Mar 4, 2007 By Patty Yauger 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Connellsville residents will have the opportunity to weigh in on how the city leaders plan to spend the 2007 state grant allotment at a public hearing scheduled for Tuesday at City Hall. The Connellsville Redevelopment Authority oversees the disbursement of the Community Development Block Grant funds for the city, but City Council approves the projects, said Ralph Wombacker, authority executive director.

The proposed activities selected by council include the renovation of the Connellsville Community Center auditorium, the purchase of fire and playground equipment, improvements to the Connellsville Senior Center and Austin Avenue Park, road reconstruction, expansion of Yough River Park and upgrades at the Connellsville Armory.

The tentative spending plan sets aside $25,000 for the purchase of new playground equipment for Yough Park and resilient surface materials in the playground areas.

A similar amount also has been earmarked for equipment for the New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. The volunteer organization has requested funds to purchase needed radios, nozzles and other equipment.

Council also designated $50,000 for the development of Stewart’s Crossing, a proposed parklet adjacent to Yough River Park.

The city already has earmarked $122,000 for the expansion project that will include a scenic overlook, beehive coke ovens, monuments and the upgrading of a nearby trail parking.

Other proposed projects include road reconstruction on Arch Street, between Crawford and Fairview avenues, and Grape Alley, near Pechin Grocery Store, at an estimated cost of $60,000.

Also, $10,000 is proposed to beset aside in the CDBG spending plan for ceiling improvements at the senior center.

Council also has tentatively designated $5,000 in CDBG funds for drainage improvements at the Austin Avenue playground.

The bulk of the anticipated $300,000 state allotment is slated for improvements at the former National Guard Armory.

Last month, council agreed to purchase the West Washington Avenue property with the financial help of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 21, and former resident Nancy Stafford have agreed to fund the purchase.

The veterans group will contribute $5,000 per year for five years toward the building purchase, with Stafford providing $15,000 over the same time frame.

The total cost of the site is $50,000.

Wombacker said the application must be filed with council by Friday.

The hearing will begin at 7 p.m. in council chambers at the municipal building.