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Elm Street program coming to Greensboro
jstevens@observer-reporter.com
GREENSBORO - The Elm Street program, a new initiative funded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, is coming to Greensboro.
The program, which seeks to use the successful integrated approach of the Main Street program, will be outlined at a public meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 22 in the Mon View Park Roller Rink. Also, the recommendations from the Greensboro Elm Street Planning Study will be presented.
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Recently, Greensboro's artist community and the efforts of the Nathanael Greene Historical Foundation have attracted the borough's attention. Major regional draws include the Second Saturday gatherings every month and the annual Creative Communities Conference and Art Blast on the Mon.
The Elm Street approach seeks to capitalize on Greensboro's assets by approaching revitalization in a coordinated manner. "This plan really seeks to tie everything that has been happening together," borough Council President Mary Shine said. "We are confident that Elm Street will provide us with an avenue to connect these efforts and to show everyone in Western Pennsylvania what a truly special place Greensboro is."
Mackin Engineering Co. of Pittsburgh, the consulting firm hired to complete the Elm Street study, has assisted the community in developing a vision and a coordinated plan of action for the next five years.
This plan addresses the five key areas of focus that are the core of the Elm Street approach:
n Clean, safe and green
n Neighbors and economy
n Design
n Image and identity
n Sustainable organization
Residents and business owners who attend the public meeting will have the opportunity to learn more about each of these five key areas and how they apply to Greensboro's renaissance.
Key recommendations in the five-year strategy include a suggestion to undertake a streetscape improvement program that includes new lighting, sidewalks and decorative elements, such as flower baskets and banners along Greensboro's main thoroughfare, Front Street.
Another important result of the plan will be the creation of a facade improvement program to provide property owners with grants to make cosmetic renovations to the exterior of their structures, particularly those in the historic district.
Other recommended action items include expanding environmental education through the creation of community gardens and a farmer's market, and amending the borough zoning ordinance to allow for more mixed-use buildings and flexible live/work spaces that will accommodate the borough's creative community.
More information about the meeting and the Elm Street Plan is available by calling Mary Shine, Greensboro council, at 742-943-4462 or Amanda K. Miller, Mackin Engineering, at 412-788-0472.
Main-Elm Street = Fiasco to property owners & Tax payers : 10/12/2008
Rummies - you hac better check the fine print - you might be giving away your property rights and more. Half the money is supplied by local taxpayers and the rest is supplied from the state from taxpayers. And then to have your property rights voted away to a Board who will decide for you?
Greensboro : 10/12/2008
At one time Greensboro was a nice place to live and grow up but when the mine closed the trash move in....not such a nice place anymore.
Bring money back to us : 11/5/2008
Sad when people think these programs COST taxpayers money, when in fact these programs do just the opposite. If local communities don't take advantage of these programs - our tax money will only go to other communities like Phili and Pittsburgh that have the understanding of their value. Rural communities have an opportunity leverage these monies to invest in their community rather than continue to watch it decline and be an environmental dumping zone. What is sad that the naysayers will do a lot of talking and try to instill fear but have little input or commitment in their own local government, boards, or community groups. Step up or shut up!
Not fair : 11/5/2008
Greensboro like other rural townships have all been hit hard by Coal fallout. We need programs like this to build ourselves in a community otherwise we will simply ask for outsiders to do it again to us. I say good for Greensboro to keep trying, we all should never give up.
