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centerPiecePENNSYLVANIA DOWNTOWN CENTER’S QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER ISS006 winter 2013/2014

P6 | the sharing economy Julie Fitzpatrick explores how the collaborative consumption trend

P12| THIS OLD HOUSE Dean Rohrbach and the West Reading Elm Street help bring a property into the 21st century

HISTORY IS

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board chair’s message

Winter is a wonderful time for reflection. Looking back on the past year we can all be proud of the positive messages about Pennsylvania’s downtowns that have been portrayed on

PCN television through PDC’s partnership with the network. The shows highlight one of our state’s greatest assets . . . the charm of our communities.

In the coming year we will celebrate the 10th anniversary of Pennsylvania’s Elm Street Program and look back on the positive impact it has made in our older neighborhoods. State Representative Bob Freeman recognized that neighborhoods near downtowns are critical to the vitality of our core communities. The success of the Elm Street Program has gained the attention of the National Main Street Center and is considered a best practice worthy of replication by other states.

So as you snuggle up next to the fire this season, I encourage you to reflect on your year and celebrate the accomplishments of your hard work to make your hometown a wonderful place to be. Then begin to look

forward, towards the possibilities for 2014. The Pennsylvania Downtown Center applauds your accomplishments and will work hard to make your hopes for your community in 2014 come true.

Enjoy the season.

Jane M. ConoverPresident, PDC Board of Directors

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Supportland: Small Business Owners Sharing, Rewarding and Keeping CustomersSmall business owners are coming up with innovative ideas for keeping customers. In Portland, Oregon, a group of entrepreneurs have discovered an exciting way to keep their clients shopping. The loyalty card program is called Supportland.

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR RECENT GRADUATE

Congratulations to our recent graduate of the Community Revitalization Academy (CRA), Chelynne Curci.

Chelynne Curci is the Main Street Manager for Butler Downtown, a non-profit working to revitalize the City of Butler’s business district. Prior to working for Butler Downtown, Chelynne was a member of the Board of Directors and Chair for the Promotions Committee. She is currently a member of the GFWC Junior Women’s Club of Butler, the Butler County Young Professionals, the Butler Garden Club, and serves on the boards of the Associated Artists of Butler County and the Butler Arts Council. She is also a graduate of the 2012-2013 class ofLeadership Butler County. Chelynne has a M.S. in Organizational Leadershipfrom Geneva College and a B.S. in Business Management from Grove City College.

Downtown Easton Alley Lighting Installation Nears CompletionEaston Main Street Initiative (EMSI) is very excited to announce the addition of European-style café lighting installations in two of the downtown’s pedestrian alley ways. Less than a block from Centre Square, South Bank Street (between Northampton St. and Pine St.) and North Bank Street (between Northampton St. and Church St.) will be fully lit by the end of the week. A project of Easton Main Street Initiative’s Design Committee, it spotlights Downtown Easton’s fantastic retail & restaurants and also adds a lighting element for evening hours and increases walkability through the downtown.

Lehns Court, a pedestrian alley located in the heart of Downtown Easton in Centre Square saw the addition of similar lighting through the alley way this past September.

EMSI has received tremendous support for this project from the business and property owners alike and also the City of Easton. The three alleyways were funded through the Easton Main Street Initiative, a grant from the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber Foundation, Mayor Sal Panto; property owners Rich Rosati (owner of 1 Lehn’s Court) and Jonathan Davis & Greg Schuyler (owners of 316 Northampton Street); businesses Maxim’s 22, EPS Financial, School of Rock and Terra Cafe.

news & happenings

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Regional Leadership Form TuesdayDecember 10th, 2013

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Harrisburg, PAPDC Offices

Discover Main Street PA:West Reading & Hollidaysburg

SundayDecember 15th, 2013

See pcntv.com for your local channel guide

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Discover Main Street PA:West Chester & Waynesboro

SundayJanuary 19th, 2014

See pcntv.com for your local channel guide

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Discover Main Street PA:Kennett Square &Latrobe

SundayFebruary 16th, 2014

See pcntv.com for your local channel guide

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New Manager Training Monday, February 24th -Tuesday, February 25th 2014

9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Harrisburg, PAPDC Offices

Discover Main Street PA:Lewistown

SundayMarch 16th, 2014

See pcntv.com for your local channel guide

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2013/2014

EVENTS CALENDAR

EVENT DATE TIME LOCATION

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from The Hard Work of Going In and Out of Business in a Day by Nancy Scola, featured

recently on nextcity.org

We have the way we do business, and it’s always good for fresh eyes to

come in and ask some basic questions about why are we doing things. That’s

how we learn and innovate.Kyle Kimball, president of the New York City

Economic Development Corporation

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The sharing economy

by Julie Fitzpatrick

As this holiday season quickly approaches, we thought it was the opportune time to discuss the next

topic in the series, Everything Old is New Again - the sharing economy, or as some economists call it: the collaborative consumption trend. For the point of our discussion, let’s stick to the former. The sharing economy, like time banking, is an old concept that has recently breathed new life. Our current economic shift has caused many of us as individuals and organizations to reevaluate our saving, and by default, our spending. Many of us have downsized - our homes, our vehicles (or other modes of transportation), our offices, our vacations, perhaps even our closets and garages. More of us are borrowing a cup of sugar from our neighbors, and while we’re at it, their ladder and

maybe their drill. It is creating both an economic and cultural shift in our society, that from a consumptive-focused one to one that is focused on conservation, efficiency, sharing costs, and ultimately saving.

We’ve all seen the basic elements of the sharing economy at work in our public library or through owning a timeshare. Now that concept has morphed into tool lending libraries, gardening, fishing and camping equipment lending. There’s car-sharing, like Zipcar and bike-sharing, particularly in urban settings, like NYC, CitiBike has been extremely popular to get around town.

The internet has intensified the ease and accessibility of the sharing economy, with peer-to-peer sharing sites like DogVacy – where you can find local individuals who will watch your pets while you’re away, ParkatmyHouse (self-explanatory), and one of the most popular Airbnb – where you can rent a sofa to a whole house in over 192 countries around the world. This is a growing trend which is estimated to currently be a $26 billion industry, according to Rachel Botsman, the author of the book, What’s Mine Is Yours. But, the sharing economy doesn’t just make economic sense, it also helps to stimulate the social fabric of our society, with more interaction and more trust associated with these personal transactions, transactions that translate into greater interconnectedness and relationships with other people. And then environmental ly, fewer cars on the road can lead to greater use of public t r a n s p o r t a t i o n , bicycles, and other modes of

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transportation. And then there’s the “stuff ”. The stuff that we all have, but do we really need it? Downsizing, evaluating what is truly needed to own and what could be shared is a great exercise in simplifying one’s life.

Even organizations are supplementing their income just as individuals are. Some companies are renting out empty office spaces, underutilized office equipment, co-working spaces, extra parking spots, or renting out meeting rooms to smaller local companies who may not have their own space. These are all things to consider from a community organization perspective as well. Keep in mind that as a non-profit you will more than likely have to report the income as unrelated business income. All of these ideas can be incorporated into downtown and neighborhood strategies as well. Many of our own Pennsylvania

Elm Streets have created their own tool lending program and it doesn’t have to be limited to neighborhoods. Often, there are

shared services, tools, and equipment that many of our downtown businesses can utilize to distribute costs throughout the district, improvement districts and community kitchens are perfect examples of such initiatives.

Some of these opportunities are being scrutinized and may be subject to new regulatory concerns, which is an indicator that the model is making an impact. So, stay tuned and look for ways to join the movement and share with your neighbor.

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Jill Murrin, Elm Street Manager in Scranton’s South Side Neighborhood, has both a Masters and Bachelors

degree in History with an undergraduate in Theology from the University of Scranton. Jill Murrin’s sincere interest in history runs through museums, facades and industrial structures representing her home town of Scranton. Prior to managing the South Side Neighborhood program, Jill worked on a special project of the PA Conservation Corps under the Department of Labor and Industry. She was employed at the Anthracite Museum for three years with specific crews in curatorial management. These tasks included archival work with an education component dealing directly

with the iron furnaces. The iron furnaces have recently been included into the footprint of the Elm Street neighborhood.

Now with increased emphasis, the iron furnaces play a special role in the economic development of the South Side neighborhood. Adaptive use ideas are being explored. Jill first became familiar with the Elm Street program while working with the Elm Street staff on the Fire and Arts Festival at the iron furnaces. Moving into the position as Elm Street Manager was an easy transition for her. Jill has been a manager for two years and is now able to tie her interest of history into greater relevancy and pride initiatives with the South Side neighborhood. Her appreciation of history is also manifested through the façade rehabilitation program. Jill enjoys joining the past with the future.

Here are some highlights of the South Side Elm Street Program:

• The Arts on Fire Festival is a three day event at the iron furnaces and illustrates the trades and arts of various industries with interactive creativity. A special demonstration is the ‘iron pourer.’ This event won a PDC Townie Award in 2012.

• The façade program has completed over 40 projects consisting of an award approaching $200,000. The façade program has been the most visible component of revitalization.

• An ethnic carol signing event celebrates the winter featuring Spanish, Chinese, Czech, English, Polish, Slovak, Creole, Hebrew and Italian singers.

• Given the great leadership and teamwork of the United Neighborhood Centers of Northeastern PA (NEPA), the core

by Stefan Klosowski

History is Hot (or Sizzling) in Scranton’s South Side

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value of training is appreciated by this parent organization and its affiliated partners. Four of its current associated employees have been enrolled in the PA Downtown Centers Community Revitalization Academy (CRA). Three persons have received certificates and a fourth is in training.

• The Neighborhood Watch group is a strong element of the Safe, Clean and Green committee and a highlight of the program. The formation of this citizen’s group and their dedication to keeping the neighborhood safe with ‘eyes on the streets’ and on the children’s park, delivers a deep sense of satisfaction.

• The Farmer’s Market was slow to start however, has picked up momentum with more vendors, once it was relocated to the area of the iron furnaces. This historic attraction is owned and maintained by the PHMC and has been a great partner to the city and neighborhood.

• Cedar Avenue ‘500’ and ‘600’ projects consisting of new LIVE – WORK townhouses and other rehabilitative projects are in full swing. Parent and partner organizations are working closely together to focus on Cedar Avenue, a former neighborhood and commercial section with catalytic expectations.

• The food theme of Restaurant Week is a strong advantage of the neighborhood, especially considering its growing ethnic character. Aside from the facades and other physical changes. The appearance of food establishments whether they be restaurants or retail food operations is on the rise and an integral part of revitalization efforts.

Jill is very appreciative of the new offices on Cedar Avenue and its new and changing appearance. She feels that when sitting behind a great sheet of glass on-looking the main street, she feels highly visible and part of the neighborhood. “People come up and tap on the window, and you feel in touch with the community.” This Elm Street Manager is pleased with the changes that are occurring throughout the neighborhood. “We are instilling pride and hope.” The recently adopted tagline “Grow With Us” assists in promoting a strong sense of community.

She attributes one of the greatest features of accomplishment in the fact that neighbors are actually rehabilitating their houses on their

own without our program funds. The larger townhouse project will help to continue change down Cedar Avenue. One can expect that the larger development twill ‘trickle down’ to the smaller row houses.

An interesting characteristic of the neighborhood is the high number of residential buildings that have been converted, in years gone by, to neighborhood commercial spaces. The fronts or sides appear to have appendages or porches that have been filled out to include a business activity. This can develop as interesting neighbors

and economy theme generators.

As a pastime, Jill still enjoys working with the Anthracite Museum coordinating Facebook and Twitter pages. She and the Elm Street team have assisted a number of businesses in developing a greater outreach of their businesses in the community. Her dedicated interest in bringing history

and community to the forefront has come full circle. Beginning with her experience in museum work, and now integrating the iron furnaces

as an element of community heritage, will prove to be a critical component in Scranton’s revitalization. As one of the slogans illustrates, “Restoring the Pride in South Side.”

Jill Murrin’s sincere interest in history runs through museums, facades and industrial

structures representing her home town of Scranton.

History is Hot (or Sizzling) in Scranton’s South Side

Jill MurrinElm Street Manager

Scranton’s South Side Neighborhood 629 Cedar Avenue

Scranton, PA 18505570-346-6203 ext. 16jmurrin@uncepa.org

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Tim SchooleyReporter, Pittsburgh Business Times

Do I hear an echo coming out of the red brick walls at the old Iron City brewery? The Lawrenceville

Corporation said in a public statement that it was ceasing work with Collier Development LP on completing a master plan for the brewery property, a 9-acre assortment of brewery buildings, a number of them dating to the 19th Century. It was helping to lead to the complex being nominated for historic status.Yet after going through most of a master planning process, including a couple thorny public meetings at the brewery last year, the Lawrenceville Corp. opted to drop out of the process in protest of what it described as Collier’s lack of interest in the historic nature of the building.

Here’s the organization’s statement:“The Lawrenceville Corporation has been working over the past year with our neighborhood partners and Collier Development LP to complete a master planning process that would guide redevelopment efforts on the former Iron City Brewing site. Despite our best efforts to convince them otherwise, it appears that Collier Development LP is uninterested in developing, and being guided by, a candid understanding of whether various historic buildings on the site could feasibly be reused. Because this lack of flexibility

has made a fruitful planning effort impossible, the LC notified Collier Development LP last week that it would be withdrawing from process. The LC and relevant partners will remain vigilant in monitoring any efforts to modify the site, as is it a City of Pittsburgh Designated Historic Property.”

That phrase “vigilant in monitoring” harkens back to the fact that Collier has already been fined for working to demolish a structure at the property without getting the proper permit or getting permission from the city’s Historic Review Commission for the historically nominated property.A deeper look into the Lawrenceville Corporation’s reasoning includes a timeline of events on the organization’s website in which a neighborhood steering committee recommended a course of adaptive reuse for the brewery buildings “where possible,” with main buildings C, D and E a major source of contention. On Aug. 14, according to the organization, Collier responded with a letter that it wouldn’t incorporate any of the steering committee’s recommendations for adaptive reuse.

I have a call in to Collier for response Wednesday but I’ve yet to hear back from them.

But the echo I hear dates back to the owner of the property before Collier, Iron City Brewing Co., which also had early talks about a master plan only to see the Lawrenceville Corp. pull out in protest.Collier has presented rough plans that call for an ambitious mix of apartments, a hotel and a variety of other uses, including a garage, on a key property that runs between the Strip District and Lawrenceville as well as up into Bloomfield and Polish Hill.

Could Collier plow forward without community support and redevelop the property anyway? Maybe. Where the Lawrenceville Corp.’s approval could prove important is in seeking any public grants to assist the project, whether for a parking garage, infrastructure needs or anything else.

Lawrenceville Corp. pulls out of brewery plan

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The 2014 National Main Streets Conference in Detroit, Michigan! Join your Main Street colleagues

in Detroit, May 18-20, 2014, to see resiliency at work. The 2014 National Main Streets Conference will offer important lessons on creativity, innovation and hard work, all of which exemplify the Main Street movement across the country and can be seen first-hand in Detroit: a city that is actively building on its cultural and heritage assets to overcome economic challenges.The National Main Streets Conference is the largest nationwide gathering of preservation-based economic development and community revitalization. As Main Street managers, board members, committee members and volunteers, the 2014 National Main Streets conference is your opportunity to further your community development education while enjoying all that the Motor City has to offer!

Downtown Detroit packs the best of history, entertainment, dining, and culture all into one district. From trendy one-of-a-kind shops, culinary gems and entertainment venues for the theater, sports, or music lover, there is something for everyone to enjoy right downtown. Between sessions try a historic architecture tour or check out the Motown or Henry Ford Museum. Even better, visit one of many urban agricultural gardens or explore what the beautiful state of Michigan has to offer outside of the city.

The 2014 National Main Streets conference is expected to bring over 1,500 downtown development professionals and volunteers from around the country and will feature educational sessions that cover all four areas of the Main Street 4-Point Approach©. Education opportunities will include tracks specifically for Executive Directors and board members. There will even be Main Street 101 sessions that are free and open to the public, providing an overview of the Main Street approach. Whether you’re a seasoned Main Street professional or just testing the waters, the 2014 National Main Streets Conference has something for everyone.

There is no doubt that Detroit has had a big presence in the media over the last few years—good, bad, and ugly. But there is really only one way to truly know the city of Detroit and that’s to experience it yourself at the 2014 National Main Streets Conference. See you in May!

Hotel InformationDetroit Marriott Renaissance Center400 Renaissance Center | Detroit, MI 48243

Registration RatesEarly: $355 Member/$375 Non-Member | Late: $460 Member/$580 Non-Member | One Day: $200 Member/$250 Non-Member | Registration will open in January 2014.www.preservationnation.org/msconference

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The 93-year-old duplex was barely visible from South 7th Avenue in West Reading, hidden behind

overgrown arborvitae bushes hovering at the roofline, bamboo choking the side of the property and a crumbling front porch with rotting beams. In stark contrast, the other half of the semi-detached duplex had been purchased and extensively renovated several years earlier.

Bringing It Up to “PARR”Slipping into disrepair and severe neglect over the last few decades, the weathered and worn half of the duplex finally went onto the market in October of last year. It seemed the perfect opportunity for a new borough program aimed at breathing life back into aging and distressed properties in specific neighborhoods. This

home would mark the debut of West Reading’s PARR Program. The Property Acquisition Rehabilitation and Resell program was designed to purchase aging homes, rehab and modernize them, and then list to sell. Basically, a property “flip” – though the idea is to cover renovation and basic rehab costs and not focus on making a large profit.

John Woodward is the owner of the 3rd & Spruce Café in West Reading and a board member of the nine-person West Reading Community Revitalization Foundation (WRCRF) that started the PARR program. He was a key point person in helping secure the home purchase and in overseeing the extensive renovations. He had some mixed feelings about the property initially because of the grand scale of the project.

“I wanted to do the house on South 7th as soon as the PARR project came to fruition. I knew it would have the biggest impact after I saw the other side of the semi-detached house. When I first went in the house, it scared me and I decided it was too overwhelming for our first project. It was a total wreck,” Woodward says of the decrepit interior and poor state of the property.

Inside the deteriorating home, the neglected and overgrown trees made for a dark and dreary interior with little natural light. There were stacks of decades-old magazines piled in the corners, easels and canvases, oil paintings, large mineral samples and other quirky finds throughout the house that told the story of a once prominent fine art curator and artist who lived there. James MK Waldron,

by Rebecca J. DoubekPhotos by John A. Secoges, Secoges Photographics

Featured in the November 2013 Issue of Berks County Living

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his wife Marguerite and their children had at one time owned the entire semi-detached property. He had been the fine art curator at the Reading Museum. After his death in 1974, the property remained in the family.

Investing in the NeighborhoodDean Rohrbach is the manager of the Elm Street program in West Reading, a program aimed at revitalizing neighborhoods adjacent to main street Penn Avenue. He was instrumental in bringing the PARR program to the borough. He believes it is crucial to focus on housing to improve the landscape of transitional neighborhoods.

Rohrbach said the biggest difference with the West Reading program compared with his previous revitalization experiences in Reading and San Diego is that the PARR program is not funded by taxpayer dollars. Funding for PARR was secured through VIST Bank, The Janssen Foundation, The Wyomissing Foundation, Berks Charitable Foundation and Colonial Oaks Foundation.

Woodward says the private funding is an important aspect of the program. “What people should understand is that we are using private funds that are not encumbered by governmental guidelines that would require us to find homeowners that are below the average median income of the area. We are looking to gentrify West Reading,” he says.

An in-depth market value analysis of the city of Reading and the surrounding area was recently performed and included median sales price, vacant and foreclosed properties and other factors. It mapped out the varying types of neighborhoods and highlighted areas that are transitional or distressed. This analysis is what the PARR program has used to identify those transitional areas in which to focus their efforts.

“The Elm Street areas from 2nd to 7th and from Cherry to Spruce are the target PARR areas and they need the most help,” Rohrbach says of the market value analysis. “If we don’t to something to stabilize and reverse the blighting trend in the transitional neighborhoods, it’s going to spread like a cancer.”

Mayor Shane Keller is the chair of the WRCRF and says the program and the investment gives a lot of bang for the buck.

“Not only does the PARR Program allow us to make an immediate impact in the neighborhoods where these rehab projects occur,” he says, “it also allows us to strategically inject improvements where

some of the other Elm Street sponsored projects, such as Paint the Town, may not be a viable rejuvenation solution.”

The Finished ProductThe striking 1920s house now sits proudly perched on the hill, restored to its former glory. Unique Victorian Tudor-style architecture, bay windows and an inviting front porch are defining features for this home now that it can be seen from the street. Gone are the overgrown trees, the invasive bamboo and the rotting façade. The home has been painted a complementary color scheme to that of the attached duplex next door.

“That property is among the oldest in West Reading. The architectural style is so different for this area. It’s like nothing else of that size,” Rohrbach explains of the South 7th home.

The dramatic changes to the home’s interior were done by general contractor Nicholas Gardecki of Berks Custom Remodeling and

Restoration. The major overhaul included taking out the vestibule at the front entrance and installing new hardwood floors throughout. The space is flooded with natural light thanks to the pared back landscaping and the removal of invasive trees that blocked the windows. A wall on the first floor was removed to create a more open living space. The

once dingy and small kitchen has been transformed into a large, modern one with new cabinets, granite counter tops, tile flooring and an island complementing the new energy-efficient stainless steel appliances.

A laundry room and half-bath were added to the back of the first floor to upgrade the existing layout. The upstairs bathroom was completely remodeled and the second and third floors were carpeted.

All of the home’s systems were replaced with energy efficient options: a big improvement from the old oil-burning furnace and outdated electrical work. New plumbing, new windows and a freshly painted interior completed the transformation of the five-bedroom home.

“Our rehab went way beyond just correcting code violations. We brought the property into the 21st century by knocking down walls and opening up the floor plan,” says Rohrbach.

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In all, the renovations totaled more than $100,000 in addition to the $55,000 purchase price the WRCRF had paid for the home. The home was listed in late spring of 2013 and sold in just 4 days at the full asking price of $164,900.

Nico and Tiffany Carwll are the new owners of the PARR home. Both grew up in Reading and have loved living there with their four children. Despite loving their home and their experience in the city, they began considering a move because of the school district.

“We both love the city and both went to Reading High [RHS],” Tiffany explains. Her husband is now a teacher at RHS.

But the issue of the schools and their desire for a more pedestrian-friendly community started them on a search for a new home. Nearby West Reading seemed the perfect fit.

Initially discouraged by what they were finding, they discovered the home on South 7th online. Tiffany says they loved the pictures of the house on the Internet and thought it would be perfect for their family. In one photo, both she and her husband noticed the PARR program sign in the window of the house. Unaware of the program, they looked it up and read all about the new revitalization program in West Reading. They were hooked.

When they walked through the home just three days after it came on the market, they knew they wanted to make an offer.

“We loved it. We loved it before we walked in,” she gushes of the home.

Now settled in their new home, they’re finding it’s a great fit. Tiffany says the kitchen is a family favorite, as it is with everyone who visits. And with four children ranging in age from 15 years to 3 months, “We have a backyard with enough room for the kids to play and enough bedrooms. Everybody has a room,” she says

And although they love the modern amenities of the remodel, she says they still appreciate the little pieces of the house that once was, like the bay windows and the stained glass transom windows above a few of the interior doors. “Those little things give it character that you can’t get elsewhere.”

Nico and Tiffany consider themselves relatively private people, but said they wanted to share their enthusiasm and support of the PARR program and the progress of revitalization that brought them to their new home. “We want people to see that this is something awesome,” she says of the program.

A Bright FutureThe idea is simple, says Rohrbach. By bringing more homeowners to the area and stabilizing the surrounding neighborhoods, liabilities become assets and revitalization progresses.

In turn, this protects the already stable neighborhoods in the borough and protects the progress and improvements already made to Penn Avenue. It’s been just over 10 years since the large scale sidewalk improvement project on Penn Avenue began the revitalization process in West Reading.

Now with the addition of the PARR program, the foundation looks to continue the progress, which is being deemed a success. The WRCRF is already looking

to purchase a second PARR property and eventually hopes to complete 3-5 homes per year.

The mayor is equally hopeful. “The goal of the PARR Program is to rejuvenate aging properties while looking to convert multi-family properties back to owner-occupied single family homes where we can,” says Keller. “West Reading is a great community, and the WRCRF is hopeful that programs like PARR will assist West Reading in remaining a great community to live in, work in, and play in.”

The Domino EffectAs one project comes to completion, it gives way to another one beginning.

“We target our investments to connect one strength to another,” Rohrbach explains. “We took the worst property on the block and turned it into an asset. We took an old and cracked public sidewalk and not just replaced it, but added decorative grass and brick medians. That sidewalk happens to connect to our Main Street investment on Penn Avenue. And now that sidewalk leads to a neighborhood with stable homes and real estate on the 100 block of South 7th.”

The PARR program is just another way to secure revitalization for the future in the form of homeowners.

“Homeowners are stake holders,” Rohrbach says. “They are more likely to get involved in the community and more likely to take care of their home. We are trying to attract young families and professionals and people that want to live in a pedestrian-oriented community like West Reading.”

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waynesboro to be featured on pcn’s ‘discover main street pa”by Denise Bonura, The Record Herald

Pieces of the heart of Waynesboro were captured on film Tuesday.a crew with the Pennsylvania Cable

Network learned what the town has to offer as they interviewed area officials, business owners and volunteers, who shared their stories and explained why this is an exciting time in the community.Waynesboro will be featured along with West Chester in an hour-long program, “Discover Main Street PA,” that will air at 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, on the statewide network — which is channel 186 for Comcast customers. Those who have a satellite dish can stream the program online via at pcntv.com.

The show airs the third Sunday of each month, and is brought to viewers through a partnership between PCN and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center.

“We are delighted Waynesboro gets the chance to be on statewide television,” Pat Fleagle, director of economic development with Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc., said. “We are doing our best to project our positive image. This will hopefully help us out and bring more visitors to our town.”

Tom Moore with MSW Inc. helped the borough apply to appear on the show, and a sponsorship by M&T Bank with a donation by the Franklin County Visitors Bureau helped with the cost.“Part of Mainstreet’s function is to tell the story of Waynesboro, to not only market it as a destination, but also a great place to live and work,” Moore added.

Jewels of WaynesboroThe episode will feature the unique history of the borough — such as its settlement by John Wallace in 1749, its rich roots during the French and Indian and Civil wars and its industrial activity in the 1800s that paved the way to the town we know today.

“We want to feature everything the town has to offer,” said Scott Hershberger, who will take over MSW when Fleagle retires at the end of the year. “From the history, to future economic development,

to special events, to the business owners who chose to open their businesses downtown, and why the town has fueled their success.”The three-member crew was seen along Main Street Tuesday as they visited businesses like Christine’s Cafe and Gourmet Coffee, The Waynesburger, Zoe’s Chocolate Co. and Burgundy Lane Bed and Breakfast.

Hershberger and Fleagle spoke about Waynesboro pride, and how the town has several unique aspects, including two chocolatiers with Zoe’s and the Despina Leos Candy Kitchen. Renfrew Museum and Park, the proximity to the Appalachian Trail and the proposed parklet along Main Street were just a few of the highlights.

Andrew Sussman of the Arts Alliance of Greater Waynesboro spoke on camera about the Destination ARTS! initiative he helped spearhead this year. Sussman, with the help of hundreds of volunteers and artists, transformed storefronts and vacant commercial spaces into art galleries throughout town.

Each weekend through Oct. 27, the art galleries are open to the public, along with musical entertainment and children’s activities. Hershberger said one of the galleries at 50 W. Main St. will remain open through the winter. Since its inception, Sussman said Destination ARTS! has brought visitors to Waynesboro from 25 states and eight foreign countries. More than $20,000 worth of art has also been sold.

“I was struck by the incredible, natural beauty of the town, and the number of vacant storefronts there were,” Sussman said in his interview. “I wanted to bring something unique and help rebrand the town as a destination.”

Small-town feelAshlee Shelton, marketing and membership coordinator with Pennsylvania Downtown Center, said the purpose of “Discover Main Street PA” is to highlight “all of our exceptional downtown communities across the state.”

“We are really pleased to work with Waynesboro. This town has made many strides to bring a lot of culture to the area,” she said.

Videographer Matt Hall, who will edit the footage from Tuesday’s shoot, said he grew up in Alexandria, Pa., a very small town in Huntingdon County. Hall said he liked how Waynesboro is a “walkable town,” that families can come to on a Saturday and find something fun to do.

“I like to bring highlights to small towns because I grew up in a small town,” added Dave Emenheiser, producer of special projects with PCN. “Waynesboro has that small-town feel. I also like to show the revitalization efforts of the towns, and what is good about it to keep these areas from becoming blighted.”

Read the originial article here.

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