The Tuscarawas County Economic Development Corporation is digging deeper into the 17-acre Joy Redevelopment site in New Philadelphia.
Executive Director Marla Akridge says a $300,000 state grant is allowing the TCEDC to find out what is in the soil underground at the former industrial site at 338 South Broadway Street.
“Every developer that we’ve had look at this property has asked what’s under the concrete,” she said, noting that the grant covers soil borings at lower levels that previously explored. “It’s very expensive, so we’re very fortunate and blessed to receive the EPA grant funding to get it done.”
Pivotal Housing Partners earlier this year proposed an $80 million mixed-use development at the site that would include apartments for workforce and senior housing, single-family homes, townhomes and a retail component. Akridge says that is one of the companies that asked for the assessment.
Akridge says Pivotal is one of five developers looking at the property and waiting for the assessment results. The proposals include two housing projects and other mixed-use developments with restaurants and retail.
Akridge is optimistic that once the assessment is finished, TCEDC officials will be able to evaluate and choose a developer for the site. She hopes to see the development of the property within the next three to five years.
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