Plans for a new FedEx distribution center are set to move forward following approval by Hermitage’s board of commissioners.
At their monthly meeting Wednesday, the commissioners unanimously approved the plans for a 250,000 sq. ft distribution center to be located at 2978 S. Hermitage Road, or state Route 18. The location is less than a mile from the Interstate 80/376 interchanges.
The project’s developer is Scannell Properties, of Indianapolis, Ind.
Following the vote, board President Duane Piccirilli credited the city staff for working with the developers and helping to guide the project along, and said the center represented “big things” for the city.
Board member Michael Muha agreed with Piccirilli, and said there were “great things” coming to Hermitage.
The planned distribution center was first announced in late March. The project’s major land development plan was submitted to the Hermitage Planning and Development Commission, which went over the project with representatives from Scannell Properties at the commission’s April 4 meeting.
The commission unanimously approved the major land development plan, which was then forwarded to the board of commissioners.
Along with approving the distribution center’s major land development plan, the board of commissioners also approved consolidation of three lots along South Hermitage Road into a single parcel for the project. The newly-created parcel is about 64.4 acres, according to city documents.
Board Vice President William Moder abstained from the votes for the land development plan and the lot consolidation. During the prior work session on April 21, Moder said he represented one of the affected property owners and would avoid a conflict of interest by abstaining.
Officials with FedEx said in March that construction on the new distribution center is expected to begin in June, with the center operational by 2023.
The center will hire both full-time and part-time positions, with exact employee numbers to be determined. Local companies will be contracted for package pickup and delivery services.
A representative with Scannell Properties said in early April as many as 250 vehicles could use the intersection with Route 18 at shift changes, although he wasn’t sure of employee numbers.
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