At a special meeting on Jan. 30, 2023, the Board of Directors of the Millcreek Township General Authority approved agreements for the purchase and sale of real estate. This approval is for five properties located on prime commercial locations within the Presque Isle Gateway District.
The purchases are made financially possible through grant funding and the sum acquired from Millcreek Township’s sale of water assets several years ago to Erie Water Works. As a result, the purchase will not affect taxes.
“The transformation of the gateway to Presque Isle will take time, require resources and follow a comprehensive plan,” state Rep. Ryan Bizzarro, D-Erie, said. “The plan was developed to create the most ideal option for our community and the people who live, work and visit Millcreek. The move to acquire these distressed and blighted properties helps clear the way to allow this process to continue for the sake of strengthening and revitalizing the region.”
The acquisition of these properties is a major step towards the goal of redeveloping the Presque Isle Gateway District as recommended by the Millcreek Township Comprehensive Plan, Embrace Millcreek. It was guided by public feedback received from over 1,500 residents that participated in multiple public meetings.
Over four million people annually visit Presque Isle. In Embrace Millcreek, it is deemed critical to give these visitors a reason to stay and patronize small businesses in the area.
The Board of Directors also entered into a Cooperation Agreement with the Erie County Landbank under which the Landbank has agreed to help fund any demolition costs associated with the acquisition of these properties over the next four years. This local support is critical to leveraging outside state and other investment.
“We’ve seen a lot of investment in the core of downtown Erie, and it is great to see that same investment being made in Millcreek’s small business hub,” said James Grunke. CEO of Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership.
The properties acquired are the now vacant Bel Aire Hotel, Grasshopper and Joe Roots Grill. Additionally purchased are the Manor Motel and the SandBar Draft House & Grille.
For more information residents can read the Embrace Millcreek Comprehensive plan by visiting www.millcreektownship.com/347/embrace-millcreek.
