Good morning, Erie.

Housing and Neighborhood Development Service purchased the historic property at 14th and Parade to demolish the rundown building once owned by Emma Howell—Erie’s first female African American landowner—and replace it with four apartments for persons with disabilities and homeless individuals. Supported by a $2,000 grant from Erie Bank, the project is in the design phase, will bid for contractors next month, and work will begin this summer.

Families in Erie can join a variety of Easter egg hunts and Easter Bunny events in the weeks before Easter—many events include breakfast, prizes, and park or mall gatherings with both free and fee-based options.

The activities run from March 29 through April 27 and some require pre-registration.

Stephani Klassen opened a new location for Give A Crepe La CrepErie at 1909 Chestnut St. The spacious cafe now offers dine-in service and a diverse menu for all dietary needs—an expansion inspired by her work with Erie chef Bertrand Artigues.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the Great Lakes remain below last winter’s levels and will drop until April.

A seasonal rise is expected as warmer weather sets in later this week & into April.

Erie County United will host a public forum Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at the Booker T.

Washington Center at 1720 Holland St — where candidates for mayor, county judge and district judge will share their plans.

The Erie-Western Pennsylvania Port Authority announced it awarded JettyLight a five-year contract to operate a revived water taxi service that will shuttle riders across Presque Isle Bay between Erie and Presque Isle State Park starting May 23—restoring a service that ended in 2019. Each taxi can carry 35 passengers and is accessible to people with disabilities—officials said more details on scheduling and fares will be available in May.

Gannon University announced a $6.5 million investment to create new labs and office space in its I-HACK building and expand Saint Vincent Hospital’s medical laboratory science program with First Ascent Biomedical’s AI-driven cancer treatment that will generate 38 jobs & grow to more than 100 within five years. The project is funded by contributions from the Lutheran Foundation, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority and the state Department of Community and Economic Development, with design planning starting now, construction beginning late this fall and completion expected in fall 2026.

Goodwill Donation Drive

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Mission Empower — Donations welcomed — Contribute gently used items to support local community initiatives.

Lou Gramm Concert

7-9 p.m. — Warner Theatre — Ticket info available — Experience the classic sounds of Lou Gramm live in Erie.

Video Editing Certificate Course

Various times — Erie Institute of Technology — Check website for details — Gain expert-level skills in digital video editing and motion graphics with experienced instructors.

Room 33 Showcase

6-7:30 p.m. — Room 33 Speakeasy — Check event site for cost — Enjoy a night of laughter with comics from across the nation at the Flagship City Comedy Festival kickoff.

Seed Starting Workshop by Steph's Sprouts

6 p.m. — 814 Vintage Marketplace — Free entry — Learn the essentials of starting seeds for your garden in this hands-on workshop.

Black Monk Comedy Showcase

5-7 p.m. — Black Monk Brewery — Free entry — Enjoy an evening of laughter at this entertaining comedy showcase sponsored by the brewery.