DOWNTOWN PROJECTS Governor presents check for $2.1M to New Castle

The money will pay for a bridge, plaza, park and riverwalk area.
By SEAN BARRON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- When the road and sidewalk in front of Mike and Sue Caggiano's business were torn up, they saw it as a temporary inconvenience.
Now, however, the owners of Main Street Clothiers & amp; Custom Taylors see that work as a prelude to a brighter future for downtown.
It was in front of their East Washington Street store that Gov. Ed Rendell stood when he unveiled a check for $2.1 million. About 150 people gathered Sunday to hear Rendell announce that the city will be the recipient of the state grant.
"New Castle will be a poster child for what we can do for midsized cities to bring them back," he told the crowd.
Rendell said the money will be used to refurbish the Troutman's bridge, create Grant Street Park, add a riverwalk area and build Zambelli Plaza, all downtown projects.
Christine Sands, city council president, said the riverwalk area will have a stage for concerts and other outdoor events, and will be accessible to festivals and food vendors. Brick and iron work matching that of many downtown buildings will be used to beautify Troutman's bridge, Sands said, adding that work on the green spaces and bridge will begin soon.
Buildings to be razed
Mayor Wayne Alexander said that bids will be taken during the next council meeting to demolish two buildings at the corner of East Washington and Mill streets. Demolition could begin within 30 days, Alexander noted, and the move will pave the way for Zambelli Plaza, named for the late George Zambelli, president of Zambelli Fireworks.
Larry Heckey, architect for the city, said the plaza will incorporate an Italian fountain with a gazebo and a reflecting pool. Fireworks lighting will also be featured, he said.
Meanwhile, work that began about a year and a half ago on a new Cascade Riverplex is continuing. The project, estimated to cost more than $4 million, is being funded mainly with private money.
Three theaters planned
The former Centennial and Neisner buildings are connected and will be converted into three theaters, explained Jonathan Bruce of Cascade Development. One theater will show "The Great Train Robbery" and other silent movies; another theater will house vaudeville acts, he added. The other theater will likely also show silent movies, Bruce said. The Warner brothers opened their first theater in the Neisner Building in 1907.
A 17,000-square-foot addition will be the site of a full-service restaurant and various retailers, Bruce noted. The exterior of the buildings is 95 percent complete, he said.
"It's exciting to see what is happening," Bruce said. "It wouldn't have worked without the partnership between the state and city. It will be very positive for a community like this."