Kathy Wyrosdick is returning to Erie Metropolis Corridor — this time as a marketing consultant.
Erie Metropolis Council on Wednesday evening signed off on a decision that approves a $120,000 contract between the town and engineering and consulting agency Michael Baker Worldwide’s Harrisburg workplace.
Beneath the proposed contract, the agency would work with the town for as much as two years. The contract wouldn’t exceed $120,000. Council accredited the contract with no dialogue.
Wyrosdick, who left her job as the town of Erie’s planning director in Might 2022, has labored for the agency as a Harrisburg-based private-sector marketing consultant since June 2022. Michael Baker Worldwide is Pittsburgh-based, with greater than 100 places nationwide.
Metropolis authorities:Erie planning director Kathy Wyrosdick leaving metropolis for Harrisburg consulting submit
Roughly 13 months after her departure, Mayor Joe Schember’s administration needed to work with Wyrosdick once more, largely as a result of the place of director of the town’s Division of Planning and Neighborhood Sources is at present vacant.
Renee Lamis, Schember’s chief of workers, stated the town needed to rent the agency “to assist us implement planning grants and different initiatives within the division. We actually must construct our capability in a short time.”
Wyrosdick would be the lead marketing consultant for the agency’s work in Erie. Lamis stated she expects Wyrosdick and different Michael Baker consultants to start their work instantly.
Group revitalization push:Erie seeks new planning director
That work would come with, however not be restricted to, plans for bodily enhancements alongside West twelfth Avenue; upgrading native roads to make them safer for drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians by means of a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Division of Transportation’s Protected Streets and Roads for All initiative; and continued work on a citywide parks enchancment plan, which is partially funded by a $50,000 grant from the state Division of Conservation and Pure Sources.
Philadelphia-area native David Forrest was employed in September 2022 to switch Wyrosdick, however Forrest resigned abruptly in February after roughly 5 months on the job. Town is trying to find a brand new director to guide its Division of Planning and Neighborhood Sources.
Erie planning director resigns:David Forrest steps down unexpectedly; seek for substitute begins
“She has the institutional information to choose up proper the place she left off when she was right here,” Lamis stated of Wyrosdick. “She is aware of precisely what these tasks are and what we’re attempting to get out of them.”
Wrosdick and the agency would additionally work with the town on points like blight, zoning and the town’s rental inspection program. Michael Baker Worldwide would additionally assist transition a brand new planning director as soon as a rent is made.
Miller Bros. buy plan strikes ahead
In different enterprise Wednesday evening, Metropolis Council gave last approval to an ordinance that units apart $2.8 million in American Rescue Plan funds for the purchase of the 3.76-acre former Miller Bros. Power Equipment property located at 2111 State St.
Mayor Joe Schember’s administration is eyeing the property for use by the city’s police and fire bureaus, as well as the Department of Public Works, Property and Parks. The city estimates the property would need about $30 million in upgrades to serve the needs of police, firefighters and public works employees.
Council on June7 approved a related resolution that allows the city to enter into a tentative purchase agreement with property owner Mark Miller and make a $100,000 down payment. The $2.8 million purchase would be finalized after an appraisal of the property and other due diligence is conducted.
The Erie Times-News first reported in July 2022 that the city was eyeing the Miller Bros. property. If purchased, the property and its buildings, which collectively total about 100,000 square feet, would replace the city’s Marsh Street facility.
Development plan:City of Erie eyeing potential purchase of Miller Bros.’ former State Street property
Miller Bros. was founded in 1928 and originally located at East 14th and Holland Streets. The business relocated to State Street in 2010 because of the Erie Metropolitan Transit Authority’s expansion in that area.
Miller closed Miller Bros. in August 2021 for a variety of reasons. The State Street location once served as the administrative offices for the Erie Brewing Co., which made Koehler beer.
Miller Bros.:Erie power equipment company to close after more than 90 years
Contact Kevin Flowers at kflowers@timesnews.com. Follow him on Twitter at @ETNflowers.
