Through its Community Partnership Program, Pennsylvania Power & Light Co. has contributed nearly $500,000 over the past two years to six neighborhood improvement and small-business development projects in the Scranton area.
One of those projects is the Mulberry Central Neighborhood Development Corporation's urban homesteading project, which has received $90,000 in grants from PP&L. The Mulberry Central group marked the completion of renovations to its project building today (4/23) with an open house.
The group purchased and renovated a six-unit apartment building on Madison Avenue in Scranton for families earning less than half of the area's median income level.
"PP&L grant money was coupled with Community Development Block Grant money obtained through the city of Scranton to make the Mulberry Central project a reality," said Richard R. Beasley, PP&L community development director for the Scranton area.
Mulberry Central tenants also will receive training to learn how to manage rental properties. Their rent will be used as escrow to help them obtain financing for the purchase of their own multifamily building.
The purpose of the project is to promote home ownership, reduce the number of absentee landlords in Scranton and provide people the opportunity to have a greater stake in the neighborhood where they live.
PP&L started its Community Partnership Program in 1995 to address pressing community needs, Beasley said. The company awards grants to nonprofit community groups and agencies for programs that revitalize inner-city neighborhoods, create home ownership opportunities and help small businesses grow.
"Through this program, we are putting money back into Scranton, and other communities we serve, in an effort to improve the quality of life. The grant program is an investment in the community with many business benefits for PP&L," Beasley said.
A recent evaluation of the Community Partnership Program by an independent research firm revealed that each grant dollar spent by agencies in 1995 generated about $28 in social and economic benefits for communities.
Community Partnership Program projects attracted nearly $20 million in matching funds and contributions, led to increased property values, created more than 200 jobs and resulted in increased local tax revenues to strengthen communities, according to the research.
PP&L has awarded $5.4 million in grants since the program started, and will be awarding up to $3 million to community development programs in 1997, noted Florence M. McNelis, PP&L customer programs director for northeastern Pennsylvania.
"The Community Partnership Program gives PP&L an opportunity to team with agencies such as the Mulberry Central Neighborhood Development Corporation that are making a difference," she said.
No Community Partnership Program costs are included in the price PP&L customers pay for electricity.