From the Mayor
We’ve been working hard this winter to give you much to be proud of in your community, and we have been strengthening partnerships that will enhance the quality of life for everyone who lives and works in Canonsburg, as well as those who visit.
Our goal is to attract new businesses and residents. To do so, we must show everyone how nice of an area we have created and maintained. Please be a part of making our town look its best. If each of us takes an hour to clean property and roadways near our homes, the area would look great.
My focus right now is community development. It is truly important to keep moving forward and to try to bring new businesses and residents to Canonsburg. With that in mind, borough council and I have created a community development team to discuss ways to keep Canonsburg growing and prospering.
Several store fronts are empty – there are landlord issues and stores that have closed because of the owner’s sickness or retirement, and we are determining how to rectify that.
The committee is trying to obtain money to restore old buildings and redevelop them. There is Brownfield money available through redevelopment, but not nearly enough funds can be obtained there to do what is necessary for these buildings. Money may also be available through the governor’s office and job creation. If you know anyone thinking of opening a business or relocating, send them our way.
The committee is currently working on some new developments, including First Street Elementary School (to be torn down and replaced with a 55-65-age living complex); the South Central Avenue Washington Hospital project; renovation of the Morgan building into loft apartments, and the Fort Pitt project, in which the site will be converted into offices and warehouses.
Also, we have 11-17 additional acres to be developed in a prime location, we are considering a Route 980 corridor development, we are studying incubator program development with the City of Washington and Washington and Jefferson College and we are determining how to best renovate and redevelop parts of the residential area.
Although we have a committee with redevelopment in mind, your suggestions and ideas are always welcome, especially in a time where Canonsburg needs to move forward or will be left behind. Remember, we cannot do it alone.
As always, my door is open. If you have concerns or ideas, let me hear from you. It is the people who get involved in their community that really make a difference. I look forward to seeing all of you at the many upcoming spring activities throughout the community in the upcoming weeks.