Developer sets sights high for Sharon

SHARON, Pa. (WKBN) – What started more than a dozen years ago as the vision of a Shenango Valley couple is now taking shape.

Over the past decade, JCL Development has purchased roughly 100 properties in Sharon, most between Sharpsville Avenue and the Shenango River. Golden Tiger Tea and Gifts has already opened, along with the Evolve gym. Others are in varying stages of construction, and all share the same designer, Jen Krezeczowski.

“It started to generate a little bit of buzz for Sharon because people can finally see what’s actually happening as opposed to just construction zones,” Krezeczowski said. “We have the same infrastructure here that a lot of the greatest towns in this country have, and we thought, why can’t we bring some of that cool vibe here?”

Krezeczowski and her husband, Jim Landino, run JCL Development. In the next month, they expect to open Tavola, an Italian restaurant; an indoor training facility called The District; and Jolley River, a 22-unit complex of one and two-bedroom apartments.

“State-of-the-art features like in-floor heating, all utilities included, including internet,” Krezeczowski said.

Future developments include indoor pickleball courts and miniature golf, as well as the new, larger home for Allie’s Sweet Tooth, a cookie-making factory with plans to begin nationwide distribution, all expected to open this spring.

“But the mission really is to do just that, to turn Sharon back into a destination for families, young professionals to come back, dine, shop, eat, play,” Krezeczowski said.

Olivia Frasure, owner of Evolve, moved her gym into an old bus garage two months ago from a smaller location and is already seeing more business.

“We’ve just been kind of going on referrals here, and social media’s been picking up. We’ve had a lot more traction here, absolutely,” Frasure said.

And as these projects move toward completion, developers are looking to build a new 60-unit apartment building on some of the remaining land they have.