Categories: Pennsylvania Business NewsPennsylvania News

Transformative Development Surge in Mount Pocono Area

Ongoing construction and new businesses shaping the future of Mount Pocono.

News Summary

The Route 940 corridor in Mount Pocono is witnessing a significant development surge. Key projects include a new industrial gas facility, major retail establishments, and infrastructural improvements aimed at enhancing business opportunities. With the opening of new stores and planned constructions like a new Starbucks and Wawa, along with concerns about increased traffic, this development is reshaping the local economy and community landscape.

Pennsylvania is undergoing a transformative development surge along Route 940, particularly in the Mount Pocono area. Key projects include the opening of a state-of-the-art industrial gas facility, major retail establishments, infrastructural improvements, and plans for new commercial spaces. These changes are aimed at addressing evolving market demands while enhancing business opportunities in the region.

One of the most significant recent developments is the opening of a new electronics and specialty products laser mix facility by Messer, a privately held industrial gas company. Located in Coolbaugh Township, this facility is designed to meet the rising demand for electronic and specialty gases, producing important products such as krypton, neon, and xenon for the merchant market. The establishment reflects Messer’s commitment to long-term growth, bolstered by its extensive existing operations in Pennsylvania, which include air separation units, a national operations center, and various distribution sites.

The Route 940 corridor is currently bustling with both newly opened businesses and ongoing construction projects. On May 14, a new Starbucks with a drive-thru was opened next to a newly built Aspen Dental office, with completion expected to be finalized by June 4. Additionally, approval has been granted for a major rebuild of the McDonald’s in Mount Pocono Plaza, which will introduce a new configuration and an efficient drive-thru system.

A substantial 13-acre site owned by Larry Hirshland is also under development, anticipated to feature a Mattress Warehouse and a Verizon store, both expected to open by the end of the month. Wawa is slated to anchor this site with construction set to begin on June 1, with an official opening anticipated in the fall of 2021. Furthermore, Taco Bell and possibly a Sparkle Car Wash are in the planning stages for this property, with prospects for additional tenants still available.

In what has become a trend of significant industrial expansions, a new 750,000-square-foot industrial warehouse owned by Pocono Star Realty is situated behind the new Starbucks and Walmart, with an undisclosed tenant already secured. Clarius Properties is also working on a 1.2 million-square-foot e-commerce warehouse near the former Mount Pocono Golf Course, remains pending a conditional use decision.

However, as development progresses, concerns regarding increased truck traffic and infrastructure necessities have been raised, particularly by Senator Mario Scavello. In response, the Mount Pocono Borough Council is planning to construct a new connection road named “Pocono Star Boulevard” aimed at alleviating congestion at the intersection of Route 940 and Route 611.

Further developments within the vicinity include a new St. Luke’s Urgent Care facility and a Dunkin’ Donuts at the Harvest Lane intersection in nearby Tobyhanna Township. Plans for a potential Sheetz location on Route 940, close to Summit Lanes, have also been proposed. Additionally, Giant Food Stores is looking to establish a new shopping plaza and hotel at the Long Pond intersection, waiting on necessary infrastructure improvements.

On the infrastructural side, Phase I plans for relocating the I-380 ramp intersection and Stillwater Drive have already commenced, with construction bids expected to be released in the fall. Moreover, a hike and bike project is underway to implement bike lanes along Route 940, set to be completed by next summer.

Notably, the Pocono Springs entertainment complex project, while aimed at a significant $350 million investment and the potential for considerable job creation, has reportedly stalled due to COVID-19 related delays. This project remains contingent upon finalizing necessary planning components.

Overall, the developments along Route 940 are reshaping the business landscape in the Pocono Plateau. With various construction projects in progress and plans for new facilities underway, this corridor is emerging as a vital hub for retail, industrial, and infrastructural growth, promising significant advantages for the local economy and the community.