Our View: Development would bring more 'off-ramp appeal'

It is exciting to see that there is even a proposal to develop long-unused land in North Olean along Buffalo Street and near the Interstate 86 exit. Krog Corp., an Orchard Park-based development firm, plans a five-phase project for the almost 60-acre lot.

Major elements of the proposed project include the construction of a four-story hotel and neighboring restaurant and retail space. Overall development plans that have been revealed by Krog represent proposed investment of nearly $17 million.

If approved and assisted by the various city, county and state entities, the project would be the culmination of a long-held hope by city officials that the former industrial land could be repurposed for useful development. Decades ago, the land was home to industrial oil and fertilizer production operations, as well as several small businesses. Efforts to clean up contaminants, started by ExxonMobil in 2010 and taken over by a holding of Krog, are ongoing and are expected to be completed this spring.

Construction is targeted for a May start and would take most of the next year, should the project garner all the approvals it needs from authorities. The remaining four phases would be completed by 2020. Arnie Cubins, a senior project manager with Krog, told the Times Herald after an Olean Planning Board meeting that his company i taking with several retailers interested in leasing space.

Perhaps it is not by chance that one of the Krog holdings that will oversee construction and development of the retail component of the development is called Olean Gateway LLC, because not only would the project develop brownfield land, it would also provide a more inviting gateway to the city from I-86. Some planners have long noted that the citys two I-86 exits lack the inviting off-ramp appeal that can get travelers to decide to make a stop off the interstate.

The proposed project would create more of that appeal and, combined with the existing, outstanding retail centers, restaurants and other attractions in the greater Olean area, could result in the best shopping-day trip destination with the easiest access from an interstate between Big Flats/Horseheads and Erie, Pa.

We join Mayor Bill Aiello in encouraging the Olean Planning Board, the Cattaraugus County Industrial Development Agency and any state authority that might be involved to do whatever it takes to expedite this project and work hard to make this happen.

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Our View: Development would bring more 'off-ramp appeal'