Philadelphia market to break ground in September
Philadelphia market to break ground in September
PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia Regional Port Authority, here, was expected to sign an agreement July 19 to access property key to building a new Philadelphia fresh produce market.
Robert Blackburn, executive deputy director of the authority, told The Produce News July 18 that this deal is a critical component to making the new produce market a reality. The authority will be the landlord for the new produce market.
The land, which will allow construction of a bridge over a rail yard, will also ultimately lead to a new seaport terminal adjacent to the new produce market. The new seaport terminal, which is at least five years from completion, is for now being called "South Port." The new bridge will cost the state of Pennsylvania millions of dollars.
Also on July 18, the board of the Philadelphia Fresh Food Terminal Corp. met to discuss construction of the new market. Its treasurer, John Vena of John Vena Inc., said, "From what I sense, we're on the same timetable we were in. The state of Pennsylvania is moving forward with its commitment" to build the new market. Mr. Vena said that the state is taking bids to move soil onto the site, where several feet of fill will be needed.
"There is no change" in plans, Mr. Vena said. "We expect to begin in September" with construction of the new market.
"We're on track, but I'd like to be quicker," said produce wholesaler Jimmy Storey, a longtime president of the market corporation. Mr. Storey, who owns Quaker City Produce Inc., confirmed, "In mid- September we'll break ground."
The Philadelphia Fresh Food Terminal Corp. will hold its next stockholders meeting Aug. 16. While there is not much news now on the new market, Mr. Storey expects to have new developments by the mid-August meeting.
Robert Blackburn, executive deputy director of the authority, told The Produce News July 18 that this deal is a critical component to making the new produce market a reality. The authority will be the landlord for the new produce market.
The land, which will allow construction of a bridge over a rail yard, will also ultimately lead to a new seaport terminal adjacent to the new produce market. The new seaport terminal, which is at least five years from completion, is for now being called "South Port." The new bridge will cost the state of Pennsylvania millions of dollars.
Also on July 18, the board of the Philadelphia Fresh Food Terminal Corp. met to discuss construction of the new market. Its treasurer, John Vena of John Vena Inc., said, "From what I sense, we're on the same timetable we were in. The state of Pennsylvania is moving forward with its commitment" to build the new market. Mr. Vena said that the state is taking bids to move soil onto the site, where several feet of fill will be needed.
"There is no change" in plans, Mr. Vena said. "We expect to begin in September" with construction of the new market.
"We're on track, but I'd like to be quicker," said produce wholesaler Jimmy Storey, a longtime president of the market corporation. Mr. Storey, who owns Quaker City Produce Inc., confirmed, "In mid- September we'll break ground."
The Philadelphia Fresh Food Terminal Corp. will hold its next stockholders meeting Aug. 16. While there is not much news now on the new market, Mr. Storey expects to have new developments by the mid-August meeting.