Most cities have a redevelopment authority -- but what is its purpose, and do they differ across communities?

We have the mission of one them in Erie County, it's the subject of this week's Giving You the Business Report sponsored by the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. 

Bob Williams is a Corry native.

The former head of the Corry Journal Newspaper has a vested interest in the development of his hometown. 

He has served as a board member on the Corry Redevelopment Authority for more than 20 years, and for the last year - is carrying on its legacy as director. 

"It started in 1974 to tackle blight," said Bob. "It morphed into an economic development arm of attracting businesses and purchasing buildings." 

A big focus right now is helping senior citizens, and potential employees for Corry businesses. 

"We haven't had any new housing in 10 years," said Bob. 

There's plans to build a few single family homes in the city. 

Additionally, within the last year, the Redevelopment Authority re-acquired 14 acres of land. The land is what used to be the former Sciota Village Mobile Home Park.

The authority wants to use the land as a potential area for housing. The authority said the land could be used for senior citizen housing or workforce housing. 

Bob told Erie News Now there's more than 100 job openings at different employers in the city.

"So, we're not filling those. A big reason is housing and then training the employees," said Bob.

A former now vacant PNC Bank Building in Center City Corry could be the conduit. It will be the new Redevelopment Authority Office, and a community resource.