Connellsville to proceed with projects
CONNELLSVILLE – After receiving its annual state grant money, the city will proceed with several improvement projects. Council accepted the $421,234 amount through the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and directed redevelopment authority director Ralph Wombacker to initiate the projects outlined in the 2002 grant application.
The city set aside $50,000 to help the Connellsville Community Center on Fairview Avenue install an elevator. The center received $30,000 from the Fayette Enterprise Commission, but needed the additional funding to complete the project. According to Wombacker, additional space on the second and third levels will be available for expansion with the installation of an elevator.
The city budgeted $50,000 for the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. to purchase a pumper/aerial truck and agreed to allocate $100,000 for a sidewalk improvement project along Ninth Street.
The health department is scheduled to receive $35,000 to continue its program to rid the city of blighted structures.
A renovation program under way at East Park will be boosted with a $25,000 allocation, while the first phase of a downtown business district revitalization plan will be initiated with the $86,000 set aside by council.
D&M Contracting Inc. of New Alexandria was contracted last month to complete the following work at East Park: the stabilization of stream banks, restoration of stone work, construction of basketball, tennis and bocci courts, installation of new fencing and playground equipment and construction of new restrooms.
The project is being completed through a $225,000 state grant that was matched by the city with local business contributions, prior CDBG allocations and other state funding programs.
The revitalization plan includes a streetscape project along West Crawford Avenue with lantern-type lighting, benches and planters.
Officials expect that the lighting project will be expanded with recent commitments by several families and an organization to purchase a fixture.
The Woodruff Committee is slated to purchase a light in honor of Olympic gold medalist John Wood-ruff. Also, former resident Nancy Stafford, the family of George and Pauline Moon and city Mayor Judy Reed and her husband, Dexston Reed, expressed interest in paying the approximate $1,200 to fund additional lights in the business district.
According to Councilwoman Judy Keller, the CDBG program allows for contributions for the purchase of equipment.
Anyone wishing to purchase a fixture should contact the municipal office.