Council to review revitalization plans
Two proposals to revitalize downtown Uniontown will be discussed at today’s special City Council meeting. Bob Junk, of Fay-Penn Economic Development Council, who is helping the city administer an $8.7 million project funded in part by $3.53 million in state money delivered by Gov. Ed Rendell, will outline the plan.
Fayette County Commissioner Joe Hardy, who has offered to make a personal $1 million contribution to a streetscape project for Main Street, and his representatives are also expected to attend to update council on his proposal.
Rendell came to town April 17 and announced the release of $3.15 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and $385,000 from the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Housing Redevelopment Assistance program.
The city’s plan involves matching that money with money from various sources, including Community Development Block Grants and using the combined funds to make sweeping changes in the city.
“Right now, we’re looking at a potential $8.9 million project,” Junk said.
It involves several phases that he said he would explain at the 8:30 a.m. meeting in City Hall.
The priority projects are a Main Street improvement project costing $980,000, a $900,000 Morgantown Street rehabilitation project, building $3.1 million parking garage and $630,000 in renovations to the State Theatre for the Arts.
In addition, $3.3 million has been earmarked for acquiring and renovating downtown commercial buildings for future development.
Junk said the garage and the building acquisition and renovation projects require 50-50 funding matches.
Meanwhile, Charmaine Sampson, project manager for Hardy’s proposed George C. Marshall II Plan, said a presentation is planned for the council meeting, but she declined to offer any details Thursday.
Hardy has proposed using his $1 million as matching grants to Main Street property owners for refurbishing their storefronts.
The money would also be used for planting trees, flower boxes and install decorative street lights.
“We’ll have something new also,” Sampson said.