SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The borough council gave approval for Our Haven Foundation to submit a grant request to the state Department of Community and Economic Development for facade improvements.
"We're asking for $45,000," Mark Machamer, an OHF board member, said.
Borough Manager Scott Graver said he reviewed the application.
Machamer said some property owners in the borough said they would like to participate, but applications can't be filled out until the approval is given by DCED.
The following areas in the central business district would be included: Main Street from Margaretta Street to Columbia Street, Saint Peter Street between River and Union streets, and Saint John from River to Union.
"We haven't been approved yet. We have to submit an application online," Machamer told the council.
Approved applicants would be responsible for 50 percent of the cost of the improvements and would receive up to $3,000. Renters can apply with approval of their property owner, Economic Development Director Carl Berger said. All funds would go to the improvements.
Applicants would have to meet criteria listed by the OHF board design committee and must comply with all borough zoning and codes regulations.
The OHF will most likely submit the application this month, Berger said. He did not have a date when they would receive a reply.
In other news, Jerry Bowman and Tom Gordon were sworn in for two-year terms on the borough council. They were appointed by the council after council President Marlin Berger Jr. and Kurt Montz gave up two-year seats having each also won a 4-year term.
The council also voted to petition the county for a judicial sale on a rundown property at 750 N. Garfield Ave., which would remove liens, or money owed, on the property. Montz said the property has been in disrepair for years.
"It's been empty a long time," Graver said, adding the property has not had taxes paid on it in some time.
"If we wish to petition the county for a judicial sale, we have to ask the county," he said.
The next judicial sale is in the spring.
The council also approved fundraising events for the Island Commission. Five people were approved for the Island Commission: B.J Evans, Gloria Ebling, Sandy Hess, Charlie Kerschner and Lee Llewellyn. Each person will serve a three-year term.
Ruth Tucci, a council member, reminded everyone in attendance about the free health fair that will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. Jan. 25 in the neighborhood center, 340 Haven St.
The event will feature free flu shots for adults 18 and older, healthy food, vision screenings for adults and children. The snow date is Feb. 8.
Also, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 12 there will be an electronic recycling event in the borough at the Compost Site on Saint Charles Street. For more information, call borough hall at 570-385-2841 or Advanced Green Solutions, 610-767-2577.