Record crowd attends revitalization meeting

Nicole Madgar, Ledger Staff

02/05/2008

ELLWOOD CITY - The revitalization of Ellwood City began in a big way Tuesday night as about 150 people attended a town hall meeting with the Ellwood City Revitalization Committee and EG&G, the revitalization project's planning firm.

"This was the largest crowd that EG&G ever had," said Dom Viccari, borough manager, "and that speaks volumes about what Ellwood City is all about. It's overwhelming and exciting to see that kind of enthusiasm."

Rich Cleveland, manager of the local EG&G office in Akron, Ohio, began the meeting with a presentation of photos and design plans for the firm's other Pennsylvania projects, in Bedford, Warren and Indiana.

Cleveland said the local project's goal is not only to improve Ellwood City's appearance, but also to stimulate economic development in the area, create prime real estate and bring jobs into town.

Cleveland also showed before-and-after pictures of EG&G's work in Slippery Rock and Washington, Pa. He said that Washington's $41 million project has created at least 1,000 new jobs in the region.

Rod Garrison, project manager for EG&G, said the revitalization will include Lawrence Avenue from 10th Street to Fourth Street and its cross streets for a block in each direction. It will also include Fifth Street to Spring Avenue, Sixth Street to Spring Avenue and Spring Avenue from Fifth to Sixth.

Garrison said the project will follow a four-step process. One step is to create a design and development plan. That plan will come from analysis, such as input from community members. The firm will then develop a concept design and present it to the community again. After any adjustments, a final design plan will be presented.

Garrison said the borough is at step one, and it could take six to nine months.

Next, EG&G will assist with financial planning. Garrison said the firm will look at what improvements will cost and match those costs to probable funding sources.

It will also assist the Revitalization Committee in securing outside funding through state and federal grants. During implementation of the project, the firm will assist with construction drawings, contract bidding and the awarding of construction contracts.

In EG&G's initial assessment, Garrison noted ideas to increase parking downtown in order to bring more customers to businesses. He also said that empty lots could be used for green space to connect parking areas to the business district.

Garrison also pointed out the railroad trestle over Fifth Street and said it could create a unique aesthetic aspect to downtown.

As part of its development plan, EG&G opened the floor for residents' input on what they would like to see in the revitalization.

Councilman Anthony "Lefty" DeCarbo said the upper floors of downtown businesses could be redeveloped to make loft apartments for senior citizens. Other residents agreed, citing that downtown real estate would bring business to town, especially for seniors who don't drive.

Many residents expressed concern for traffic patterns on Lawrence and Beaver avenues. Some suggested making Beaver Avenue one way for its entire length to accommodate tractor-trailers and divert them from using Lawrence Avenue. Others suggested making intersections wider so trucks could make turns more efficiently.

The issue of downtown parking was discussed by many residents. Some suggested incorporating diagonal parking, others suggested a parking garage, and others said free parking would draw more business to town.

Wendy Barensfeld, fundraising chairwoman for the Revitalization Committee, said $45,000 has already been raised for the project. Local contributors include the Ellwood Group, who pledged to match $20,000 and donated $5,000 in grant money; Patti Kuhn; Nalco; Keith Venezie of Eric Ryan Corp.; ESB Bank; Ellwood City Council; and the Lawrence County Commissioners.

Commissioner Dan Vogler said he was impressed with the turnout Tuesday.

"(Commissioners) Rich (DeBlasio), Steve (Craig) and I have made a commitment to play a role in this revitalization," Vogler said. "Whatever resources we are able to bring to the table, we will."

Vogler said the commissioners have a strong resource at PennDOT that will aid the borough in any issues concerning state roads.

Pledge cards for individual donations are available at the Ellwood City Area Chamber of Commerce, the office of state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-10, Ellwood City; and ESB Bank.

Lenore Bazzichi, president of the Revitalization Committee, said Ellwood City has more to offer than people know, and this project will bring out the best in the community.

"We are going to be a lighthouse for what small towns can do," Bazzichi said.

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