BETHLEHEM, Pa. — State Sen. Lisa Boscola announced $17.75 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding on Thursday to support nine redevelopment projects across Northampton County.
The state program supports the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. Qualifying projects must have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, help create or maintain jobs, and generate economic activity.
“State investment in these important regional economic and community development projects is critical to ensure these projects are completed to enhance job creation and improve the quality of life throughout the Lehigh Valley,” Boscola said. “This is another example of the Commonwealth recognizing that by partnering on these economic and community development projects, we are helping make them a reality and improving our local and state economies.”
“Our Lehigh Valley delegation in the General Assembly has once again worked in a bipartisan manner along with the Governor to make funding for these joint priorities a reality,” Boscola said. “Our delegation recognizes the importance of these redevelopment and community projects and the impact they will have to promote economic growth and improve our communities.”
The Greater Community Development Corp. was awarded $5 million to construct the Greater Community Empowerment Center. The new facility will house a gymnasium, a health and wellness area, a childcare facility, a counseling center to address mental health needs, and classrooms for job training.
Peron Development received $5 million to support the Steel General Office Complex. The funding will cover interior demolition, abatement, and core-and-shell work to prepare the building for residential apartments.
ProJeCt of Easton Inc. was awarded $2 million for the Easton-Berwick Street Renovation. The project will renovate a building into an educational facility, including installing an industrial elevator, modernized mechanical systems, energy-efficient windows that preserve the historic stained glass, a fire sprinkler system, and new electrical and plumbing systems.
The City of Bethlehem received $1.75 million to renovate and reconfigure the Bethlehem Emergency Shelter on Market Street. The project includes cosmetic upgrades to the basement kitchen and social hall, as well as reconfigured sleeping and restroom facilities for men and women on the first and second floors.
Palmer Township was awarded $1.5 million to construct a new police station. The project features visitor parking, perimeter fencing, covered fleet parking, a sally port, and an evidence garage.
Lafayette College received $1 million for upgrades to Kamine Stadium’s baseball facilities. The project includes installing a modern turf field, a new backstop, padded fencing, field accessories, bullpens, upgraded dugouts, field lighting, a new scoreboard, a netting system, concrete paving, and utility work.
Black Canyon LLC was awarded $750,000 for the Bushkill Street Warehouse Redevelopment in Easton. The funding will support the buildout of second-floor office space, climate-control systems, warehouse partitions, and the replacement of truck-loading docks.
Foundry Development Group LLC received $500,000 for the Foundry at Easton, a mixed-use community featuring first-floor commercial space and parking with upper-floor residential units focused on environmental sustainability.
Bethlehem Catholic High School was awarded $250,000 to redevelop its sports complex. The project will expand the track and field complex and install new surfaces for baseball, field hockey, football, and soccer.