With the exterior modernization of Sharpsville Gardens set for this year, Mercer County Housing Authority is looking ahead to future projects.

Fay Terrace in Pymatuning Township will be the next community to be modernized, according to the capital fund budget approved Wednesday.

Work likely will include new facades and roofs, adding porches, and improving landscaping in a way that gives residents their own green area to use and maintain.

The authority gets about $1.5 million a year from the federal government for improvements to authority buildings.

Fay will get the bulk of next year's allocation, with the renovation of the community center at 211 Federal St., Farrell, beginning at the same time.

The authority plans to renovate the center over four years. In the initial years, the roof will be fixed and the windows replaced.

In subsequent years, the authority plans to convert eight efficiency apartments at Vermeire Manor, Sharon, into one-bedroom apartments. The efficiencies are harder to find tenants for, while there is a waiting list for the one-bedroom units.

Exterior modernizations for Mesabi Street, Sharon, and Garster Homes, Farrell, also are slated.

At the end of the five years, the authority also will look to make interior improvements to Fornelli Manor and exterior work at Silver Street Estates and North Sharon Heights, all in Sharon.