$147k in funding to transform vacant lot in Philipsburg

CENTRE COUNTY, Pa. (WTAJ) — Over $100,000 will be used to help transform a vacant lot into a community park in Philipsburg.

The Philipsburg Revitalization Corporation (PRC) announced that they were the recipient of $147,000 in federal community project funding. The funding will go towards the community park project on the 100 block of East Pine Street in the Philipsburg Borough.

The funding was secured by U.S. Senator Bob Casey and they’re hoping that the new space will be an asset to the community and utilized for downtown events. The funds will be used to create a community green space with improved sidewalks, outdoor seating and dining areas, overhead lighting and landscaping to screen off adjacent parking lots.

“I fought for this funding because converting blighted, vacant lots into green spaces breathes new life into our communities and creates a safer, cleaner environment for our families,” Senator Casey said. “This restoration will create a much-needed space in the heart of the Philipsburg Historic District where residents can come together and enjoy all their community has to offer.”

The new space will also feature electric outlets for vendors to use during special events and a small amphitheater for speakers or music.

“The PRC is particularly excited about this project because it responds to suggestions of downtown business owners who recognize the need for outdoor space for people to gather, relax, or enjoy food or coffee from our restaurants,” PRC President Eric Rusnak said.

“The new park will provide permanent infrastructure for vendors to use during downtown events,” Rusnak added. “We also remove another block from Philipsburg’s blight list.”

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The lot, now owned by Philipsburg Borough, has been vacant since 2009 when the borough took ownership of two blighted buildings. The buildings were then demolished a time later.

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