Penn Hills' preliminary HUD Community Development Block Grant funding projects for 2009-10 include additional updates to Lincoln Park Community Center.

Despite a reduced budget from this year, which is not expected to grow next year, Penn Hills has tentatively dedicated $100,000 for improvements to the center and $5,500 for contributions to its food bank.

The repairs would improve accessibility to the center's restrooms and provide a new water pump. The building's exterior would be improved with landscaping and, the outdoor recreation area would be updated.

Tentative plans also call for a neighborhood garden space in the back of the building.

The preliminary block grant budget is scheduled to be adopted in January.

Recent repairs to the center were part of an effort to restore the building after it was damaged by fire in June 2004.

A new furnace and fire alarm system were installed afterward, along with exit lighting, emergency lighting and fire-alarm pull stations. But that winter, the building's water pipes burst, damaging what had been repaired.

In 2006, waterlines and the heating system were replaced. Doors with a higher fire rating and fire caulking and sealing were installed a year later. This year, a new room for the center's food pantry and a computer room were built.