A vacant lot at the corner of South Irvine Street and Pennsylvania Avenue East is generating new interest.

City Redevelopment Authority members recently discussed a request by Kassie Damcott, representing the 2025 graduating class of Leadership Warren County, to lease and develop the vacant lot located on the corner of South Irvine Street at 910 Pennsylvania Ave. E. in order to bring to fruition the class’Community Garden Project.

Focusing on children, the Community Garden would allow the Warren community the space to plant, grow and harvest from a free public garden. The project is funded with local sponsorship with planning assistance and support from Sandra Howard Blum of Bee Courageous at Garden Grub and David Gatesman from the Warren Manor.

Damcott said Joe Reinke, city public works superintendent, had committed to help with necessary equipment and preparation of the grounds. Gallery member Phil Gilbert expressed concern regarding the project stating that the idea of a public garden had been previously proposed.

“I received push back years ago and then I dropped the idea and now all of a sudden it’s OK,” Gilbert said. “I’m just a little confused about the whole thing.”

Interest in the 910 Pennsylvania Ave. E. lot, as well as the 908 Pennsylvania Ave. E. lot, has been made by private citizen Rocco DelPrince, who wishes to purchase both properties and has submitted an offer to the city for its review.

“This property has sat empty for how many years and now we actually have two people that are interested in it,” said Randy Rossey, city codes and planning director.

DelPrince, who attended the meeting remotely, said, “I think the two proposals can work together. I would be very open to purchasing the property and working with Kassie.”

No action was taken, with the discussion tabled until the October Redevelopment Authority meeting.