Only $20 million is up for grabs statewide for small cities and boroughs looking to improve their downtowns, but local officials say they’re optimistic the money could head their way.
The money is designated for a new Main Street Matters program that aims to foster economic growth and development for the state’s small business and main streets. While the funding may not be enough to start, or cover, a full project, it could continue efforts already underway.
“As we continue our ongoing revitalization in our downtown, we would certainly be interested in participating in the Main Street Matters program,” said New Kensington Mayor Tom Guzzo.
The program builds upon and modernizes the existing Keystone Communities program, said Penny Ickes, spokeswoman for the Department of Community and Economic Development. The DCED will administer the program.
Local governments, redevelopment and housing authorities, nonprofit organizations and community development corporations, as well as business, neighborhood and downtown improvement districts, are eligible to apply for the grant funding, Ickes said. Guidelines for the program are being developed and are expected to be finalized in September.
Gov. Josh Shapiro originally proposed $25 million to create the program, but the final budget passed by the Legislature last month funded the new program at $20 million.
The $25 million down to $20 million is a negotiation, said Virginia Mauk of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center. But the funds still will be put to good use, she said.
“There are lots of asks and then debate and adjustment to arrive at an agreed-upon budget,” Mauk said. “The Main Street Program had at one time, long ago, when those dollars meant even more, been funded at over $56 million. The ask was for $25 million for many years, and finally getting close to that is fantastic. There is so much that can be done with this money and so much need.”
Staying optimistic
Tarentum Manager Dwight Boddorf said the borough is optimistic about the impact the allocated funds can have, regardless of the amount.
“Every dollar invested in our main streets helps create a more dynamic and resilient community,” he said. “We believe that strategic and targeted use of these funds can lead to sustainable growth and are committed to making the most of any support provided.”
Tarentum officials have worked to boost economic growth and development in the borough’s downtown business district, Boddorf said. The new funding stream could amplify those efforts.
“We have proactively promoted economic development through various initiatives, including our business facade improvement grant, regular business advisory luncheons and continuous engagement with business owners and local officials,” he said.
The announced funding also is something that interests New Kensington, Guzzo said.
“While many businesses continue to open and be successful, small-business owners face daily challenges that may or may not be directly related to their business that can be helped or avoided by having access to grant dollars,” Guzzo said.
The Main Street Matters program could provide small-business owners an opportunity to be more successful without having financial concerns, he said.
“That would be great for them, and the city as a whole,” Guzzo said.
The previous Keystone Communities program has long been a resource for local communities, offering vital support to small businesses and helping to revitalize downtown areas, said Dan DeBone, president and CEO of the Westmoreland County Chamber of Commerce.
DeBone also believes the funds will enable communities to access resources they need to enhance their business districts, attract new businesses and create walking spaces benefiting both residents and visitors.
“This is not just about economic growth,” he said. “It’s about fostering a sense of community and ensuring that our towns remain places where people want to live, work and invest.
“We look forward to working with local municipalities, business owners and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of these funds and continue driving economic development throughout Westmoreland County.”
Greensburg revitalization effort
Greensburg applied for the Keystone Communities program last year to launch a site master plan for a 5,000-square-foot vacant lot at 225 S. Main St., said Alec Italiano, the city’s planning and development director.
The site, now owned by the Westmoreland County Land Bank, formerly housed a JCPenney store and the Advance Furniture building. With the building having sat vacant and deteriorating since the 1980s, the land bank razed it last year, Italiano said.
Greensburg’s $50,000 South Main Street master plan is supported by $20,000 from the Keystone Communities program. According to Italiano, a final plan should be completed by next month.
The city may apply for Main Street Matters dollars to support implementation of the site master plan, he said.
“If we miss this round, we’re definitely going to do it in the spring.”
Investing in downtown
While the very smallest of municipalities may find it difficult to stake their claim, small boroughs and cities long have been the solid heart of the Main Street Program, Mauk said.
“Downtowns are the backbone of Pennsylvania and the country,” she said. “It is important to ensure downtowns and surrounding neighborhoods remain vital places to live and work and places people are proud to call home. Most importantly, they serve as third places where people go to connect with other community members, creating a vibrant and inclusive community.”
Mauk said state funding for revitalization projects was cut from $56 million in 2009 to $6 million in recent years, leaving efforts to small organizations and volunteers.
“Increasing this funding would help to build additional capacity in our communities,” she said. “Investing to enhance the quality of life in communities, especially small towns and rural communities, will make them competitive in a 21st century, knowledge-based economy.”
Blawnox Manager Kathy Ulanowicz was unaware of the new funding by the state but said officials in her borough would be interested in learning more. She said previous efforts to improve the Freeport Road corridor include a traffic calming measure with illuminated sidewalks installed in June.
“We do have some ideas on what we’d like to do,” Ulanowicz said. “We’d just like the funding.”
Staff writer Quincey Reese contributed to this report.
