Monongahela shoots down Main Street Program grant

By KRISTIE LINDEN
klinden@yourmvi.com
Monongahela council decided not to support the city’s Main Street Program’s attempts to secure a grant that would fund investors looking to occupy downtown buildings.
The move has essentially killed the project, according to Main Street Program Executive Director Terry Necciai, who said council’s support was required for the grant application.
Necciai talked to councilmen Ken Kulak and Rusty Polonoli about the proposal at Monday’s work session and asked for a letter of support to submit with the grant application. Mayor Bob Kepics left the meeting before the presentation.
At the time, Polonoli said he was concerned that supporting the Main Street Program’s bid for $107,000 in Washington County Local Share Account funds would affect the city’s attempt to secure LSA grants.
Washington County Local Share Account money is generated from revenues at the Meadows Racetrack and Casino in North Strabane Township.
Necciai said three years ago three entities within the city applied for LSA funding and all three grants were approved. Necciai said the Main Street Program wouldn’t be in competition with the city for funding.
Last night, Kulak made a motion to approve a resolution to send a letter of support but it died for lack of a second. After the meeting, Councilman Daryl Miller, Polonoli and Kepics all declined to comment on why they decided not to support the motion.

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