Dec 16, 2004 By Patty Yauger 4 min read

Marko Marzocchi, Widewaters Development Group real estate development general counsel, speaks during the groundbreaking cememony for the new development site at routes 119 and 201 in Connellsville. Behind Marzocchi is Bruce Jaynes (left) and Chris Wagner, Connellsvile City Council members. CONNELLSVILLE – With heavy equipment moving dirt in the background, state and city leaders joined with representatives of a New York development firm in an official ceremony to mark the groundbreaking for construction of a grocery store, the anchor tenant of Widewaters Commons.

Members of the city council, planning commission, municipal and redevelopment authorities, chamber of commerce, state lawmakers along with the city solicitor and engineer and other interested people braved the cold temperatures to take part in the Wednesday festivities as Widewaters Development Group prepares the Route 119/201 intersection for the planned strip mall.

“When I was thinking about what to say today, I couldn’t help but remember my first trip to Connellsville,” said Marco Marzocchi, Widewaters real estate development general counsel, in recalling the 2001 dinner meeting with several local officials. “I hung up the plan of the project on the wall for everyone to take a look at. It was nothing more than a drawing, nothing more than lines on a piece of paper.

“I remember vividly the question everyone was asking first and foremost: ‘When is the dirt going to fly?’ I’m happy to say that dirt is moving today.”

Marzocchi praised the various city commissions, authorities and state and local leadership for playing a role in moving the project from the drawing that hung on the wall to actual construction.

State Sen. Richard Kasunic (D-Dunbar) said it was a joint effort in bringing the New York firm together with the city.

“There has been a lot of hard work and dedication of many people, people working together in order to get the job done,” said Kasunic. “Hopefully, this will be a new beginning for the Connellsville area.”

Councilman Bruce Jaynes, who Marzocchi credited with moving the project along during the difficult final months, said that “faith and hope” played a significant role in his support.

“There were a lot of things I had to learn, facts and statistics and other information,” he said. “You also have to have a little faith and hope, and I did.”

Jaynes also paid tribute to his fellow council members who, despite “ridicule and criticism,” stood with him.

“You had the courage to stand with me and continued to vote to support this project,” he said. “You folks believed, and I respect and appreciate that.”

In a prepared statement read by city clerk David Pinkosky, Mayor Judy Reed said she hoped that in addition to the grocery store and smaller retail outlets, a hotel and restaurants also will be a part of the development site in the future.

“I have the utmost confidence that Widewaters will make these ideas a reality,” she said in the statement.

Last week, the city, along with Traft Construction Co. and Crane Rental proprietors John R. Ketchem and Richard V. Martin and Brown-Kellogg Inc., turned over their respective interests in the 15.6-acre tract to Widewaters, completing the firm’s acquisition of the property.

All permits have been secured to begin construction of the Martin’s Food Market, a subsidiary of Giant Food Stores.

Construction is also scheduled to begin over the next few months on adjacent businesses to be located within the strip mall.

Before Marzocchi sat down with local officials, Scott Luedtke, Widewaters manager of retail development, spotted the prime location and believed it could be transformed from a dormant piece of property into a thriving business area.

“It’s very gratifying to be here today,” he said. “I’m glad the vision and gamble paid off.”

Councilman Brad Geyer said the city is at a turning point that will lead to a brighter economic future.

“Council has shown its optimism and commitment to business through our dealings with Widewaters,” said Geyer. “I believe this development and council’s commitment will energize and motivate people to invest in this town.

“This is a new day and a new start of a new era for Connellsville.”