HARRISBURG, Dec. 18 – State funding in the amount of $720,000 has been approved for several community improvement projects in Allentown, according to state Reps. Mike Schlossberg and Peter Schweyer, both D-Lehigh.

“As a city kid, improving the quality of life for the residents of Allentown has been and will always be important to me,” Schweyer said. “I am pleased Governor Wolf recognized the importance of these projects and will continue to help rebuild the neighborhood where I grew up.”

“This funding is crucial for Allentown,” Schlossberg said. “It will benefit the city’s hardworking residents, help to build adequate housing and make a safe place to live and raise a family.”

Community Action Development Corp. of the Lehigh Valley will receive $440,000 to continue years six and seven of Upside Allentown. This will allow the organization to complete renovations of residential and commercial properties, advance neighborhood-based arts and culture activities, help with litter abatement, support parent and family engagement in the Allentown Parent Network, strengthen relationships between city youth and the Allentown Police Department and grow small businesses. Money will also go toward community outreach for rehabilitating front porches and support up to 30 families to prevent homelessness.

Housing Association and Development Corp. will receive $280,000 to continue work on affordable housing in the Jordan Heights neighborhood, which will serve low-income individuals. HADC will also continue its successful YouthBuild program, which provides apprenticeship education, job training, and life skills to high school dropouts, ages 17-24.

This funding was part of $4.75 million in funding approved through the Neighborhood Assistance Program. NAP encourages private sector investment into projects that will help improve distressed communities by providing tax credits to businesses that donate capital to support projects that address neighborhood and community problems.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Thomas LeClair
House Democratic Communications Office
 

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