City still wrestles with ARPA funds

Several Lorain-based businesses and organizations were approved to receive $482,500 in American Rescue Plan Act funds by the city administration.

However, Lorain City Council stalled the matter for further discussion after concerns arose regarding the application process during an earlier committee meeting.

During the Federal Programs Committee on May 16, an hour before Council began regular session, Councilwoman-at-Large Mary Springowski questioned how many applicants already had received funds through the American Rescue Plan Act.

Hannah Kiraly, the program manager for the Building, Housing and Planning Department, was in attendance and confirmed that some entities already have received funds.

“I have a real issue with this … I don’t think people should be getting two pieces of the apple,” she said. “That’s just not fair; that’s being greedy.”

Springowski also complained that she’s requested documents regarding the applications multiple time, and still hasn’t received them.

Additionally, Springowski argued that applicants who intended to use the money for expansion weren’t qualified to receive American Rescue Plan Act funds.

“This is the wrong fund,” she said of the applicants, such as a funeral home, who want to expand their business.

Meanwhile, the administration approved the following nonprofits for $167,500 of American Rescue Plan Act funding: American Legion Post 30, $10,000; Pathways Enrichment Center, $20,000; North Pointe Ballet, $2,500; Legacy Youth Boxing Club, $10,000; Lorain Palace Youth Theatre, $10,000; Lorain Revitalization — Main Street Lorain, $20,000; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County, $10,000; Amvets Post 47 — Veteran’s Park Project, $10,000; Firefish Arts Inc., $25,000.

The following businesses

were approved for a total of $220,000 from the city’s Relief and Recovery Fund Program: MidOhio Funeral Services LLC, $75,000; Brett D Mcvay dba Downtown Vision Center, $10,000; Paul J Alton dba Lorain Family Vision Care, $10,000; Speak of the Devil Cocktails LLC, $10,000; Sudzin Up Car Wash and Detailing Services, $10,000; Nettie’s Place LLC, $10,000; Ms. Hunter’s Precious Angels LLC,. $10,000; Marta’s n More Bakery Store, $10,000; Northern Institute of Cosmetology Inc., $10,000; Jazz on Broadway, $5,000; Maria’s and Son LLC (Rainbow Bakery), $10,000; Dodie’s LLC, $10,000; Fresco Bistro, $10,000; Bubble Bear Tea LLC, $5,000; and Fligners Enterprises Inc., $25,000.

The following businesses were approved through the Minor Storefront Renovation Program for a total of $95,000: Two Knight LLC, $10,000; Marta’s n More Bakery Store, $10,000; Northern Institute of Cosmetology Inc., $10,000; Maria’s and Son LLC (Rainbow Bakery), $10,000; Sure Cutts Barbershop & Salon LLC, $10,000; Lava Properties LLC, $10,000; Templo Emmanuel AG Inc., $5,000; Black River Provisions, $5,000; Jevon Terance LLC, $10,000; and Steamboat 728 LLC, $15,000.

The administration has tentatively granted Black River Provisions, which is downtown restaurant Broadway Mary’s, $5,000 for new signage and renovations to the front and back entrance of the 939 Broadway establishment.

Mary Szefcyk, owner of Broadway Mary’s, said May 16 she wasn’t aware she was approved for her third application for American Rescue Plan Act funds.

Szefcyk originally had applied for $30,000 to replace appliances in the kitchen of the restaurant as she struggled through the pandemic.

Despite support from the community and some city officials, Szefcyk said she was met with such criticism from some Council members that she didn’t feel up to dealing with the issue again

“It’s just too much stress mentally … the drama from some Council members,” she said.

“I don’t see what the problem is,” Szefcyk said. “In any other city, this doesn’t happen. I don’t know why there is so much attitude. There’s no collaboration and everyone keeps bumping heads.”

Therefore, Szefcyk said she withdrew both of her original requests for $25,000 to replace the back door of the restaurant and refresh the front with a neon sign.

“Every little bit helps, but, I’m not getting my hopes up,” she said. “I really wanted it to cover the cost of the neon sign.”

Szefcyk said she is considering holding fundraisers to collect the additional $14,000 for the sign.

Council voted unanimously to send the resolution to a second reading instead of passing it on a first reading as suggested to have time for further discussion.