The Dixie Project began in 1920, when Hugh Moore set out to grow his disposable cup company in response to increased demand following the World War I flu epidemic. Originally known as the “Health Kup,” the product was renamed “Dixie Cup” in 1919 marking the beginning of a brand that would become a household name.

After exploring several locations, Moore chose Easton, Pennsylvania, purchasing seven acres in Wilson Township. With strong community support and local investment, an 80,000-square-foot plant opened in 1921, creating jobs and opportunities. With 78 employees both from New York and the local community, the plant quickly became a cornerstone of Wilson Borough, helping drive growth and shaping generations of families.

As the company expanded, it eventually outgrew the site and relocated operations to Forks Township in 1983. While the original plant closed, its legacy endured. The iconic 40,000-gallon Dixie Cup water tower still stands as a proud symbol of Wilson’s history—one that even served as a lifeline during the 1955 flood.

For more than 40 years, the site has remained quiet, but never forgotten. It represents not only a rich past, but a future full of possibility. As Council President John Burke has shared, the building closed the year he was born, and he hopes to see new life brought to it in his lifetime. That hope is shared throughout the community.

In recent years, we have seen renewed interest in the site, with multiple developers recognizing its potential. In 2022, a proposal was brought forward to transform the property into a vibrant live-work-play destination with modern logistics integration. While that plan faced challenges, it sparked important conversations about what is possible.

More recently, a new vision emerged to redevelop the site into market-rate housing bringing residents, energy, and new life back to the property. This proposal gained strong local support, with both Wilson Borough and the Wilson Area School District representing the vast majority of the taxing body standing behind it. While the project faced hurdles at the county level, each step has helped refine our approach and strengthen our resolve.

These experiences have not discouraged us; they have made us more determined, more informed, and more united in our goal. We understand the challenges, from rising material costs to economic pressures, but we also recognize the incredible opportunity in front of us.

To ensure we are making the best decisions for our community, Council President Bracken recommended bringing in a TIF consultant to carefully evaluate the proposal. We wanted to balance our excitement with responsibility, making sure every step forward is the right one for Wilson Borough. In that spirit, we even engaged directly with an expert in Tax Increment Financing, who reviewed the project in detail. The developer has been fully transparent and cooperative throughout the process, reinforcing our confidence in the integrity of the plan.

We remain hopeful and committed. This site has stood as a symbol of Wilson’s past strength—and now, it has the potential to become a cornerstone of its future. With continued collaboration, persistence, and community support, we believe the next chapter of the Dixie site will be one of renewal, growth, and pride for generations to come.