Corry City Council moved forward on an emergency infrastructure repair and heard two significant community development proposals during a recent meeting, including plans for a 45-unit workforce housing project and a request to explore designation as an Autism Certified City.
Boiler Replacement Approved for Community Center
Council approved a change order for the replacement of the boiler at the Corry Community Center after learning the originally specified unit would not be available until April due to delivery delays.
Mayor Jeffrey Fike explained that the initially approved Weil-McLain cast iron sectional boiler was expected to be in stock, but the supplier later discovered it was not available. As a result, the contractor, Rabe Environmental Systems, identified an alternative — a Dunkirk cast iron sectional boiler with the same capacity — that could be delivered within approximately two weeks.
Selecting the alternate unit increases the total project cost by $8,600, bringing the overall expenditure to $70,100, with the additional funds designated from unclassified restricted funds for the community center.
Fike said the current boiler is only temporarily operational and continues to leak. One burner was destroyed by water damage and had to be swapped, resulting in inconsistent temperature control inside the building.
“When the boiler is running full like this, it leaks less because it’s running full,” Fike explained, noting the system cannot properly regulate heat.
Council members confirmed no re-bidding was required because the change involves a comparable replacement unit. The motion to approve the additional funding passed unanimously.
Developer Proposes 45-Unit Workforce Housing Project
Council also heard a presentation from Trey Barber of Pivotal Housing Partners, a multi-family housing developer based in Cincinnati with active projects in 17 states. Barber outlined a proposal to construct a 45-unit apartment development on the former Concord School site.
The project, tentatively titled “Concord Flats,” would represent an estimated $16 million investment in Corry and include a mix of one-, two-, and three-bedroom units. Planned amenities include a community room, management offices, tenant storage, and approximately 60 parking spaces. The building would be fully visitable, with ADA-compliant units available across all unit types.
Barber said the development would target workforce housing — residents generally earning between approximately $30,000 and $50,000 annually. Rents are projected to range from roughly $350 to $900 per month, depending on unit size and income eligibility.
The project would be financed primarily through Low-Income Housing Tax Credits allocated by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency. Barber explained that the credits are sold to a banking partner, which provides equity investment upfront, reducing reliance on debt and helping stabilize rents long-term.
“This is not a developer flipper,” Barber said. “We own and manage everything that we develop.”
He noted that Pivotal would maintain long-term ownership and management of the property, estimating the creation of two full-time local positions — one property manager and one maintenance technician.
Council members asked questions about income limits, voucher acceptance under federal Fair Housing requirements, potential tax programs, sewer capacity, and community outreach. Barber emphasized that while voucher holders cannot be legally excluded if they qualify, the company does not plan to pursue project-based subsidies and maintains screening standards for employment, background, and financial responsibility.
If approved for tax credits, the tentative timeline would place construction beginning in late 2027, with potential occupancy in 2028.
City Asked to Explore Autism-Certified Designation
Council also received a proposal from Kathryn DeVittorio, Executive Director and Founder of the newly formed DeVittorio Center for Autism in Corry, requesting that the city explore becoming an Autism Certified City through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Educational Standards (IBCCES).
DeVittorio cited national statistics showing one in 31 children is diagnosed with autism and one in six individuals has sensory needs affecting interaction in public settings.
“This is not just a social issue. It’s also an economic issue,” she told Council, referencing the global inclusive travel market and the potential economic impact of improved accessibility.
She explained that Autism Certified City designation requires participation across key sectors — including public safety, healthcare, education, recreation, hospitality, and workplaces — with at least 80 percent of public-facing staff in participating organizations completing autism-specific training or implementing designated accessibility measures.
“When participation thresholds are met across sectors, the city earns designation,” DeVittorio said. “It signals to residents, families, employers and visitors that this community is prepared, welcoming and inclusive.”
She requested that Council authorize staff to begin exploring requirements, costs, timelines, and potential funding opportunities. DeVittorio also noted she has spoken with Erie County Executive Christina Vogel about possibly pursuing a county-wide designation and has initiated preliminary conversations with local organizations.
In addition, she proposed forming an autism advisory committee under City Council to provide structured input from autistic adults and families.
“This is not about committing to a final designation tonight,” she said. “It’s about saying yes to learning more and signaling that inclusion, safety and opportunity matter here.”
