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Business Journals
28-04-2025
- Business
- Business Journals
Redefining the Core 2025: Downtown Sacramento construction projects
By submitting your information you are agreeing to our Privacy Policy and User Agreement . Join the Sacramento Business Journal to unlock even more insights! This article gives an overview of projects in Sacramento's Downtown neighborhood in various stages of development. This article gives an overview of projects in Sacramento's Downtown neighborhood in various stages of development. It's part of our Redefining the Core coverage, which features projects in the works, proposed or completed in the central city. While proposed or in the works projects appear likely, it's possible not every project will make it to the completion phase. GET TO KNOW YOUR CITY Find Local Events Near You Connect with a community of local professionals. Explore All Events IN THE WORKS Gregory Bateson Building expand Gregory Bateson Building, 1600 Ninth St. in Sacramento Robin Douglas | Contributor Developer: State of California, Department of General Services Description: Extensive renovation of the four-story, 313,000-square-foot building that dates to 1981. Work includes replacing deficient plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, telecommunication and security systems; renovating elevators; improving disability access; removing hazardous materials; repairing water damage; and detailing exterior facades. Location: 1600 Ninth St. Cost: $161.5 million for progressive design-build contract Status: Construction is underway and expected to be completed in spring 2025. Jesse Unruh Building Developer: State of California, Department of General Services Description: Extensive renovation of the 1928 building, which has 125,000 square feet of usable space. Work includes removing hazardous materials; replacing deficient plumbing, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, electrical, telecommunication and security systems; installing new elevators; and improving disability access. The State Treasurer's Office is the building's primary tenant. Location: 915 Capitol Mall Cost: About $158 million for progressive design-build contract Status: Construction is underway and expected to be completed in summer 2025. Former Resources Building expand Former Resources Building construction at 1416 Ninth St. Robin Douglas | Contributor Developer: State of California, Department of General Services Description: Extensive renovation of the 17-story building, which was built in 1964, to house about 2,500 state employees. In addition to major gutting, work includes completely replacing mechanical, electrical, plumbing, telecommunication and security systems. It also includes removing hazardous materials, shoring up the building's structural integrity and replacing the roof and facade. Location: 1416 Ninth St. Cost: About $409 million for progressive design-build contract Status: Construction is underway and slated to be finished in late 2025. Capitol Annex Building Developer: State of California, Joint Rules Committee/State Legislature Description: Construction of a new building to replace the 70-year-old annex, which didn't meet seismic codes or comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The new 525,000-square-foot building will be a "double-T" shaped building designed to meet or exceed current seismic codes and ADA guidelines. It will also have an underground parking garage with 150 spaces. Location: 1315 10th St. between L and N streets, on the east side of the historic Capitol building. Cost: $1.2 billion Status: After a three-year legal battle, the existing annex building was demolished in summer 2023. Construction is underway and estimated to be finished in 2027. Cypress Developer: D&S Development Description: Construction of an eight-story building with 96 apartments, two live/work units and 1,830 square feet of ground-floor retail. Amenities will include a pool, community lounge, gym and eighth-floor terrace with barbecue and seating areas. Depending on the market, some units could be available for purchase. Location: 1330 N St. Cost: $50 million. D&S bought the site for $2.4 million. Status: Construction started in January 2023 and will be completed in summer 2025. The Diggs expand The city of Sacramento has received an application to convert a building owned by the California Public Employees' Retirement System at 1800 Third St. into residential, retail and office space. Ben van der Meer | Sacramento Business Journal Developer: Heller Pacific Description: Conversion of a four-story, 204,800-square-foot office building into housing, self-storage, office and retail space. About three-quarters of the building will be residential with 131 apartments, plus a manager's unit. In addition, there will be almost 25,000 square feet of self-storage, 16,500 square feet of creative office space, and 6,638 square feet of retail and restaurant space. There also will be 60 parking spaces. Location: 1800 Third St. Cost: $45 million, including construction costs of $25 million. Heller Pacific purchased the building from the California Public Employees' Retirement System in December 2024 for $5 million. Status: Interior demolition started in March 2025. Project should take about 14 months to complete. Aiden by Best Western Hotel Developer: SJ Hospitality Inc. in Davis Description: Adaptive reuse of a four-story office building into a boutique hotel with 73 rooms and 55 parking spaces. The office building was built as a hotel in the 1950s, then converted to office space more than a decade ago. The project involves both exterior and interior renovations. Amenities will include a cafe serving food, beer and wine, as well as electric vehicle charging stations. Best Western describes its Aiden brand as trendy boutique hotels with casual charm and an eclectic neighborly feel. Location: 1111 H St. Cost: Not disclosed. SJ Hospitality purchased the office space in 2022 for $6.12 million. Status: Construction started in the third week of January 2025 and is estimated to be finished in August 2025. The Sequoia expand The Sequoia Hotel, a residence hotel with a closed taqueria on the ground floor, is planned to become permanent supportive housing for people who were homeless. Ben van der Meer | Sacramento Business Journal Developer: The John Stewart Co., Central Valley Coalition for Affordable Housing Description: Rehab of a 1910 hotel into 88 units of permanent supportive housing for residents who were previously homeless. Plans call for adding kitchenettes and bathrooms to 16 units and renovating 72 single-room occupancy units. Each floor of the six-story building will have a community kitchen and bathroom, and the ground floor will have a community room, laundry room, bike storage and property management offices. New mechanical systems, elevators, flooring, plumbing, fire safety and light fixtures will be installed. Services will include mental and physical health care, substance abuse counseling and job training. Location: 911 K St. Cost: $50.1 million Status: Construction started in April 2024 and will be completed in spring 2026. Esperanza Developer: Urban Capital LLC, Ibex Ventures Description: Construction of a 60,000-square-foot project with 132 apartments in two three-story buildings. There will be 90 one-bedroom lofts and 42 studio apartments. Amenities will include a community courtyard, bike storage and a lounge. Project is aimed at tenants with 80% to 120% of the area median income. Location: 424 12th St., 1117 E St. Cost: $30 million Status: Entitlements have been secured, and the building permitting process is underway. Construction is starting in April 2025 and will take about 19 months. 13C Apartment Development Developer: Vrilakas Groen Architects, property owner is the Merin Williams Family Trust Description: The first phase of the project consists of eight studio apartments in a two-story building. The second phase calls for two three-story buildings with 22 one-bedroom apartments on an L-shaped lot. The one-bedroom units will be 420 square feet. Location: 216 13th St. for the first phase; 1221 C St. for the second phase. Cost: About $5 million for both phases Status: Construction on the first phase of 13C was completed in May 2024. The second phase is still under construction and will be completed in fall 2025. CapRadio Live expand Performance space CapRadio Live has been stalled amid Capital Public Radio's financial difficulties. MARK ANDERSON | SACRAMENTO BUSINESS JOURNAL Developer: Capital Public Radio Description: Renovation of the building's ground floor into a 7,500-square-foot performance venue. The space will feature a 190-seat, broadcast-ready blackbox theater, a lobby and covered outdoor space for events. The space will be used as a learning lab for students at California State University Sacramento, for rentals, and for CapRadio events. Location: 1010 Eighth St. Cost: Direct construction cost is $7.2 million Status: Construction began in 2021 and was largely completed in 2023. Derailed by financial issues at CapRadio, the venue is now expected to open in 2025. PROPOSED Kroma expand A group from Los Angeles has submitted an application for an eight-story, 204-unit building with retail space on the ground floor at 1121 I St. in Downtown Sacramento. LPAS Developer: 1121 I Street QOF, a limited liability company established by RCB Equities for the project Description: Construction of an eight-story building with 204 market-rate apartments and ground-floor coworking space. Amenities would include a two-story ground-floor lobby and fitness center, a landscaped courtyard on the third-floor podium deck and a sky lounge and outdoor terrace on the eighth floor. Project would include 93 parking spaces, a pet wash and bike shop for tenants. The site housed a Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. store and service center, which would be demolished. Location: 1121 I St. Cost: About $66 million in construction costs. Developer purchased the property in May 2022 for $6.47 million as an opportunity zone investment. Status: Entitlements have been approved, and the developer is submitting building permits. The goal is to demolish the existing buildings in May and June 2025 and to break ground in July 2025. 1023 J St. expand 1023 J St. once had a proposal for a 40-story residential project. That project never moved forward, but an eight-story, 266 apartment building could see construction by 2026. LPAS Developer: RCB Equities Description: Construction of an eight-story building with 266 apartments across five parcels, 4,349 square feet of ground-floor retail and 151 vehicle parking spaces. Plans call for a second-floor clubhouse with an outdoor courtyard, kitchens and fire pits. The fourth floor would have a pool, outdoor kitchens and game areas, while the eighth floor would have a rooftop terrace/clubhouse. Existing commercial buildings on the site would be demolished. Location: 1023 J St. Cost: About $87 million. RCB Equities purchased the property from the Saca family in December 2022 for $7 million. Previously, a 40-story residential project called the Metropolitan had been proposed for the site but the project never moved past city approvals. Status: An application was filed in August 2023 and approved in March 2024. Developer would like to begin construction by late 2026. 13C Studios Developer: SKK Developments Description: Construction of two three-story apartment buildings with 127 units combined. The two buildings would be separated by a courtyard with fire pits, barbecue grills and lounge seating. Other amenities would include a fitness center and bike storage room. An existing building on the site would be demolished. Location: 1300, 1310 C St. Cost: Estimated at $25.6 million Status: Application has been approved, and construction drawings are under review. Construction is expected to start in summer 2025. Hotel Eleanor expand The purchase price for the building proposed to become Hotel Eleanor was $11.06 million. HRGA Developer: Hume Development Description: Adaptive reuse of a seven-story office building into a hotel with 107 rooms. Plans calls for a 2,725 square-foot restaurant and bar on the first floor as well as a banquet hall and smaller private dining area. The basement, once used as a bank vault, would have a private dining room, small bar and restaurant, and a prep kitchen. Built in 1915, the building is listed on the city's register of historically significant structures. Location: 700 J St., also listed as 1007 Seventh St. Cost: Not disclosed. Hotel Eleanor LLC bought the building in November 2024 for $11.06 million. Status: The city approved the project in July 2024. No building permits have been filed. Sacramento Canopy by Hilton & Residences expand Entitlements for a hotel project at 831 L St. have been extended to 2026. WATG Developer: Eva Hill, CEO of Venture Oaks Real Estate Group Description: Construction of a 14-story building with 265 hotel rooms on the first 11 floors and 55 luxury apartments on the top three floors. Amenities would include a rooftop lounge, ground-floor bar and restaurant, outdoor terrace, five meeting spaces and a fitness center. The hotel would operate under Hilton's Canopy brand. Location: 831 L St. Cost: About $150 million Status: Project has been approved. Entitlements have been extended through July 2026. Central Sacramento Studios Phase II expand A second phase of the Central Sacramento Studios project in Downtown Sacramento would replace an empty restaurant building with a five-story apartment building of affordable rents. Danco Communities Developer: Danco Communities, Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency Description: Construction of a five-story building with 52 apartments geared toward tenants making 30% or less of the area medium income. It would have 35 studios and 17 one-bedroom units. Amenities would include a lounge, multipurpose room, fitness center, common kitchen, dog park and supportive services. Parking and a pool would be shared with the first phase of Central Sacramento Studios, which was completed in late 2023. That project involved converting a Best Western Plus Hotel into supportive housing. Location: 815 11th St. A vacant restaurant building on the site would be demolished. Cost: $30 million Status: Planning entitlement application was submitted in January 2025. Reviews are underway. 700 L St. Conversion expand At Seventh and L streets in Downtown Sacramento, 700 L St., the former home of Union Bank, is slated to be converted from office space into four condo/for-sale office and retail spaces. Ben van der Meer | Sacramento Business Journal Developer: 700 L St. LLC Description: Conversion of a four-story office building into four condo/for-sale office and retail spaces. Each floor of the 27,000 square-foot building would house one condo, plus common space. There would be an additional condo unit on what's currently a parking lot. No major changes are planned for the building's exterior. Location: 700 L St. Cost: About $500,000 to $600,000 for renovations. The developer is in escrow to purchase the building from its current owner, Schwager Development LLC. Schwager bought the building for $4.3 million in 2021 from Union Bank. Status: An entitlement application was filed in February 2025. Reviews are underway. 301 Capitol Mall expand Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians bought 301 Capitol Mall, long expected to be a key development site in Downtown Sacramento, in spring 2024. Ben van der Meer | Sacramento Business Journal Developer: Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Description: Development of a long-vacant site in the heart of Downtown. During the past decade, a number of proposals from various partners were put forward for the site, but none of them came to fruition. Location: 301 Capitol Mall Cost: Not determined. The tribe purchased the site in April 2024 for $17 million from the California Public Employees' Retirement System, which had owned the property for more than a decade. Status: The tribe is finalizing its vision for the property and plans to make announcements in the first half of 2025. Convention Center Hotel expand A proposed hotel near SAFE Credit Union Convention Center would have skybridges to connect the hotel to the convention center. Hornberger & Worstell Developer: Christofer Co., Gafcon Inc. Description: Construction of a 350-room hotel near SAFE Credit Union Convention Center. The hotel, expected to be between 26 to 30 stories tall, also would have 18,000 square feet of meeting space, a 6,000-square-foot ballroom, ground-floor retail, underground and above-ground parking, an event deck, fitness center, restaurant and rooftop bar. Skybridges would connect the hotel to the convention center. Although no formal agreement has been signed, the plan is for the hotel to carry a Hilton flag. Location: 1418 K St. Cost: Estimated at $241 million in a staff report from the city, but that number is in flux Status: In November 2024, the City Council approved a resolution of intent to support the project with an unspecified amount of transient-occupancy tax, if necessary. At that time, developers said construction could start within 24 months and be completed in 2028 at the earliest. No formal application has been filed. HRGA Office expand Architectural firm HRGA is apparently looking to develop a project of its own, filing plans with the city for a two-story project of office space — apparently for the firm — and residential units in Downtown Sacramento. HRGA Developer: HRGA Description: Construction of a two-story office and residential project on what's currently a parking lot. The first floor, with about 2,700 square feet, would provide office space for HRGA, an architectural firm now located on Fair Oaks Boulevard in Sacramento. The second floor would feature two one-bedroom units. Location: 714 14th St. Cost: Not disclosed Status: Plans have been approved. There's no timeline for construction. 10K Developer: Mohanna Development Co. Description: Construction of a 15-story, mixed-use building with 220 hotel rooms, 186 apartments and a rooftop bar. The building also would have 7,400 square feet of first-floor retail space and a floor of co-living space with separate bedrooms and bathrooms but shared living areas. Location: 920, 924 and 930 K St., on the site of three empty buildings Mohanna purchased in 2015. Cost: Not determined Status: Project was approved in 2018. Citing challenging market conditions, Mohanna requested and was granted a three-year extension of entitlements, which would have expired July 23, 2024. The new expiration date is July 23, 2027. 800 Block Developer: CFY Development Inc. Description: Construction of two buildings with about 150 apartments and 20,000 square feet of retail space. Amenities would include coworking spaces, community rooms, music lounges and a rooftop terrace. Location: 800 K St. and 801 L St. Cost: $90 million Status: Plans have been approved but the entitlements expired in October 2022. Developer plans to resubmit for entitlements after financing is in place. Former Greyhound Station Developer: DBP Realty Partners LP of Sacramento Description: Remodel of the long-vacant Greyhound Station into restaurant and retail space. The garage area would remain for covered parking. Built in 1949, the 10,500-square-foot station has been largely unused since Greyhound moved to a new terminal on Richards Boulevard in 2011. Location: 701 L St. Cost: To be determined Status: Entitlements were approved in 2017. Since then, the developer has received three entitlement extensions. The most recent extension expires on July 19, 2026. Lot X expand Southern Land Co.'s application for the Lot X project's status with the city of Sacramento is currently classified as "waiting" after two years without movement from the developer. SCB Developer: Southern Land Co. Description: Construction of two residential towers and 21 townhomes with a combined total of 438 rental units. The tallest tower, with 26 stories, would have 263 apartments. The shorter tower would be 14 stories and have 154 apartments, plus flex space for offices. The two towers combined would have 11,000 square feet of ground-floor retail. An eight-story parking structure would be between the two towers. Location: 201 N St. for the 26-story tower; the 14-story tower would be at the southwest corner of Third Street and Capitol Avenue Cost: About $325 million. Southern Land bought the 2.58-acre site in October 2021 from the Sacramento Kings for $16.75 million. Status: No timetable has been set for this project. The city moved the application to 'waiting' in July 2024 after not hearing from the developer in two years. Crocker Art Museum Art Park Developer: Crocker Art Museum Association, city of Sacramento Description: Construction of an art-focused public park on a 3-acre unimproved parcel across the street from the current museum complex. Location: 216 O St. Cost: $30 million to $40 million for the full art park Status: The City Parks Department is taking the lead on creating sidewalks and pathways in the area. The museum would place a sculpture or two at the site. Those improvements should be complete by 2026; the full project is on hiatus. Sacramento Valley Station Developer: City of Sacramento Description: Construction of a new transit center and public space near the historic Sacramento Valley train station. The first phase would involve building a bus mobility center with an elevated 18-berth bus terminal and a lower level for micro-transit access, bike facilities and a small parking garage. The second phase would include building an elevated concourse over the train tracks when passenger volume requires expansion. The existing station has 26,000 square feet of leasable office and retail space, with 8,900 square feet of ground floor space available. Location: 32 acres near the Sacramento Valley Station at 401 I St. Cost: $120 million for the bus mobility center. There's now $13.8 million in place for current projects. Costs for future phases have not been determined. Status: City Council approved the final master plan for the station in April 2021. Multiple smaller projects related to the station are now underway. In summer 2025, construction will begin on a north entrance connecting passenger platforms to an upcoming plaza and entertainment venue in the railyards. Engineering design is underway for the final segment of a storm drain system that will be built in coordination with relocation of the light rail station, a move that will open up the area for construction of the bus station. Depending on funding, construction of the bus terminal could begin by 2029. Sacramento County Jail Expansion Developer: Sacramento County Description: Construction of a mental and medical health facility and booking site on a vacant lot next to the main jail. Location: 651 I St., where the main jail is located Cost: Almost $1 billion Status: In August 2023, the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors hired Kitchell CEM Inc. as construction manager for the project. Construction was slated to begin in 2026 and be completed in 2028. But in December 2023, amid extensive opposition, the supervisors paused the project and in April 2024 enlisted a third-party, CGL Cos., to review the proposal. In February 2025, the board approved the consultant's recommendation to suspend construction of any major updates to the jail. COMPLETED 7&I Developer: 730 I Street Investors LLC (Bay Miry, David Miry, Steve Lebastchi) Description: Rehab of a three-story office building that was largely vacant for 10 years. Built in 1962, tenant improvements include high-end finishes, glass offices, two banks of soundproof studios and large open areas for events and meetings. The 72,000-square-foot building has 125 parking spaces. Location: 730 I St. Cost: Not disclosed. Status: In February, 2025, coworking company The Urban Hive moved into 22,000 square feet of the building. California State University Sacramento and Capital Public Radio, which had leased 60% of the building, decided not to move into the space because of financial constraints at CapRadio.
Axios
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Axios
Mayor Avula talks reelection, reopening Observation Deck in Reddit AMA
Mayor Avula's "Ask Me Anything" thread on RVA Reddit this week is offering a snapshot of where Richmonders stand after his first 100-ish days in office. Why it matters: It's been a long 100 days. The big picture: Questions in the thread, which has nearly 600 comments, revolved largely around housing, cost of living, transportation, speeding, gun violence, frustration with city services and the budget. Zoom in: We combed through the responses and found some gems Avula sprinkled into his responses, from the "serious" to how much he tips. The serious: 🏃 He plans to run for reelection (a common thing Richmond mayors do). 🏢 The Department of General Services is working on a plan that could include reopening access to the Observation Deck at City Hall, which has been closed since 2020. 🏠 He's hoping the zoning ordinance rewrite will help reduce rents by making it easier to build more housing. 💰 The city is also considering the idea of "tiny homes" to help with the affordable housing crisis. 🏗️ He still wants to do something about the area around the Coliseum, years after City Council killed the controversial Navy Hill project. The lighthearted: ❤️ He has weekly date nights with his wife, a few weekly family dinners and goes to his kids' games when he can. 💀 When asked if he could confirm whether or not you can get chlamydia from the James River, he said, "Depends on what you're doing in the river?" 🎭 Former Mayor Stoney gave Avula "a massive poster of his face for me to admire" as a prank before leaving office. 💅🏼 He tips 20%, minimum. 🍽️ His go-to restaurants when out-of-town friends are visiting: Heritage, L'Opossum, Grisette, and Edo's. 🦅 He's an Eagles fan. The immediate future:
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Benefits unclear 20 years after Pennsylvania governor, legislators gave away land with promise of jobs, revenue
This story was produced by the State College regional bureau of Spotlight PA, an independent, nonpartisan newsroom dedicated to investigative and public-service journalism for Pennsylvania. Sign up for Talk of the Town, a weekly newsletter of local stories that dig deep, events, and more from north-central PA, at BELLEFONTE — In 2006, Pennsylvania sold 135 acres it owned to a nonprofit development corporation for $1. The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County envisioned creating a commerce park that would bring businesses, jobs, and taxes to the community, Greg Scott, president and CEO of the development agency since 2021, told Spotlight PA. Democratic Gov. Ed Rendell, who signed off on legislation approving the deal, said the move could bring up to 4,000 jobs to the area, the Centre Daily Times reported. The vast area surrounding SCI Rockview was underutilized but shovel-ready for industrial development, Rendell pitched in 2005, according to the CDT. Creation of high-tech jobs in the future business park would keep 'bright, young engineers and scientists and business graduates' from Penn State in the community, Rendell said. But over the past two decades, the commerce park has seen sluggish growth — even as the development agency bought an additional 82.5 private acres to expand the footprint and make the design more cohesive. Millions of dollars have changed hands as parcels were sold, benefitting developers and business owners — before the community could reap the growth originally promised. Now, Amazon is moving in, a signal to Scott and former state Sen. Jake Corman (R., Centre) that the park's economic plan is coming to fruition. Still, it's hard to say whether the state's choice to essentially give away the land will benefit taxpayers more than selling it to the highest bidder would have. A spokesperson for Pennsylvania's Department of General Services told Spotlight PA in an email that the commonwealth generally doesn't track the eventual fate of such land. 'The process does create the opportunity for the decision-making to be more deliberative and consistent with the good of the community … rather than just going to the highest bidder,' Penn State Professor of Agricultural Economics Tim Kelsey told Spotlight PA in an email. 'I can't say how well this promise is actually achieved, however.' Surplus land that is owned by the state but serves no purpose can be transferred to an outside entity, the Department of General Services spokesperson said, through a process called conveyance. The commonwealth can transfer land to a local redevelopment authority by agreement. It can also sell property by a competitive bidding process or to a direct buyer through legislative action. In the case of Benner Commerce Park, Rendell's administration, as well as the legislature, approved the land conveyance essentially for free and gave the Centre County Industrial Development Corporation — the chamber's business arm — a decree to place the property into productive use within five years. The business park is situated between State College and Bellefonte. Its location, near the intersection of Interstate 99 and state Route 150, is an advantage that 'can't be understated' for commercial growth, Centre County senior planner Chris Schnure told Spotlight PA. He added that readily available public utilities also strengthened the appeal for potential development there. Corman told Spotlight PA that the state's decision to convey the land to the local economic development agency benefitted the district he represented. Those local agencies 'should decide the best use of that land,' said Corman, who became a founding partner at the lobbying firm One+ Strategies after he left office. 'My job was to free up the land for local use.' Scott told Spotlight PA that the chamber wanted to increase the footprint of the business park and make the design more cohesive, so it purchased additional land in 2009. Those 82.5 acres — which bordered the east side of the originally state-owned land — were sold to the chamber by the Ault Family Limited Partnership. The land came with a price tag of $1.8 million, county records showed. That was five times its fair market value then, according to the deed. But owning those more than 200 acres of land and attempting to develop them backfired for the chamber because of the effects of the 2008 financial crisis, Scott said. Even though several businesses moved into the park and bought parcels in its infancy, the Great Recession stalled plans to bring in more occupants. A majority of the lots sat empty. Interests to build a YMCA campus or a brewery there did not materialize, county planners told Spotlight PA. The chamber borrowed money and leveraged itself financially in the hope of profiting from the business park, Scott said. But facing debt issues, it ended up selling five parcels of the park — or about 90 acres — in 2014 to a private company, Bellefonte-State College I-99 LLC, county records showed. The company paid $2.7 million for the purchase. The chamber told the CDT it hoped the group of experienced local developers — Bob Poole, Heidi Nicholas, and Paul Silvis — who owned the company would have a better chance at developing the park. State Rep. Scott Conklin (D., Centre) at the time questioned whether the sale was properly marketed before it was finalized, according to the CDT. Conklin and another state lawmaker asked for the auditor general's office to review the transaction, but the evaluation never materialized due to layoffs at the agency. The developers separately bought a parcel — where the new Amazon warehouse will be built — in 2019, according to Spotlight PA's review of county records. YMCA of Centre County paid $300,000 for the land, where a new campus was planned, but never occupied it. The majority of this parcel was previously owned by the Ault family and not a part of the land gifted by the state. The Bellefonte-State College I-99 LLC bought their 46 acres for $500,000. The developers became the owners of more than 136 of about 217 acres that make up Benner Commerce Park. Poole, Nicholas, and Silvis — the owners of Bellefonte-State College I-99 LLC — did not return Spotlight PA's requests for comment. Despite the local developers' experience and ownership and a push to enroll the park in the Keystone Opportunity Zones program, which eliminates some state and local taxes to entice investment, Benner Commerce Park did not see much progress — until a warehouse proposal came in 2022. Plans for the warehouse originally raised eyebrows because no one knew the company behind them. Amazon employed a firm to shield its identity via a nondisclosure agreement when submitting development plans to the county. That mystery remained for nearly three years. 'We don't know who this is,' Centre County Commissioner Steve Dershem said during an April 2022 public meeting, when the county was first presented with a proposal for a million-square-foot warehouse. Dershem said the secrecy raised concern. 'At the level that this is, I think we deserve some answers as a community.' Property development firm SunCap submitted — and withdrew — two nearly identical proposals for a million-square-foot warehouse on Amazon's behalf in 2022. In 2024, a new plan for a significantly smaller facility was presented and received conditional approval. SunCap did not respond to a request for comment for this story. The county learned that Amazon was the end user only when the deed was filed in December 2024, Schnure added. Amazon purchased 103 acres in the commerce park from Bellefonte-State College I-99 LLC for $6.3 million, according to county records. Scott, of the chamber, said it's not yet clear how many jobs the Amazon warehouse would create but suggested between 100 and 200 positions. Corman said Amazon's arrival will generate new tax income for Benner Township. He credited the chamber for fulfilling a vision for economic development that started nearly two decades ago. 'It took a lot longer than any of us anticipated,' he said. 'But now it's actually getting some growth, and that's a positive thing.' County planners told Spotlight PA that the Amazon warehouse still requires a few approvals, including for traffic, zoning, stormwater, and easements, before construction can begin. Despite the few parcels left to be developed, Scott said Amazon moving in signals 'the completion of the buildout of the vision of Benner Commerce Park.' and help us reinvigorate local news in north-central Pennsylvania at Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability and public-service journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Blue city proposes bill to place menstrual products in men's bathrooms
City council members in Maryland introduced a bill Monday to expand access to menstrual products in all city-run bathrooms, including those designated for men. Baltimore Councilman Paris Gray, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, introduced the legislation during the city council's bi-monthly meeting. Gray said the bill is not just a proposal, but it reflects the city's commitment to menstrual equity and the values Baltimore holds dear, including dignity, accessibility and public health. "Access to menstrual products should be as fundamental as access to soap or toilet paper," Gray said. "It is an essential part of personal hygiene, and yet, for far too many people, these products remain out of reach. Menstrual products are not a luxury. They are a necessity, and the absence of access can create undue stress and hardship." California School District Informs Parents Period Products Are In Bathrooms For 'Any Student Who Menstruates' Gray said the bill, if approved, will require all city-owned and leased buildings with public restrooms to provide menstrual products, free of charge. Read On The Fox News App "This includes restrooms and all kinds of facilities, whether they are designated for men, women, family use or single occupancy," he said. But the bill, Gray noted, is nothing new. Instead, the bill codifies what Mayor Brandon Scott's administration and Department of General Services have already done by taking steps to ensure menstrual products are available in many public facilities across the city. California Requires Menstrual Products In Public Schools Gray also said Baltimore is not joining a national movement for menstrual equality, but instead, is leading the charge across the country. "Cities and municipalities are recognizing the point-importance of free access to menstrual products and Baltimore's proudly taking this place at the forefront of this critical effort," he said. Gray did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the matter. In February, the Long Beach Unified School District in California took similar measures when it notified parents in an email that all schools containing grades 3 through 12 would have menstrual products in girls bathrooms, all-gender bathrooms, and in at least one boys bathroom. Emerson College Adds Period Products To Men's Restrooms, Meeting Group's Demand For 'Menstrual Equality' The email told parents and caregivers the system is "committed to reducing barriers to learning and fostering a supportive environment for all students." The availability of period products in girls bathrooms and at least one boys bathroom is to "ensure that any student who menstruates-including transgender boys and nonbinary students-can access these necessary products with dignity and discretion," per the email. In California, the "Menstrual Equality for All Act" was passed in October 2023, and it mandated that changes must be enacted at or before the start of the 2024-25 school year. The following text was added to the state's education code when the bill was passed: "On or before the start of the 2024–25 school year, a public school, including a school operated by a school district, county office of education, or charter school, maintaining any combination of classes from grades 3 to 12, inclusive, shall stock the school's restrooms at all times with an adequate supply of menstrual products, available and accessible, free of cost, in all women's restrooms and all-gender restrooms, and in at least one men's restroom." Menstrual products were defined in the bill as pads and tampons specifically "for use in connection with the menstrual cycle." The bill also said it is the state legislature's intent "to promote period equity through adequate access to menstrual products in schools also serving grades 3 to 5, inclusive." Fox News Digital's Elizabeth Pritchett contributed to this article source: Blue city proposes bill to place menstrual products in men's bathrooms
Fox News
09-04-2025
- Health
- Fox News
Blue city proposes bill to place menstrual products in men's bathrooms
City council members in Maryland introduced a bill Monday to expand access to menstrual products in all city-run bathrooms, including those designated for men. Baltimore Councilman Paris Gray, who is the lead sponsor of the bill, introduced the legislation during the city council's bi-monthly meeting. Gray said the bill is not just a proposal, but it reflects the city's commitment to menstrual equity and the values Baltimore holds dear, including dignity, accessibility and public health. "Access to menstrual products should be as fundamental as access to soap or toilet paper," Gray said. "It is an essential part of personal hygiene, and yet, for far too many people, these products remain out of reach. Menstrual products are not a luxury. They are a necessity, and the absence of access can create undue stress and hardship." Gray said the bill, if approved, will require all city-owned and leased buildings with public restrooms to provide menstrual products, free of charge. "This includes restrooms and all kinds of facilities, whether they are designated for men, women, family use or single occupancy," he said. But the bill, Gray noted, is nothing new. Instead, the bill codifies what Mayor Brandon Scott's administration and Department of General Services have already done by taking steps to ensure menstrual products are available in many public facilities across the city. Gray also said Baltimore is not joining a national movement for menstrual equality, but instead, is leading the charge across the country. "Cities and municipalities are recognizing the point-importance of free access to menstrual products and Baltimore's proudly taking this place at the forefront of this critical effort," he said. Gray did not respond to Fox News Digital's request for comment on the matter. In February, the Long Beach Unified School District in California took similar measures when it notified parents in an email that all schools containing grades 3 through 12 would have menstrual products in girls bathrooms, all-gender bathrooms, and in at least one boys bathroom. The email told parents and caregivers the system is "committed to reducing barriers to learning and fostering a supportive environment for all students." The availability of period products in girls bathrooms and at least one boys bathroom is to "ensure that any student who menstruates-including transgender boys and nonbinary students-can access these necessary products with dignity and discretion," per the email. In California, the "Menstrual Equality for All Act" was passed in October 2023, and it mandated that changes must be enacted at or before the start of the 2024-25 school year. The following text was added to the state's education code when the bill was passed: "On or before the start of the 2024–25 school year, a public school, including a school operated by a school district, county office of education, or charter school, maintaining any combination of classes from grades 3 to 12, inclusive, shall stock the school's restrooms at all times with an adequate supply of menstrual products, available and accessible, free of cost, in all women's restrooms and all-gender restrooms, and in at least one men's restroom." Menstrual products were defined in the bill as pads and tampons specifically "for use in connection with the menstrual cycle." The bill also said it is the state legislature's intent "to promote period equity through adequate access to menstrual products in schools also serving grades 3 to 5, inclusive."
