Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Tom Curtin Announces an $860,000 Chester County Grant

Just last week Tom Curtin, Chair of Parkesburg's Progress & Development Committee, learned that the Chester County Department of Community Development had awarded Parkesburg two grants in support of the Westminster Place Project on First Avenue across the street from the Fire Company.

According to Curtin, the grants are for $752,795 for a mixed use building with $111,205 to support the Senior Housing component.

In announcing the award Curtin stated “In addition to the obvious benefit of having a new, environmentally friendly building, this project will create new energy on First Avenue giving a boost businesses, churches and community activities in the downtown area. The grants will allow us to improve the streetscape, replacing sidewalks and street access in the area, finally replacing a former industrial site with a building we’ll all be proud of.”

Westminster Place at Parkesburg, to be located at 320 West First Avenue slows the Borough to continue progress in revitalizing First Avenue. The 51 one bedroom units, and 21 two BR units will provide affordable living for persons 55+ in age who meet the income restrictions. The building will supply 3,100 sq. ft. of new neighborhood commercial space and is within walking distance to shops, services and public transportation.

This represents a total project investment in Parkesburg of 17 million dollars. The County’s $864,000 are provided from two county sources, the Home Trust Program which is supported by HUD and the HTP program which is funded from fees from developers. In addition, there is a $4,600,000 commitment from Presbyterian Homes, Inc., who will own and operate building at completion. Curtin says the project will be completed by 2010.

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