By Jon Stevens, Staff writer

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.

Elm Street programs typically accompany a Main Street program that focuses on a major commercial corridor, but Greensboro will mark a new venture into using Elm Street in a more resourceful manner, as a means to spurring increased economic growth in mostly residential rural communities.

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.

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