MORGANTOWN,W.Va. – A deal between Dave Biafora, Metro Property Management, and James Giuliani Enterprises LLC will open the door for a major long-term redevelopment project in Morgantown.
Dave Biafora tells WAJR News the deal could close by the end of the second quarter of 2020.
“At this point, one of our companies has a contract to purchase between 9 to 10 acres off Richwood Avenue from James Giuliani and his family,”Biafora said,”A few different companies that have acquired assets over the years, and he would like to retire at this point.”
Biafora believes this will be a community partnership to revitalize an important part of the city.
“Sunny Side Up, Morgantown Area Partners, the city, county, representatives from WVU, we would like to see how we consummate a deal over the next year or two,”Biafora said,”And see what is needed for the city and all the people.”
Biafora says they are exploring a wide range of housing options, not just housing tailored to the needs of WVU, along with a mix of businesses.
“This will most likely by a public/private partnership, it will pay taxes, it will do good for everybody,”Biafora said,”The cooperation of everybody to revitalize this end of town.”
Biafora says the development remains in the planning stages, but they have big expectations.
“We will probaly look at doing a TIF and hopefully working on getting cooperation,”Biafora said,”We’re working to get support to run a road all the way up to the Mileground.”
Biafora stresses this is a long-term commitment that will include input from the public.
“It’s going to be a very large project, it could be $50, $60, $70, $80 million, who knows what it will be,”Biafora said,”It will trickle up to the Mileground and the entrance into town and a neighborhood. We have to take our time and do it right.”
Biafora said his efforts will benefit greatly from preliminary conceptual plans and design completed by the Giuliani family.