Gov. Rendell announced this week the state is investing $2.3 million to support revitalization projects in Bethlehem and Easton that will restore underutilized buildings and bring new jobs and new housing opportunities for the Lehigh Valley.

The investment, made through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program and Growing Greener II funds, will restore the former Pomeroy’s Department Store building in Easton to a mixed-use retail and housing complex in the heart of the downtown business district.

The property has been mostly vacant and poorly maintained since 1976. The RACP and Growing Greener II funds will be used to develop the 86,000-square-foot site to include 19,000 square feet of retail space on the first floor, 26 condominium style units on the second and third floors, a four-story annex tower, and a residential parking garage in the basement.

The state’s investment will leverage an additional $9.25 million in local funds and private equity to cover the cost of this $11 million project.

In Bethlehem, Gov. Rendell announced a $550,000 investment through the Growing Greener II program for redevelopment of the former Alphagraphics building on historic Main Street.

The three-story building was virtually destroyed by fire and is currently in a state of demolition. Ashley Development purchased the 120-year-old building in April 2005, and will rebuild all three floors incorporating historic details similar to the original structure.

The facility will be leased and converted into a restaurant.

For more information on the RACP and Growing Greener II, visit www.newpa.com or call 1-866-GONEWPA (1-866-466-3972).

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