Yaw, Flick Announce Funding for Revitalization Project in City of Williamsport

HARRISBURG - State Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23) and State Rep. Jamie Flick (R-83) recently announced $700,000 in funding awarded to the Pajama Factory complex located in the City of Williamsport. Funding was awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency's (PHFA) Community Revitalization Fund Program (CRFP) and will be used for the renovation of one of the complex's buildings set to be converted into residential and affordable housing units.

"This funding plays a critical part in efforts to improve our economy and provide affordable housing to state residents throughout the 23^rd District," Sen. Yaw said. "I applaud the Pajama Factory on the success of their applications, and I look forward to seeing the completion of this important project in the City of Williamsport."

"I'm glad to have partnered with Sen. Yaw to advocate for this funding for our community," Rep. Flick said. "By revitalizing our community buildings, we're not just refurbishing bricks and mortar; we're helping to repurpose a building for future generations to safely live and grow. I look forward to seeing this project unfold."

The complex, originally constructed in the late 1800s, consists of eight buildings spanning 300,000 square feet. Once complete, the building will consist of 24 loft-style artist residential units, eight of which will be affordable. The ground floor commercial space will be occupied by Factory Works, a nonprofit, umbrella organization of The Pajama Factory. The Bicycle Recycle Shop will also have space at the site to expand its operations of providing inexpensive, refurbished bicycles for neighborhood kids and adults.

"This funding will help preserve the 1893 factory building through adaptive reuse, which is really recycling on a large scale," Mark Winkelman, Pajama Factory owner said. "We are looking forward to providing a housing type not otherwise available in the area and we expect it will help attract new residents to Williamsport. We are grateful to Sen.Yaw and Rep. Flick for their visionary support of the project."

The CRFP seeks to expand or rehabilitate affordable housing stock coupled with retail/commercial space to promote community revitalization. The CRFP raises money through the sale of tax credits under the Mixed-Use Development Tax Credit Program.

For more state-related news and information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw's website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or Rep. Flick's website at www.RepFlick.com.

CONTACT:
Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw)
717-787-3280

Huntre Keip (Rep. Flick)
717-772-9837