Lapaz to push back community center project to 2023

Lapaz—when Lapaz realized that their plan of putting in a splash pad with Stellar Community funds was a no go, they considered turning those funds towards purchasing and remodeling the old assembly of God church on Michigan Rd. into a community center. However, the Indiana Office of Community & Rural affairs (OCRA) would not approve that plan. “We have to purchase the building, renovate the building, and have it available to the public. We’ve only got $199,000 to work with. and, too, from a timing standpoint, there are a lot of hoops you have to go through,” explained Grant Writer, Shannon Mcleod.

all in all, Mcleod believes that the requirement to use the Stellar Grant funds for other projects is a blessing in disguise. “That was one of my concerns right off the top: we just don’t have the money to do that project in its entirety.” She further explained that the state would not permit this particular project to be done in

phases. “When you start, they want it turn-key: it’s ready to use,” she said.

Now that she’s officially from OCRA on the subject, Mcleod has recommended that the town postpone the project until 2023, when they will be able to apply for a $500,000 standard Capacity Building Grant program 90/10 matching grant. Lapaz would have to supply 10% or $50,000 of the project cost. “That is a doable project next year,” Mcleod said. “I think that would be a very competitive project for you.”