Slippery Rock Development is raising funds to place a bid on the borough’s vacant lot at the intersection of Main and New Castle streets.

Borough council decided to sell the lot, the previous site of First National Bank, last year. The three-tenths acre has been used during community events, such VillageFest, since the building was removed.

Tom McPherson, executive director of Slippery Rock Development, said the organization is hoping to place a bid on the lot to preserve it as green space.

“I’ve visited other small towns, and the most inviting thing is seeing these parks as you drive in,” he said. “It gives a welcoming feel.”

McPherson added that if they are successful in acquiring the lot, there are plans to add landscaping and opportunities to discuss adding flowers with Slippery Rock In Bloom.

Slippery Rock Development started taking pledges and donations of any amount to go toward the initiative last week. McPherson said an anonymous donor offered to match all gifts for the effort up to $100,000.

“We’re taking donations of any amount. There is already public support for this project,” he said.

According to McPherson, there is discussion of organizing fundraising events to add to their bid, and a letter has been sent to the community asking for donations to be returned by April 15.

Borough Manager Shawn Pugh said the lot is appraised and listed at $440,000 by the real estate agency and that the municipality cannot ask for a price on the property, hence the bidding process. Bids are due May 3.

“Each council member will have their own opinion. I know some members of council want a business there,” Pugh said. “The borough will entertain any bids that come in, and the borough has the right to reject any bids.”

McPherson said Slippery Rock Development has a history of improving the appearance of the borough, referencing the improvement of Main Street in the early 2000s, and wants to continue that initiative with the vacant lot.

“The town was deteriorated, it affected the enrollment of the university and businesses in town. The development was invented to turn it around, and it succeeded. It was the results of citizens getting together and saying ‘Hey, we need to do something,’” he said.