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Shirley Allen Center expansion pitched as neighborhood hub; council voices support
Summary
Representatives outlined plans to renovate and expand the Shirley Allen Center, renovating 6,600 sq ft and adding 2,100 sq ft for community programs; councilors thanked project partners and tied the project to local funding sources.
Representatives for the renovation of the Shirley Allen Center told Lima City Council the project will renovate roughly 6,600 square feet of an existing building and add about 2,100 square feet for community programming, including youth education, health and wellness activities.
Gwendolyn R. Lane Harvey, the project's liaison, said the renovated facility will provide programming for youth and adults and "ensure that all residents will feel safe and engaged and connected as well as valued and accepted." She thanked City Council, the mayor, U.S. Rep. Matt Huffman, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and a Real Estate and Land Management funding source for capital support mentioned during remarks.
Councilors responded with personal memories of the facility and pledged support. Several council members said the center has historical neighborhood value and noted plans for educational and recreational programming; one councilor asked that city support be available if needed.
Why it matters: The project repurposes an existing public building in a neighborhood that councilors tied to long-term community efforts, and early funding commitments were referenced. The presence of a project liaison before the council coincided with passage at this meeting of an ordinance authorizing a public-works contract (Kleinfelder Inc.) that council staff said will help schedule and support resurfacing and related work in city neighborhoods.
Project details presented to council included the renovated and added square footage and a community-focused list of intended uses — youth education, adult programs, health and wellness and social activities. Speakers thanked funding and partner organizations by name; councilors emphasized local pride and the project's benefit to nearby families.
The council approved Ordinance 1 30 25 on its reading, which authorizes the mayor to enter a contract with Kleinfelder Inc. for the Public Works Department; representatives explained the firm's role in scheduling and technical work tied to city capital projects.
Next steps: Project partners will proceed with design and capital-improvement planning. Council offered general support and asked staff to share updates and notify council if additional approvals or funding requests are needed.
