POTTSVILLE – Local officials gathered in Pottsville today to announce new competitive housing grants to develop quality, upper floor housing in now-vacant spaces in both Tamaqua and Pottsville, according to Senator David G. Argall (R-29) and Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-123).
“Successful employment efforts led by the Schuylkill Economic Development Corporation, the Schuylkill County Chamber, and the Northeast Manufacturers Associations have brought many new jobs to the region in recent years, but now I’ve been hearing a new concern from employers and employees: where will these employees live?” said Senator Argall. “Today’s announcement marks a first step in local efforts to find a solution.”
Tamaqua Area Community Partnership (TACP) and the Pottsville Area Development Corporation (PADCO) worked together on a study to determine how to restore upper floor apartments in both Tamaqua and Pottsville. Using their findings, the two organizations successfully applied for a competitive $1 million grant to create several dozen new market rate housing units.
Both Pottsville and Tamaqua have successfully brought new life to their downtowns, including restoring the Tamaqua train station and Alvernia University’s new Pottsville CollegeTowne campus. TACP Executive Director Micah Gursky and PADCO Executive Director Savas Logothetides spoke about their efforts during today’s press conference.
“This program is just the beginning. Once Pottsville and Tamaqua show us how to do this successfully, we can begin other, similar efforts in other communities,” Senator Argall continued. “We’re not thinking small today, we’re planning for big things in the future.”
Contact: Jim Brugger
717.787.2637