Seasons Change

     In a press release, the Parkville Economic Development Corporation (PEDC) confirmed – mostly – what was reported by The Luminary in her last episode ( “Common Health,” Vol. 12, Ep. 8). But upon closer look, it's a bigger story, with a major development regarding Parkville's future that even The Luminary failed to turn into a major production.

      But it's a development worth taking a closer look at, because despite the small headline it garnered in the print edition, it is enormous news for Parkville's future.


     The statement says that eShipping, a provider of logistics services and transportation software, had chosen to remain in historic, downtown Parkville after all.

    eShipping had presented plans to the Parkville Planning and Zoning Commission indicating they would like to move to Parkville Commons several months ago. However, in a statement, company CEO Chad Earwood credited local developer Jim Allen with helping engineer an agreement that would allow “eShipping to scale in accordance with their current growth and future plans.”

     More from Earwood:

    "We believe in community and the entrepreneurial spirit. By choosing to stay in Parkville, we see an opportunity to engage on many levels with ‘Main Street America’ and the communities they support. This is much more than a business decision for us. We are excited by the opportunities that exist in Parkville to engage and strengthen the whole community together...

    “We wish to specifically thank the Parkville Economic Development Council, Jim Allen of Parkville Commons and The National, and members of the downtown community in helping us make the decision to stay in downtown Parkville. I personally look forward to working with Jim and others, including Park University, as we work together to tap into the unlimited potential of Parkville.”

     In the statement, Allen confirmed The Luminary’s report of a primary health provider locating to The Commons, but still could not share the name of the entity behind the project.

     "We have worked for several years to attract a primary health care provider to Parkville Commons. Consequently, we are very happy that Northland Expansion, LLC, has agreed to buy the last outparcel at Parkville Commons and will construct a new building to provide convenient healthcare to Parkville. We are equally excited that Chad Earwood has decided to keep his growing business in downtown Parkville. We share a common vision in creating an even better sense of place.”

     The statement did not mention the name of any other property owner from downtown Parkville or English Landing.