Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lawrence County, Pennsylvania public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
14 issues in development
Humphrey Center construction
The county officially named the former St. Joe's school as the future Children and Youth Services home. State funding could cover up to 80% of renovations, and officials aim to keep the taxpayer cost near zero.
HUD Healthy Homes Production Grant application
A $5.75 million federal grant will remove lead paint hazards from 120 homes across seven counties over four years, with about 62 units in Lawrence County. Families with children under six and low-income homeowners are the focus.
Homebuyer assistance program handoff
The county is putting another $25,000 from deed-recording fee revenue into grants that cover closing costs for first-time, low-to-moderate income homebuyers. The last round of funding was exhausted in about nine months, and roughly 11 buyers will benefit this time.
Humphrey Center construction contracts
Ten bids came in for renovating the county's Humphrey Center — the former St. Joseph's property off Cascade Street. Electrical bids run $627,000–$999,000 and general contracting $2.4M–$3M; all were tabled for staff review with a recommendation due next Tuesday.
Early intervention services for young children
Fifteen contracts were renewed for free therapy and developmental services for Lawrence County babies and toddlers up to age five — fully state-reimbursed, so no cost to families or the county.
Cascade Street government services campus
The county's former St. Joseph property on South Cascade Street is moving toward construction — a Penn Power right-of-way deal is signed and construction bids go out this week, with hopes of moving county agencies in by early spring.
AMG Titanium planned land development in Neshannock Township
AMG Titanium notified the county of a planned land development at Northgate Circle: a new manufacturing and office building, parking lots, utilities, and stormwater systems.
Ellwood City ADA curb ramp funding shift
A sidewalk width issue on 13th Street triggered a change order, so the county is moving about $2,570 from Ellwood City's CDBG admin pot into its curb ramp project. The borough is chipping in part of the cost.
Repository property sales
The county accepted a $500 bid to sell off a tax-delinquent parcel in Pulaski Township, returning it to private hands and eventually back on the tax rolls.
Affordable Housing Fund Grant to Carpenter's Project
$15,000 from the deed and mortgage fee fund will support volunteers who repair Ellwood City homes for free — no financial paperwork required of homeowners.
Side-lot transfers to Redevelopment Authority
Two county-owned vacant lots in New Castle's second ward will go to the Redevelopment Authority so neighboring property owners can buy them as $150 side lots, returning the parcels to the tax rolls.
Pathways Adolescent Center Transitional Living Program
Pathways Adolescent Center in Oil City opened a transitional living program in October, and the county added it to its existing contract so a county youth can move into it.
Child Welfare Education and Leadership (CWEL) Program Participation
The county continues investing in its CYS workforce by sponsoring employees to earn advanced social work degrees. Ja'Von Clark will study part-time while working full-time and must stay with the county after graduating for a period equal to her time in the program.
Acquisition of former St. Joseph the Worker Church campus
The county officially closed on the former St. Joseph's Church campus in New Castle's Fourth Ward, buying it from the Diocese of Pittsburgh. Commissioner Kennedy, who championed the project, missed the closing due to illness.