Officials: Help us bring college facility downtown

College officials are expected to decide by the middle of next month.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- City officials are asking residents to rally in support of a proposal that would bring Butler County Community College's new satellite facility downtown.
The college has announced plans to build a new satellite facility in Lawrence County and is looking at sites in Union and Neshannock townships and in downtown New Castle.
Mayor Wayne Alexander said college representatives were to visit the area last week to explore potential sites. He said the college is expected to make a decision Feb. 3 and announce that decision by the middle of next month.
Meanwhile, city officials are encouraging residents to circulate petitions, write letters and make phone calls showing their support for locating the facility downtown.
"This is an opportunity New Castle likely will not see again," Alexander said, adding that the establishment of a college downtown would be the equivalent of bringing in 10 retail stores.
Win-win situation?
City officials agreed that locating the college downtown would benefit the city as well as the college and its students. They said students would have easy access to public transportation, several eating establishments, the public library and other services available in the city.
Alexander said the influx of students would give city businesses and establishments a much-needed boost in retail sales and services.
"This is the time our residents need to stand together," he said. "The city needs this support from all of us."
The college is looking for a site where it can build a 25,000-square-foot building with space for 300 parking spots and room to build another 25,000-square-foot building and add another 300 parking spots later.
College officials have said they are looking for the ideal location that would be attractive to people who live in Lawrence and Mercer counties and nearby Mahoning County.
The college has about 500 students in Lawrence County. Classes are held in three locations -- the Lawrence County Learning Center, the Lawrence County Career & amp; Technical Center and Neshannock High School.