Ogontz Avenue Redevelopment Corp files suit over state’s frozen funds
A lawsuit filed by the Ogontz Avenue Redevelopment Corportation alleges the Corbett administration has unfairly frozen funding promised to the group.
OARC’s funding was frozen in November as part of a review by the Department of Community and Economic Development.
The funding for the West Oak Lane organization dates back to the Rendell administration.
According to the Inquirer, OARC has not been given details about the irregularities state audits reportedly found in its contracts.
OARC, founded by state Rep. Dwight Evans, the former Democratic chair of the Approrpriations Committee, is involved in projects like the late West Oak Lane Jazz Fest and several anti-blight initiatives.
Grants meant for the school and the Ogontz Avenue plaza remain frozen, as does some funding for the Urban Affairs Coalition.
OARC President and CEO Jack Kitchen referred questions to the group’s attorney, David Fineman, on Thursday afternoon. He provided a copy of the complaint via email (PDF). NewsWorks will update the story in coming days.
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