SHARON, FARRELL 2 cities seek crime grant
The two cities are trying to get into the program without tapping their coffers.
SHARON, Pa. -- Sharon and Farrell are seeking a state Weed and Seed program grant to combat crime and revitalize neighborhoods in an area along their George Street border.
The target area covers more than 40 blocks, most of it in Farrell.
City councils approved the plan this week.
How it works: The program channels federal money through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, and the grant would be $185,000 a year for three years. The locals would have to match 25 percent in the first year, 50 percent in the second and 75 percent in the third.
James DeCapua, executive director of the Mercer County Regional Council of Governments, told Sharon officials he is prepared to seek a state grant to cover the first year's match of about $45,000.
Rosette Lucas, assistant director of Sharon's Community Development Department, said Sharon may be able to use in-kind services as the local match.
The city is already spending $47,000 a year to have a juvenile officer work exclusively in the targeted area and there are other programs drawing city funds in that location, she said.
The Weed and Seed program provides money for beefed up police patrols and investigations to crack down on drug trafficking and other illegal activities and then provides money to develop community revitalization programs.
Across the state line, Youngstown has applied for and received a $175,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to support its Weed and Seed program, which consists of enhanced law enforcement and community activities targeted to the city's South Side.