EDA awards $10,000 to Sew Lovely to fund planning and permitting for classroom and overnight lodging expansion in Irvington

The Lancaster County Economic Development Authority on July 17 approved a $10,000 grant to Sew Lovely, a retail and long-arm quilting business in Irvington, to pay for plans and permitting connected to a proposed 1,500-square-foot classroom and second-floor guest rooms.

Owner Lee Taylor told the EDA that Sew Lovely, located at 4504 Irvington Road, operates retail sales of quilting fabrics and long-arm quilting services, offers classes and community events, and has a broad customer base that travels regionally to attend in-person classes and shop hops. "We have a customer base that extends through the whole Eastern Seaboard of 3,000 plus customers," Taylor said.

Why it matters: Taylor said the planned on-site classroom and overnight lodging would improve accessibility (including ADA compliance), support expanded classes and youth programs, draw visiting customers who typically travel from an hour or more away, and generate spillover spending at local restaurants and businesses.

Details and discussion: Taylor estimated construction at about $200 per square foot for a 1,500-square-foot building (roughly $300,000 total) and said she plans to self-fund 50% and seek loans or private investment for the remainder. She requested $10,000 from the EDA specifically to cover architectural plans and permitting fees (she said the plans and permitting were estimated at $10,000). "I'm asking the EDA for $10,000 to cover the cost of the plans and the permitting to basically get this project off the ground," Taylor said.

Taylor said she owns the property and has discussed zoning and setback issues with Irvington town staff and a local builder. She also told the board the proposed building would require a 10-foot setback for new commercial construction, and that the existing garage may be grandfathered.

Action taken: Following the closed-session certification, the EDA unanimously approved a $10,000 grant to Sew Lovely on a voice vote. The chair asked, "We have a grant request of $10,000, for Sew Lovely. Is there a motion?" A board member moved, another seconded, and the board replied "Aye," and the motion carried.

Context and constraints: Taylor said the classroom currently accommodates only four people and is not ADA-compliant; off-site classes reduce on-site retail sales. She described plans to host contracted instructors, youth after-school sewing clubs, and events that draw regional visitors. Taylor said she has five part-time employees and revenue streams that include retail, machine sales/service and long-arm quilting (she said she charges 2.5 cents per square inch and averages about two quilts per day for that service).

What’s next: The EDA approved the funds and staff will follow up with Taylor to document use of the grant for plans and permitting. The applicant was told the EDA will contact her after closed-session discussions.