Category: SEDA-COG

Port Trevorton restaurant opens using COVID-19 and local bank loans

Port Trevorton restaurant opens using COVID-19 and local bank loans

Posted on by DNS Admin

Shaffer Restaurant and Soft Serve in Port Trevorton was purchased in December 2020 and the restaurant’s new name is Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant. Charlene Lauver is the new owner and operator of the business. Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant opened on January 5, 2021. Charlene partnered with Northumberland National Bank and SEDA-COG for the purchase of Shaffer Restaurant and Soft Serve. The restaurant industry has been hit very hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. In December 2020, restaurants were forced to operate at 50% capacity which qualified the SEDA-COG loan to fall under the federal Economic Development Administration’s (EDA)-COVID-19 eligibility.

Tom Rall of Northumberland National Bank was able to connect Charlene with local resources and made the introduction to SEDA-COG for funding. “We were pleased to partner with SEDA-COG and support a new local business while reducing the overall cost on interest for the life of the loan. We’re thrilled that everyone worked hard to help Charlene’s restaurant meet the timeline for the Sales Agreement.” The Northumberland National Bank carried the SEDA-COG portion of the project until the EDA –COVID funds could be disbursed.

Ms. Lauver was very happy with the SEDA-COG EDA COVID-19 loan’s low interest rate that is fixed for the life of the loan. “The savings on interest is a great help to my business,” Lauver said.

Ms. Lauver has over 12 years of experience as an owner and operator of a restaurant. She previously owned another restaurant until 2018, when she sold the business. When asked why she wanted to get back in the restaurant business, Ms. Lauver said “After taking a two-year break and working for other people, you miss the feeling of contentment and all of the customers.”

Lauver’s Family Traditions Restaurant is a full-service restaurant and ice cream stand. For people who would rather eat at home or have a nice picnic, they also offer take out service. They can cater your event as well. Currently the restaurant is only open Thursday – Sunday serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner. They also offer daily specials. The Sunday lunch special is a home cooked style meal. You can check them out on facebook or at https://lauvers-family-traditions-restaurant-llc.business.site/. For take-out, call the restaurant at (570) 374-2840.

For more information about SEDA-COG’s loans, please contact John Reichard at jreichard@seda-cog.org or Mike Morrison at mmorrison@seda-cog.org. To learn more about The Northumberland National Bank’s business lending, visit https://norrybank.com/business/loans/

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.

Housing rehabilitation grants offer opportunity for general contractors

Housing rehabilitation grants offer opportunity for general contractors

Posted on by DNS Admin

With the potential to add another community to our housing rehabilitation program, there’s an even greater opportunity for general contractors to work with municipalities and SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG).

Contractor work may include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon mitigation, energy-related improvements, and, if they have certain certifications, lead-based paint mitigation.

Housing rehabilitation bids typically range from $20,000 to $65,000, with timely payment to contractors.

SEDA-COG strives to work with local contractors to invest in the local economy, said Teri Provost, director of SEDA-COG’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“Not only do these grant awards benefit the community and homeowners, but the local economy as we seek to work with local general contractors to perform this work,” Provost said.

SEDA-COG works with housing rehabilitation programs in the boroughs of Berwick, Jersey Shore, Milton, Mount Carmel, and South Williamsport; the cities of Lock Haven, Shamokin, and Sunbury; the Town of Bloomsburg and Mount Carmel Township; and Juniata, Montour, Snyder, Perry and Sullivan counties.

This means work flexibility for contractors, Provost said.

“Contractors can choose where they want to work, so there’s tremendous work flexibility,” Provost said. “Additionally, our work is year-round, so we offer a steady flow of projects. And if they don’t want to perform lead-based paint mitigation, we don’t require that certification for lead-free homes.”

Interested contractors also have the option of meeting one-on-one with SEDA-COG to answer any questions they may have. SEDA-COG streamlines the process for contractors with a rehabilitation specialist assigned to each community.

Contractors may contact SEDA-COG’s Danielle King at 570-524-4491 ext. 7325 or dking@seda-cog.org.

SEDA-COG announces new director of Community Development

SEDA-COG announces new director of Community Development

Posted on by DNS Admin

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) is pleased to announce that Tyler Dombroski, a 7.5-year staffer, is the new director of its Community Development program.

As senior program analyst in that program, he wrote and administered many Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) grants and projects, and most notably, has managed the $17 million Town of Bloomsburg Flood Mitigation Expansion project. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, he has led efforts to create the CDBG‐CV Economic Development program template utilized regionwide.

Dombroski’s major goals as director this year include adapting to the region’s grant administration needs from major federal funding investments including CARES, American Rescue Plan, and the proposed American Jobs Plan; positively contributing to the region’s economic recovery; and continuing to provide strong grant administration services to SEDA-COG’s client communities.

He also aims to continue the development of his team.

“Our department is a strong team that has faced significant adversity over the last year. I hope to continue our positive growth,” Dombroski said.

He appreciates the people, the beauty, and the culture of the region.

“Our region is comprised of salt-of-the-earth people, which is important to me. My family and friends live here and being close to them is also important to me. I think our region has a lot of natural beauty and history. I am also a big Penn State football fan, so I have to stay close to my alma mater,” Dombroski said.

SEDA-COG Executive Director Kim Wheeler said Dombroski has the leadership qualities, experience, and skills to lead the team.

“He shows a great deal of commitment and visionary outlook which will help to continue the department and agency adapt to the ever-changing work environment with the pandemic. We are very excited as Tyler has started his transition into the director role today, May 3. We look forward to the continued excellent work Tyler and his team provide to the region,” Wheeler said.

Dombroski has been mayor of Washingtonville since 2014 and was a councilman for two years prior. He has served on the Montour Area Recreation Commission since 2013, currently as chairman. He has been chairman of the Montour County Agricultural Land Preservation Board since 2016. He is vice chairman of the Washingtonville Municipal Authority and has been on the board since 2014. He serves on the boards of the Central Susquehanna Opportunities (since 2018) and the Jane E. DeLong Memorial Hall Association (since 2013).

He earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education Social Studies in 2011, and his Master of Professional Studies in Community and Economic Development in 2014, both from Penn State.

Teri Provost had been the interim director of the program for over a year, in addition to being director of the Flood Resiliency and Housing Rehabilitation programs.

Wheeler said Provost did an excellent job providing oversight to three departments.

“We thank Teri for her oversight and commitment to not only the Community Development department but the agency over the last year-plus. Her continued hard work and dedication have helped to keep the department running smoothly. We appreciate her excellence,” Wheeler said.

SEDA-COG’s Community Development program administers 14 CDBG contracts for 28 communities. Over 35 years, the program has secured $120 billion for over 1,000 projects with its 11 dedicated staff.

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.

Grant may offer no-cost home repairs for Sullivan County homeowners

Grant may offer no-cost home repairs for Sullivan County homeowners

Posted on by DNS Admin

Sullivan County has designated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation work. Homeowners who live in their home full-time are encouraged to apply now to get on the waiting list.

Plus, more dollars can now be spent per home than in previous grants, so homeowners can receive up to $50,000 for rehabilitation improvements and up to an additional $25,000 to reduce and stabilize lead-based paint.

Eligible repairs include structural, roofing, plumbing, electrical, heating/furnace, window replacement, radon and lead-based paint mitigation, and energy-related improvements. Also included are modifications for mobility-impaired residents.

The county will provide up to $75,000 as a no-interest loan, which will be forgiven if the property is not sold or transferred for at least five years after the rehabilitation is complete.

SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) assists the homeowner through the whole process, said Teri Provost, director of the agency’s Housing Rehabilitation program.

“We help the homeowner from start to finish – from obtaining a contractor, managing the project, to anything that may arise during or after the rehabilitation process,” Provost said.

Interested homeowners may call SEDA-COG’s Stacy Anderson at 800-326-9310, ext. 7215.

Qualifications:

  • Primary residence must be in Sullivan County.
  • Own the home or have Life Rights to live in it.
  • Be current on all local taxes and municipal utility bills.
  • Provide proof of homeowner’s insurance.
  • Live in the home an additional five years.
  • Meet income qualifications base on household size below.

Gross household income not to exceed:

Size                      Income Limit

  • 1 — $36,350
  • 2 — $41,550
  • 3 — $46,750
  • 4 — $51,900
  • 5 — $56,100