Governor Tom Corbett today announced that the Department of Community and Economic Development awarded the Borough of Lititz a $35,000 Keystone Communities grant to make improvements to continue driving visitors and new development to what was named by Budget Travel as “America’s Coolest Small Town” in 2013.
“Communities that develop a strategic plan for growth and improvements are going be well-positioned for success in the future,” said Corbett. “This partnership with Lititz will continue the borough’s downtown renaissance through façade upgrades and improvements encouraging new growth and attracting new visitors to the region.”
The Keystone Communities grant will provide funding to support the continuation of the Borough’s Storefront and Historic Property Facade Improvements program. The Borough of Lititz will work with Venture Lititz, responsible for operating the Main Street program to spur investment redevelopment in the downtown Main Street district.
“Venture Lititz is grateful to be able to participate in the Keystone Community facade grant program,” said Executive Director Kelly Withum. “We are looking forward to the improvement of several of prominent buildings in our downtown. The facade program gives property owners the ability to make improvements they may not have been able to do without the grant program.”
The grant will be used to encourage and assist commercial and historic property owners in improving and maintaining their properties in the downtown Main Street district, thus generating new visitors and increased economic investment in the local community.
“I am very pleased that Lititz Borough has been approved for this grant which will enable the community to continue implementing their Storefront and Historic Property Façade Improvement plan,” said State Senator Mike Brubaker (R-36). “Aside from its historic attributes and community flare, Lititz has proven time and time again that it is simply a great place to live, work and raise a family. No doubt, this funding will allow the borough to make some additional, functional and physical improvements that will benefit local merchants and ultimately make this community more attractive for residents and visitors alike.”
“As one of the most historically intact and picturesque communities in Lancaster County, Lititz Borough prides itself on making the town a desirable place to live, work and visit,” said State Representative Steve Mentzer (R-97). “The Keystone Communities grant will provide the borough with additional tools it needs to maintain the positive visual impact and stimulate private investment for the benefit of residents and tourists alike.”
The Keystone Communities program was created in 2011 to assist commonwealth communities in achieving redevelopment. The program supports physical improvements to both designated and other communities that are undertaking revitalization to restore deteriorated downtowns, residential neighborhoods and industrial/manufacturing sites.
For more information about the Keystone Communities program and other community development initiatives, visit www.newPA.com or call 1-866-466-3972.