Joined by state and local officials, the committee toured the downtown to hear a firsthand account of the history behind the revitalization of Jim Thorpe from Elissa Garofalo, who served as the Main Street manager in the 1980s. The walking tour went up Broadway Street and down Race Street with Garofalo providing references to how the once-blighted properties are now restored historical buildings.

Main Street and Elm Street programs provide state grants that are mixed with local and private funds to improve the business district and surrounding neighborhoods in older communities. The goal is to rebuild downtown commerce, create opportunities for small businesses and provide affordable and convenient housing.

Senator David G. Argall (R-29), who chairs the committee, said Jim Thorpe’s history and success with the program provided an ideal location for the hearing.

“Jim Thorpe is the community many throughout the state and nation wish to replicate,” Argall said. “A ‘Main Street’ lined with small businesses and the entrepreneurial spirit is something every downtown community wants to see. My goal is to shed light on what works, what has failed, and how we move forward to achieve the ultimate goal: Bring back jobs that once existed in now struggling downtowns across the state.”

The committee then heard from six testifiers with a broad background on the issue. The goal for the committee is to weigh the pros and cons of both programs.

Ed Geiger, who serves as the Director of the Center of Community Financing at the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), spoke about the past, present and future of the program from his perspective at DCED.

He noted that while there are many successes, the recent economic difficulties have led to a decrease in available funding.

“Consequently, DCED no longer provides operational funding that supports the costs of a manager’s salary and other operational funding for the organization,” Geiger said. “Designated communities must demonstrate that the program has developed such support prior to receiving designation.”

Geiger highlighted that 65 communities are interested in the program. Geiger noted the program’s success is contingent on criteria established by DCED.

Geiger stated that the program must use asset-based strategies and install a benchmark-style system to provide for greater accountability of public resources.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, Sharon Davis, who serves as Main Street Manager through the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, testified in support of the program due to its effectiveness in several communities in Lehigh and Northampton Counties. Davis detailed the Main Street program’s collaboration across the communities of Bangor, Bath, Catasauqua and Pen Argyl.

Davis emphasized that an arts district is pivotal to her success in each of these communities.

“We are building on our town’s rich tradition of skilled crafters and artisans through a partnership with our local non-profit arts center,” Davis said.

She mentioned three key ingredients to her continuing success as a Main Street manager — strong communications with businesses and residents, working with codes and zoning enforcement officers in each municipality, and meeting with elected officials on a regular basis.

Jeff Feeser, Schuylkill Community Action’s Director of Housing and Community Development, testified on the importance of the Elm Street program in the City of Pottsville.

“The Elm Street Program is a statewide initiative that focuses on residential revitalization in neighborhoods that are in close proximity to, or adjoin, the commonwealth’s municipalities’ downtown districts,” Feeser said. “The program was a virtual godsend for the City of Pottsville and their revitalization efforts within the city.”

Feeser emphasized his point through pictures presented to the committee via a PowerPoint slideshow. His slideshow can be found here: http://j.mp/12pFtUO.

Tamaqua Borough Council President Micah Gursky provided a contrast from the past, when downtown buildings were falling apart, to the present, when classic businesses are rejuvenated thanks to the development tools provided by DCED and local fundraising efforts.

“Tamaqua’s Main Street district includes classic businesses that are community staples like The Chili Dog, Charles X. Block’s Men’s Store, M&S Hardware, the Tamaqua Diner and Klingaman’s Office Products,” Gursky said as he cited cornerstones to Tamaqua’s downtown business community.

Gursky pointed to new industries coming to town providing new jobs and opportunities for local residents. “These businesses have been joined by businesses that reflect trends in technology, lifestyles and diversity.”

Gursky noted the success in Tamaqua should be replicated.

“There are many ‘Tamaquas’ in Pennsylvania,” Gursky said. “I ask that this committee work with your colleagues in the General Assembly and the Administration to give that next generation of Tamaquans the tools to continue to improve using the Main Street Program: expertise, structure and funding.”

Jim Thorpe’s first Main Street Manager Elissa Garofalo testified about the program’s residual effects on the downtown.

Garofalo noted four lessons she learned throughout her experiences that lead to a Main Street program’s success:

Commitment –

“The incentives provided by the Commonwealth were a small carrot to encourage the initial local investment that was made by private property owners decades ago. Since that time the improvements you see in Jim Thorpe are largely self-funded.”

Historical preservation –

“Some downtowns have lost too much of their community fabric via demolition, long-term neglect and misguided improvements. Unfortunately, not every main street can be a successful ‘Main Street.’”

Four-point approach –

“Main Street’s four-point approach is a good one. Many successful downtown revitalization initiatives utilize the elements of organization, promotion, economic restructuring, and design. As a result new life has been breathed into districts across Pennsylvania and the nation. The National Main Street Center does not provide direct funding to participating communities. It delivers the technical expertise local communities need to succeed.”

Each program is unique –

“Downtowns are much like snowflakes; no two are alike. Each has its own image, history and circumstances. Forcing a community to comply with strict criteria in order to comply with state regulations may make great sense for the funding agency, but it is often inordinately time-consuming and ineffective for local partners.”

In the end, Garofalo said that the local efforts led to Jim Thorpe’s success over the years.

“Local initiatives that commit both organizationally and financially ultimately care more about the success of the program, and result in healthier, more successful downtown districts,” Garofalo said.

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Executive Director Bill Fontana highlighted his organization’s commitment to both Main and Elm Street programs.

“Our small staff of four full-time and four part-time people has the task of fulfilling our mission of supporting revitalization efforts in hundreds of communities throughout the state,” Fontana said.

Fontana, whose organization collects data throughout the state on these programs, emphasized the positive economic development impact. Since 2005, Pennsylvania gained 4,067 new businesses in Main Street communities. These new businesses led to over 16,000 new jobs, according to Fontana.

Fontana announced that his organization is convening a “think-tank” to review the Elm Street program and recommend improvements for the future.

The original author of legislation enacting the state’s Main Street and Elm Street program, Representative Bob Freeman (D-136), testified before the committee on his current proposal designed to improve the Main Street program.

“The Main Street and Elm Street programs are invaluable tools for assisting struggling older communities to attain a level of much-needed stability and to set them down the path toward revitalization,” Freeman noted. “The funding of the administrative side of these programs is relatively small but very critical to ensure their future success.”

Freeman’s proposal would extend the current state support for administrative costs of these programs up to 10 years. The programs currently provide administrative funding for the first five years.

“Sometimes a community needs a little more time in either Main Street or Elm Street to realize their goals, meet their objectives, and get across the finish line to revitalization,” Freeman said.

Touching on improvements for the Elm Street program, Freeman suggested encouraging rent-to-own housing initiatives and reintroducing neighborhood elementary schools in Elm Street program designations.

Freeman agreed, during questions from the committee, that benchmarks could be used to sustain funding.

Concluding the hearing, Chairman Argall said the committee will evaluate the information gathered and use suggestions by all testifiers to turn recommendations into legislative proposals to strengthen the communities.

“The testifiers brought a wealth of information to the hearing today,” Argall said. “Our downtowns are making a comeback. I want to make sure we are giving them every tool to bring new jobs and new residents to these communities.”

You can listen to the entire hearing here: http://j.mp/115CqV9.

Michael is a sophomore at Schuylkill Haven High School with an interest in politics and law.

Senator Argall introduced Michael and his father, Kevin, on the Senate Floor.

“Forty years ago as an Eagle Scout, I was able to job shadow someone,” Argall said during session. “Today it is my pleasure to provide an opportunity for another Eagle Scout to shadow me.”

You can listen to Argall’s entire introduction of Michael Potts here: http://j.mp/13Zovi1.

During his visit to the state Capitol, Michael had the opportunity to participate in regularly scheduled meetings with Senator Argall, including a meeting with Department of Community and Economic Development officials, a discussion on the sale of the state-owned liquor stores, a meeting with Philadelphia Mayor Nutter, and several constituent meetings.

The grants come from the CFA’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program, which provides financial assistance to develop and construct alternative and clean energy projects across the state. Lehighton Area’s grant, $750,000 for each project, will be put towards the renovation of the East Penn and Mahoning Elementary Schools into energy efficient buildings.

School District Superintendent Jonathan Cleaver noted the significance of the grant.

“The district and the entire Lehighton community are excited about receiving this grant,” Cleaver said. “This grant is the first of its kind for the Lehighton Area School District. We would like to thank Senator Argall, Senator Yudichak, and Representative Heffley for their continued efforts and support not only for Lehighton School District but the entire Pennsylvania Education System.”

The local delegation applauded the move, stating that it will result in cost-savings over the long run.

“These upgrades will go a long way in helping the district save valuable tax dollars over the coming years,” Senator David G. Argall (R-29) said. “This team effort to secure these funds would not be possible without the hard work of school officials to realize significant cost-savings over the long term by converting older buildings into energy efficient structures.”

“Lehighton Area School District has always set the standard for Pennsylvania districts in innovation, cost saving and energy efficiency – and these two projects are another glowing example,” Senator John Yudichak (D-14) said. “These multi-million dollar renovations will certainly enhance the learning environment for our students; and they will also help the district save money by significantly reducing energy consumption and annual water usage.”

“Through grant programs like this, we are helping to solve the nation’s energy challenges and to ensure its future economic prosperity without asking our hard-working taxpayers to doll out more cash,” said Representative Doyle Heffley (R-122). “Geothermal energy is clean, renewable energy that offsets carbon dioxide emissions of electricity generated from fossil fuels such as diesel fuel and natural gas.”

“Senator Yudichak, Senator Argall and Representative Heffley have stepped up to the plate for us,” Rocky Ahner, President of the Lehighton Area Board of Education said. “With our district entering into renovation projects of our East Penn and Mahoning elementary schools, this will be greatly appreciated by not only the board but also the taxpayers.”

The East Penn Elementary School project will include a new ground-source geothermal HVAC system, installation of energy efficient lighting and building thermal envelope upgrades. The project is anticipated to reduce energy consumption by 1,131,270 kBTU annually. In addition, new low-flow water fixtures will save the district 30 percent of the building’s annual water usage. Once completed, the building will achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Gold certification.

Similarly, the Mahoning Elementary School’s project will also include a new geothermal HVAC system, new lighting and thermal envelope upgrades. These upgrades will lower the school’s energy consumption by 837,474 kBTU each year. The school also plans to install new water fixtures to save on the school district’s annual water usage by 30 percent each year. This project will also achieve the same LEED Gold certification once completed.

The grants, which are through the CFA’s Alternative and Clean Energy Program, will provide financial assistance to develop and construct alternative and clean energy projects at two elementary schools in the district in order to reduce the school district’s energy costs.

According to Mark Snyder, Tri-Valley School District’s Superintendent, the upgrades are needed at the elementary schools.

“These funds will enable us to achieve high performance buildings while providing our students with a 21st Century educational environment,” Snyder said. “Though the Hegins-Hubley and Mahantongo Valley Elementary Schools have each served us well for over 50 years, their electro-mechanical systems have far surpassed their life expectancy and are failing. These grants will enable us to perform the necessary renovations to these two facilities while significantly defraying the cost to our taxpayers.”

Local officials applauded the grant award saying it will help the district make important renovations.

“These upgrades will result in real savings for local taxpayers,” Argall said. “I applaud the team effort that went into securing these grants and the vision of the school officials in proposing these cost-savings.”

“My office had been in contact with Mark Snyder, Tri-Valley School District superintendent, prior to the committee hearing,” said Rep. Mike Tobash (R-125). “I understand how important the funding is for the improvement and upgrade to the heating systems that haven’t been replaced in more than 30 years. I was happy to play a role in making sure that the school district got this important financial assistance during difficult budget times.”

Specifically, Hegins-Hubley Elementary School and Mahantongo Valley Elementary School are awarded $565,000 and $320,000, respectively, to be put towards building renovations.

At Hegins-Hubley Elementary, the grant, which is matched by local funds, will be put towards a new ground-source geothermal HVAC system, installation of energy-efficient lighting and building thermal envelop upgrades. The district anticipates saving 370,583 kWh annually. The district also expects to save over 218,000 gallons of water, or 40 percent, annually with the installation of new low-flow water fixtures.

Using similar renovations at Mahantongo Valley Elementary, the school will save over 101,500 gallons of water, or 68 percent, each year. The project at the school will eliminate fuel oil as an energy source, reducing energy consumption by 230,776 kWh annually.

When the renovations are completed, both schools will achieve the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold certification.

Listen

Submitted Remarks:

Downtown Shenandoah, Inc.
Mary Luscavage, Main Street Manager

“If you look at some local communities – Jim Thorpe, Tamaqua, Hamburg just to name a few – it is clear that our region continues to reap the benefits of this private sector job creation tool,” Argall said.

The hearing will take place at 1 p.m. on Thursday, May 16 at the Carbon County Courthouse Annex (2 Hazard Square) in the Commissioner’s Conference Room (third floor) in Jim Thorpe.

The committee will meet beforehand to conduct a walking tour of downtown Jim Thorpe, starting at 11 a.m. from 2 Hazard Square, Jim Thorpe.

Main Street and Elm Street programs provide state grants that are mixed with local and private funds to improve the business district and surrounding neighborhoods in older communities. The committee will look at the future of this economic development tool utilized by many local communities.

“I am hoping the array of testimony will help the committee identify the pros and cons involved with these two programs, especially as it relates to private sector job growth,” Argall said.

The committee will hear testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs, Schuylkill Community Action, Pennsylvania Downtown Center, Tamaqua Borough Council President, former Jim Thorpe Main Street manager, and Representative Bob Freeman, who authored the original law.

The public is invited to attend.

Written comments will be accepted by the committee at www.SenatorArgall.com/UrbanAffairs.

More information on the hearing can be found at www.SenatorArgall.com/UrbanAffairs.

The program brought 12 local area schools from across the 29th Senate District to Penn State University’s Schuylkill Haven campus. There the students were split into four committees – Education, Finance, Transportation and State Government – to debate bills.

During the committee process, students were chosen to be sponsors and opponents of legislation. Each committee featured legislative staff and organization representatives from Harrisburg to engage discussion and debate, while helping students articulate proposed amendments to bills.

“It’s very interesting to hear many of the students make the same arguments we hear in Harrisburg for and against similar proposals.” Argall said.

The students debated proposals including measures to ban texting while driving, sell the state’s management of the lottery system, privatize the state’s liquor stores, impose fees on school’s extracurricular activities, and an issue Argall is currently working on in Harrisburg – school property tax elimination.

Similar to the state legislature, bills that cleared the committees were then discussed before the full “Senate.” The bill sponsor and committee chairman were interrogated by the student body, amendments were offered and bills were either approved or defeated by a majority.

The longest debate was over the school property tax elimination. After nearly a half hour of debate, a measure was approved by a majority that would eliminate all school property taxes.

“We need that vote in Harrisburg,” quipped Argall, who explained this is the number one issue he hears about from constituents. “None of you own a home yet,” Argall explained to the students, “but a majority of you see how unfair property taxes are assessed.”

Schools participating included Blue Mountain, Hamburg Area, Lehighton Area, Mahanoy Area, Marian, Minersville, North Schuylkill, Pottsville Area, Saint Clair, Schuylkill Haven, Tamaqua Area and Tri-Valley. Nearly 70 students participated in this year’s program.

“I’d like to thank the students, teachers and advisors for participating. I think the students now have a new perspective on the legislative process,” Argall said.

Kicking off at 8 a.m., the Senator’s program separates the students into four committees – Education, Transportation, Finance and State Government – declaring the students “Senators” for the day.

Students are required to read the legislative proposals and articles of interest beforehand, which are featured on www.SenatorArgall.com/StudentGovernment, and debate bills in their respective committees. Students are chosen to sponsor, debate and defend a bill.

Argall believes the hands-on experience has been positive based on previous seminars.

“This program brings the government textbooks to life,” Argall said. “Some of the issues these students debate are actual hot-button items currently being discussed in Harrisburg. It is an engaging program that allows for maximum participation, while providing a unique learning experience for local students.”

Students will have the opportunity to debate real issues before the General Assembly including a school property tax elimination bill similar to a measure sponsored by Argall. Other proposals include privatizing state-owned liquor stores, selling the state’s lottery system, and use of cell phones while driving.

Argall said the relevant topics keep it interesting.

“It is one thing to read about state issues in the newspaper, but it’s another to actually debate the issues. I’m looking forward to a very interesting day,” Argall said.

The program will conclude at 1:30 p.m.

• Senate Bill 859 (Argall): An Act amending Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in creation, alteration and termination of condominiums, further providing for contents of declaration and flexible condominiums and for amendment of declaration; and, in creation, alteration and termination of planned communities, further providing for contents of declaration for flexible planned communities and for amendment of declaration.

During the visit, the legislators discussed a typical day in Harrisburg, review their roles in the Senate and House, and invited students to participate in a question-and-answer period. The event took place in the Senate Majority Caucus Room, where many students sat in actual seats of Senators where legislative meetings and discussions are frequently held.

“The students asked engaging questions about current events,” Argall said. “I always enjoy hosting local schools in Harrisburg, especially when we can engage in an open dialogue about their issues and concerns. The students showed an impressive understanding of state issues and affairs.”

The program will air on:

• Blue Ridge Communications (Channel 13) every Monday at 10 a.m. and every Wednesday at 10:30 p.m.
• Comcast On-Demand on Channel 1 – Get Local – Government – State Senate.
• Reading (Channel 21) and Hamburg (Channel 19) every Monday at 3 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. and every Tuesday at 9 a.m.
• Service Electric (Channel 19) the 2nd and 4th Wednesday at 7 p.m.
• The program is also available on Shen-Heights TV, Hazleton’s WLYN TV 35 and MetroCast Communications Channel 10.  Please check local listings for air times.