Oct 14, 2009 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – The city redevelopment authority will submit a request to the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) to approve a modification of the city’s 2008 state grant project allocations following a Tuesday public hearing. The authority, said executive director Michael Edwards, is required to solicit public comment when a change is made in how the community plans to spend the state Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

According to Edwards, the city plans to redirect $105,000 from the 2008 CDBG program, initially set aside to purchase property at the Widewater Commons shopping plaza.

If the revised project garners DCED approval, the funding will be utilized to purchase a half-acre property at the northwest corner of the Crawford Avenue Bridge.

Two weeks ago, city council met in special session to direct the authority to have the CDBG funds transferred in order to allow for the acquisition of the 224 W. Crawford Ave. property owned by DJB Associates of Connellsville.

Edwards said that $65,000 would be set aside to purchase the property with the remaining $40,000 earmarked to develop a neighborhood park.

A recent appraisal completed by the current owners indicated the value of the property at $60,000, said Edwards, adding that the CDBG program restricts the purchase price to exceed the appraised amount.

Also, to qualify as an eligible CDBG project, it must benefit low-to-moderate-income families. A survey of the West Side neighborhood indicates that 67.5 percent of the 434 residents meet the criteria, said Edwards.

“It would not be considered a community-wide park, such as Yough Park, but rather a neighborhood park for those residing nearby,” he said.

The next step, said Edwards, is to await DCED approval, and that he added, “could take some time.”

“Right now I’m sure (the agency) is working on the 2009 CDBG program and there is also the (federal) stimulus programs,” he said.

Once approved, the authority will be required to conduct an environmental review of the site. Edwards said because the lot is in a designated flood plain it is likely additional reviews will be required, including archeological and historic research.

The property has been identified as a “high value” property by various state agencies now working with the city to further develop Yough Park, enhance the city’s portion of the Great Allegheny Passage and to tie the bike trail to the downtown business district.

The proposed gateway trail ties the Great Allegheny Passage to the east and west sides of downtown for access to businesses and restaurants located along Crawford Avenue and adjoining roadways.

Edwards, meanwhile, said the required modification documents would be submitted to the DCED today.