HONESDALE, PA — The Wayne County Commissioners’ efforts to aid and grow the county’s economy continued on August 21 as the panel approved a new business incubator.

The commissioners approved the Wayne Economic Development Corporation’s (WEDCO) application to create a business incubator or “working space” at the former Stourbridge School, which as a county property is now known as the Park Street Center.

Commissioner Wendell Kay said the project is partially an outshoot of the commissioners’ overall economic plan, Wayne Tomorrow. Kay said the action supports “our need to enhance existing business and bring new business into Wayne County, and we hope to accomplish that goal.”

Chairman Brian Smith said the overall plan is “the talked-about next step, being acted upon after not (being acted upon) for years and years.”

It is not to be a permanent site for new businesses, Smith said, but “to help them get started, get going and hire people. It’s a very good project,” he said.

The Park Street location became available after the Treasure House Child Development Center moved from the location last year.

The incubator is the latest in WEDCO’s activities. It has completed phase one of the 252-acre, Sterling Business and Technology Park in Sterling Township, near Exit 17 on I-84.

The mixed-use business park is approved for light manufacturing, professional offices and distribution.

WEDCO says the park provides excellent access to the New York, New Jersey and New England markets. The agency has won nearly $8.5 million in public/private investment for phase one.

The first tenant leasing space in the park began operations in the summer of 2013.

In other business, following review of bids, the commissioners approved the low bid of $38,850, from Custom Container Solutions LLC, of Lewisburg, for the purchase of six new 25-cubic yard roll-off recycling bins.

The commissioners also noted that the Varden Conservation Day is scheduled for Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. through 3 p.m., rain or shine. Food will be provided and activities will include a demonstration by Pocono Wildlife Animal Rehabilitation at 11 a.m.; a fishing contest for kids under 16 (bring your own rods); hiking the trails of the 430-acre property on your own, or with Audubon; plant and forestry experts; guided trails for youngsters; homemade ice cream; fiddle music; a history of Varden and more.

The Varden Conservation Area is located at the Tannery Road Access (off Route 296). Call the Promised Land State Park at 570/676-3428 or visit www.vardenconservationarea.com.