Awful awful 1960s "urban redevelopment" soulless bunker of a building on an awful awful corner of downtown Erie (probably one of the worst, ugliest intersections I've ever seen in an urban area. But this should help improve at least the NE corner. This area was ground-zero for Erie's first experiment with "modernization" in the late 50s/early 60s. Looks inviting, huh?

Erie County General Authority approves financing for St. Martin Center project

• Tax-exempt bond financing of up to $1.5 million is in the works to help a local nonprofit expand and move its child development and early learning programs.
  
• The Erie County General Authority on Sept. 22 approved the financing for St. Martin Center, 1701 Parade St. The nonprofit's Early Learning Center plans to use the money to purchase and renovate the former National City Bank building at 1727 State St.
  
• David Gonzalez, the agency's executive director, said St. Martin Center is "relocating and expanding its S.T.A.R.S. 4 Early Learning Center," which currently serves about 130 children.
  
• The program currently rents space at Lovell Place in the 100 block of East 13th Street.
  
• "The project will allow us to serve up to 190 children, providing preschool and kindergarten readiness programs as well as after-school care," Gonzalez said. "The project signifies an investment in early learning education as well as helping to revitalize downtown Erie."