Dec 13, 2006 By Christine Haines 3 min read

BROWNSVILLE – The election of officers for 2007 for the Greater Brownsville Chamber of Commerce took place Tuesday without any changes in the leadership, but Bill Johnson, chairman of the nominating committee, said there could be changes in the organization’s bylaws next year. “There are currently 27 directors and about 50 members. That may be more directors than we need,” Johnson said.

It’s been about 15 years since the bylaws were last reviewed, Johnson said. The chamber authorized the committee to begin the review process. Amendments will be presented next year. Johnson said the process would take several months.

Johnson also announced the results of the recent chamber elections. Elected to three-year terms on the board of directors were Ricco, Johnson, Nellda Ware, Janice Novak, Raymond Koffler, Marie Lunden, Norma Ryan, Harold Richardson and Rita Bates. The executive committee remains unchanged, with Ricco as president, Carl DellaPenna as vice president, Ware as treasurer, and Scott Bowman as the executive director.

In other matters, the chamber voted to give a $1,000 deposit to the Gateway Clipper Fleet to reserve a boat for next year’s cruise to be jointly sponsored by the chamber, the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp. and area fire departments.

Chamber director Genevieve Capatosti reported that 140 treat bags were handed out on Light-up Night this year. Extra candy was donated to the ECHO child development center in Brownsville.

Ryan reported that BARC will be holding an open house from 1-3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17, featuring the businesses in buildings owned by BARC.

The businesses include a florist, a 19th century clothing and accessories store, a code enforcement office, an engineering firm, and an archeological firm, as well as regional and art museums operated by BARC.

“I think it is good to know that there are still people who have faith in the town, despite the boarded up buildings,” Ryan said of the tenants.

Ryan said the organ that came from the Plaza Theater has been 90 percent restored and Jay Smith, who donated the organ to BARC and has coordinated the restoration, will be on hand for the organ’s first public unveiling. Ryan said enough restoration has been done for the organ to be played.

Harold Richardson reported that the doors have been installed at the Monongahela River, Rail and Transportation Museum after a five-month delay. Richardson said delay kept some other work at the museum site from being done on schedule. He anticipates opening the museum by the end of 2007.

Mayor Lewis Hosler said the extensive road resurfacing needed in the borough because of a sewer line installation project may be delayed until spring, because regulations require temperatures to be above 50 degrees before paving can be completed.

“We’ve had some good weather this month, so hopefully they can get something done,” Hosler said.