The Borough of Steelton, one of Dauphin County’s recent transformation projects, has joined with county officials to find a developer to transform a six-block area in its downtown into a residential and commercial centerpiece.
The Dauphin County Commissioner’s initiative, which launched last year, involves turning former industrial sites into economic opportunities. The Dauphin County Redevelopment Authority advertised a Request for Submissions (RFQ) last week from developers interested in purchasing the former steel mill land. Interested parties would also need to be willing to work with the borough and county in creating a mixed residential and commercial space, including a new grocery store and area parking. Plans must also include connectivity to surrounding neighborhoods and complementary designs to the borough’s existing architecture.
“A crucial way to grow our local economy is through breathing new life into disused and vacant industrial and commercial sites and turning them into prized community assets once again,’’ Jeff Haste, board chairman, said. “Steelton is an example of how Dauphin County is working with municipal officials to tackle blight and spur development that grows the local tax base and help our communities.”
The minimum bid for the land, which is currently owned by the Steelton Economic Development Corporation, must be $350,000.
“Successful economic development happens when you partner with the private sector as we are doing in Steelton,’’ Commissioner Mike Pries said. “The public sector came together to clear the land for new construction and provide tax abatement, and now we’re ready to welcome a developer to make the vision of this new neighborhood a reality.”
Developers have until July 27 to submit proposals.