When Boston-based Arctaris Impact Investors first committed $50 million to downtown Erie, Pa., in 2016, it promised to invest another $10 million in "designated low-income areas."
What it didn't commit to doing, however, was actually paying back the money, the Erie Times-News reports.
On Tuesday, Arctaris announced a $12.4 million investment in the Erie Downtown Development Corp.'s ongoing construction project, which includes a new 30,000-square-foot climbing gym, 30 new apartments, and a 300-space parking garage.
"These are investments. They are not grants," says EDDC CEO John Persinger.
"We had to show them projects that made financial sense that generated a return for the businesses involved."
Persinger says the EDDC, a community- and business-backed group formed last year to rebuild downtown Erie, had to put together compelling projects and demonstrate that they were worthy of investment.
"We are looking for a target return that is commensurate with what our investors are seeking as well as a high social impact for the community," says Arctaris managing partner Jonathan Tower.
The Times-News notes that while both EDDC and Arctaris have made investments through the federal Opportunity Zone program, which offers special tax incentives to investors.
Read the Entire Article
A customized collection of news from foundations from around the Web.
The position young people are dealt with can be complex, and yet the entire economic system is still focused for an age that’s almost gone astray. The solution? Promoting social enterprise and getting these young people integrated into work.