SUNBURY – Economic Development in the City of Sunbury may soon another step forward, they are hoping the city’s hospital building soon to be in use again.
During a news conference Thursday with state and local leaders, UPMC announced they are donating the former Sunbury Community Hospital building to DRIVE. DRIVE is a regional economic development entity which has had tremendous successes repurposing industrial properties and attracking new job opportunities.
“We always really wanted to look to find a way to give this building to the community. No matter who that was going to be, a community partner, or if we could repurpose it in some way. At the end of the day, this was our best option. Once DRIVE came to the forefront with the support of the legislature, it was a really easy option, said Tyler Wagner of UPMC’s Media Relations.
UPMC announced in December 2019 it would be closing UPMC Sunbury due to underutilization.
DRIVE notably oversaw the successful donation and repurposing of the former Sunbury Textile Mill property. Allies in that endeavor were state Senator John Gordner (R-27, Berwick), State Representative Lynda Schelgel Culver (R-108th, Sunbury), city leaders and Northumberland County.
DRIVE then engaged with UPMC officials to determine the best outcome for the former hospital.
DRIVE Executive Director Jennifer Wakeman says there are already numerous inquiries from companies interested in all or part of the 20 parcels of land, totaling approximately 12 acres. The details of those discussions are unknown, “If I had to guess, just based on…it’s kind of like the Sunbury Textile Mill…I don’t see one thing going in here and being the thing. I see it being a multi-use kind of space. Whether it’s a combination of commercial, retail, residential, I have no idea.”
Besides beginning both future economic development projects in Sunbury recently, DRIVE also launched a five-county broadband network.
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