City Council Approves Grant Applications, Recognizes Black History Month

Lancaster City Council approved grant applications to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for two different projects, Tuesday night.

A $245,000 grant application was unanimously approved for improvements to the Eastern Market Plaza and market building by Tabor Community Services, and a $300,000 grant application by Community Basics was approved for the "Park Avenue Apartments project" at 255 Park Avenue.

Community basics developer Tom Eisemann explained that his organization plans to install 23 1-bedroom units for seniors and those in disabilities in a property that was formerly a shoe factory.

Eisemann estimates the total construction cost to be "about $2 million."

City Council also voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Angela Cuthbert as an alternate to the Lancaster Zoning Hearing Board. Dr. Cuthbert, who recently moved to the city, teaches geography at Millersville University.

The Council also passed a resolution in recognition of February as Black History Month. Councilman Jose Urdaneta brought up the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama on the national stage, saying, "I think it's important to recognize the contributions of all of the people who made it possible for us to get to this point."