In Carlisle, borough officials Monday night will launch an initiative to plan for the future of three vacant industrial sites.
It's a unique process where government officials and the owners of each of the properties will sit down with residents to talk about their thoughts on redevelopment.
Between 2008 and 2010, three major manufacturing facilities ceased operating in Carlisle. One manufactured electronic components, another specialty rubber tires and products, and the third carpeting for Ford Motor projects. Job losses totaled nearly 700.
The first to go was the largest, the International Automotive Components, formerly Lear Corp and initially Masland Carpets. The property is owned by auto show producer Carlisle Events.
Part of the vacant 54-acre facility was heavily damaged by a large fire last year. Demolition of the building continues.
The smallest of the three, Tyco, maker of electronic components, closed in 2009. That building still stands.
One year later, Carlisle Tire and Wheel closed, taking its jobs to Tennessee. Demolition is on going there as well.
The question becomes, what can be done to increase property values and replace lost job opportunities?
"We are going to be developing a vision, a blueprint if you will, to revitalize that neighborhood,” stated Carlisle Borough Manager Matt Candland. “What's very different about this process is that we have three properties that could be redeveloped; at least two they get other buildings."
Kim Donnelly worked at the carpet manufacturer for 17 years and now lives next door.
"It's kind of sad that we don't have any more production in Carlisle because that was a big part of how people make their living,” Donnelly told us. “I guess anything that will bring some incoming jobs to Carlisle and bring some jobs and would be a good thing.”
"Well just something really lovely something nice something that would benefit the community as a whole," Donnelly added.
Cassandra Lyle is going to the meeting Monday night and she's ready to share her thoughts.
"Be nice to see some more areas, some stores and nice restaurants closer to home and something beautiful to look at," Lyle commented.
Candland says the property owners have had discussions with prospective developers but it is his understanding nothing has been firmed up. There's no deal been made that he's aware of.
The property owners are very open to the input that will be received from the public.
is one of the few times that those affected by property development have the opportunity to be involved in planning so early in the process. The meeting begins at 7 Monday evening in the Carlisle Municipal Building.
It's a unique process where government officials and the owners of each of the properties will sit down with residents to talk about their thoughts on redevelopment.
Between 2008 and 2010, three major manufacturing facilities ceased operating in Carlisle. One manufactured electronic components, another specialty rubber tires and products, and the third carpeting for Ford Motor projects. Job losses totaled nearly 700.
The first to go was the largest, the International Automotive Components, formerly Lear Corp and initially Masland Carpets. The property is owned by auto show producer Carlisle Events.
Part of the vacant 54-acre facility was heavily damaged by a large fire last year. Demolition of the building continues.
The smallest of the three, Tyco, maker of electronic components, closed in 2009. That building still stands.
One year later, Carlisle Tire and Wheel closed, taking its jobs to Tennessee. Demolition is on going there as well.
The question becomes, what can be done to increase property values and replace lost job opportunities?
"We are going to be developing a vision, a blueprint if you will, to revitalize that neighborhood,” stated Carlisle Borough Manager Matt Candland. “What's very different about this process is that we have three properties that could be redeveloped; at least two they get other buildings."
Kim Donnelly worked at the carpet manufacturer for 17 years and now lives next door.
"It's kind of sad that we don't have any more production in Carlisle because that was a big part of how people make their living,” Donnelly told us. “I guess anything that will bring some incoming jobs to Carlisle and bring some jobs and would be a good thing.”
"Well just something really lovely something nice something that would benefit the community as a whole," Donnelly added.
Cassandra Lyle is going to the meeting Monday night and she's ready to share her thoughts.
"Be nice to see some more areas, some stores and nice restaurants closer to home and something beautiful to look at," Lyle commented.
Candland says the property owners have had discussions with prospective developers but it is his understanding nothing has been firmed up. There's no deal been made that he's aware of.
The property owners are very open to the input that will be received from the public.
is one of the few times that those affected by property development have the opportunity to be involved in planning so early in the process. The meeting begins at 7 Monday evening in the Carlisle Municipal Building.