Funding sought for projects
Published 10:22 am Tuesday, May 3, 2016
BURLINGTON — A group of citizens devoted to redeveloping Burlington had a public meeting on Monday to share ideas and gather input for projects at Burlington Commons.
Members of the Ironton-Lawrence County Community Action Organization and Concerned Citizens of Burlington set up a display at the picnic shelter of the park, detailing their plans for building a replica of the original courthouse, to be located on the commons.
The building, based on the era when Burlington was the county seat, would serve as a community center for the area.
“It would be used for weddings, parties, whatever,” Ed Moellendick, president of the Concerned Citizens, said.
The front portion of the proposed building would include the courthouse replica, while a wing on the back would provide additional facilities.
“They have no community center here right now,” Ralph Kline, assistant executive director of the CAO, said.
The meeting served as a forum to gather input on the project, part of the application process for grant funding.
“The county has already bought the property, so now we need to get the grants to build building and other things,” Moellendick said.
Other parts of the project include installing playground equipment, outdoor fitness equipment, park benches and a community garden.
In addition, roads would be converted for shared use, for bikes and pedestrians. The project would build a pedestrian path from the park to the nearby Wal-Mart.
“You see a lot of people in wheelchairs or with buggies on the side of the street,” Kline said. “This would give them safe passage.”
Cindy Anderson, of the CAO, said the application for the grant is due June 17. The community would be notified by the end of August.
If funding is secured, the projects would need to be completed by Dec. 31, 2018.