A local businessman has purchased several properties along Route 443 in Mahoning Township that will eventually be turned into restaurant franchises.

Bennett Family Properties LLC, 619 Iron St., Lehighton, purchased the properties at 844 and 848 Blakeslee Blvd. East, from St. Luke’s Hospital of Bethlehem, at a cost of $407,000.

The properties — which total 2.56 acres — are currently empty lots just to the east of Aldi, according to Joe Bennett, managing partner of Bennett Family Properties LLC.

“We have a lot of interest from restaurant users in that location, and I purchased it to develop these properties and add additional franchises that are not in the area currently,” Bennett said. “We have actually two franchises that are looking to be in this area and we’re in discussion with presently.”

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Bennett added, “We would be developing the property for two pads, and look forward to working with Mahoning Township. The widening of 443 is a welcomed addition to Lehighton, and will afford more easy access to everyone.”

“We own numerous properties that will have increased commercial access due to PennDOT’s plans,” he said. “It’s nice that we were able to acquire the properties from such a fine community health care provider.”

Bennett said they are hoping that within the next 90 days, the franchise ease will be contracted to the pad rentals.

“It’s a very valuable stretch of land,” he said. “Aldi just doubled the size of their store right next to us; it’s a good retail area.”

Bennett said they also own the property to the left of NAPA Auto Parts, which is not yet developed on the west side; property that’s between NAPA and AutoZone; the AutoZone; Fastenal, a wholesale industrial and commercial supply business; along with the houses to the left of Fastenal at 102 and 104 Blakeslee Blvd. East.

Additionally, Bennett is also managing partner of Lehighton Development LLC, which brought the St. Luke’s Care Now in Lehighton, at 575 S. Ninth St. off Route 443.

“Route 443 is the major business thoroughfare in the Lehighton and Mahoning Township communities,” he said.