SEDA-COG Assists Centre County Business with EDA COVID-19 Loan

SEDA-COG’s Business Finance Department recently assisted Hofbrau Pizza with an EDA COVID-19 loan to purchase the property and restaurant known as The Hofbrau located at 106 East Bishop Street, Bellefonte, PA. This loan is in partnership with Jersey Shore State Bank, working directly with Commercial Lender, Gregory Wendt.

The Hofbrau has been a Bellefonte staple since 1973, serving generations of hungry pizza lovers over the years. The restaurant was started by “pizza king” Bill McFadden who developed a special crust recipe that was used in his various restaurants including Bellefonte, State College (Faccia Luna) and Alexandria, Virginia (Faccia Luna). Now at the helm of Hofbrau Pizza are Ruth and Bryan Sampsel.

Ruth Sampsel has been in the restaurant industry for over 20 years and has been with The Hofbrau for 15 of those years. When the opportunity arose for her to take over the restaurant, she was ready to put her stamp on the next generation of the Centre County institution.

On March 17th, 2020, The Hofbrau went from a full dining restaurant with an in-house seating capacity of 80 people, to a take-out only concession. Throughout the pandemic, the restaurant was forced to move to paper plates, plastic silverware, and moving an employee from the kitchen to the front of the house to take phone orders.

As a result of the pandemic, prices for everything have skyrocketed. This loan eases the burden of the cost increases for The Hofbrau.

“We were able to get an amazing rate with this loan, which will in turn allow us to pass on savings to our customers. The cost of everything has gone up, but the loan grants us the ability to keep our prices down,” said Sampsel.

Sampsel continued, “this restaurant is not just to feed people – I am welcoming you into my home. It’s a place for friends and family to gather, laugh, and enjoy time together. We live and work in a wonderful community and our restaurant allows us to see everyone and connect for years to come.”

Tina Showers, SEDA-COG Principal Program Analyst worked with Jennifer Heebner, SEDA-COG Program Analyst, to bring this financing package to fruition.

“The pandemic presented immense difficulties for all businesses, but particularly those in the hospitality industry. We are thrilled to be able to assist such an iconic and long-standing restaurant in Bellefonte, and cannot wait to see them grow and expand,” said Showers.

Their hours are Monday through Thursday 4 to 9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4 to 9:30 p.m., and Sundays from 4 to 8 p.m.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s loans, please contact Tina Showers at tshowers@seda-cog.org.

As a community and economic development agency, SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives. SEDA-COG also is an advocate for the interests of its communities at the state and federal levels. For more information, visit www.seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG and Union County Housing Authority Partner for Contractor Breakfast

On Monday, June 20, 2022, from 8-9:30 a.m., SEDA Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) and the Union County Housing Authority (UCHA) are partnering to host a contractor breakfast. This event will be held at the East Buffalo Township Building, 586 Fairground Rd, Lewisburg, PA 17837. Registration is required for this event. To register, contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle Rippon at 570-524-4491 or drippon@seda-cog.org.

Since 1989, SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation Program has invested $32 million in 9 counties and over 1,000 homes. The Program rehabilitates homes for limited-income families on behalf of our partnering communities (the Boroughs of Berwick, Jersey Shore, Milton, Mount Carmel and South Williamsport. The Counties of Juniata, Montour, Snyder, Sullivan, and Perry. The Cities of Lock Haven, Shamokin and Sunbury, the Town of Bloomsburg, and the Township of Mount Carmel.)

UCHA has been administering their Residential Rehabilitation Program since 1983. As of April 2022, 1054, homes throughout Union County have been rehabilitated. The purpose of the program is to allow people to remain in their homes and community. It also helps the community by preventing the deterioration of properties and blight. This program and other programs and services offered by UCHA aim to meet the mission of providing safe, decent, sanitary, affordable housing to income eligible residents and to provide related community services within Union County.

“This breakfast will provide an amazing opportunity for local contractors to learn the minimum requirements to get pre-approved for the various work opportunities provided by SEDA-COG, UCHA, and our client communities,” said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

Sharon Leon, Executive Director of Union County Housing Authority, shared her thoughts, “UCHA is excited to work collaboratively with SEDA-COG to host this breakfast. We know there are quality contractors in this area, and our hope is to engage these contractors to work with our programs.

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.

Home Rehab Grant Waitlist for Mount Carmel Township

The Township of Mount Carmel anticipates receiving a $300,000 housing rehabilitation grant and interested residents should apply now to get on the waiting list for the no-cost repairs.


Qualified residents may receive up to $50,000 for housing rehabilitation expenses and an additional $15,000 if lead-based paint hazard reduction is required.


Interested residents may call SEDA-COG’s call Stacy Anderson at 570-524-4491 Ext. 7215.


Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Modifications for mobility-impaired residents are also eligible within this program. Homeowners must maintain home residency over a five-year period from the date of signing in order for this service to be received at no cost.


“SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) manages the entire process for the homeowner,” said Teri Provost, Director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.


Provost continued, “Not only does the homeowner get necessary home repairs, but they also get the benefit of going through the process hassle-free as we manage the logistics from start to finish.”


Qualifications:
• Must live in the Township limits of Mount Carmel;
• Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it;
• Meet income qualifications based on household size;
• Be current on local taxes and municipal utility bills;
• Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance;
• Live in the home an additional five years.


Additional requirements may apply.


Annual Gross Income Limits until 6/14/22:
Family size: 1 – $36,800; 2 – $42,050; 3 – $47,300; 4 – $52,550; 5 – $56,800; 6 – $61,000; 7 – $65,200; 8 – $69,400.


Annual Gross Income Limits as of 6/15/22:
Family size: 1 – $40,850; 2 – $46,650; 3 – $52,500; 4 – $58,300; 5 – $63,000; 6 – $67,650; 7 – $72,300; 8 – $77,000.

New Hire in SEDA-COG’s Community Development Program

SEDA-COG recently welcomed Anthony McKenney as a Program Assistant in the Community Development Program.

McKenney is a 2021 graduate of Bloomsburg University with a degree in History and a minor in Political Science. AJ is currently a member of the Catawissa Borough Council and a committee member of Columbia County Tax Collection. During his time at Bloomsburg University, McKenney worked on the McGee Project. This project created a digital database of historical documents. McKenney also participated in the Migrant Education Program and student taught at Shamokin Area High School.

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.