The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Thursday, May 22, 2014

CONNEAUT LAKE — Progress for revitalization of downtown Conneaut Lake is continuing, according to Bill Eldridge of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee.

Eldridge, who also is a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council, told council members at a recent meeting that the committee was notified it is one of the finalists for a $1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA).  Finalists now have been asked to provide more information about their proposed projects for final consideration for the grant.

Eldridge said he expects to hear shortly about the final decision in regard to the grant.  In the meantime, survey work will wrap up by the end of the month on work done to survey needs in the downtown area.

Funds also are expected to be received soon from $400,000 grant for Fireman’s Beach.  The first portion of the grant will be used to do final engineering work on the project design.

Eldridge also said there are other grants the committee hopes to receive, including one from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.

A website, newconneautlake.com, has been activated and banners will be hung in the downtown area with the website address for anyone wishing to receive general information about the redevelopment project.  The website will be updated at least biweekly, Eldridge said.

Dick Holabaugh, borough council president, praised Eldridge for his time and effort on the development program.

“Everyone needs to know how much time Bill spends on this (working on grant applications and more), “ Holabaugh said.  Holabaugh added that Eldridge is very diligent about doing the work.

The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Saturday, March 29, 2014

CONNEAUT LAKE — Borough Council has approved Conneaut Lake Community Revitalization Committee’s request to apply for two more grants on behalf of the borough for its revitalization plan for the downtown area.

One is a request for $400,000 from the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.  The borough received one grant last year.

The second was approval to apply for a $3 million grant from the state’s Revitalization Assistance Community Program.  Last year’s request for $2 million was rejected, said Dick Holabaugh, council president.

The Meadville Tribune
Saturday, March 22, 2014

CONNEAUT LAKE — Gov. Tom Corbett has announced the Department of Community and Economic Development has awarded the Borough of Conneaut Lake a $375,000 Keystone Communities grant to support redevelopment efforts including infrastructure improvements, enhancement of the central business district and creation of new tourism facilities.

“Our strong local communities are cornerstones of job creation and economic progress,” Corbett said.  “This funding will improve Conneaut Lake’s downtown area to help attract new business growth and will help the borough remain a tourist destination in the region.”

The Keystone Communities program will provide funding for Phase I of the Conneaut Lake’s capital improvements to encourage and leverage economic development and improved quality of life for the lake-front community.

These improvements will help sustain, support and attract businesses in the Conneaut Lake central business district and will help the adjacent lake beach area to grow as a regional tourist destination.  Additionally, this project will help the region strengthen its reputation as a recreational destination.

The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Saturday, February 15, 2014

CONNEAUT LAKE — A survey to determine the needs of downtown business properties will be underway soon.

Conneaut Lake Borough Council at a recent meeting approved an agreement between the borough in cooperation with Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee and E.G.& G., a division of CT Consultants Inc., to do a survey of properties along the business district on Water Street in the borough.

The survey will be the beginning of what will be the transformation of the business district, according to Bill Eldridge, a council member who is the liaison between borough council and the CLCDC.

He said the contract would be with a firm to do a survey at a cost of $24,700 to be paid with grant funds.  Staff members will contact each business owner to do a survey regarding 20 factors to see what is needed.  In this way, plans can be made for future development, he said.

Dick Holabaugh, president of council and a business owner in the district, questioned what this would require business owners to do if some of the items on the survey are not in accordance with what may be expected.

Eldridge assured Holabaugh that the survey is to help the design engineer determine the needs of the businesses, not to require businesses to make any specific changes.

Mayor Tim Kaider pointed out that before any work can be done on the project, the engineer has to know what needs to be done.

The 90-day contract calls for the survey work to be completed by the end of May.

At the beginning of the meeting, Holabaugh told council that Eldridge and Chad Waldschmidt from the CLCDC had spent considerable time in Harrisburg two weeks ago, meeting personally with representatives from various agencies regarding grants which may be available for the CLCDC project of upgrading the borough, including infrastructure, the beach and underground wiring for utilities.  He expressed his appreciation for the two men’s time and efforts to secure grants for the borough.

Eldridge said they have found that personal contact with the agencies is very helpful and said they met with the governor’s office and had a very positive reaction.

Work continues on obtaining more grants for the multi-year improvement project.

The Meadville Tribune
By Keith Gushard
Saturday, December 7, 2013

CONNEAUT LAKE — The Borough of Conneaut Lake has been awarded a $400,000 state grant to upgrade Fireman’s Beach.

The grant, from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is the third the borough has received this fall as part of a community development project.

The money will go toward rehabilitation and further development of Fireman’s Beach with construction of a boat launch, boat docks, boat slips, a pedestrian walkway and parking as well as handicapped accessibility and landscaping.

While there is no construction schedule yet, it’s possible work could begin on Fireman’s Beach after the summer beach season has ended in September 2014, according to Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee and a member of borough council.  Council still needs to receive and review the grant documentation from DCNR, he said.

The Fireman’s Beach project is part of a series of more than $2 million in community improvements the borough has planned.

Last month, the borough was awarded a $375,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant to improve infrastructure within the borough’s central business district along Water Street.

The $375,000 grant would pay for improvements along Water Street between the Conneaut Lake Outflow and Second Street.  Work includes partial relocation of utility lines; new curbing and sidewalks with handicapped accessible ramps; new asphalt on the street; improved decorative street lights; and new traffic signs.

In October, the borough was awarded a $150,000 grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission for a storm water improvement project.  That project is along Route 322 from the borough’s border with Sadsbury Township west into the borough along Route 322/Water Street to west of First Street, Eldridge said.

The borough has committed $150,000 toward the revitalization project and Crawford County has committed $210,000 as well.

The Meadville Tribune
By Keith Gushard
Tuesday, November 19, 2013

CONNEAUT LAKE — The borough of Conneaut Lake has been awarded a $375,000 state grant to improve infrastructure within the borough’s central business district.

It’s the second grant the borough has been awarded for street and landscape improvements from either state or federal sources within the past month.

The $375,000 Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant would be part of the first phase of improvements along Water Street, according to Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee and a member of borough council.

Borough Council is expected to take action on the grant at its Dec. 11 meeting, Eldridge said.

The grant would pay for improvements along Water Street between the Conneaut Lake Outflow and Second Street.  Work includes partial relocation of utility lines; new curbing and sidewalks with ADA accessible ramps; new asphalt on the street; improved decorative street lights; and new traffic signs.

The project is part of a series of street and landscape improvements the borough has planned for its business district along Water Street.

Conneaut Lake Borough Council has sought funding from various state, federal and local sources including a $2 million grant from the state for more than $2 million in proposed improvements along Water Street, borough’s main street.

“The work will be done in either 2014 or 2015,” Eldridge said.  “We’ve not nailed down a schedule because we’re waiting word on other funds.  We have two years to use the money.

The borough has committed $150,000 toward the revitalization project and Crawford County has committed $210,000 as well.

“We should hear about the other grants by the end of the calendar year,” Eldridge said.

The announcement of the state funding follows an October award of a $150,000 grant by the Appalachian Regional Commission to the borough for a storm water improvement project.

The ARC grant covers storm water improvements along Route 322 from the borough’s border with Sadsbury Township west into the borough along Route 322/Water Street to west of First Street, Eldridge said.

The storm water project is a project on its own, but also is part of the borough’s overall improvement plan, Eldridge said.

The ARC storm water project is scheduled to be done in 2014, but no formal timetable has been set as final design is not complete, Eldridge said.

The Meadville Tribune
By Keith Gushard
Saturday, October 19, 2013

CONNEAUT LAKE — Conneaut Lake has been awarded a $150,000 federal grant for a storm water improvement in the borough.

The borough has been awarded the funding through the federal Appalachian Regional Commission.

“It’s a project on its own.”  Bill Eldridge, chairman of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee, said Friday.  “But, it’s also part of an overall plan of improvements.”

Conneaut Lake is in the midst of planning a series of street and landscape improvements in its business district along Water Street.

The ARC grant covers stormwater improvements along Route 322 from the borough’s border with Sadsbury Township west into the borough along Route 322/Water Street to west of First Street, Eldridge said.

The ARC stormwater project is scheduled to be done in 2014, but no formal date has been set as final design is not complete, according to Eldridge.

The borough has sought funding from various state, federal and local sources including a $2 million grant from the state for more than $2 million in proposed improvements along Water Street, Conneaut Lake’s main thoroughfare.  Final cost totals and projects will be determined once all funding responses are received.

Those improvements would include putting over head utility lines underground; new curbing, sidewalks and crosswalks; adding decorative street lights and signal poles; and new landscaping.

The borough has committed to $150,000 toward the project and Crawford County has committed $210,000 as well.

The good news is we can use the ARC grant as matching funds toward any state grant,” Eldridge said.

The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Saturday, May 11, 2013

CONNEAUT LAKE — Crawford County commissioners have pledged $210,000 to the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee for its project to make renovations to downtown Conneaut Lake in order to help bring revitalization and economic development.

Bill Eldridge of the CLCDC announced the commitment for the $210,000 at a meeting of Conneaut Lake Borough Council earlier this week.  Eldridge said it is the first government funding which has been approved and documented. 

He added that many applications for grants and other funding sources have been made, and the committee is waiting to hear from those sources.

Crawford County Commissioner Jack Lynch said the county supports the project and while no source has been designated from which the funds will be taken, the county has committed to the pledge over the next three years.  He said the county will use a combination from sources such as the CDBG (Community Development Block Grant) and others.

“I’m confident we will work with them.  They’ve done all the right things (in applying for funding),” Lynch said of the CLCDC.

Francis Weiderspahn Jr., chairman of the county commissioners, said the $210,000 could be used as matching funds for grants such as a possible $750,000 grant the committee has applied for through the state Department of Economic and Community Development.

The commissioners unanimously approved endorsement of the project, noting they see it as a “prototype that can be implemented in other boroughs of the county,” according to a letter sent to the DCED.

Eldridge said the $6.6 million revitalization and economic development project is expected to be completed over a period of years as funding and time is available for the project.  The project will be done in stages, taking into account the summer tourist season.

Phase One includes improvements to Fireman’s Beach, sidewalks, storm drainage, streets and crosswalks and overhead wires.  He anticipates the work will begin next year.

At Wednesday’s council meeting, Ben Levenger of E.G. & G., the company that has been heading up the project for the CLCDC, was introduced as the new project manager.  He replaces Jack Grossman of E.G. & G.  Eldridge said the E.G. & G. firm members work together as a team and he sees no change in the quality and amount of work being done by the firm with Levenger taking over the lead role from Grossman.

Eldridge also introduced another resolution seeking another potential grant, this one for $150,000 from the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC).  He said if received, the funds would be used for infrastructure planned in the project.  Eldridge delivered the grant application on Thursday morning.

Eldridge said a preliminary application has been made and the ARC asked for a final application, signifying it determined the project is worthwhile.  The grant would be used for storm water drainage on Water Street from First to Fourth streets.

That project cost is estimated at $300,000 and would require matching funds, but Eldridge and Levenger said that should not be a problem because other funds can be used as the matching money.

The CLCDC has been working for several years on the revitalization project which would put utility lines underground, improve the infrastructure, streets and sidewalks in town and improve Fireman’s Beach.

Private donations also are being sought as well as the government grants with a goal of improving the town and bringing more economic development to the area.

Ed Yates, chairman of the CLCDC, praised Eldridge and Chad Waldschmidt of the CLCDC for the amount of time and effort they have put forth on the project, working with council on grant applications and other related work.

CONNEAUT LAKE — Formation of a redevelopment area in the borough is the focus of a public hearing to be held Wednesday at 6:30p.m. by Conneaut Lake Borough Council at the Conneaut Lake Area Ambulance Service Station, 290 S. Fourth St.

Public comment will be head at the meeting regarding the proposal to designate part of the borough as a redevelopment area.  The area will be bordered by First Street on the east, Strawberry Alley on the south, Fourth Street on the west and Church Lane to the north.  It also includes the right-of-way along Water Street between the lake culvert and First Street.

A resolution also will be proposed at the meeting regarding establishment of the area.  Designating a redevelopment area makes the borough eligible to apply for grants, which are available for redevelopment purposes.

It is all part of the revitalization project being spearheaded by Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee in cooperation with borough council.

Bill Eldridge, a member of the CLCDC and borough council, said an informal visual survey was done by EG&G of Akron, Ohio, the consultant hired by the CLCDC and borough council, to develop a plan and seek funding for the revitalization project.

Eldridge said some of the improvements needed include some roofing, siding, downspouts, gutters and bricks as well as sidewalks and curbs.

According to a resolution passed by Crawford County Planning Commission regarding the project and then forwarded to Conneaut Lake Borough council, the consultant found that 97.3 percent of the designated area had streets and infrastructures which need improvements and 54.5 percent of the buildings have deficiencies.

The planning commission, in its resolution, recognized that “conditions in the designated area are substandard and have and will continue to result in making such area economic or social liabilities harmful to the social and economic well being of the entire community, depreciating values therein, reducing tax revenue and thereby depreciating further and general communitywide values.”

Eldridge said the designation of the redevelopment area would strictly be for improvements to the area—not for Fireman’s Beach.  He said CLCDC and borough council continue to move forward to seek other grants for various needs of the community.

Following the meeting about the redevelopment area, a special meeting of borough council will begin at 6:45 p.m. at the same location regarding an application for a $375,000 grant for the purpose of funding the downtown and Fireman’s Beach revitalization.

The grant, if received, would help with funding of Fireman’s Beach upgrades, which potentially would increase revenue in the borough.

Eldridge said the revitalization project continues to move forward on seeking grants and other funding for the upgrades needed in the borough.

After the public meeting and the special meeting, a regular monthly meeting of borough council will begin at the same location.

The Meadville Tribune
By Keith Gushard
Thursday, October 18, 2012

Conneaut Lake Borough Council is asking for the county’s backing on a $2 million state grant proposal to revitalize the borough.

The borough is seeking the money from the Pennsylvania Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, said Bill Eldridge, a member of Conneaut Lake Borough Council and Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee.  Eldridge outlined the request to county commissioners at their weekly work session Wednesday.  If the grant is approved by the state, Conneaut Lake would expect funding to be announced in the spring of 2013, Eldridge told the Tribune.

Proposed improvements along Water Street, Conneaut Lake’s main thoroughfare, would include putting overhead utility lines underground; new curbing, sidewalks and crosswalks; adding decorative street lights and signal poles; and new landscaping.

An overhaul of Fireman’s Beach also is proposed.  Work there would include new docks; a waterfront walkway and sidewalk; a paved parking lot; and a new playground and a new boat launch with separation between the two areas for added safety.

Borough Council and the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee are asking the county to submit the grant on behalf of Conneaut Lake, Eldridge said.

He noted that the costs of private building projects in the borough’s business district within the past few years –a Rite Aid drug store building and a Sheetz convenience store—may be used toward the grant’s matching funds requirement.

“This will leverage more private sector money and improve traffic flow,” said Eldridge.  That would help the Conneaut Lake area improve its economy, he said.

There is some evidence of more private sector investment in the borough because of the proposed project as the former Foulk’s Bakery building at Water and first streets is undergoing renovation, Eldridge said.

If successful, what Conneaut Lake is doing may be used as a model for economic development in other communities around Crawford County, Eldridge said.

As part of the grant submission, Conneaut Lake Borough and Crawford County would sign a cooperation agreement with the borough preparing the grant application and other necessary documentation while the county would administer the grant and assist with an audit of it.

County commissioners are expected to act on the grant request and cooperation agreement at their meeting today.