Community Revitalization – SEDA Council of Governments

Invitation to Bid: HMGP Acquisition and Demolition Project

Posted on March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 by DNS Admin

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Borough of Renovo is accepting bids for the HMGP Acquisition/Demolition Project – Renovo Borough, Clinton County, PA online via the PennBid Program at http://PennBid.Bonfirehub.com or in person at the office of the Engineer, Peters Consultants, Inc., 2701 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 until 11:00 A.M. local time on April 8, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Hardcopies of the bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked on the outside “Sealed Bid for HMGP Acquisition/Demolition Project – Renovo Borough, Clinton County, PA”.

The 16 properties are located in the Borough of Renovo at:

133 14th Street
135 14th Street
137 14th Street
139 14th Street
141 14th Street
143 14th Street
145 14th Street
147 14th Street
149 14th Street
151 14th Street
153 14th Street
155 14th Street
157 14th Street
159 14th Street
161 14th Street
163 14th Street

The 16 apartment units were constructed as a single structure. The Work comprises the demolition of all structures, garages, sheds, other ancillary property structures, private sidewalks (public sidewalks to remain), cap water and sewer laterals at curb line (work with public works), one water and sewer lateral in the middle shall be brought up to 3’ grade and capped, rubbish, asbestos abatement as needed, property restoration and all appurtenances for a complete job in accordance with the Contract Documents.

All Structures have been declared unsafe to enter to complete the asbestos testing. The Engineer’s Certified Asbestos Inspector will be onsite during the demolition process. The building materials must be kept adequately wet at all times, starting with the demolition process, through site cleanup, transport and final disposal. “Adequately wet” means sufficiently wet to prevent the release of particulates and there are no visible emissions observed from any asbestos-containing material. If visible emissions are observed, the demolition must cease, and additional wetting must be performed until no emissions are occurring. However, the absence of visible emissions is not sufficient evidence of being adequately wet.

For a complete discussion of the structurally unsound and in danger of imminent collapse provisions under the Asbestos NESHAP, please refer to 40 C.F.R. §§ 61.141 and 61.145(a)(3), 61.145(c)(4) -(9). Each Bid shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, negotiable U. S. Government Bonds (at par value) or approved Bid Bond in the amount of 10 percent of the total Bid Price, payable to the Borough of Renovo, as a guarantee that the Bidder, if its Bid is accepted, shall promptly obtain the required Bonds and Insurance and shall prepare the required submittal documents and execute the Agreement.

All Bids shall remain irrevocable for a period of 60 calendar days from the date of Bid opening, or as allowed by law. Bids may be held by the Borough of Renovo for up to 60 days from the date of opening for the purpose of reviewing the Bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders prior to awarding the contract. Bids shall be submitted upon forms furnished by the Borough of Renovo.

A full set of Contract Documents is available for inspection without charge at the office of the Engineer, Peters Consultants, Inc., 2701 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or at the Borough of Renovo office, 128 5th Street, Renovo, PA 17764. A full set of Contract Documents can be picked up at the office of the Engineer for $45.00 or a PDF can be emailed at no cost. This project has been financed by FEMA.

The Borough of Renovo is utilizing federal funds for this project, and has adopted a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) plan in accordance with Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432. As such, the bidders/offerors must submit documentary evidence of minority and women business enterprises who have been contacted and to whom commitments have been made. Documentation of such solicitations and commitments shall be submitted with the bid. MBE/WBE shall be afforded full opportunity to bid without discrimination

The Borough of Renovo reserves the right to award to the most responsible Bidder and reject any part of, and/or all Bids as it may best serve the interest of the Owner. The Borough of Renovo reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive any irregularities, and to negotiate contract amounts. Prevailing Wage Rates are required to be paid per Federal Regulations.

Borough of Renovo
Ms. Mary Kramer, Secretary / Treasurer

SEDA-COG Receives $1 Million EPA Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund Grant

Posted on May 30, 2023 by DNS Admin

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) has been awarded a highly competitive $1 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The grant is funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This award will create the opportunity to assist the SEDA-COG region by capitalizing a Brownfields Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) and further expanding its already established and successful EPA Brownfields program under the SEDA-COG Community Services Division.

A Brownfield is a property, the expansion, redevelopment, or reuse of which may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. SEDA-COG has previous success with EPA 128(a) Technical Assistance and EPA Community-Wide Assessment Grants.

With this new funding opportunity, SEDA-COG’s Business Finance Department will be able to further assist with real estate development and reuse by providing loans and subgrants to support Brownfields cleanup activities. This new program will initially focus on the city of Shamokin in Northumberland County but will allow SEDA-COG to offer this RLF to SEDA-COG’s 11-county region, which includes the counties of Centre, Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Perry, Snyder, and Union. When RLF loans are repaid, the loan amount is returned to the fund and loaned to other borrowers, providing an ongoing source of capital within the SEDA-COG region.

Betsy Kramer serves as SEDA-COG’s revitalization coordinator in the city of Shamokin. She is excited for the opportunity to administer the Brownfields funds. “This grant will encourage stakeholders to leverage resources to clean up and redevelop brownfields so they can be improved for future economic development; it’s a big win for the city and the SEDA-COG region.” stated Kramer.

Kim Wheeler, SEDA-COG Executive Director, said, “This grant award is a great accomplishment for our 11-county region. I’m proud of our staff. They worked diligently to submit the grant application and SEDA-COG was 1 of 15 grant recipients in the nation.” Wheeler stated, “This grant will allow us to work together with communities to safely clean up and reuse brownfield sites.”

This new RLF loan fund will be beginning late 2023. For more information on the SEDA-COG EPA Brownfield program, please contact Betsy Kramer at bkramer@seda-cog.org or by calling (570) 524-4491 x 7203.

SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

SEDA-COG to Hold an Open House on the Progress of Revitalization in the City of Shamokin

Posted on May 25, 2022 by

On Thursday, June 9, 2022, from 6-7 p.m., SEDA-COG will host a State of the City of Shamokin. This event will be held at Bamse Coffee & Roasters, located at 150 E Lincoln Street, Shamokin, PA 17872. There is a handicap accessible entrance on the side of the building. All are welcome, there is no RSVP necessary.

The purpose of this meeting is to keep the public informed on all the projects happening in the city and provide an opportunity for questions to be asked/answered. Sean Garrigan from Stromberg Garrigan & Associates will be providing project updates.

“There are a lot of wonderful things happening in Shamokin right now, and we know the citizens of Shamokin have been invested in the City’s progress from day one. This is a chance for people to learn about future plans for the City, ask questions, and provide their point of view,” said Rick Ulrich, Mayor of the City of Shamokin.

Shamokin restaurants: We’re open – eat local

Posted on August 14, 2020 by DNS Admin

Shamokin restaurants and breweries want the public to know that even with the pandemic’s restrictions, they are open with outdoor and indoor dining options.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), a community and economic development agency, has an office in Shamokin to coordinate revitalization efforts. SEDA-COG Revitalization Coordinator Betsy Kramer reviewed some restaurants’ outdoor seating expansion plans for the city to help ensure the aesthetics meet a revitalization plan that is being finalized.

HERITAGE RESTAURANT

Heritage Restaurant’s outdoor expansion fits with the revitalization plan and adds 13 outdoor tables at 52 N. Market St. and live music every Saturday night.

They offer “great food” like Bangin’ Shrimp, scallops, poutine, steaks, seafood, and more, said owner Kathy Vetovich.

“It’s a really cool vibe outside with plenty of atmosphere on our patio including signs from old Shamokin businesses,” Vetovich said. “It’s a destination.”

On display inside are vintage artifacts of days gone by of Shamokin like posters of a theater and a faux brick wall of the Fun Shop, a building that burned down several years ago.

She’s “born and bred” in Shamokin and a mural of her grandfather and her husband’s grandfather – both miners – is painted on her restaurant.

Vetovich started “rebuilding Shamokin one ugly building at a time” in 2014. She’s rejuvenated six buildings so far. The Heritage Restaurant was dilapidated, but she saw its potential in its tin ceilings and size. “It was an eyesore, but it had to be a gorgeous restaurant,” she said.

“I saw the demise of my hometown and I really couldn’t stand it,” she said. She wanted to stay and reinvest in the area where she knew people and people knew her.

One of the buildings she bought was the former Trinity Episcopal Church at 150 E. Liberty St. One of several offerings it will house is BAMSE Coffee and Roasters, a dog-friendly coffee shop. Its grand opening is 6:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. this weekend, Aug. 15 and 16. Regular hours will be 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

“This dog-friendly coffee shop is another opportunity for Shamokin to be a little distinct,” she said.

MAURER’S DAIRY AND ICE CREAM SHOPPE

Maurer’s Dairy and Ice Cream Shoppe at 34 S. Market St. offers daily outdoor barbeques of smoked chicken wings with picnic table seating.

“We put the wings on the grill, and they taste like no one else’s,” said owner Ken Bethge.

Besides the bar inside, they offer a pared down menu of freshly made sandwiches, burgers, soups, baked beans, coleslaw, and more.

Their ice cream features unique flavors like Bittersweet, their version of chocolate chip. They top it with a decadent 14% butter fat.

“We melt chocolates together and dump them into the hopper. When it splatters into the hopper, it gets into little pieces and you get a lot of chocolate in every bite. It’s a unique chocolate with a unique taste and it’s delicious and rich,” Bethge said.

Their ice cream cake sales have increased because of people celebrating more at home, he said.

From March to June, he offered free breakfast to serve the people of Shamokin. He started by delivering milk to schools, then expanded it to serving food to anyone in need thanks to donations.

“I always knew there was good people in this town, but it really hit home when we did the free breakfast here when people came out of the woodwork and dropped food and cash off – including other businesses,” Bethge said. “I’m totally shocked what the Coal region and people out of the area did.

“I want to keep thanking everybody who has kept helping us throughout this. They keep coming here – we’ll deliver curbside or outside. People are still supporting us and I’m thankful and without people, we wouldn’t be in business,” Bethge said.

Love drew Bethge to the area. Originally from the Bronx, he met a Shamokin woman and moved to Trevorton. He bought Maurer’s in 1993.

LOST MINED BREWING COMPANY & RESTAURANT

Dennis Kaleta has poured himself and his family’s mining heritage into his business, the Lost Mined Brewing Company & Restaurant at 100 S. Market St.

His grandfather worked in the Shamokin mines and was a bootlegger. Some artifacts in the restaurant are from his family with many others from the area.

“Nothing is fake; it’s all actual items that were used in the area,” Kaleta said. “Some are from ruins; others were given by customers.”

His outdoor dining seating has a planter made with an old tin roof he found in the area. They offer live music every Sunday night, supporting local artists.

They have a 30-tap system they made themselves and plan on putting 20 of their own beers on tap starting before year’s end. They have freshly cut French fries and homemade sauces and dressings to complement their full restaurant menu.

He started out in the home-brewing business 18 years ago and wanted to add variety to the local market. Now, he wants to add to the city.

“I believe in rebuilding this city,” Kaleta said.

COVERED BRIDGE BREWHAUS & TAPROOM

Covered Bridge Brewhaus & Taproom at 506 N. 8th St. also has outdoor and indoor dining. They offer about 25 new original beers a year like strubarb, a strawberry rhubarb beer; bragot made with local honey; cherry triple; and their flagship beer, coconut porter. They have 12 beers on tap along with wine from Kulpmont Winery, local spirits, and mixed drinks. Customers can take out beer in growlers, cans, and bottles.

“It’s my passion for beer and to try to create a European setting,” said owner Eric Kuijpers, who is originally from Holland. “My favorite beer is the next one; I always like to experiment.”

The Brewhaus has about 10 rotating food trucks that come and offer a variety of food like burgers, grilled cheese, BBQ, Mexican, and more.

It has three connected storefronts made into a taproom, a Speak Easy, and a parlor.

Originally from Neeritter in southern Holland, coming to Shamokin was “just a little adventure that turned into a longer stay,” Kuijpers said. “I started with some friends in the PA-Alers, a local homebrew club, maybe 15 years ago. I enjoy making different beers and sharing it with people.”