Groundbreaking today to make Roblin site "shovel ready"

Mayor Larry Soos' secretary Gregg Schnitzer said the ceremony at 10:30 this morning will mark the start of a $1.2 million project to add a 900 foot roadway, cul-de-sac, curbing, water and sewer lines to the former home of Roblin Steel and Buffalo Bolt.

"...That's going to make it what they call 'shovel-ready'"...Schnitzer said.

The $1.2 million was secured by state Assemblyman Robin Schimminger, D-Kenmore, in April, 2008.  Since then, a low bid by Scott Lawn Yard was approved in October.  They will perform for the preliminary work needed before several interested business tenants can move in, according to city officials.

"Once that's all completed and done you can look at all these businesses which are looking to expand.  We'll be a lot closer to closing a deal with these people so they can build the buildings," Schnitzer said.

That is so they can revitalize the site to remove contamination left over from its former uses was completed in 2004.  

Jim Sullivan, director of Lumber City Development Corporation, and Hunt Real Estate have been marketing the site.  Sullivan said Armstrong Pumps, for one, a company already located next door to the future business park, has inquired about expanding their business there.

"We've got some very definite interest in the park from several companies," Sullivan said in a press release.  Schimminger said: "this project means new jobs for area residents and I'm glad to have been able to secure the necessary state dollars to ensure that the long-planned project is becoming a reality."

(Contact reporter Neale Gulley at 693-1000, ext. 114.)