Additions Approved in RDA Facade Grant Program

March 25, 2021

There will be a change, or rather an addition to the City of Warren’s facade grant program. 

At Wednesday’s Redevelopment Authority meeting, it was suggested that the map where downtown facade grant money could be spent expand to include the former Loranger Building, which is home to businesses like Bent Run Brewing, Allegheny Outfitters and Penn Wild Outdoors are located. 

The suggestion came from councilman Phil Gilbert and was unanimously approved. 

“These businesses are just getting started and I thought the grand program would be great for them,” Gilbert said. “I would love to see this area become a hub. If we get some signage there I think it would really pop. Anything we can do to help these businesses succeed and grow.”

Warren City Planner Vince Dejoy said ‘there is likely some interest’ and that it gives those businesses the opportunity should they choose to use the program, which requires a 100 percent match up to $5,000. 

The RDA also approved a motion to auction three properties – 103 Sixth Ave. 111 Pioneer St. and 28 Hemlock St.

The city has recently taken ownership of all three properties. 

“We’ve never tried this before,” noted Director of Public Works Director Mike Holtz. “It seemed like a good way to go, so we’ve decided to try this route.”

Added Authority Member Melinda Saunders: “I like the idea of having all three at one event because it will make for a bigger draw.”

Also, DeJoy updated the RDA on the Trestle-to-Trestle Taskforce, which is in the process of developing a website, headed by Piper VanOrd of Allegheny Outfitters. 

“Piper has taken on this project, and it looks fantastic,” DeJoy said. 

It’s expected to go live in the next month or so. 

The task force also discussed and is encouraging the redevelopment of upper floors in its footprint for Airbnb’s, which DeJoy noted there are already a number of.

         

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