Northumberland EDC targets enterprise-zone sites and property-sale fund for revitalization grants

The Northumberland County Economic Development Commission on Oct. 21 discussed a list of underutilized and vacant properties identified by the planning commission as top candidates for enterprise-zone incentives and other revitalization programs. Commissioners discussed next steps for analysis and outreach and reiterated that no county-owned properties will be sold until the planning commission and the EDC complete their review and present recommendations to the Board of Supervisors.

The discussion centered on a county-provided list of properties already identified as being within established enterprise zones and additional privately held sites that might qualify for industrial revitalization grants or loans. Staff said the list will be used for site reconnaissance and outreach to potential investors and that consultants such as Jeff Sikorsky with DHC could help identify grant or loan options for properties that fall outside the enterprise zones.

Commissioners noted some parcels lack road access or are located between other properties, which makes immediate redevelopment impractical. The commission said it wants to flag those parcels as “not for sale” for the Board of Supervisors to avoid unnecessary analysis. Staff said they will return to the board with a prioritized set of properties and supporting analysis so the board can decide which parcels to market or retain.

Commissioners also discussed a previously suggested approach to direct proceeds from any county property sales into a reserve fund to provide local matching money for economic development grants. The commission described the proposed reserve as a county-held match fund (sometimes described as a small “kitty”) to improve the county’s ability to apply for competitive grants that require local matching funds. Commissioners emphasized this fund would be for matching grant requirements, not for distributing grants directly to applicants.

The commission discussed practical outreach steps, including listing property details on the state BEDP site and coordinating with county and chamber communications. Staff was asked to research how counties of similar size advertise available properties, and to return in January with recommended outreach channels and sample information sheets for prospective investors.

Clarifying details: The discussion referenced a small set of county properties (several were discussed; a number “six” was mentioned in passing but parcel-level details were not specified in the meeting). The commission confirmed some parcels have no vehicular access and would therefore be excluded from active marketing. Funding for planning grants would typically require a local match; the proposed reserve would supply that match when properties are sold.

Speakers listed for attribution: Executive Director (unnamed), Commissioner (unnamed), Jeff Sikorsky (DHC), Garfield (unnamed), Paul Kaufman (Chamber of Commerce), Jimmy Brand (mentioned).