State awards over $11M in redevelopment assistance grants for area projects
State Reps. Bridget Kosierowski, Kyle Donahue and Kyle Mullins, in partnership with Sen. Marty Flynn, all D-Lackawanna, recently announced more than $11.1 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding has been awarded to support construction and redevelopment projects throughout Lackawanna County, including in the Midvalley and Upvalley.
The funding will strengthen healthcare services, expand access to childcare and addiction recovery programs, improve community infrastructure and support economic development across the region.
The grants include the following projects:
• $1 million for Wright Center Medical Group to design and construct a medical facility.
• $500,000 for Allied Services Foundation to replace elevator infrastructure.
• $400,000 for 712 Harrison LLC to redevelop a former apartment building in Scranton to provide a women’s outpatient and inpatient recovery center.
• $345,728 for United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern Pennsylvania to modernize two of UNC’s three childcare centers in Scranton.
• $1 million for Geisinger System Services to enhance/renovate the Geisinger Community Medical Center in Scranton.
• $500,000 for Diamon 307 LLC’s construction of a second floor to the Lakeside NEPA Drug and Alcohol Treatment Center.
• $2 million for P&J Bros. LLC to redevelop the Mid Valley Drive logistics site, including the demolition of one existing commercial structure and erecting three new steel buildings to increase operational efficiency and storage capacity.
• $3 million for Drinker Street Towers LLC to construct a five-story rental property in Dunmore.
• $1 million for Blakely Borough to construct a community center.
• $600,000 for SLIBCO for Carbondale Technology Transfer Center’s buildout and finishing of additional tenant and coworking space.
• $500,000 for Marywood University to redevelop its sciences building.
• $300,000 for Carbondale Development Partners II LLC’s construction of a single-story medical-commercial building on the North Church Street site.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funds the design, acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects that have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.
Johnson College to host barn quilting workshop
Johnson College will host a barn quilting workshop on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at its Scranton campus.
During the workshop, participants will create a 12-inch-by-12-inch hand-painted barn quilt. Inspired by traditional quilt block patterns, barn quilts have become a popular form of outdoor art and are featured along local barn quilt trails throughout the country.
Participants will select their own pattern and colors to create a unique piece. Instead of stitching fabric, attendees will use paint to bring their chosen quilt block design to life. All materials will be provided, but participants are asked to bring a hair dryer to assist with the painting process.
Each participant will leave with a completed barn quilt ready to display at their home, porch or shed. The cost to attend the workshop is $75 per person.
Registration for the workshop is now open, and participants can register online at johnson.edu/workshops.
The workshop is part of Johnson College’s WAVE (Workforce Advancement & Value-Added Education) Workshop Series, which offers hands-on learning opportunities designed to help community members develop new skills and explore creative interests.
Local Author’s Luncheon set for Oct. 14
The 18th annual Local Author’s Luncheon to benefit the Forest City Branch of the Susquehanna County Library System will be held at Elkview Country Club at Crystal Lake on Wednesday, Oct. 14.
This year’s featured author is Amy Walsh, a fifth grade teacher from Scranton who has a passion for writing and sharing her love for literature with her students. She writes historical and contemporary novels as well as inspirational stories and will be sharing a bit of wit, wisdom and whimsy.
The event will begin with a time of hospitality at 11:30 a.m. and lunch at 12:15 p.m., followed by the speaker and book signing.
Cost is $25. Checks can be made payable to the Forest City Library and mailed to 531 Main St., Forest City, PA 18421, by Sept. 25.
Elkview Country Club has a “no denim” policy. For additional information, contact the Forest City Library at 570-785-5590.