Lorain Mayor Jack Bradley grew tired of waiting for City Council “going back and forward” regarding a decision on doling out American Rescue Plan Act funds and decided to take action June 21.
Despite complaints from Councilwoman-at-large Mary Springowski, who wanted Council to contemplate the issue further, Bradley took it to the Board of Control during a morning meeting.
Bradley and Sanford Washington, who is the safety-service director, are members of the Board of Control.
At a Council meeting June 19, Springowski said she doesn’t support the Board of Control dispersing the federal funds.
“I don’t like it. I don’t support it,” she said after admonishing Ward 6 Councilman Rey Carrion, chairman of the Finance Committee. “I want it put on the record.”
Springowski called the action of the Board of Control “very questionable.”
Regardless, Bradley felt it was prudent to review the applicants who’d requested less than $50,000 together with the two-person board to help the applicants meet their immediate financial goals.
Following the June 21 meeting, Bradley said he was contacted by several applicants who were asking him why the process was taking so long.
For example, one applicant was going to lose matching grant dollars if the applicant didn’t produce matching portion by a certain deadline, Bradley said.
The mayor said he consulted with several officials such as the law director before making his decision.
The following applicants were approved to receive the following amounts:
• 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
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Lorain County, $10,000
• AMVETS Post 47 – Veteran’s Park Project, $10,000
• Firefish Arts Inc., $25,000
• Downtown Vision Center, $10,000
• Lorain Family Vision Center, $10,000
• Speak of the Devil Cocktails LLC, $10,000
• Ms. Hunter’s Precious Angels LLC, $10,000
• Nettie’s Place 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
• Fligner’s Enterprises Inc., $25,000
• Two Knight LLC, $10,000
• Sure Cutts Barbershop & Salon LLC, $10,000
• Lava Properties LLC, $10,000
• Templo Emmanuel AG Inc., $10,000
• Black River Provisions, $5,000
• Jevon Terrance LLC, $10,000
• Steamboat 728 LLC, $10,000
Other applicants who requested more than $50,000 will be reviewed by City Council which meets June 26 in regular session.
Meanwhile, any nonprofits or businesses that have been impacted by the coronavirus pandemic are encouraged to apply for the funds while they are available by contacting the city, Bradley said.
