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 A lot of earth is being moved in Limerick, as the township continues to be one of the fastest growing in Montgomery County.
The Limerick Economic Development Council hopes to see more business development to complement the ongoing residential development, LEDC executive director Renee Chesler told members of the Spring-Ford Chamber of Commerce at the chamber’s January breakfast.
Continuing residential growth creates a need for more retail and commercial development, Chesler said. She noted Limerick has a prime commercial corridor in Route 422, as well as some brownfields areas ripe for redevelopment.
With all the growth in Limerick, the township is shifting from an agricultural economy to one that is truly suburban, remarked Chesler, who is just beginning her second year as a Limerick Township supervisor.
LEDC is a non-profit corporation established in 2005 with a goal of attracting broad-based business investments to Limerick Township. The council is composed of local residents, municipal officials and area business leaders.
Chesler outlined several steps the LEDC can take to aid in achieving that goal, including helping identify real estate locations for commercial entities interested in moving to the township.
LEDC can also serve as an ombudsman through the development process, Chesler noted. The council’s process development committee is “creating an easy-to-understand mapped process for development,” she said, allowing potential business investors to see how the application and approval process works.
The LEDC can “accurately show” a timeline for the development process. This helps the businesses understand what all is involved in their investment and when they can expect a return, Chesler explained.
LEDC can also help developers access county and state tax incentives as well as employee training grants. The council plans to host a job fair with the Chelsea Group, the developer of the Philadelphia Prime Outlets mall at the Sanatoga exit of Route 422.
The council can also connect business developers with low interest financing. The new Limerick Industrial Development Authority just formed in the fall of 2006 through a resolution of the township supervisors.
The IDA brings together qualified applicants and a qualified bank to sponsor low interest financing. Chesler explained that the township is not liable in the financing – all the financing is through the bank. The IDA ensures the business or non-profit organization will receive the lowest interest rate possible.
There is no limit on the amount of financing the IDA can sponsor for businesses, Chesler noted, although the annual limit for non-profits is $10 million.
The LEDC, IDA and township are partners in “guided diverse development,” Chesler remarked. She added that commercial investment in the township can reduce the reliance on property taxes.
Chesler also spoke briefly about the Limerick Township Board of Supervisors and the board’s goals for 2007. The board is “working to achieve its objectives through teamwork,” she said.
In regard to staffing, the township is “organizing it to be responsive to our residents,” she said. This includes an increase in police and fire personnel. Addressing infrastructure improvements, she said the board’s goal is to “make sure that growth is something we can all live with and not get frustrated about.”
She outlined several areas slated for road improvements, as well as for signaling and signage changes.
Commercial developments include the Philadelphia Prime Outlets; Acme, Rite Aid and Continental Bank at Township Line Road and Ridge Pike; Wawa and a strip center at Lewis Road and Ridge Pike, and a proposal on the Sankey property at Ridge and Swamp pikes. Chesler added that the township is working with the developer of the latter “to create something that is community friendly.”
The township is also looking at the acquisition and utilization of open space, and a part-time parks and recreation employee will start work later this year. She commended the all-volunteer efforts in parks and recreation to date, but noted that a dedicated employee is needed also.
Also, the township is looking at recycling and trash, as well as grant acquisition.
“Infrastructure investment and growth accommodation remain a priority,” Chesler concluded.
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