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Though some businesses and the Derry Township Historical Society oppose parts of current plans to redevelop downtown Hershey, many agree that the town needs an upgrade that will give it a vital business district.
Preliminary plans for the proposed Hershey Town Center include a parking garage, shops, a hotel, restaurants and multiplex theater. The $60 million to $80 million project would transform the north side of Chocolate Avenue, from Cocoa Avenue about one-half mile west to Mill Road. The entire area is just south of Hersheypark.
Hershey Entertainment & Resorts owns the land, which would be cleared of buildings under the proposed plan. The Derry Township Industrial and Commercial Development Authority has approved the idea of revamping downtown, but it has not voted on funding the project.
Keating Development Co., Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, is the developer of the project. Company officials did not return phone calls for comment.
The multiplex movie theater seems to be among the most controversial parts of the project. CocoaPlex Cinema, south on Cocoa Avenue, runs seven...