Jul 30, 2010 By Patty Yauger 4 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – Business leaders, state and local officials and organization representatives came together Thursday to learn of the progress of the Downtown Connellsville initiative and discover how they can be a part of the movement to improve their community. “This is a good thing,” said Mongell Tire co-owner Brian Mongell, who was among the 50 attendees. “Everything seems to be moving in the right direction.”

The mixer, hosted by the Downtown Connellsville steering committee and Connellsville Cultural Trust, was held to outline the progress of the organization, its programs and plans for the future.

After nearly two years of preparing to become a part of the state Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Main Street Program, the city was advised that cuts in the state budget would not allow for Connellsville’s inclusion in the program.

The community driven program required that the city provide $125,000 in order to receive a $250,000 DCED grant and establish several volunteer committees to work with a Main Street manager to sustain the initiative past its five year benchmark.

With more than $137,000 donated by local businesses, organizations and individuals, along with the establishment of the committees, the planners decided to enact a local program, based, in part, on the state initiative.

“So, instead of Main Street, we are known as Downtown Connellsville,” said Michael Edwards, cultural trust president, noting that nearly 80 contributors have invested in the program.

In June, the steering committee hired McCarthy Public Relations Inc. as its liaison with the business community and local government.

To date the initiative has hung flower baskets in the business district and is working with businesses to list information on its new website.

Edwards said that those owning property in the downtown can also list leasing or living opportunities, or if the sites are for sale on the web site.

“We want to help out as much as possible,” said Edwards.

Other projects include the planning of a Fall Mum Festival for Oct. 2, with the help of the Connellsville Area Garden Club and a Dec. 4 and 5 tour of local churches and businesses.

The city is also working to clear the downtown of blight, added Edwards, and, to date, the city health officer has issued 45 citations to owners that have not complied with regulations.

“We are trying to make Connellsville a better place to live, work and play,” he said.

New businesses, too, are opening.

The Connellsville Bed and Breakfast, located on East Crawford Avenue and owned by John and Lucy King, had guests from Australia and New Zealand within the past week, said Edwards, which indicates Connellsville has “something to offer.”

During the informal meeting, business owners were urged to take part in a matching grant program to improve building facades or add a sign.

The program provides up to $1,000 to improve building exteriors and up to $500 for the addition of a sign or awning. The owner is required to contribute a similar amount to the project.

Charleroi Federal Savings and Loan manager Dave Marchewka said the bank is partnering with Downtown Connellsville to help the businesses.

With credit approval, the local bank will offer low-interest loans and waive all fees tied to the loan for those taking part in the Downtown Connellsville improvement program.

The steering committee is also pursuing a grant to engage an architect to help building owners upgrade their property. The available programs and community enthusiasm, said Mongell, is good for the city.

“I’m thinking about adding some awnings,” he said. “And we’re planning to do some things with one of our empty lots and (the former G.C. Murphy) building.”

Mongell said the family is considering the development of a park on West Crawford Avenue property adjacent to the Crawford Avenue bridge to honor Dom Mongell, the long-time owner of the tire store.

Although the former discount store is for sale, Bryan Mongell said the family is looking to make improvements to its façade to make it more appealing to a buyer and to bring it more in line with the transformation planned for the business district.

“We are going to be a part of this,” he said.

Susan McCarthy, Downtown Connellsville liaison, said she was pleased to see the business community coming together to improve the city.

“The turnout says the business owners of Connellsville really have a vested interest in making our community thrive and make the downtown look more attractive,” she said. “People are talking; people are interested; and they want Connellsville to thrive.”

For more information about the Downtown Connellsville programs, visit its website at www.downtownconnellsville.org.