The City of Bradford has been awarded more than a half-million dollars for two community revitalization projects as part of the state’s Keystone Community program, state officials announced Thursday.
The state Department of Economic and Community Development is planning an event to celebrate the announcement on May 25. Details are still being finalized.
A $500,000 grant was awarded to help support construction of new single-story homes, commercial rehabilitation and restoration and key infrastructure upgrades in a Second Ward neighborhood.
An additional $50,000 was awarded to implement a façade improvement program in the city’s downtown area. Specifically, the funding will provide matching grants, up to $5,000, for exterior building improvements. The project will help complete at least 10 façades.
“This is a great investment in our city and all of the people who live and work here,” state Rep. Martin Causer, R-Turtlepoint, said. “It is also a testament to the hard work and dedication of the city and the Office of Economic and Community Development.”
The grants –– which totalled $3.8 million overall –– were awarded by the Department of Community and Economic Development through its Keystone Communities program, which is designed to encourage the creation of partnerships between the public and private sectors in the community, supporting local initiatives that grow and stabilize neighborhoods and communities; ensure social and economic diversity; and enhance the overall quality of life for residents.
“Our agency is focused on making impactful investments and Bradford is a great example of a city that sets goals and accomplishes them by leveraging private and public resources,” said spokeswoman Gabrielle Trucco. “The city is a designated Keystone Community, which includes three areas of concentration — an ‘Elm Street’ area in the Second Ward neighborhood, a ‘Main Street’ area in the commercial district, and an Enterprise Zone. To be designated, communities are required to set a 5-year strategy outlining goals and objectives for the chosen areas of impact. As a benefit of designation, communities receive priority consideration for funding and consideration in some DCED programs.”
