Redevelopment authority extends closing deadline for Fayette hotel developer
The Fayette County Redevelopment Authority has agreed to grant a second extension to a local developer to ensure all facets for the financing of a $17 million hotel construction project are in place.
Allan Wampler, Synergy Development LLC president, advised the authority on Wednesday that while everything appears on track for a July 22 closing on the property the local investors would like to add a few more weeks to its deadline.
“The bank does not want to miss the deadline, but we’re dealing with several entities, and if one thing would go wrong it could set us back past the (July 31) deadline,” he said.
The authority entered into a two-year contract with Synergy in 2012 for the sale of the property, located at the intersection of Route 40, Wayland Smith Drive and Synergy Drive in South Union Township.
The real estate group, in partnership with Fairchance Construction Co., plan to construct a 119-room Hilton Garden Inn, that will include an indoor pool, conference room, restaurant, cocktail lounge and fitness spa, in addition other amenities.
“Everyone is anxious to get started,” said Wampler.
In unanimous action, the board agreed to extend the closing date to Aug. 26.
Turning to other matters, the board agreed to award a $504,552 contract to D&M Contracting Inc. of New Alexandria to install an 11,500 foot waterline extension along Mount Tabor Road in Springfield Township.
Andrew French, authority executive director, said the project will bring water service to 10 households along the road and will tie together two water lines serviced by the Indian Creek Valley Water Authority.
“It is a very rural area,” said French. “(The project) will create a loop in the system (allowing for a better water flow).”
D&M submitted the lowest bid of five companies vying for the contract.
French said that the construction portion of the project will be funded by a competitive state Community Development Block Grant received by the redevelopment authority with a $197,262 state Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Abandoned Mine Reclamation grant secured by the water authority, to be used to defray administrative and other costs tied to the project.
In unrelated business, the board additionally conducted its annual meeting to elect officers for the coming year.
In unanimous action, all 2013-2014 officers were retained, including Paul H. Bortz Jr., chairman; Philip Michael, vice-chairman/assistant secretary; Jonathan Garlow, treasurer; Odilia A. John, assistant treasurer and Dale Malinzak, secretary.