Downtown Connellsville discusses programs and upcoming events
CONNELLSVILLE — Elected officials, business owners, civic organizations and others gathered Tuesday in support of the Downtown Connellsville program.
“I appreciate all you are doing,” said Mayor Charles Matthews. “It is imperative we work together.”
Downtown Connellsville is a locally funded “main street” program to revitalize the city’s business district. In addition to the city, the Fayette County Cultural Trust and Connellsville Redevelopment Authority oversee the program.
Matthews urged the participating organizations to communicate with one another and the city to prevent the overlapping of projects and to secure support for one another.
Matthews denied rumors that the Connellsville Community Center was closing its doors due to the relocation of Connellsville Community Ministries.
Instead, he said, the city would become more proactive to repair the aging heating system, market the facility and ensure its future operation.
“We are going to make the community center a priority,” he said.
For Tina Casey, owner of Tina’s Hair Nook, located on South Arch Street, the Downtown Connellsville program has benefited her business and the city.
“I’m for whatever can help the city,” she said.
“The city is where most of my business comes from, so I want to do what I can.”
In addition to contributing to the “main street” initiative, Casey also supports various activities sponsored by the local program, including the Oct. 1 Mum Festival that will be held along West Crawford Avenue.
Also, the business recently purchased and installed a new sign with the help of a Downtown Connellsville grant program.
“We were planning to put up a new sign and I heard about (the grant) program and thought it was a good idea,” said Casey.
The new sign has drawn customer approval and an inquiry from another business owner about how she, too, can receive a similar sign for her place of business.
“I think the program has really been good for the city,” she said.
Michael Edwards, redevelopment authority executive director, said he was pleased with the turnout that included the Friends of the Carnegie Free Library of Connellsville, Yough River Trail Council, Student Conservation Association (SCA) Trail Town Outreach Corps and the Fay-Penn Economic Development Council/Buy Local Network, who shared information about their agencies and activities.
“This is a good forum for groups to share what they are doing,” he said.
For more information about programs offered by Downtown Connellsville, available properties and upcoming events, visit its website at www.downtownconnellsville.org.