Although no specifics were given, Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger said that what the county is hearing from FamVest about what they’re planning for The District (former Lycoming Mall) is “something that will change this county.”

Metzger stated that what the developers are talking about is not housing.

That was in response to a concern expressed by a Muncy Township resident at this week’s commissioners’ meeting, who wanted clarification about the rumors circulating that residential housing was being discussed for the property, even though a Sept. 24, 2024, article in the Sun-Gazette had reported the developers were “having discussions with potential large commercial and retail tenants as opposed to a more residential focus for the site.”

“What they’re bringing to us right now is not that (housing),” Metzger said.

“At the end of the day, when this entire project is done, it will be hundreds and hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of jobs plus increase the tax base,” he said.

“They’re looking at a $200 million project when everything’s finalized, when everything’s done,” he added.

He explained that would lower sewer and water rates as well as provide jobs.

“You’re going to have the mall vibrant again. It’s going to be some place where people are going to want to go,” Metzger said.

Metzger did stress that it’s important to let the “negotiations go in that process.”

“They’re almost there. We’re assured they’re very close,” he said.

Under personnel, the commissioners approved filling the following positions at the rates of pay listed: Sara Johns, full-time EBP Coordinator/Acting Bail Release Supervisor in Adult Probation, $33.75 per hour; Pre-Release Center – Judy Lohman, full-time resident supervisor at the Pre-Release Center, a union position, $19.20 per hour; Jacob Yorks, part-time correctional officer at the Prison, a union position, $21.42 per hour; Gary Staggert, full-time deputy director / operations manager /acting director of Resource Management, $86,434.2045 per year.

It was noted that the position at Resource Management is a 5 percent increase for serving as acting director until a permanent replacement is found. At that time, the increase will be removed.

Other actions taken at the meeting included approving: the Recreation Authority Audit Engagement Letter with Baker Tilly in the amount of $12, 200; the Polling Place and ADA Construction Agreement with Montoursville Borough to complete ADA compliance improvements in the estimated amount of $11,000; an amendment to the agreement with Adelphoi Village for the Juvenile Probation Office to add secure detention to an existing contract at a rate of $744.70 per diem; two change orders with Keystruck Construction LLC in the amount of $2,822 and $11,879 for the Coroner’s Building project; and a sponsorship agreement with Williamsport Crosscutters in the amount of $3,102.

It was also announced at the meeting that the commissioners are accepting bids for Emergency Watershed Protection projects and are requesting bids for the Plunkett’s Creek Blockhouse and Little Pine Creek’s Fish Habitat project.

The next commissioners’ meeting will be at 10 a.m., April 24 in the Commissioners’ Board Room, 3rd floor Third Street Plaza, 33 West Third St.