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Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Make way for The Rosalia, a new hotel coming to Pottsville
POTTSVILLE — Beneath its Doric columns and busts of Greek gods, a 29-year-old entrepreneur announced plans to convert the Miners National Bank to a hotel Tuesday evening at a gathering outside 120 S. Centre Street. 'We loved this building so much,' Hannah Corbacio said, 'we built our business plan around it.' Hannah Corbacio speaks during a plans unveiling outside the Miners National Bank on Centre St. in Pottsville, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. Along with her (left to right) Nick Hair and Bill and Jackie Metzinger. The former bank will become a hotel with event and conference spaces. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) If all goes well, Corbacio and her husband, 30-year-old Nick Hair, will open the doors of the Rosalia hotel in spring 2026. In partnership with Bill Metzinger, owner of Metz Properties, who bought the building from Santander Bank, the Pottsville couple will operate an upscale 30-room hotel, venue space and day spa in the former bank building. Work crews began the conversion of the 24,000-square-foot building this week. The bank, a landmark known for the 10-foot-tall brass doors depicting coal miners at its entrance, was incorporated in 1828. READ MORE: Transformation coming for Miners National Bank Metzinger has renovated about 15 properties throughout Schuylkill County. This project is the second biggest after the revitalization of the former St. Francis Orphanage, now 900 Market Street apartments. The Rosalia hotel, Metzinger said, is his first venture into Pottsville. In recent weeks, about 30 city officials and others visited the property to offer advice and assistance. 'It's refreshing that business and investors can work hand-in-hand with the city to do great things,' Metzinger said. On Tuesday, plans for the project was officially unveiled. After the outside program, a crowd of more than 100 assembled inside the bank's 40-foot-high lobby. Bill Metzinger during a plans unveiling outside the Miners National Bank on Centre St. in Pottsville, Tuesday, June 3, 2025. The former bank will become a hotel with event and conference spaces. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Designed by architect Cass Gilbert, whose work includes the U. S. Supreme Court building, the bank's lobby features French limestone, Italian travertine stone floors and hardwood paneling and teller's windows. State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., called attention to about $8 million invested in the city's downtown in recent years. Pottsville city council member Andy Wollyung speaks Tuesday during the unveiling of plans for Miners National Bank to become The Rosalia, an upscale hotel. Plans call for it to include event and conference space. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Projects included Alvernia University PottsvilleTowne campus, the Pottsville YMCA, Black Rock Brewpub and The Chopping Block. The Rosalia has received $450,000 from a $1 million state Keystone Communities grant Pottsville shares with Tamaqua. 'I want to congratulate PADCO, the city, Metz Properties, Hannah and Nick on their dedication to turning this dream into a reality,' Argall said. Savas Logothetides, PADCO executive director, recognized Hannah Corbacio and Nick Hair's involvement in Ignite Schuylkill, a Chamber of Commerce business incubator program, where the initial proposal for a downtown hotel surfaced. 'They wouldn't give up, and they were stubborn about it,' he said. 'If I could buy stock in Hannah and Nick, I would.' A banner for The Rosalia hangs during an official event Tuesday to announce plans for renovating the old Miners National Bank on Centre Street into an upscale hotel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) The Pottsville couple own HC Digital Agency, an online marketing firm. Hannah is the daughter of John Corbacio of Pottsville and Rhoda Gerace of Schuylkill Haven. Nick is the son of Constance Ridge, formerly of Pottsville. Robert S. Carl Sr., Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce president and CEO, said the new hotel would boost tourism in the area. 'Tourism is measured by overnight stays,' Carl said. 'It's difficult to measure it if there are no overnight stays.' State Reps. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., and Jamie Barton, R-124, East Brunswick Twp., were among the guests. City Councilman Andrew Wollyung represented Pottsville, and chairman Ian Lipton represented the Pottsville Redevelopment Authority, which approved a $75,000 grant for the project.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
HUD officials tour highlights of revitalized Pottsville
POTTSVILLE — U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD) officials toured the city on Wednesday, getting a firsthand perspective on important projects backed by numerous local organizations to revitalize downtown. Joseph J. DeFelice, HUD's assistant deputy secretary in the Office of Field Policy & Management, Regional Administrator Senior Advisor Elvis Solivan and Regional Administrator Special Assistant Adam Kelly joined local business leaders on a tour of downtown Pottsville, transported by an old-fashioned city trolley. The tour showcased the progress being made with the help of organizations such as the Pottsville Area Development Corp., Barefield Development Corp. and local state legislators. The delegation met at the newly opened Discovery Park at 3rd and Market streets, then went to the former Miners National Bank, which will become The Rosalia hotel and event space. Bill Metzinger, owner of Metz Properties in Orwigsburg, which is developing the building, presented plans for The Rosalia. The tour then moved to the Schuylkill Trust Co. building at 101 N. Centre St., which is being developed into market-rate apartments. Savas Logothetides, executive director of PADCO, pointed out the other 'white whale' of downtown apartment development, the historic Thompson Building across the street. The city seeks conservatorship of that long-vacant building, which is owned by an out-of-town landlord, Logothetides said. * U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice learns about the Miners National Bank becoming a hotel and event space during a tour of Pottsville, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice, left, talks with Bill Metzinger inside the Miners National Bank during a tour of Pottsville, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice takes a tour of Alvernia University – Pottsville CollegeTowne during a tour of Pottsville, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice discusses his tour of Pottsville, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Show Caption 1 of 4 U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice learns about the Miners National Bank becoming a hotel and event space during a tour of Pottsville, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand The tour ended at Alvernia University-Pottsville CollegeTowne, the local campus of the Reading-based university which opened at the former Giant store at 500 Progress Ave. DeFelice, who started his day with a similar tour in Tamaqua, remarked on the power of collaboration between local organizations to spur economic development. He had previously visited Pottsville in 2019, and was impressed with the progress made since then. 'What I was most impressed with was the collaboration across multiple sectors, whether it's housing, hospitality, health, education,' DeFelice said. 'They seem to have kind of everything they need here now.' DeFelice believes the one missing piece is affordable housing, which he acknowledged HUD will continue to address with its public and private partners locally. U.S. Housing and Urban Development Assistant Deputy Secretary Joseph DeFelice takes a tour of Alvernia University – Pottsville CollegeTowne during a tour of Pottsville, Wednesday, June 4, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) He noted that many communities, even in rural areas, have urban centers that need vital attention in regard to housing and accessibility. 'The president and (HUD Secretary Scott Turner) have made a strong commitment to rural communities,' he said. Pottsville appears to have 'all the amenities that they need,' he said, 'but the rents need to be right.' 'With the price of housing skyrocketing, people need the urban center (in Pottsville) … and that's all here,' DeFelice said. 'It's just a matter of making it affordable for people to live here.' Dave Young, executive director of Schuylkill Community Action, stressed better collaboration between local municipal governments. 'I wish there was a way to bring them all together … to really, collectively find solutions,' he said. 'I think that would be the biggest piece here, getting some of the municipal entities involved in that.' Others who attended the tour included State Sen. David G. Argall, members of the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, and staff assistants for Argall and U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Tamaqua Liberty Tree Park will be home to special sapling
TAMAQUA — It's just an empty lot across from the Tamaqua Railroad Station, but in Micah Gursky's eyes it will blossom into a proud tribute to the founding of the United States of America. On a recent visit to the site, formerly occupied by several blighted buildings, Gursky outlined plans for Tamaqua Liberty Tree Park. 'Right now, we're filling in the lot to bring it up to sidewalk level,' said Gursky, director of the Tamaqua Community Partnership. 'But in late August or early September, it will become the home of Schuylkill County's Liberty Tree.' * The site for Liberty Tree Park sits across the tracks along Railroad St. from the Tamaqua Railroad Station, pictured Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) * Rendering of proposed Liberty Tree Park in Tamaqua. (Courtesy image) Show Caption 1 of 2 The site for Liberty Tree Park sits across the tracks along Railroad St. from the Tamaqua Railroad Station, pictured Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Expand All of Pennsylvania's 67 counties will receive a sapling Liberty Tree to commemorate next year's celebration of the 250th anniversary, or semi-quincentennial, of the founding of the United States. The saplings are genetic offspring of the last surviving Liberty Tree, a 400-year-old Tulip Poplar on the campus of St. John's College in Annapolis, Maryland. Alive when the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776, it died of damage inflicted by Hurricane Floyd in 1999. Arborists had bud-grafted offspring to produce authentic descendants prior to the tree's demise. The America250PA Commission, the organization that will distribute the saplings, selected Tamaqua as the site of Schuylkill County's Liberty Tree. In its application, Tamaqua had drafted a plan to acquire blighted properties on N. Railroad Street, across from the Schuylkill River Heritage Area visitor's center in the railroad station, and transform the property into a park. THE PARK The Tamaqua Community Partnership, which submitted the application for the tree, recently unveiled architect's renderings of the Liberty Tree park. The tree lies at the center of a grassy area, raised about 18-inches above a plaza from which it can be viewed. Adjacent to the tree is a flagpole, and a large Tamaqua Liberty Tree Park: 1776-2026 billboard-style sign. There's also a historic marker explaining the origin of the Liberty Tree. The public can view the tree from a sidewalk-level plaza, which includes interpretive displays with names of Revolutionary War era patriots from the Tamaqua area. Lighting will illuminate the park at night. Brian Connely, Tamaqua borough council president, said members of the Daughters of the American Revolution compiled names of Revolutionary War veterans for the Liberty Tree application. 'A lot of people worked together on it,' he said. 'It's definitely an honor.' ANNOUNCEMENT Joseph G. Martoccio, district director of the Masonic Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania and America250PA, announced the awarding of Schuylkill County's Liberty Tree at a news conference in November 2024. 'These trees are not only a symbol of the past,' he said, 'but were planting them as a symbol of the future.' The news conference was attended by local, county and state officials. State Sen. David G. Argall, R-29, Rush Twp., suggested the restoration of the former Reading Railroad station in Tamaqua figured in the placement of the Liberty Tree. Built 150 years ago, it was a departure point for local troops serving in World War I and World War II. The U.S. Postal Service included the station in a First-Class Forever Stamp issue of historic railroad stations in 2023. State Rep. Jamie Barton, R-124, East Brunswick Twp., explained the history of the first Liberty Tree. An elm planted around 1646 in Boston Common, it was the gathering place of the Sons of Liberty and became a symbol of American resistance to British rule during the American Revolution. 'They gathered to fight for freedom and liberty,' Barton said, 'and the tree became a beacon of hope and a symbol of American freedom.' FUNDRAISER The Tamaqua Remembers Committee, an arm of the Tamaqua Community Partnership, has launched a capital campaign to underwrite the cost of the Liberty Tree Park. The committee has set a goal of raising $100,000 to pay for the development of the park and its outdoor space. There are several levels of donations, ranging from the Commonwealth level of $50,000 on down. For information on donations, which can be by check or online, contact the Tamaqua Community Partnership at 570-668-2770.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Yahoo
Man in custody, charged with setting off explosive device in chapel
MAHANOY CITY — A Mahanoy City man is in Schuylkill County Prison, charged with arson after police say he detonated an explosive device inside St. Teresa of Calcutta Adoration Chapel. Police arrested Kyle Kuczynski, 32, on charges of felony arson, reckless burning or exploding, possessing an explosive or incendiary material, risking a catastrophe, institutional vandalism, criminal mischief and ethnic intimidation. According to video recorded at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday, a man is seen going into the chapel, which is open 24/7, in the lower level of the parish office. He lights something and then hurries to leave. An explosion occurs moments later. Kyle Kuczynski (MAHANOY CITY PD) Kuczynski was denied bail because he is a threat to public safety, court documents show. The Rev. Kevin Gallagher, who has been pastor for 16 years, said the incident saddens him. 'He knew exactly what he was doing,' Gallagher said. Fire department tape blocks the entrance to the adoration chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Three stained glass windows, which are from the former Saint Joseph's, were damaged by the blast, as was part of a statue of the Holy Mother. The blast knocked some of the Stations of the Cross off the wall. Other damage is also visible. A broken candle holder sits within the adoration chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) The suspect was at the chapel Monday morning and then again Tuesday before the incident, Gallagher said. Bishop responds The Most Reverend Alfred A. Schlert, the Bishop of Allentown said in a statement, 'Belief in the real presence of Jesus Christ in the Holy Eucharist is central to the Catholic use an explosive device to destroy the Blessed Sacrament is an act of darkest evil. Damage is seen on and surrounding the altar at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) I thank God that no one was injured in the incident, and that the suspect has been taken into custody by law enforcement. At the same time, I am heartbroken that such a heinous, hateful, and evil act occurred at St. Teresa of Calcutta. This act of religious hate is an affront to the long and devout history of faith among the people of Mahanoy City. While offering forgiveness, I pray the person who perpetrated this crime will receive the help needed and the justice demanded for their actions.' Glass, flower petals and wood splinters litter the floor within the adoration chapel at St. Teresa of Calcutta in Mahanoy City, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. An incendiary device was detonated at 9:02 p.m. Tuesday in the adoration chapel. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) People react Meanwhile, the doors of the Solemn Perpetual Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament chapel, open around the clock for 43 years, are locked following Tuesday night's incident. 'It's a tragedy,' declared David Truskowsky, who was baptized in the church that is now St. Teresa of Calcutta. 'Of all the things to do, why would somebody mess with something that's sacred.' A local funeral director who's active in veterans' affairs, Truskowsky said log books at the chapel, which is next to the church named for St. Mother Teresa, show that it is refuge to the troubled and downhearted. 'I've checked the log books,' he said, 'and people have signed in at 2 a.m.' Regardless of the extent of damage, people on Centre Street Wednesday afternoon deplored the desecration of a sacred place. Jean Chupasko found the incident heartbreaking. 'It makes no sense to destroy something that is Holy,' said Chupasko, 88, a retired sales clerk. 'It's terrible.' Seniors enjoying a warm afternoon in front of the high-rise apartment in midtown were reluctant to express their feelings for the record. However, they used words like 'horrible' and 'terrible' to describe what they considered an unthinkable act. Some wondered if it was the work of a troubled person. One person said someone, perhaps the suspect, had been tossing firecrackers around town for the last week or so. At the entrance to the chapel, now cordoned off by yellow police tape, a sign on the chapel read: 'Come to me all who are weary and face life burdensome, and I will refresh you.' MT 11:28.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Group honors STC for its innovative programs
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways BARNESVILLE — At a time of increasing emphasis on American manufacturing, Schuylkill Technology Center was recognized for its innovative programs Tuesday by the Northeast PA Manufacturers & Employers Association (MAEA). Serving nearly 900 students on campuses in Frackville and Mar-Lin, STC was given the association's Employer Product Innovations Award at a reception in Mountain Valley Golf Course. Shannon Brennan, administrator, accepted the award from Darlene J. Robbins, MAEA president. Bryan Kuruts accepts an award on behalf of PPL Electric Utilities at the Manufacturers Excellence and Employer Excellence Awards at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) 'STC is committed to meeting the workforce development needs of our manufacturing sector,' Brennan said. 'Our goal is to ensure our students are prepared to fulfill the workforce development needs in the present and future.' STC was cited for its HVAC program in Frackville, which will ultimately train 40 high school and 20 adults annually for high-paying jobs in the Schuylkill-Luzerne workforce development area. The MAEA Excellence Awards program drew more than 100 leaders from companies in Schuylkill, Luzerne and Lackawanna counties. Rob Strickler accepts an award on behalf of Quandel Construction at the Manufacturers Excellence and Employer Excellence Awards at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) InterMetro Industries Corp. of Wilkes-Barre, a global manufacturer of shelving and storage equipment, was presented with the MAEA 10th Annual Commitment Award. In presenting the award, accepted by Vice President of Product Engineering David Reppert, Robbins cited InterMetro's commitment to offering students employability skills and valuable real world experience. Bradley Kaup, of MI Windows and Doors in Gratz, was named MAEA 2024 Human Resources Professional. Julie Masser Ballay accepts an award on behalf of Masser Famliy of Companies at the Manufacturers Excellence and Employer Excellence Awards at Mountain Valley Golf Course, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. (MATTHEW PERSCHALL/MULTIMEDIA EDITOR) Julie Masser Ballay, vice president and CFO, accepted the MAEA Employer Expansion Award for the Masser Family of Companies new 22,000-square-foot office building in Hubley Twp. Built on reclaimed coal lands, the building is LED-certified and equipped with a Geothermal HVAC system fed by two 400-foot-deep wells. The family's companies include Sterman Masser Potato Farm, Keystone Potato Products and Lykens Valley Grain. Chris Dende, Mrs. T's Pierogies vice president of human resources and MAEA immediate past president, served as master of ceremonies. Offering congratulations to the award recipients were State Rep. JoAnne Stehr, R-107, Hegins and Schuylkill County Commissioners Larry Padora, Barron L. 'Boots' Hetherington and Gary J. Hess. Here is a complete list of the MAEA awards: Manufacturers Excellence Mrs. T's Pierogies, Shenandoah, Manufacturers Community Involvement; ITG Brands, McAdoo, Manufacturer Process Improvement; InterMetro Industries Corp., Wilkes-Barre, Manufacturer Product Innovation; SIMONA America Group, Archibald, Manufacturer Expansion; Hydro-Extrusion North America, Cressona, Manufacturer Environmental, Health & Safety. Employers Excellence Quandel Enterprises, Harrisburg, Employer Community Involvement; PPL Electric Utilities, Allentown, Employer Process Improvement; Schuylkill Technology Center, Mar-Lin, Employer Product Innovation; Masser Family Companies, Sacramento, Employer Expansion; Hayden Power Group, Hazle Twp., Environmental, Health and Safety. Honorable Mention Surteco North America, Auburn, Manufacturers Community Involvement; Hoekelen Greenhouses, McAdoo, Environmental Health & Safety; Walmart Distribution Center, Pottsville, Employer Community Involvement; L. R. Costanzo Inc., Scranton, Employer Process Improvement; LVH-Schuylkill, Pottsville, Expansion.
