NEW CASTLE —
The city of New Castle plans to buy three buildings near the downtown and transfer them to a local firm.
The empty buildings, located in the vicinity of White and Grove streets, would be transferred to Horizon Supply Co. The firm is currently located on South Mill Street.
City council approved a resolution on Wednesday to use money remaining from a state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Grant for the purchase, estimated a t$130,000.
The state Department of Community and Economic Development must give formal approval.
According to Tammi Gibson, the city’s community and economic development director, Horizon Supply Co. plans to move into the three buildings.
George Joseph, one of the company’s three owners, said Horizon sells supplies mainly to gas pipeline companies drilling for Marcellus Shale.
“We’re real excited,” he said of the proposed move.
“We’re all from the city,” he said, adding that he and the other owners wanted to relocate within the city limits.
The company has two part-time drivers in addition to the owners, he said. Joseph said more people will be hired, but he won’t know the number until the state gives its approval.
Mayor Anthony Mastrangelo called the expenditure of the grant funds to buy the buildings as “a good use of the money.”
The city, he said, is trying “to encourage people to keep their business in town.”
Other money from the grant will be used for demolition and construction of a parking lot at the corner of East Washington Street and Apple Way, and for excavation and rebuilding of a parking lot at the southwest corner of East Washington and Mercer streets.
The total cost for both is approximately $270,000. The state must also approve these two projects.
The Apple Way lot was the scene of a fire last summer that destroyed the former Black Whale and damaged Pat’s Cameras. Both buildings were demolished.
An adjacent building that housed Lovelight Boutique and Yoga Studio, owned by Dale Perelman and Gary Bruce, sustained smoke and water damage.
Mastrangelo said the owner of the Black Whale property plan to give the land to the city in lieu of the city’s cost for demolition. He said the city is waiting to hear from the owners of the Pat’s Cameras property to see whether they will agree to the same terms.
The mayor said the remaining building is expected to be demolished because of the extent of damage. Perelman, he said, plans to give the property to the city and relocate the business in the downtown.
The city originally received a $5 million grant for downtown improvements. Gibson said the money for all three projects had originally been budgeted for improvements to Kennedy Square.
(Email: jmanna@ncnewsonline.com)
Local News
Council approves purchase of downtown buildings
- Local News
-
-
New Castle News names new publisher
Sharon A. Sorg is no stranger to hometown newspapers. It’s no surprise, then, that she’s been selected to lead the newspaper in her hometown. Sorg has been named publisher of the New Castle News, which is just a few miles from her residence in Pulaski Township.
-
Rockin’ Recess: Laurel youngsters earn a morning of music, health education
Hands clapping. Arms waving. Crowd chanting. That was the scene at Laurel Elementary School yesterday morning. Laurel beat out four other school districts in the UPMC For Kids and Radio Disney-sponsored “Attendance Counts” competition.
-
Memorial service scheduled
The annual Croton Memorial Service will begin at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Croton Honor Roll. U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly will be the guest speaker.
-
John Russo Jr. Remembered: Colleagues salute former councilman
Honest and dedicated. That is how those who knew John Russo Jr. well described him after his passing Tuesday. Russo served as a member of New Castle City Council for more than 17 years at four different times from 1985 through 2009.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the Wilmington prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, Wilmington High.
-
‘Puck Dynasty’: Show us your playoff beards!
Are you growing a playoff beard for the Pittsburgh Penguins’ run to the Stanley Cup? If you are, then we want to hear from you.
-
Photo Gallery: Check out our images from the Union High prom!
The pomp. The pageantry. The pairs. The pictures. Yes, it’s prom season once again in Lawrence County and the New Castle News is on hand to document all the fun and excitement. We hope you enjoy our photo galleries! Today, Union High.
-
You may be detoured by Route 65 project
A bridge replacement project in Wayne Township begins Tuesday. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the project will remove and replace the existing bridge over Squaw Run with a new structure including approaches, guide rail and other improvements.
-
Senate OKs driver’s license bill
The state Senate has approved legislation sponsored by Sen. Elder Vogel regarding commercial driver’s license qualification standards for military personnel.
-
Meeting to discuss charter school plan
The New Castle Arts Academy Charter School will have a committee meeting Monday at the New Castle Public Library.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Raw: Gun Scare Mars Cannes Film Festival
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Raw: Germany Protestors Picket Barbie House
One Million Evacuated As Cyclone Hits Bangladesh
Raw: 6 Die in Russian Ship Fire
Raw: Suicide Bomber Kills 2 Americans, 13 Others
China, Others Want What's Under the Arctic Ice
Raw: Pope Frees Doves From Cage
Today in History for May 15th
Prince Harry Tours New Jersey, New York
Today in History May 14
Today in History May 12
Raw: 40 Dead in Turkey Car Bombings Near Syria
Pakistanis Go to Polls, Election Marred by Bombs
Today in History May 11
Tourists Return to Once Flooded Argentine Town
From Rubble of Death, Survivor in Bangladesh
Raw: Survivor Pulled From Bangladesh Factory
Today in History May 10
Couple Missing From Carnival Cruise Ship
