[Last Updated on 2 October 2009] Bellefonte Borough currently has a number of active Grants.  These grants include:

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grant # BRC-PRD-13-88 – Talleyrand Park Improvements

This Grant was generated to perform improvements to the “Claster’s” land next to the Match Factory Building (APS).  Weber, Murphy, and Fox presented a tentative layout and design to Borough Council and the public for input.  A few changes were discussed and implemented such as a path through the middle of the park.   The concept of the grant proposal is to develop a walk-way around the park, install lighting and plant trees.  We are currently in the permitting phase with the hope of sending a draft package to DCNR late 2009.   If the schedule continues as planned, the request for proposals will occur early 2010.  The timeframe for completion is summer 2010.

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Grant # BRC-PRD-14-15 – Growing Greener – Big Spring Bridge

This grant is being performed simultaneously with the Talleyrand Park Improvements Grant.  The Architectural and Engineering Firm of Weber, Murphy, and Fox is also working on completing the permitting applications for both grants.  The purpose of this grant is to install a bridge (donated by Penn State) behind the Big Spring Pump House.  In addition, the grant scope of work calls for a railroad crossing connecting the park with the American Philatelic Society.

Department of Community and Economic Development  Grant # BRC TAG 13.3 158 – Kepler Pool Feasibility Study

This Grant is coming to a close.  The purpose of this grant request was to submit a planning grant request to the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources during Spring 2007 to ask for grant assistance toward the preparation of an aquatics feasibility study.  The purpose of the aquatics feasibility study was to analyze the current and projected demands for aquatic services in the Nittany Valley Planning Region, evaluate the physical condition and efficiency of Kepler Pool to identify improvements and/or additions that may be required or needed to improve the economic feasibility of the existing facilities, and develop preliminary capital cost estimates and projected expense and revenue estimates for the proposed recommendations.

Please click here for a copy of the Final Report.

Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission

The intended purpose of this grant was for Bellefonte Borough to seek financial assistance for the development of a publication (bulletin) to serve as a planning and implementation tool at all levels of building rehabilitation. The focus of the bulletin will be to supply information listing fire detection and suppression alternatives, suppliers, and techniques for the prevention of fires in historic buildings. The intended audience will be trades persons, planners, architects, engineers, and property owners. The purpose of the bulletin is to distribute information in a format that is readily available and accessible in an effort to promote the application of modern technology in the reduction of fire losses in existing buildings.  The bulletin will be designed for public distribution through direct mail, placement on the World Wide Web, and community-wide as a PowerPoint program. Click here to visit the Fire Suppression Report.

Department of Community and Economic Development – Contract No. C000037110 – Bellefonte Waterfront District Redevelopment Plan

This grant is underway and the Borough contracted with Delta Development Group, Incorporated in July 2009.  A Steering Committee of Community members has also been established.  These members include: Renee Brown; Vana Dainty; Robert Dannaker; Richard Fornicola; Wendy Fultz; Stanley Goldman; Erin Hammerstedt; Donald Holderman; Gary Hoover; Kim Kowalyck; Samual McGinley; Gregory Wendt; and Kimberly Wheeler.

The potential for redevelopment of the waterfront site in downtown Bellefonte is exciting and can be achieved with appropriate preparation and an action-oriented approach.  The scope of services addresses the planning and pre-construction activity related to the project.  The planning document developed from the tasks outlined in the scope of work will be the road map to build strategic public private partnerships and to move forward with implementation of the plan.

Four meetings have taken place to date.  The first was an orientation with the Consultant and the Steering Committee.  The second meeting was a very successful public meeting held at the Courthous Annex on September 24, 2009.  Delta Development has since completed interviews with key stakeholders which were determined by the Borough and the consultant.    Click here for the powerpoint presentation shown at the meeting.

A final Steering Committee meeting was held on January 14, 2010 to hear the results of Delta’s efforts.  Input was provided and the final Public meeting was held at the Courthouse Annex on January 28, 2010.  Approximately 75 people were in attendance.

Click here to view pdf of slide presentation presented at the January 28, 2010 public meeting.

Certified Local Government Grant 2009 – Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission, Bureau of Historic Preservation.

This grant seeks partial funding for the Borough’s Historic Preservation Specialist, on a part-time basis.  The Consultant provides technical guidance and administrative assistance to property and business owners rehabilitating and improving their exterior facades of buildings located in Bellefonte’s Historic district.  The 2010 Consultant was selected in early September 2009 and is Erin Hammerstedt.