$2 million award to boost new Kennett Square municipal services complex – Daily Local

KENNETT SQUARE — The Pennsylvania Governor’s Budget Office has awarded the Kennett Square area $2 million from its Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program (RACP) to be used to complete construction of the multi-purpose complex.

The county has purchased several buildings at 600 South Broad Street with the intention of converting the underutilized space into an integrated municipal and community services complex that will include administrative offices, a police station and community service providers. Many see this complex as the district’s next important step towards uplifting the district and helping its citizens. The community recognizes the important role played by Representative Christina Sappi and Senator John Kaine in promoting the complex and securing funding.

“We are a district that cares deeply about the future of our community,” said Mayor Matthew Fetick. “To that end, our police department and community service providers deserve a facility that gives them the space, infrastructure and neighborhood location to effectively do their jobs and reach our residents. We could not have done this without the enthusiasm and efforts of Representative Sappi and Senator Kaine. We look forward to their continued assistance in improving our community.”

RACP is an annual competitive grant program approved in the state budget. It will be used to renovate a portion of the main building to create the department’s accredited police station. The new facility will be specifically designed to address security concerns and provide adequate, safe and productive space for police operations.

“I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to help the Kennett community raise funds for this important project,” said Rep. Sappi, a champion of the project. “The complex will help keep crime rates low and provide a bridge between community members and vital community services. I look forward to meeting Kennett Square
The area is coming together and thriving.

The complex is located adjacent to Kennett High School and close to other major community amenities and destinations such as the Kennett Greenway, Kennett Area YMCA Outdoor Pool, Kennett Square Farmers Market, Kennett Area Community Services, Kindergarten and several Birch Street Restaurants and Breweries .

The district intends to use about 40 percent of the space in the complex for administrative and police functions. They are evaluating several community partners to take over unused space in the complex. The County issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for these ancillary facilities with the intent of providing maximum flexibility in selecting like-minded partners that will lead to complementary and community-oriented uses for the complex.

“This property has so much potential and it will be interesting to see the offers from interested parties. The central location of the complex offers ample opportunities for successful investment in the Kennett Square area. I look forward to seeing what services our community will provide in the near future,” said Borough Council President Doug Doffler.