ECGRA invests in East Bayfront Neighborhood; Anchor Building, Renaissance Block Grants Awarded Across County
Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority (ECGRA) announced a strategic investment in East Bayfront Neighborhood Anchor Buildings today, coupled with Renaissance Block Grants to community groups working together to enhance the East Bayfront Neighborhood. The awards create an opportunity for revitalization as a $308,000 investment goes to work in the neighborhood. ECGRA also announced the first round of Anchor Building Grant recipients and round two of Renaissance Block Grant recipients. This announcement took place at the former St. Mary's School, 310 East 10th Street, Erie, PA, now known as The Studio at St. Mary's: Space to Create.
"This round of investments will inject $308,000 into a neighborhood in serious need of investment supporting the work of four groups working together on revitalization efforts," Perry Wood, Executive Director, ECGRA. "By focusing on an area identified in the Erie Refocused plan we are investing wisely and ECGRA dollars go further by sparking private investment and generating real impact and positive outcomes."
"The development of 'The Studio' has exceeded our expectations," said Benedictine Sister Mary Miller, director of Emmaus Ministries. "To have such a mixture of creative artists and innovative programs makes it an exhilarating workplace and, more importantly, a vehicle to bring stability, imagination, creativity, spirituality and beauty to a downtown neighborhood. Emmaus' mission has always been to feed the body and feed the soul."
"These strategic investments allow for the renewal of a marquee building, while supporting the communities they 'anchor'," said State Senator Dan Laughlin. "I continue to be impressed with ECGRA's approach to investing our gaming dollars and look forward to working with the East Bayfront community to ensure they succeed in their revitalization effort."
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