Guzman announces $400,000 state grant for downtown Reading

READING, Aug. 2 – State Rep. Manny Guzman, D-Berks, today announced $400,000 in state grant funding has been awarded to the city of Reading for its downtown improvement project on the 800 block of Penn Street South Courtyard.

Guzman contacted the Wolf administration with his strong support for the project and was instrumental in securing this Keystone Communities Program grant for the city. The grant will fund improvements being made to seating, paving, landscaping, drainage, lighting, parking, ADA and all courtyard walkway areas within the space site.

Guzman said the 800 block of Penn Street in the heart of downtown Reading attracts both locals and visitors frequently and is highly walkable. It also is in the heart of his legislative district, just one block from his constituent service office at 645 Penn St.

“Penn Street is our city’s main corridor and will be at the forefront of development now and in years to come,” Guzman said. “The existing courtyard in this project area is occupied by dozens of people at any given time throughout the day.

“I am going after every possible state dollar available to bring back to my legislative district, and this grant is another small step in the right direction. I’m thrilled to see the state continue to invest vital development funds into areas of our city, like Penn Street, so they can continue to thrive.”  

The Keystone Communities Program supports physical improvements to communities that are undertaking revitalization to restore deteriorated downtowns, residential neighborhoods and industrial/manufacturing sites.

A full list of Keystone Communities Program grants awarded is available here and more information about the program is available here.