Tanger opening a ‘huge’ event

0

Delaware County commissioners on Thursday discussed the economic impact the new Tanger Outlets shopping center will have.

The center officially opens at the Interstate 71/State Route 37 interchange in Berkshire Township at 10 a.m. today. Commissioners discussed the Tanger ribbon-cutting in their Thursday meeting.

There are about 90 shops opening in the center. “That’s just huge,” said Commissioner Barb Lewis on Thursday.

Included are brand-name outlet stores such as Ann Taylor Factory Store, Nike Factory Store, Banana Republic Factory Store, American Eagle Outfitters, Talbots Outlet, Gap Factory Store, Loft Outlet and others.

Lewis mentioned “the new jobs it will provide” and the “new taxes” the outlet stores will bring to the county.

Steven B. Tanger, president and chief executive officer of Tanger Outlets, will attend the ribbon-cutting ceremony, along with officials from state, county and township governments, including Ohio Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor; Berkshire Township Trustee Bill Holtry; and David Goodman, director of Ohio Development Services Agency.

In the morning, “Commissioner Lewis is speaking,” Commissioner Jeff Benton noted Thursday.

Other dignitaries expected to show for the ribbon cutting are Drew and Jonathan Scott from the HGTV show “Property Brothers.”

The center’s grand-opening weekend will feature “Marvel Super Hero Saturday” for children. Two live performances — a “meet and greet” after each show — are set for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Saturday will include a fireworks show at 9 p.m.

A “Tanger Family Festival” will continue all weekend with free Ferris wheel rides, games and entertainment.

“It’s going to be a little crazy in eastern Delaware County,” Benton said Thursday. “Very exciting, a very big day for Delaware County.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation is expecting heavy traffic congestion on I-71 and State Route 37 this weekend and has issued a traffic advisory. “The safety of the motoring public is paramount to ODOT,” said Jack R. Marchbanks, District 6 deputy director. “In addition to partnering with local law enforcement, ODOT will utilize several resources, including overhead electronic signs, traffic cameras, roadside message boards and social media, to alert drivers of the congestion.”

“The mall expects 10,000 to 15,000 people during its first weekend,” Marchbanks said. “Coordination and communication is key to a safe weekend.”

Outlet-store center opens today

By D. Anthony Botkin

[email protected]

D. Anthony Botkin may be reached at 740-413-0902 or on Twitter @dabotkin

No posts to display