Sharon Awards $255K in ARPA Funds for Revitalization Projects

SHARON, Pa. – Winner Development LLC was awarded $150,000 in American Rescue Plan funds for the renovation and repurposing of The Landing, 469 N. Sharpsville Ave.

The grant is part of $255,500 in ARPA funds the city awarded for six revitalization and development projects in the fourth round of funding. The grants were announced Thursday.

“With this fourth round, we are funding six projects to keep moving the city’s revitalization progress forward,” said Bob Fiscus, city manager. “Though we are finally getting close to the end of the ARPA allocations with this round, we believe the choices made will continue to attract foot traffic to our downtown and to help expand our business prospects and job opportunities in the city.

Jack Campbell, vice president of Winner International, said the grant will go toward window replacement and a fire escape installation on part of The Landing “that has been closed and abandoned for almost 40 years and is part of the overall improvement to the facility.” 

The Landing currently houses an indoor agriculture facility – WestWinn Urban Ag – in the adjoining building, and plans include expansion into other parts of The Landing location. It is also home to several art studios, a woodworking company and a gymnastics business, among others.

Daffin’s Candies, 496 E. State St., was awarded $45,000 for infrastructure and exterior renovations to its flagship retail building. 

“We’re very appreciative of the funding support from the city,” said Connie Leon, Daffin’s retail manager. “Our Sharon store has been located in this building for almost 50 years, and this project will hopefully help us remain here for years to come.” 

Allie’s Sweet Tooth, 47 E. State St., will receive $25,000 to open a new store downtown, which will include a bakery, eatery, event space and corporate packaging area. 

“I appreciate Sharon’s dedication to supporting our business by providing this grant, which helps alleviate some financial pressure and help set us on a path to success in downtown Sharon,” said Allie Adams, owner of the bakery company, which currently has a location in Mercer.

Grants were also awarded to:

• Niko and Lou’s Coney Island, 44 W. State St., $17,500, to update the façade work in front of the restaurant.

• Haitian Sensation/Sweet Sensations, 76 Shenango Ave., $10,000, to expand offerings, hours and staffing.

• ICG Hobbies and Games, 162 W. State St., $8,000, to attract more enthusiasts with a second floor devoted entirely to tabletop miniature gaming.

“These projects will continue to grow our business community and continue to support citywide revitalization,” said Molly Bundrant, City Council president. “We are excited to support both existing anchor businesses as well as to help establish new businesses to add to our downtown corridor.”

Pictured at top: Jack Campbell, vice president of Winner International, stands in front of The Landing in this 2021 file photo.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.