LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WKBW) — The Buffalo and Erie County Industrial Land Development Corporation announced the sale of 9.2 acres of the former Bethlehem Steel site to Uniland Development Company.
Officials say Uniland plans to build a 150,000 sq. ft. manufacturing spec building which will bring private businesses and jobs to the site. Part of the site is already being developed by Erie County into a commerce park.
“Uniland’s acquisition of 9.2 acres of the former Bethlehem Steel site and plans to build a 150,000 sq. ft. manufacturing spec building is the next step in the renaissance of the site. My vision for the site was to return manufacturing and other 21st Century businesses to it. Many had said it could not be done, but this private investment by Uniland follows the recent investment by TMP Technologies, also on the new Dona Street extension, and reinforces just how desirable and conducive the site is to business. I thank all of our federal, state and local partners who helped us get to this point, and I know we look all forward to the building’s completion as well as to welcoming businesses and jobs back to Lackawanna,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.
Officials say Uniland will start construction within the next year and expects to invest $14.5 million on the site's development which is located along the newly-constructed Dona Street extension. Uniland paid $230,000 for the parcel of land.
TMP Technologies broke ground on a 280,000-sq. ft. manufacturing facility at the commerce park site less than a year ago.
“As the region’s premier large-scale developer, Uniland is proud to partner with the County and the City of Lackawanna on this ambitious project,” said Uniland CEO Michael Montante. “I commend the County and its partners for bringing the site to development-ready status through the infrastructure improvements they’ve made to attract private development. This is one of these public-private partnerships that will bear fruit for years to come as we help fill the need for more industrial real estate product.”
