BFPC will prepare conceptual development scenarios
SOPA hired Bruce Facility Planning Consultants (BFPC) of Norcross, Georgia, to begin efforts towards the redevelopment of the Dayton Walther plant formerly located near Jackson and Harmon streets in Portsmouth.
“Working with SOPA and the city of Portsmouth, BFPC will prepare conceptual development scenarios for the site, identify strengths and weaknesses, create a ‘vision document’ for public release, prepare industry-specific marketing materials and data, and develop a marketing plan for the site,” said Jason Kester, SOPA executive director. “This plan aligns with our ongoing development work with Norfolk Southern as well as our brownfield inventory and environmental grant applications.”
According to Kester, a report — developed by The Joint Economic Development Initiative of Southern Ohio (JEDISO) on economic development in Scioto, Pike Ross and Jackson counties — identified redevelopment of the Dayton Walther plant formerly located near Jackson and Harmon streets in Portsmouth as one of the most marketable site in the region.
Kester the work towards redevelopment will be done in phases.
“Phase I of the plan is being funded by Fluor-B&W Opportunity Fund for Economic Development as well as a donation from Don Hadsell and Hadsell Development,” Kester said. “This is another example of a number of different entities overcoming obstacles and working together to improve our community. By developing our river and rail assets in New Boston and Portsmouth we will make our riverfront a destination for business development.”