More than $10M in RACP grants go to Cumberland County projects

Seven Cumberland County projects – ranging from renovation of an old, landmark hotel to public swimming pool upgrades – were among those selected for the most recent round of grants from the state’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program.

RACP is administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement initiatives.

The projects are:

· Penn Harris Hotel Redevelopment II, Penn Harris Hospitality RE LP, East Pennsboro Township, $2 million.

A full-service hotel, the historical Penn Harris “was purchased with the intention of renovating the property and restoring it to its highest and best use,” according to the project description. That is for it “to continue as a hotel and conference center, to serve as a revitalized and improved community resource and landmark facility.” RACP money will fund capital improvements to the interior and exterior, including façade, roof, HVAC, streetscape, paving and landscaping.

· Boiling Springs Mill Redevelopment, Caprice BSM LLC, South Middleton Township, $1.75 million.

The grant will go toward reconstructing the mill, damaged by fire earlier this year, into “a contemporary and casual restaurant-brewery,” the description said. This includes demolition/remediation; sitework and landscaping; concrete and masonry; steel; miscellaneous metals; wood framing/millwork; insulation; roofing; metal doors/frames; storefronts; interior framing/drywall; ceilings; flooring; painting; toilet/bath; elevators; plumbing; HVAC; and electrical.

· Carlisle Sports Emporium Expansion, Lydell Properties Inc., Middlesex Township, $1 million.

The project will “significantly grow the quantity and quality of entertainment for residents and visitors,” its description said. It will feature a new quarter-mile, three-tier indoor high-performance go-kart track with speeds in excess of 35 mph; 20 lanes of boutique bowling, a “premium bowling design” for families and corporate groups; more than double the arcade capacity; an approximately 300-seat restaurant and café; and 200 more parking spaces. RACP money will go toward site work and building construction.

· Carlisle Veterans Retail, Amish Farm Development Co. LLC, Carlisle, $2.5 million.

The grant will be used to develop an adjacent parcel for retail use next to a 44-unit affordable housing complex for veterans.

· Organic Remedies Grower and Processor Facility II, Organic Remedies Inc., Middlesex Township, $2 million.

The project is an addition to existing building, which will house a mother room and nursery, as well as more growing rooms, support spaces and parking. Electricity, HVAC, lighting, irrigation and environmental control will be addressed, too.

· Mayapple Exterior Expansion and Redevelopment, Mayapple Golf Club, South Middleton Township, $500,000.

The hospitality pavilion will be expanded to meet increasing demand. Work will focus on demolition, site clearing and construction.

· Hampden Pool Infrastructure Improvements, Hampden Township, $500,000.

This will involve replacement and upgrade of gutters, the filtration system, the main drain/piping and the filtration building. Also, a family changing room will be installed, restroom ventilation will be improved, and more shade will be added.

Paula Wolf is a freelance writer