Reaching Our Goal: To date we have received over $ 136,900 in donations and pledges towards our Main Street Program. We have surpassed our goal of $ 125,000. Please keep those pledges coming in. We appreciate your efforts in helping us exceed this goal. We have submitted our application to the state for review.
The following businesses and organizations have made a financial donation to the Downtown Connellsville Program: Attorney Carolyn Maricondi, City of Connellsville, Community Foundation of Fayette, Conn Area Catholic School, Connellsville Chamber of Commerce, Connellsville Elks, Donna J. Evans Realty, Gasbarro Insurance, Horewitz, Cordaro, Dietz & Miele, Janney Montgomery Scott, Kisiel & Rudnik, Risers Pub, Fink Funeral Home, Mancuso's Barber Shop, City Church of Connellsville, Connellsville Counseling and Psychological Center, Molinaro Law Office, Grasso Greenhouses, Charleroi Federal Savings, Graft Oil, Johnson Accounting, Glass Cap Federal Credit Union, Rotary Connellsville, Colebrook Chocolates, Sheetz, The Bug Trap, Armstrong, Connellsville Area Senior Tigers, Widmer Engineering, CAEA, McCarthy Public Relations, Connellsville Area Education Association, Trinity Lutheran Church, Slovak Club,Wesley Methodist Church, Davies Ford, Fayette EMS, Fiesta Insurance, New Haven Volunteer Fire Department, Daughters of the American Colonists, Highlands Hospital, Connellsville Area Garden Club, Dr. Grimaldi, Connellsville Industrial Enterprises, Demuth Florist, Federal Enterprise Community Grant, Bruner Chiropractic, Tina's Hair Nook, H&R Block, Bud Murphy's Restaurant, Lions Club, National City Bank now PNC, The Stern Center, St. John's Lutheran Church, King's Physical Theraphy and Fitness, Connellsville Area Historical Society.
Many individuals have also made financial committments to the program.
Downtown Connellsville Vision Statement: Connellsville is a community of rich natural and historic resources where all embrace: local history, the benefits of tourism centered on the Great Allegheny Passage and the Youghiogheny River, the beauty of the environment, the advantages of local services, businesses, artists and crafters; so that both the quality of life and vitality of businesses are improved through increased visitors and active members of the community.
Downtown Connellsville Mission Statement: With the current business community, natural and historic resources and our cultural diversity as a solid foundation, the Downtown Connellsville Program will provide opportunities for existing and future businesses to expand and flourish by encouraging economic development and revitalization through the promotion of our heritage, the arts and tourism.
Merchants by providing a greater opportunity for growth and expansion. There would be an expanded customer base and less financial risk.
Property Owners by stable or increased rents, increased occupancy rates, improved marketability of property and increased property value.
Financial Institutions by an expanded customer base both commercial and residential. Opportunity to improve public image and goodwill towards the community and fulfill the community reinvestment mandate.
Professional and Service Businesses by having a ready-made customer base of local employees.
Chamber of Commerce by the potential increase of membership. There would be a healthier overall business climate and potential partnerships on joint projects.
Residents would have local accessibility to goods and services. More employment/career opportunities. There would be opportunities for volunteerism and leadership development. Preserving the community for future generations. A stronger tax base helps to support other community aspects including schools, parks, etc.
Local Government would have an increased sales and property tax base, thereby protecting property values and creating an opportunity for infrastructure investment. There is also a reduced pressure for sprawl development.
Community Partners would see an improved quality of life in the community. There is the potential for new membership among new residents.
Schools benefit through youth involvement in civic projects. The potential to use the commercial district as a "classroom" for school projects. There would be more places to go and activities for youth.
Businesses outside of the Commercial District benefit by the increased visitor traffic to the community, improved municipal services throughout the community. The additional amenities for employees and clients provide further benefit.
Industry benefits because an improved quality of life makes recruiting and retaining employees easier.
SWOT Analysis Visioning Session I
Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
March 18, 2008
Strengths Historic Buildings Rich in History Library Churches Sports Figures Historical Society Coal & Coke Capital Tourism Amtrak Airport GAP Bike Trail Scottdale Trail Festivals—Geranium, Timber Days, Braddock’s Crossing Fallingwater Linden Hall Ohiopyle Skiing, proximity 4 Seasons of Recreation Nature/Ecology Yough River Mountains Trout fishing Low pollution Clean Environment Float /Raft on River Parks Community Oriented Local Hospital Local Newspaper Good Schools Diverse Ethnicities Small Town feel Police/Fire Service Affordable Housing Strong Service Org. Families moving back Wellness programs Friendly people Arts Local artists Theater in Community Center Weakness Infrastructure Bridge repairs Potholes Public Transport No Plan/Vision Parking Code Enforcement Buildings, disrepair Vacant lots Lack of Landlord Pride Job-Related Lack of Industry Not attracting Jobs Declining skills Lack of Investment Tourist-Related Unappreciated: Bike Trail Our History Natural Resources Lack: Hotel Amenities Visitor's Center Population-Related Aging Lack of Youth activities Loss of Youth Political Squabbling Budget Challenges Other No Recreation Center/amenities Drug Abuse Too Many Dollar Stores No Bike Orientation in School Weak Academics in School Opportunities Tourism Bicycling Hub Create Race/Tour Amtrak promote biking Cumberland—sister city Scenic Railroad Festival Promotion Day packages Economic Coffee Shop/Restaurant Build on Lots Vacant Storefronts to Viable Business Jobs for Youth Farmer’s market Bus Trips Bicycle services Art Related Theater East Park—concerts Other Bedroom Community Swimming Pool Engage youth in activities Interaction with people
Threats From Inside Close schools Negative attitude Apathy Code Enforcement: Buildings Deteriorate Blight Infrastructure Decline in Residential neighborhoods Tourism Riverfront Access Not drawing tourist to downtown No economic impetus from Tourism Economic Lose Hospital Lack: Economic Opportunity Lack: Employment Opportunity Non-commercial base From Outside Youth Continue to Leave Area Other Bike Towns River degradation
Getting Ready for Community Revitalization in Connellsville
Main Street is a 5-year strategy to begin the revitalization process. We are currently seeking financial commitments from individuals and businesses to be able to apply to enter into this program. We must raise $ 125,000 in commitments. Once we are accepted into the Main Street program the state will fund $ 250,000 over the 5 years.
DCED Funding
Year 1 $ 40,000 Year 2 $ 60,000 Year 3 $ 55,000 Year 4 $ 50,000 Year 5 $ 45,000
Total $ 250,000
Our Funding Match
Year 2 $ 25,000 Year 3 $ 25,000 Year 4 $ 35,000 Year 5 $ 40,000
Total $125,000
We have hosted three community meetings to get the community input towards the visioning process that will help to create our Main Street.
We need your help to make this work.
At our first meeting will looked at our Strengths (what you like and what you want to retain or enhance), Weaknesses (what you want to change), Opportunities (things that you would like to have in the community) and Threats.
Main Street takes a 4 point approach to downtown revitalization.
There will be 4 committees: Organization, Design, Economic Restructuring and Promotion. Each committee will need members to assist in its operation.
Organization Chairpersons: Bryan Kisiel and Becky McLuckey Building consensus and cooperation among the groups that play a role in downtown and providing the necessary resources Partnerships Volunteer Development Communications FundingDesign Chairpersons: Leo Rudnik and Michael Edwards Enhancing the physical appearance of the central business district Buildings Physical Improvements Planning/Zoning Parking/Transportation Visual Merchandising Graphic Elements Economic Restructuring Chairpersons: Gerry Browell and Jim Clarke Strengthening and diversifying the economic base of the central business district Business Retention Business Recruitment New Economic Uses Trade Area Information Financial IncentivePromotion Chairpersons: Pat Stefano and Linda Cordaro Marketing the unique characteristics to shoppers, investors, new businesses, tourists, youth and others General Image Special Events Retail Promotions
If you would like more information or to volunteer please email us or
