EASTON, Pa. — Projects that would develop a health care clinic, redevelop the former Dixie Cup factory and build a parking deck with adjoining apartments have gotten nearly $5 million in state funding.
The Easton-based projects have been awarded $4.87 million in grants from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, state Rep. Robert Freeman announced.
The funding was awarded to the Stewart Silk Mill Redevelopment Co., Skyline Investment Group Easton LLC, The Nurture Nature Center and Watermark Easton LLC.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a state grant program for the design acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.
“Today’s announcement will lead to improved health care facilities, more outdoor recreational opportunities and additional housing and parking near the river."State Sen. Bob Freeman
RACP projects are intended to have a regional impact and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenues or other measures of economic activity.
The projects are state-funded initiatives that can't get primary funding under other state programs.
Health care, recreation, housing
“Today’s announcement will lead to improved health care facilities, more outdoor recreational opportunities and additional housing and parking near the river,” Freeman said in the Nov. 1 release.
“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.”
The Stewart Silk Mill Redevelopment Co. was awarded $3.62 million toward 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.
Services at the clinic would include pediatrics, family medicine, vision, dental, integrated behavioral health, OB/GYN, social services and a walk-in pharmacy.
A half-million-dollar award for Skyline Investment Group Easton LLC will help fund the Dixie Cup factory site redevelopment.
Public site improvements include open space improvements, overall site landscaping, upgrading site utilities and improving the public venue along the Two Rivers Trail.
Nature Center work, parking deck
Another half-million-dollar award will go to The Nature Nurture Center to help pay for building envelope restoration, infrastructure and sustainability upgrades.
Included in that rehabilitation are improvements to the Northampton Street façade such as repointing masonry, air sealing and repair and preservation of wood trim.
Also, stabilization and/or replacement of existing ornamental masonry, structural reinforcement of the roof and replacement of outdated HVAC system.
Also, building improvements including a roof replacement with a new, thermally improved roofing system as well as new window and door systems.
Lastly, a quarter-million-dollar grant will go to Watermark Easton LLC, funding a project at 45 Larry Holmes Drive in Easton that will include a 250-space parking deck flanked by two buildings containing a total of 150 apartment units.
Each building will be 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 on-site, providing some relief to Easton's frequent parking issues.
