The city of Monroe was awarded a $250,000 Community Hub Grant from the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation to support the planning and early implementation of phase two of the Orchard East Neighborhood Community Hub project.
The grant was awarded in partnership with the Community Foundation of Monroe County and Community Reimagined.
“This funding highlights the power of strong partnerships and community relationships,” said Mayor Robert Clark. “We especially thank the Community Foundation of Monroe County for connecting us with partners like the Ralph C. Wilson Foundation and Community Reimagined, who help turn our city’s strategic plans into meaningful, lasting impact for our residents.”
The first phase of the project was the expansion of the Arthur Lesow Community Center at 120 Eastchester St., which began in December 2024 and is due to be completed by early 2026. This will combine the functions of the L.S. Navarre Branch Library, the Opportunity Center at ALCC, and the nearby Learning Bank under one roof.
The second phase will focus on three adjacent parcels: a new multi-purpose facility, and a food truck venue and entrepreneur launchpad.
The multi-purpose facility will provide a permanent home for Joe’s Boxing Club, a long-standing program that works on building confidence with Monroe youth. In addition to boxing and recreation, the space will host community arts programs, cultural events, and artist pop-ups.
The new food truck venue will serve as a launchpad for local food entrepreneurs. The aim of the site is to create a pathway for small business development in the Orchard East neighborhood.
“By fostering opportunities for local entrepreneurs and celebrating the neighborhood’s creativity and culture, we’re investing in the people who make Monroe such a vibrant place to live and grow,” said co-founder of Community Reimagined Stephanie Kasprzak.
These projects will be developed on land adjacent to the ALCC and Labor Park, including the site currently occupied by The Learning Bank, which will be relocated to the expanded ALCC facility upon completion of phase one.
“This project reflects what is possible when philanthropy, local government and community partners come together around a common goal: to create spaces that bring people together and strengthen Monroe for generations to come,” said Val Orr, executive director of the Community Foundation of Monroe County.
Monroe’s city council will formally accept the grant award at its Oct. 20 meeting.
— Contact reporter Connor Veenstra at CVeenstra@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: City of Monroe awarded $250,000 grant for Orchard East Neighborhood project
Reporting by Connor Veenstra, The Monroe News / The Monroe News
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
