During her 48 years of living on Route 18 in Hanover, Jean Roberts has seen a lot of change. She has dealt with noise from nearby Routes 22 and 30 and observed the creation and evolution of the concert facility known today as the Post-Gazette Pavilion.

Next year, she may witness the construction of industrial and business buildings virtually in her back yard.

But she doesn't mind. "I just hope that it creates more employment for people," she said.

Creating local jobs is one of the main goals of Starpointe, which will be ready for occupancy by the end of February. The Hanover project is aimed specifically at light industry, offices and warehouses. Computer- or aviation-related businesses also may be sought.

Two manufacturing outfits are considering buying and building on some of the approximately 145 acres designated for the first phase of the project, according to Malcolm Morgan, executive director of the Washington County Council on Economic Development.

An additional 1,000 acres are slated for development during the next 10 to 15 years.

The purpose of Starpointe is economic growth and the creation of jobs to keep younger workers living locally, Morgan said.