Discussions surrounding hotel development continue
CONNELLSVILLE — Discussions about future hotel development in Connellsville are continuing.
Michael Edwards, Connellsville Redevelopment Authority executive director, reported Tuesday that Hotel d2 Services Group of Pittsburgh is seeking working capital for hotel development.
Edwards said he has been in discussion with a local foundation about a potential loan for the project.
The group announced in July its intention to build a hotel in Connellsville. At a projected cost of $3.9 million, the 35 to 60-room, family-friendly hotel is expected to create 12-15 new full-time local jobs.
Hotel d2 Services Group is serving as the designer and developer for the project.
Although a definite site has not yet been determined, two properties, which are referred to the Amtrak site and the bike trail site, are under consideration.
“We’re hopeful,” Edwards said.
“Hotel d2 is still interested.”
Also Tuesday, the authority approved for Widmer Engineering in Connellsville to draw up the plans and bid specifications for two sidewalk improvement projects at a cost of $8,080.
The Gibson Avenue sidewalk project will cost about $51,000, and the Pittsburgh Street project will cost about $23,000.
Edwards said the Gibson Avenue sidewalk is in “really bad shape.” The project was originally put on hold because the city was saving money for the demolition of the Aaron’s Building.
Since the building was recently sold to Terrence “Tuffy” Shallenberger, the city is now moving forward on the project.
Edwards expects the project to be put out to bid in March.
In other business, Edwards reported that a single audit is being completed since the authority spent about $900,000 last year.
“When you spend more than $500,000, there needs to be a more in-depth analysis of how well the money was spent,” he said.