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By MICHAEL McNARNEY mmcnarney@leader.net
Thursday, March 13, 2003 Page: 3A
The long-running saga of a proposed retail/office building at South Main
and Northampton streets is on the agenda again for tonight’s 5 p.m. City
Council meeting.
Mayor Tom McGroarty or a representative is expected to talk about the
project, mostly funded with a federal grant. U.S. Department of Commerce
officials are threatening to yank the $889,000 balance of the grant and make
the city pay back the $700,000 already spent.
Council has blocked McGroarty’s plans to raze the buildings along the
intersection – except for Classic Bride at 68 S. Main St., which the city does
not own. Councilman Tom Leighton wants to refurbish the buildings; McGroarty
wants to demolish them and collect the federal cash.
There has been no action on the project since fall 2002, when council voted
to block demolition and the city Redevelopment Authority – which was in charge
of the project – was paralyzed by lack of members.
In other business, council will discuss:
A proposed state study of city finances by the Center for Local Government
Services. Council agreed to the study in September 2002, but McGroarty has yet
to give his blessing.
A proposed methadone clinic on Laird Street in Plains Township. McGroarty
opposes it; council has not had the chance to weigh in.
Advertising information about the mandatory apartment inspections approved
by council in December 2002.
Michael McNarney, a Times Leader staff writer, may be reached at 831-7305.