Public input sought for Brownsville revitalization plan
BROWNSVILLE – Area residents will have a chance to share their views for the revitalization of the borough at a public meeting later this month. Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp. Executive Director Lou Orslene told the Greater Brownsville Area Chamber of Commerce that a meeting to develop strategies for the town will be held Feb. 27 from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Sons of Italy hall.
The public meeting is part of a project funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in which Brownsville was selected as the ARC project site for Pennsylvania. The ARC is helping the borough develop a significant project leading to self-sustaining economic development and an improved quality of life.
Orslene said an executive committee, Team Brownsville, has been named to oversee the project. Included on the team are John Evans, Andrew French, Dr. Herman Jackson, Dr. Geraldine Jones, Nellie Mammarella, Orslene, Frank Ricco and Mayor Norma Ryan. In addition, 13 focus groups representing various segments of the community also are being formed. Orslene encouraged participation in the focus groups. Anyone wanting more information can call him at 724-785-9331.
“The hope is once these focus groups are done, there is some consistency in the perception of the needs of the community,” Orslene said.
Orslene said BARC also will hold a wine-tasting fund-raiser March 1 at 7 p.m. at the Sons of Italy. The event will feature wines from 10 area winemakers, as well as Italian appetizers.
The chamber also conducted the following business:
– Encouraged members to send in their dues to renew their memberships. So far, the chamber has sent 90 dues notices and received 24 payments.
– Heard that the Brownsville Rotary Club is still accepting donations for its flag project. The club would like to display flags throughout Brownsville regularly.
– Announced that the chamber again is sponsoring a scholarship for Brownsville Area High School students participating in the vo-tech program and planning to continue their education. No applicants met the scholarship criteria last year and the scholarship was not awarded.
– Heard from Brownsville native Chris Konopka, who introduced himself as the owner of a new business.
Konopka is renting small equipment such as carpet cleaners, jackhammers and power equipment from his home to businesses and individuals. Konopka said he is looking for a storefront location for his business.