Place: Poconos of PA
Developments being Planned

Legend Properties Inc. have acquired properties in Smithfield Townshop neas the I80 / State 209 exit

Burgess COMMENTARY

Peter Burgess

A remnant of local history might take on a new role in a major development project in Smithfield Township. Developers on Wednesday announced tentative plans to preserve part of a former farm near Routes 209 and 447 as part of a massive business complex.

Legend Properties Inc. last year acquired the 81-acre former Mosier’s Farm site to build the Smithfield Gateway. The multi-phase project will create a residential and retail center, bringing with it more than a thousand jobs and major road improvements.

On Wednesday, Legend Properties CEO Jim DePetris said he hopes to retain part of the farm in the process.

“We’re looking at the existing buildings,” said DePetris. “We don’t know if we can yet, but we’re looking at economic ways to restore the old farmhouse.”

If the endeavor proves financially viable, it could provide a unique business opportunity. DePetris proposed turning the structure into a farm-to-table restaurant that would serve food sourced from local farms.

“We try to do what we would call the right thing — to make something the community can be proud of,” said DePetris. “It would add a lot to have the history of the farm.”

Other features of the property have caught the developer’s attention as well. DePetris also said plans could also include turning existing ponds into attractions like fountains.

Legend Properties purchased the Mosier’s Farm property from Charles Kirkwood, who approached DePetris directly. DePetris said this decision gave the property’s development particular importance.

“Mr. Kirkwood stands for a lot in the Poconos,” said DePetris. “That’s a legacy property for him and his family, and he didn’t want just anything built there. I’m very proud that he called me to make sure it was in the right hands.”

Legend Properties completed property acquisition for the project’s first phase last summer with a purchase from Kenbar Investment Group for an adjacent 10 acres. With lease negotiations underway, DePetris said to expect variety in the retail space.

“We will have an excellent mix, not just national chains,” he said. “We are looking at regional and local retailers. We believe local businesses add a lot of personality.”

Phase two of the project will balance the site with 240 upscale apartments. The housing will feature amenities like swimming pools and community rooms. DePetris said the residential space would be the first of its kind in the area.

“If someone here wants an upscale apartment, right now they have to go to the Lehigh Valley or New Jersey,” said DePetris. “We’re bringing that into development in the Poconos for the first time.”

A third phase will expand the complex to the east side of Route 209 with another 30 acres of retail space. The developer initially planned to hold off on land acquisition for phase three, but drainage considerations expedited the process.

The project moved forward on Monday, when Legend Properties received approval for state assistance.

The company received a first lien loan for the purchase of phase three property so builders can direct drainage more effectively. A Multimodal Transportation Fund grant will assist with major road improvements needed to facilitate the project.

The roadwork will create a loop road between Routes 209 and 447, as well as expand Route 209 to five lanes — two lanes of traffic in each direction, plus a turning lane.

“PennDOT really stepped up to the plate,” said DePetris. “People take a lot of shots at them, but they really came through big time.









Pa. State Rep. Rosemary Brown sits with Jim DePETRIS of Legend Properties. The two discuss a major commercial expansion project for the Smithfield area in Brown's district