The inaugural Murrysville Business District Update sponsored by the Murrysville Economic and Community Development Corporation (MECDC) and the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce had over 80 businesses represented at their breakfast at the Community Center on April 5th. Business leaders listened to speakers talk frankly about the future of Westmoreland and the role Murrysville can play in the county.
Chuck Hergenroeder, President of MECDC, spoke about the past accomplishment of MECDC that ranged from revitalizing and enhancing the “Town Square” area known as Streetscapes to the demolition of the old Blue Spruce Hotel to make way for development of the Blue Spruce Shoppes. “Recently MECDC has purchased the former Foster garage parcel to encourage development in south Murrysville, “ Hergenroeder stated.
Both Chad Amond, President and CEO of Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce, and State Representative Eli Evankovich, spoke about how we need to change our mindset moving forward to impact change in the county and state respectively. Amond spoke about the 7-core objectives that the county will focus on over the next decade to attract develop and retain a diverse and stable workforce that will sust
ain a healthy economy. He highlighted the fact that we need to reposition our towns and parks through marketing, and also focus on better broadband internet access in addition to explaining how our county stacks up from a cost of living perspective against others. Amond stated, “We need to bring back those Pittsburgh residents watching Steelers games throughout the country.”
State Representative Eli Evankovich is serving the last year of his final term representing the 54th District. “How do I help the county as I transition out? The number one issue is transportation needs for our area.”, stated Evankovich. Evankovich emphasized that rail transportation either from Pittsburgh to Monroeville or up Route 28 would demonstrably benefit Murrysville. Mayor Regis Synan spoke about the challenges of commuting to Pittsburgh and stated that access to the Pittsburgh airport is critical or increasing the flights to the Latrobe airport.
Murrysville Chief Administrator, Jim Morrison, and Executive Director, Jill Cooper talked about potential developments along the business corridor. Murrysville has large parcels for potential development at the beginning of the 22 business corridor (former Foster garage and
Gatto Bicycle properties at the McDonald’s intersection), in the middle ( former 84 lumber and Weyerhaeuser plant), and that the end (the Excela property behind Rick’s Sports Bar and Console property adjacent to Watson Chevrolet). Morrison mentioned that a hotel is interested in the former 84 lumber property, but nothing has been finalized.
Cooper introduced the concept of “mall map” directory for the business corridor to be placed at the Roberts Trailhead Visitor Center to help residents and visitors find their way to Murrysville businesses. “Murrysville is visitor’s “first impression” of Westmoreland County and we want to highlight our strong business community, livable neighborhoods and the highest ranking school district in the county. This directory will help visitors to explore our community by locating our restaurants, retail shops in a quick, safe, concise manner.“, said Cooper.