Council Approves Applying For $250,000 Grant For Center City Park

In a 3 - 1 vote, Hazleton City Council approved the city's application for a $250,000 Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program grant.

GTRP grants may be used for development, rehabilitation, and improvements to public parks, recreation areas, greenways, trails, and river conservation. The maximum grant amount available is $250,000 for any project, with a 15% match of the total project cost required by the applying entity.

Jack Mundie, Jean Mope, and Robert Gavio voted for Hazleton's administration applying for the grant. Dave Sosar was not in attendance, and Grace Cuozzo voted against applying for the grant.

If awarded, the grant will be used for continuing the second phase of development for the Center City Park at the corner of Broad and Laurel Streets.

Projected plans for the park include a performance stage connected to the Security Savings building which will in the future house a city arts center, handicapped parking, a lawn area, various walkways through folliage, and a fountain/sculpture as a centerpiece.