Jan 26, 2005 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Following the lead of surrounding communities and the county, the city will begin setting goals and objectives for its future. Fayette County Commissioner Vincent A. Vicities joined with city leaders and residents Tuesday to preliminarily discuss the development of a long range plan that could enhance the city’s chances of garnering state and federal funding and provide a guide for future economic, infrastructure and recreational improvements.

“I refer to the county (strategic plan) regularly,” said Vicities. “It is a very valuable tool.”

Pointing to a county goal established in an earlier long-range plan to build three new industrial parks, Vicities said the objective has been reached with a trio of sites constructed at various locations.

“(A strategic plan) is a blueprint for progress,” he said. “We’ve let it be our guide.”

Mayor Judy Reed, who called for the session, said that funding agencies are more likely to listen to municipalities that have documented their assets and listed their needs.

“If they can see this community wants to work together for the betterment of the community then they are more apt to help you out financially,” she said.

A strategic plan, said Reed, needs to include goals and objectives along with the person or entity responsible for implementing the action in addition to maps and other relevant materials.

Vicities urged the city to partner with neighboring municipalities – Dunbar and Connellsville townships and South Connellsville Borough – so that common areas could be addressed to the satisfaction of both communities and to lessen the costs associated with preparing a strategic plan.

It is estimated that the preparation of a plan would cost upwards of $60,000.

Partial funding for the development of a plan is available to communities, according to Reed.

Ralph Wombacker, city redevelopment authority executive director, supported the initiative, stating that the agency is currently seeking grant funding that if secured, would be used to further upgrade the downtown area and would serve as an asset when applying for future funding.

“This could work hand in hand,” he said.

Reed, meanwhile, said that she would encourage residents to offer their input as to what areas should be addressed in the strategic plan and to volunteer their time to assist in its development.

Reed indicated that questionnaires would be mailed to residents to solicit input.

“We need involvement,” she said.

Noting the county’s success in having and following a strategic plan, Vicities said that the time and money spent would be worthwhile.

“I am a big proponent of long range plans,” he said.

“It helps a community focus on where it is and where it has to go.”

Reed said future meetings would be scheduled.