Freeman welcomes $6.12 million in state development grants
Rep. Robert L. Freeman November 1, 2024 | 3:07 PM
HARRISBURG, Nov. 1 – State Rep. Robert Freeman is pleased to announce more than $6 million in state grants have been awarded to development projects in Easton and Hellertown.
“Today’s announcement will lead to improved health care facilities, more outdoor recreational opportunities and additional housing and parking near the river,” said Freeman. “I was glad to help local and business officials work through the state grant process so they could acquire these needed funds for their projects.”
Stewart Silk Mill Redevelopment Co.: $3.62 million
This project will entail the construction and development of a Federally Qualified Health Care Clinic to be operated by Valley Health Partners, an affiliate of the Lehigh Valley Health Network, which will offer a wide range of services, including pediatrics, family medicine, vision, dental, integrated behavioral health, OB/GYN, social services, and a walk-in pharmacy.
PD Hellertown LLC: $1.25 million
This project calls for the abatement and demolition of a former industrial manufacturing facility and the construction of a medical office building. The funds will be used to assist in the acquisition of the property, the abatement and demolition of the existing building, the protection of the existing environmental protective cap and the implementation of the site improvements proposed across the property necessary for the construction of the medical office building.
Skyline Investment Group Easton LLC: $500,000
The project at the Dixie Cup factory site redevelopment involves public site improvements including open space improvements, overall site landscaping, upgrading site utilities, and improving the public venue along the Two Rivers Trail.
The Nurture Nature Center: $500,000
The funds will be used for construction costs related to the building envelope restoration, infrastructure and sustainability upgrades. This includes rehabilitation of the historic Northampton Street façade, including repointing masonry; air sealing; repair and preservation of wood trim; stabilization and/or replacement of existing ornamental masonry; building envelope improvements, including a complete roof replacement with a new, thermally improved roofing system as well as new window and door systems; structural reinforcement of the roof; replacement of outdated HVAC system.
Watermark Easton LLC: $250,000
This new construction project, located at 45 Larry Holmes Drive in Easton, includes a 250-space parking deck flanked by two buildings containing a total of 150 apartment units. Each building will be approximately 21,700 square feet and offer residential space with balconies and views of the Delaware River. All parking required for the development will be provided for on-site, so this project will not burden the already stressed parking infrastructure of the city.
The funds were acquired through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a state grant program for the design, acquisition, and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational, and historical improvement projects. RACP projects have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues, or other measures of economic activity. RACP projects are state-funded projects that cannot obtain primary funding under other state programs.