connected it by a trail to a park and the local high school, as well as a potential future housing development. “Oftentimes it’s hard to get a developer to make an investment in expanding infrastructure when they just want to be able to make the investment in the development,” Bush remarks.“So for the communities to recognize the need to move forward and make those investments, that’s when you know you’re working with municipal leaders that are willing to do what it takes to make sure that their communities grow and thrive. And here in Lawrence County, I believe you’ll find that in most areas.” Housing is top of mind in the county, and the focus is on affordable housing that will attract younger families.“We want productive citizens that are going to be working, that are going to be contributing to 143 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 08 LAWRENCE COUNTY, PA
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTI5MjAx