Harkins, Merski: Nearly $2 million in tax credits awarded for Erie projects to revitalize distressed areas, expand services for residents

Rep. Robert Merski November 3, 2022

ERIE, Nov. 3 – Tax credits worth $2 million will leverage investments in Erie projects to help working families and spur revitalization in distressed areas, state Reps. Pat Harkins and Bob Merski announced today.

The lawmakers, both D-Erie, said the tax credits were awarded under the Neighborhood Assistance Program.

“The tax credits we secured are going to leverage investments in projects that breathe new life into distressed areas through programs that fight blight, renovate buildings, and create jobs,” Merski said. “Creative revitalization projects – including projects that establish new, mixed-used spaces -- attract businesses and more investors, and they keep the momentum going on renewal efforts. It’s going to be exciting to see how the new funding changes the landscape and spurs new economic growth for Erie.”

Harkins said, “In addition to revitalizing distressed areas, these tax credits are going to leverage investment in projects that improve real-life opportunities for residents, provide safer places for kids to play and socialize, expand affordable housing, and bring more families access to child care and early pre-K programs. Investments in improving people’s lives are the best ones we can make in our communities.”

The lawmakers said the funding includes:

$567,050 to Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania to help the food bank strengthen its food distribution network.
$300,000 to the Erie Downtown Partnership for public space revitalization, including planning for a “Main Street” hub with thriving businesses and mixed use property.
$280,000 to Bayfront East Side Taskforce for its Neighborhood Partnership Plan to address blight and improve neighborhood services.
$220,000 to Gannon University to support the work of its partner, Our West Bayfront, in revitalizing distressed community through renovation and rehabilitation work, homeowner repair assistance, support for small businesses and related programs.
$132,500 to the Erie Center for Arts and Technology to support a project to reopen Wayne School to serve the community’s health and food services and other support services for at-risk families and kids.
$57,300 to the Downtown Erie Partnership for property renovations for affordable housing.
$41,250 to The Child Development Center’s Roosevelt Center to create 150 openings for child care/early childhood education.
$118,250 to Eagle’s Nest Leadership Corporation to support the community’s at-risk youth by constructing an athletic center offering programs, daily activities, and physical fitness.
$34,375 to the Erie Civic Theatre Association’s PLAYtime program that works with partners to reinforce learning for pre-K students, kindergarteners, and first graders.
$193,000 (two awards) to SSJ Neighborhood Network for community revitalization in distressed areas.
$11,813 to Julia Hospice & Palliative Care to expand services to underprovided areas.