Brownsville group headed to Harrisburg
BROWNSVILLE – Several Brownsville business owners are hoping to get the attention of Gov. Ed Rendell Wednesday when they drive to Harrisburg to bring attention to economic development problems in the borough. “The Brownsville Area Revitalization Corp. has been doing its part to bring some dignity back to the town, but it’s been three years since the governor was here and not a lot has been done. The red tape is killing the town,” said Cheryl Hough, the owner of The Shopkeep and one of the event organizers.
Hough is asking anyone interested in joining the caravan to meet in the parking lot behind Sunset Discount at 7 a.m. Wednesday. She is asking for residents, business owners and elected officials to participate in the drive to Harrisburg.
“There are three new businesses in town that are really struggling, but we can’t get any help because we’re not classified as an area that needs help, amazingly,” Hough said. “We’re trying to bring attention to government officials that action needs to be taken to help these businesses.”
Hough, Bill Johns who owns Evergreen Floral, and Hough’s daughter and son-in-law, Jen and Rob West, are in the process of organizing Project Brownsville.
“The goal is to bring the town together. The people, the businesses and the public officials,” Hough said. “Project Brownsville is to try to get people talking and focused on a common goal. It’s a big project.”
Hough said the group is just getting organized and anyone interested is welcome to participate.
“We’re not an organization that’s going to sit back and plan things for three months,” Hough said.
Hough said she is hoping state officials are able to provide some immediate assistance to businesses interested in opening in Brownsville.
“Whatever can be provided right away, whether it’s loans or consulting help, whatever they can do,” Hough said. “Regardless of what happens in Harrisburg, I’m hoping it develops a sense of community in Brownsville.”
For more information, call Hough at 724-364-3017, or stop by The Shopkeep on Market Street.
“It would be nice if they got in touch with us, but it would be OK if they just show up Wednesday morning,” Hough said.