Lycoming News

State Sen. Gene Yaw and State Rep. Jamie Flick have announced a significant step towards community revitalization in the City of Williamsport. The duo revealed the allocation of $700,000 in funding for the Pajama Factory complex, aimed at transforming one of its buildings into residential and affordable housing units.

Sen. Gene Yaw emphasized the importance of the funding, stating, "This funding plays a critical part in efforts to improve our economy and provide affordable housing to state residents throughout the 23rd District." He also expressed his anticipation for the project's completion, saying, "I applaud the Pajama Factory on the success of their applications, and I look forward to seeing the completion of this important project in the City of Williamsport."

Rep. Jamie Flick, who partnered with Sen. Yaw in advocating for the funding, highlighted the broader impact of the revitalization efforts. "By revitalizing our community buildings, we’re not just refurbishing bricks and mortar; we’re helping to repurpose a building for future generations to safely live and grow. I look forward to seeing this project unfold," Rep. Flick remarked.

Mark Winkelman, the owner of the Pajama Factory, expressed gratitude for the support, noting, "This funding will help preserve the 1893 factory building through adaptive reuse, which is really recycling on a large scale." He also highlighted the expected benefits of the project in attracting new residents to Williamsport.

The Pajama Factory complex, originally built in the late 1800s and spanning 300,000 square feet across eight buildings, will see the conversion of one building into 24 loft-style artist residential units, including eight affordable units. The ground floor commercial space will host Factory Works, a nonprofit affiliated with The Pajama Factory, as well as the Bicycle Recycle Shop, expanding its operations to provide affordable, refurbished bicycles for neighborhood residents.

The funding, awarded through the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency’s Community Revitalization Fund Program, aims to enhance affordable housing options while promoting community revitalization through mixed-use developments. The project aligns with the program's goals of expanding and rehabilitating affordable housing stock alongside retail and commercial spaces.

For more information, constituents can visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or Rep. Flick’s website at www.RepFlick.com.

CONTACT:

Elizabeth Weitzel (Sen. Yaw) - 717-787-3280

Huntre Keip (Rep. Flick) - 717-772-9837