May 18, 2008 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Main Street program volunteers and any new recruits who might want to join the movement to revitalize the downtown are being invited to attend a third public hearing on Tuesday at the Connellsville Community Center. Michael Edwards, president of the Connellsville Cultural Trust, said that the session will involve the finalization and acceptance of a vision statement and to conduct subcommittee meetings to determine how to enact the criteria set out in the statement.

The public sessions are being held to inform business owners, property owners, students, residents and other about the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Main Street program.

Last week, the Main Street steering committee formulated a draft vision statement that will serve as a list of goals to be obtained in the next 10 to 20 years.

The tentative text states that the city will build upon the existing business structure, natural resources, cultural diversity, creative local talent and historic value to enhance the city’s future.

“It is still a work in progress,” said Connellsville Redevelopment Authority executive administrative assistant Paula Grubach. “We want further input.”

For nearly two years, the nonprofit cultural trust in partnership with the authority has continued to compile the application in anticipation of being designated by the state as a Main Street community.

“There are many benefits to being designated as a Main Street community,” said Edwards. “Merchants benefit because there will be additional people visiting their shops; property owners, by increased occupancy rates; financial institutions, by expanded business and residential customer base as well as loans they can make; professional services because there will be a ready-made customer base; the chamber of commerce, because of the potential new business members and residents, because of the local accessibility to goods and service.

“Local government will benefit by increased sales and the property tax base and industry, because with an improved quality of life, it makes recruiting employees easier.”

If accepted into the program, the city would receive $250,000 over a five-year period to defray the cost of a business manager’s salary and related expenses. The Main Street program also connects participants with other funding opportunities, including a business fa?ade improvement and revolving loan plan.

To become a participant, the city, its residents and business owners must contribute $125,000 over a four-year period.

“For the application, we do not have to have the money in hand,” said Edwards. “We do, however, need written commitments.”

A $1,000 pledge could be paid at a rate of $250 per year. Other amounts are also welcome and can be paid over the four-year period, added Edwards.

To date, the cultural trust has received $10,000 in pledges, but will conduct a door-to-door campaign within the next few weeks to add to the amount.

More Main Street program information and a draft copy of the vision statement are available at the cultural trust’s Web site, www.connellsvilleculturaltrust.org

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Edwards said that questions about the program or input for the statement may be directed to him by e-mail at begin cctrust@zoominternet.net cctrust@zoominternet.net end

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Tuesday’s meeting will be held in the community center auditorium on Fairview Avenue beginning at 5:30 p.m.