ORWIGSBURG - The Orwigsburg Borough Council approved a resolution for the filing of a grant through the state Department of Community and Economic Development that could possibly be used for a roof at the Community Memorial Hall in the borough.
Borough Manager Mike Lonergan said the resolution was requested by DCED but isn't required until funds are actually awarded.
Among other things, the resolution states that the borough would contribute toward any local match required - Lonergan said there isn't one - and any funds spent for something not permitted would be reimbursed by the borough.
Greg Stewart, president of the Orwigsburg Veterans Memorial Development Task Force that was established in 2005, said the building was open for use about two weeks ago.
"It is open for public use but it still has to be scheduled for use through the borough," he said Thursday.
Groups can call the borough hall at 570-366-3103 to schedule a time. A fee is involved, Stewart said.
Lonergan said the grant request was for $153,000.
Stewart said he had not heard a reply yet. The task force applied in August through DCED to use funds through the Growing Greener II program. The program can award funds to help redevelop the downtowns of municipalities to improve buildings or public improvements, according to DCED. Grants can average between $250,000 to $500,000, the state said.
Stewart said officials from DCED reviewed the application and suggested that the borough apply because it has a longer track record of getting grants. The borough applied in January and members of the task force assisted in the grant application, he said. A decision might be made before summer, Stewart said.
The 8,100-square-foot building along Route 443 had been closed since fall 2010. It was dedicated July 22, 1950, in honor of veterans who served in all wars.
A campaign is under way to raise funds to improve the building. A roof and other improvements have yet to be completed.
Last year, a geothermal HVAC system was installed and bathrooms were recently completed, as well as the electric.
Stewart did not provide an amount for the project raised through grants, donations and other funds to date.
An amount will be available next week, he said.
In other news, the council voted to authorize Lonergan to write a letter of support to the Blue Mountain Recreation Commission in support of an updated comprehensive park and recreation plan. The plan was last completed in 1975.
The commission will apply for a grant in April to update the plan, according to a letter from Recreation Director Mark Palerino.
Lonergan's letter to Palerino said in part the council believes the updated plan will benefit all involved.
The council also adopted an ordinance amending the borough zoning ordinance relating to off-street parking in the commercial district to make it 10 feet from the travel lane. Before the change it was 20 feet from the property line. The change will allow more spaces on commercial lots, Lonergan said.
The council also adopted an ordinance amending the borough subdivision and land development ordinance to make it conform with the newly adopted zoning ordinance.