Bradford Gets $450,000 in State Grant Money

Harrisburg–Governor Tom Corbett today announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) recently awarded $450,000 in Keystone Communities grants to support public improvements efforts for downtown redevelopment projects and infrastructure reconstruction in the City of Bradford.

“We are continuing to invest in our local communities by supporting public improvement initiatives,” Gov. Corbett said. “These projects will bring new life and preserve the historic treasures within the Bradford community, in addition to providing opportunities for renewed economic growth.”

The Keystone Communities program will provide funding for two public improvement grants for the City of Bradford.

The Keystone Communities grant award for $400,000 will provide funding to undertake the construction of new housing units and make façade and streetscape improvements in the Elm Street neighborhood, a Second Ward Keystone Community Designated area. Specific project activities include the construction of three housing units which will be constructed on newly created lots on Elm Street.

New sidewalks, curbs, street lights and trees, along with signage improvements will be installed along Congress Street from East Corydon to Elm Street and on Elm Street from Congress Street to Chestnut Street as part of the streetscape improvements. In addition, approximately 20 housing units will have exterior maintenance issues addressed as part of the façade improvement projects.

“The Second Ward Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) and its partners would like to sincerely thank DCED for their continued support and the recent funding of a $400,000 Keystone Communities Façade and Public Improvement grant,” said Lisa Keck, 2nd Ward NPP/Elm Street Manager. “This latest round of funding will be used to address the physical deterioration of the 2nd Ward NPP/Elm Street neighborhood through façade grants and monies for new housing construction and streetscape improvements and will go a long way in advancing the goals and objectives of our revitalization strategy.”

The second Keystone Communities grant awarded to the City of Bradford for $50,000 will utilized for a façade improvement program to preserve the downtown’s historic area.

The program expects to administer 13 or more façade improvement projects that would improve energy efficiency among historic properties in conjunction with the efforts of the Historic Architectural Review Board.

“We are appreciative of the receipt of Keystone Communities grant funds to provide matching grant incentives to our building owners and businesses in the City’s downtown historic district,” said Sara Andrews, Executive Director, Office of Economic and Community Development, City of Bradford. “Keystone Communities facade improvement grants have and will continue to leverage significant private investment in our downtown community while stabilizing the exterior conditions of our historic buildings.”

“I am very pleased that the Keystone Communities Public Improvement funding will provide the City of Bradford with needed resources to make substantial housing and streetscape improvements,” said Senator Joe Scarnati (R-25). “The grants awarded today will not only help to fulfill current needs of the community, but will also make an important investment in the future strength of our region.”

“I am pleased that state funds are coming back to the City of Bradford and McKean County with an overall goal of enhancing housing opportunities and revitalizing downtown,” Rep. Martin Causer (R-67) said. “Within the past decade, numerous local and state investments have been made to the Bradford business district, which are not only helping to preserve the historical look of the city but are also lending themselves to additional reinvestments and economic opportunities. This all translates into a better, brighter future for Bradford.”

The Keystone Communities program was created in 2011 to assist commonwealth communities in achieving redevelopment. The program supports physical improvements to both designated and other communities that are undertaking revitalization to restore deteriorated downtowns, residential neighborhoods and industrial/manufacturing sites.

For more information about the Keystone Communities program and other community development initiatives, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.

The news leader of the Twin Tiers ... since 1947

Comments

Anonymous said…
Something should be done with the facade on the Holley Hotel

Popular posts from this blog

Woman Charged with Posting
Nude Picture on Facebook

Arrests in Operation Diamond Drop

Two Arrested on Drug Charges