Another boost
August 31, 2009
Eric Poole, Ledger Staff

On Tuesday, the Northwest Planning Commission set its funding priorities for 2010 and placed the revitalization plans at the top of its list. The commission represents, in addition to Lawrence County, Erie, Mercer, Crawford, Venango, Forest, Warren and Clarion counties.

Lawrence County Commissioner Steve Craig announced the decision Thursday during the commissioners meeting.

Craig, a member of the Northwest Planning Commission board, said the top-priority status all but assures that Ellwood City Revitalization will receive $250,000 from the national Appalachian Regional Commission.

The local group will likely receive its funding by the end of January.

Lenore Bazzichi, president of Ellwood City Revitalization,
said she was encouraged by the reception revitalization plans have received from federal officials, who have committed $200,000 to the project, and state leaders.

Bazzichi said she expects to receive a state grant when Pennsylvania approves a 2009-10 budget.

First phase revitalization plans, which will cost in the neighborhood of $2.4 million, call for creation of a plaza along the 500 block of Lawrence Avenue on the current site of an empty lot and an optometrist's office.

The plaza will include a large performance stage, which can be used for shows, concerts, recitals and public movies. Plans include the construction of a large sheltered farmer's market.

Bazzichi said the stage and farmer's market will bring people into the Lawrence Avenue business district and spur both new business development and attract new residents.

"People realize that we're creating our own stimulus package," she said.

With the promised federal grant, and expected state and Appalachian Regional Commission funding, Bazzichi said Ellwood City Revitalization is close to having enough money to begin working on the project when the 2010 construction season opens next spring.

She credited a team effort - including the revitalization committee members, Ellwood City officials and the chamber of commerce - for the group's success so far.

"It's just such an affirmation for people to see that we have created something different," Bazzichi said. "We just need to keep moving forward with a positive outlook."

Recent News:

Chang Eye Group
prepares to relocate
May 26, 2009

ALL NEWS ARTICLES

HOME