City tries to channel funds for building new business

Several residents spoke against a proposed repair service garage downtown.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- City officials plan to apply for a state grant to help an area couple establish an Irish pub downtown.
The $162,550 Anchor Building Grant, available through the state Department of Community and Economic Development, would allow the city to loan Rick Russo and his wife, Maureen, money that would be used for the project.
The couple has proposed opening the pub in the Strimater Building on East Washington Street. To be known as Lanigan's Irish Pub, the establishment would feature Irish food, beverages and entertainment.
Russo presented his plans to council at a public hearing Tuesday. He said he intends to buy the three-story building and renovate it.
The building formerly housed a D & amp;K Store.
Plans are contingent on the state's approval of the city's application, Russo said.
Parking complaint
Also Tuesday, several city residents spoke out against a downtown repair service garage being proposed by Benny Lombardo.
Lombardo has applied for a conditional-use permit to operate the business on Croton Avenue.
A towing service occupies the front portion of the building, and Lombardo plans to operate his business in the rear of the building.
The area is zoned commercial. Residents said they are concerned about a lack of adequate parking space.
Lombardo had a business nearby, but it was displaced by the New Castle Area Transit Authority, which is constructing a park-and-ride facility at the corner of Croton Avenue and East Washington Street.
Last month the city planning commission recommended that Lombardo's conditional-use request be granted. Council has the final say.