CADC Impacts Community Through Investment, Workforce and Economic Development

CHAMBERSBURG, PA – Chambersburg Area Development Corp. (CADC) announced a busy and productive year at its Annual Meeting on June 9.
 
“I am proud to report that the state of CADC is strong,” said David G. Sciamanna, executive director of CADC. “The corporation is well positioned to expand its positive influence on our community. Our balance sheet gives us the ability to be bold; our vision is clear and our leadership is committed to making Chambersburg a better place to live and work.”
 
Over the past 12 months, CADC has filled important roles in several successful projects which contribute to area economic, workforce and downtown development.
 
Cumberland Valley Regional Development Corp. (CVRDC), CADC’s sister not-for-profit company, made significant progress at United Business Park of I-81 Exit 24. Sheetz opened on four acres in August 2016, and CADC purchased lot seven to construct a 100,000-square-foot manufacturing facility for TST Impreso, which they recently occupied. In July 2016, CVRDC sold 200 acres to Matrix Development Group after which a $3 million infrastructure project funded equally by CVRDC and Matrix began. Now 40 acres comprised of three lots are ready for sale and development.
 
The advancement at United Business Park has allowed CVRDC to repay debt, providing CADC the liquidity to implement their new strategic plan that was announced one year ago. This plan focuses on expanding CADC’s economic impact through initiatives focused on workforce development, downtown development and supporting investments.
 
“Our largest allocation in the strategic plan supports investments as loans or equity into projects that can create jobs, diversify our local economy and provide unique opportunities for long term investment. Investment is the key for meaningful change, and it takes capital to make that happen. Our goal is to see the CADC dollars leverage significant private investment,” said Sciamanna.
 
Sciamanna announced at the meeting that CADC, in a 50/50 partnership with CFDC LLC, will make a $600,000 equity investment in Rose Rent Lofts. The project, part of the redevelopment of the old Central Junior High building on the corner of Queen Street and S. Third Street by McKissick Properties, will convert the original 1909 school building into 27 market rate loft apartments.
 
“The board considers the repurposing of the former Central Junior High School an important strategic project that will impact the community and especially downtown,” expressed Sciamanna.
 
Other investments this year included loans to b.developed for the acquisition of the dilapidated Fort Chambers building on King Street and to GearHouse Brewing Co. for the rehabilitation of the former Cumberland Valley Railroad building on Grant Street. At the Fort Chambers building, Dale and Brandon Stouffer successfully negotiated a lease with a Diné Corporation, a local technology company that will bring their company and jobs downtown. The owners of GearHouse made a significant private investment resulting in a trendy brewpub space in the growing Grant Street corridor.

The Borough of Chambersburg received a $500,000 multi-modal transportation fund grant requiring a 30 percent local match. CADC agreed to provide up to $100,000 for a portion of the project to refurbish and beautify the Central Parking Lot adjacent to the new Shook Home Therapy Center. Bids for the lot are due in August and construction should be completed in 2018.

CADC also partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Franklin County to initiate a Home Again program, which targets vacant single-family houses within three to four blocks of Memorial Square to convert back to homes. CADC identified the first home and provided the funds to purchase the property at 153 S. Second St. Habitat is currently rehabbing the property with anticipated completion by October.

“We hope to inspire other individuals to undertake similar projects with private funds,” said Sciamanna.
Additionally, CADC is supporting workforce development initiatives in our community by providing funding to the Coyle Free Library, NETwork Ministries, United Way of Franklin County’s Stepping Forward Works program, Costa Academy and the Greater Chambersburg Chamber Foundation.
“CADC understands the challenge that our community, our state and our nation face to prepare individuals for work. Workforce development must be collaborative and comprehensive,” stated Sciamanna.

Sciamanna also announced at the meeting that CADC will make a $15,000 commitment to the construction of the new Franklin County Practical Nursing Program facility on the Franklin County Career and Technology Center campus. The program has successfully prepared individuals to serve the health care industry, the largest sector of the Franklin County economy.

“Most people are not aware of the tremendous success this program has experienced since 1958. Seventy-five percent of its graduates are from Franklin County and stay in the county to work. Ninety-five percent of its graduates pass the state exam on the first try,” Sciamanna expressed during his remarks.

While CADC has jumped in on these new initiatives as part of the strategic plan, its 57-year history of supporting local economic development through business parks and managing properties continues. CADC manages six properties, which collectively generate nearly a quarter of a million dollars in local taxes each year – the equivalent of 100 single-family homes.
 
“For the first time in 10 years, all of CADC’s properties are leased,” reported Sciamanna. “Over the past year we have invested approximately $400,000 in capital improvements in several of these properties.”
 
The final lot under CADC’s ownership at the business park on Fifth Avenue was recently transferred to Stohan Properties, and four lots were sold to existing property owners at Progress Park.
 
As Sciamanna’s last year with CADC, he took a few moments to remark on his 34 years as executive director:
 
“I am proud of what we have been able to accomplish. It is hard to believe that Orchard Drive has been open for nearly 25 years. The 350 acre Chambers-5 business park has brought over 2,000 jobs, more than 40 businesses and over $150 million of new investment to Chambersburg. Can you remember when Fifth Avenue made a sharp left turn to join Norland Avenue at the underpass? The relocated avenue laid the groundwork for the extension of Norland Avenue and eventual connection to exit 17.  Can anyone imagine Chambersburg without exit 17 and all the positive development along Norland? How about the restoration of the 1915 historic downtown marble bank building, the improvements along the Falling Spring and the restoration of the Capitol Theatre? CADC was instrumental in all of these important projects.
 
“My point is simple; CADC has been a constant in the successful economic evolution of Chambersburg over the past 30 years. And it will continue to be a driver of progress for years to come. Thank you for your support.”

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