Officials, Contractors Break Ground on Syracuse Industrial Park
Posted
Gary Gerard-
SYRACUSE – Town officials and contractors gathered Tuesday to break ground on the 6&13 Technology and Industrial Park.
The park is just south of U.S. 6 on the west side of Ind. 13, north of Syracuse.
“The Park provides opportunities that will allow the town of Syracuse to attract new industry, encourage business expansion, help diversify the local economy and generate long-term, private sector jobs,” said Henry DeJulia, Syracuse town manager. “It also provides growth opportunities, with a small town flavor, that are generally associated with a larger community,” he added.
Syracuse officials have been working in cooperation with the federal Economic Development Administration, HUD, Michiana Area Council of Governments, Elkhart County Commissioners, Elkhart County Redevelopment Commission and Elkhart County Regional Planning Commission to develop the 61-acre site.
The park is located in Elkhart County but is within the Syracuse’s urban service area.
During the development phase of the project, Syracuse will work to assist potential developers, work with major retailers in the marketing of the park, provide access to potential prospects and assist in completing needed infrastructure.
Wightman-Petrie, Elkhart, is serving as engineer for the project. Contractors include H&G Utilities, South Bend, and Cripe Excavating, Syracuse.
Based on other industrial sites in the region, Syracuse officials hope the site will produce between 200 and 300 jobs and $22 million in new investment, based on an assumption of 12 industries locating in the park.
It is estimated that 35 construction jobs will be created in completing the infrastructure for the park.
“The town of Syracuse decided something needed to be done, due to high unemployment,” said town council President Larry Siegel, adding, “it is important that we provide job opportunities for our youth and for the skilled workers that the Syracuse community has to offer.”
