Turnpike Offers Properties for Lease

C O M M I S S I O N N E W S R E L E A S E
Contact:	Carl DeFebo 717-939-9551, extension 2934 cdefebo@paturnpike.com	January 31, 2001
TURNPIKE COMMISSION OFFERS FIVE COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES FOR LEASE HARRISBURG, PA. — The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission announced today that it is offering five commercial properties for long-term lease in Westmoreland, Allegheny and Bucks counties. "We acquired these properties for construction of the Turnpike and its extensions, but we have enough property remaining in some areas to lease to developers," explained Director of Marketing William J. Capone. "By making the properties available, we can contribute to economic development, create jobs and generate non-toll revenue for the Commission." The sites are located as follows: Two four- to five-acre properties are in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County, along PA Turnpike 66; A half-acre site is on Rt. 51 in Jefferson Borough, Allegheny County; A 45-acre tract lies adjacent to the Commission’s Western Regional Office in New Stanton Borough, Westmoreland County; and The final site, also 45 acres, lies across PA Route 663 from the Turnpike’s Quakertown Interchange in Milford Township, Bucks County. "We’ve had a lot of success with this program, and we’re eager to see that success continue," said Capone, who cited several examples. In 1995, the Commission leased five acres on Route 202 in King of Prussia to American Appliance. In 1996, the Commission completed negotiations with a developer that built a Home Depot shopping center on 27 acres in Hempfield Township, Westmoreland County. These two leases alone generate more than $700,000 per year in rental income. Capone added that the Commission also has signed leases with Sheetz, Inc. in East Cocalico Township, Lancaster County and with Wawa, Inc. near the Turnpike’s Pocono Interchange in Carbon County. Capone added that the leases benefit the local municipalities. State-agency owned real estate is tax-exempt, but the Commission requires developers to make payments in lieu of taxes to the local taxing bodies. "The Commission wants to work with the municipalities and provide a benefit to the local communities. Revenue to the Commission is important, but it’s not our sole focus. The best interest of the local community is always a priority" Anyone interested in leasing any of these properties must attend a mandatory meeting 9 a.m. Feb. 21 at the Turnpike administrative offices, 176 Kost Road, Carlisle, PA 17013. For more information, visit www.paturnpike.com, or call the Commission’s Property Management Department at (717) 986-9674.

###

P.O. Box 67676, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7676 Phone: (717) 939-9551 Fax: (717) 986-9649