City Council is expected to get a look at a $15 million grant application and drawings showing the vision for a multi-purpose arena and developments at Destination 2014 at the first monthly meeting in January.
"We're going to present council with the drawings and how we are proceeding with the financial package to fund the project," said William E. Nichols Jr., city director of finance.
The YMCA and Pickelner Arena recently were bought by developer Dan Klingerman, of The Liberty Group, for an unspecified price.
Nichols said he will ask council to consider an application for a state Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program grant.
While Nichols said he's unsure how much the city might be able to obtain from the state, the deadline for the grant application is at the end of January.
To get the grant, the city must demonstrate it has commitments for the "one-to-one" match, Nichols said. "Should the city get less than $15 million, elements of the project will be scaled down," he said.
Klingerman said his plans for the arena portion of the project include the addition of 22,000 square foot of building at the area where the pool and gymnasium are located. That part of the building will be demolished, Klingerman said.
Nichols said between developer investment, partners such as the First Community Foundation of Pennsylvania and Lycoming County Visitors Bureau and other funding sources, he sees the potential of the project moving ahead in 2013.
Council is supposed to see the next funding step after it sees the conceptual plan of the arena, changes at the YMCA and the town square, and parking options.
Council approves all grant applications, according to Council President Bill Hall.
None of those on council are opposed to Klingerman's investment, but members have said they won't endorse the city being a co-developer or investing any tax dollars in the project.
Mayor Gabriel J. Campana said in addition to the multi-purpose arena, he envisions a front entrance or "green space" with a clock tower, benches, fountain and walking paths to be done in stages.
The entrance to the green would be at West Fourth and Hepburn streets, Campana said.
