The Redevelopment Authority discussed a submitted request for proposals for the property located at 231-237 Pennsylvania Avenue West.

The RDA regained possession of the property in October of 2024 after the Eagles Crest development project collapsed due to lawsuits and funding issues. At its August meeting, the RDA board unanimously voted to proceed with demolition of the structures because of public safety concerns, while still allowing redevelopment proposals to be submitted through the end of 2025.

As of September, no proposals had been submitted. Later that month, however, a group of Warren residents expressed interest in the property at a RDA regular meeting.

After reviewing the proposal, the RDA directed the group to provide additional required materials for its next meeting. These materials include documentation of the group’s 501(c)(3) status, a list of board members and letters of commitment from major anchor organizations.

According to group representative Ron Peterson, they expect to complete their 501(c)(3) within about a day and a board within 30 days.

The group also stated that its anchor businesses Bee Courageous at Garden Grub, Sugar Bay and Create Community were all involved in developing and shaping the proposal.

Sandra Blum, founder of Bee Courageous at Garden Grub, said she hopes to open a second location in the building and expressed her commitment to the project.

During the discussion, RDA member Douglas Hearn raised concerns about the group’s proposed financial resources.

“How familiar are you with these organizations and are you aware that some of them could take 24 to 36 months before the money comes through?” Hearn cautioned.

Peterson assured they are aware that funding gaps are possible. The group stated they have met with the Appalachian Regional Commission’s Oil City representative, who expressed interest in becoming involved.

Also present at the meeting was Harry Crissy, the Northwest Pennsylvania Penn State University Economic Resource Development Agent, who has been working with the group to develop its program.

“I think that if this worked out, it’s something that we would want to see,” said RDA Vice-Chairman Michael Boyd. He emphasized the need for detailed plans and a project completion timeline. He also stressed the importance of having a contingency plan in place should the group be unable to complete the project.

“We want to see it be successful, but we also have to be realistic that if it isn’t, we need to move forward and do something there,” said Boyd.

City Manager Mike Holtz also raised concerns about a potential sewer issue at the rear of the building, noting that repairs could significantly increase project costs.

Peterson acknowledged the concern and said the issue would need to be addressed to prevent future flooding.

The group was instructed by the RDA board to submit the requested materials ahead of the next meeting on February 25.