Robert Nelson, chairman of the Downtown Development Committee Robert Nelson estimated about 10 people would come out to a presentation regarding Ambridge's business district, but was "pleasantly surprised" with the more-than-expected turnout.
"We did very little invitation, the word spread, and everybody showed up. I guess they were all interested in seeing what our downtown is doing," said Nelson, owner of Robert Nelson Insurance and chairman of the Ambridge Downtown Development committee.
Community leaders were invited to the June 11 meeting to share information on grant funding available through a business facade program, and share ideas to improve the downtown.
Fifty-five people came together to the meeting, which started out with a presentation Nathan Dorfman, an Ambridge borough intern and University of Pittsburgh student. Going block by block, Dorfman shared the percentages of good facades and signage in the downtown.
Blocks 8th-11th were identified as the best area to serve as the designated zone to begin focusing in on downtown Ambridge.
"Ambridge has one of the largest main streets in Beaver County," Nelson said. "We want to condense it. We want to focus on the facade improvement grant money on shrink it into towns that will make a bigger impact. For someone who drives in to town they will see that improvement. "
Nelson said the next step is to review and change the ordinance of the first floor of any building in the designated zone to force junk and storage to the second floor.
"We want it retail first floor so when someone rides through town it's not a vacant store front, it's a retail store that they're looking at."
Councilwoman Stephanie Drewnowski said that the committees have been created and there is a process to move forward.
Felicia Mycyk of Ambridge Connection said the goal is to change the perception of Ambridge.
Old Economy Village store representative Pam Mallon pointed out that every town that she travels to showcases their tourism location and reminded all that Ambridge has one that attracts from all over the county.
"We still have a vibrant downtown and Ambridge is doing better than they think," Nelson said.
Community leaders were invited to the June 11 meeting to share information on grant funding available through a business facade program, and share ideas to improve the downtown.
Fifty-five people came together to the meeting, which started out with a presentation Nathan Dorfman, an Ambridge borough intern and University of Pittsburgh student. Going block by block, Dorfman shared the percentages of good facades and signage in the downtown.
Blocks 8th-11th were identified as the best area to serve as the designated zone to begin focusing in on downtown Ambridge.
"Ambridge has one of the largest main streets in Beaver County," Nelson said. "We want to condense it. We want to focus on the facade improvement grant money on shrink it into towns that will make a bigger impact. For someone who drives in to town they will see that improvement. "
Nelson said the next step is to review and change the ordinance of the first floor of any building in the designated zone to force junk and storage to the second floor.
"We want it retail first floor so when someone rides through town it's not a vacant store front, it's a retail store that they're looking at."
Councilwoman Stephanie Drewnowski said that the committees have been created and there is a process to move forward.
Felicia Mycyk of Ambridge Connection said the goal is to change the perception of Ambridge.
Old Economy Village store representative Pam Mallon pointed out that every town that she travels to showcases their tourism location and reminded all that Ambridge has one that attracts from all over the county.
"We still have a vibrant downtown and Ambridge is doing better than they think," Nelson said.
Jack Manning of Town Center Associates, provided handouts on the Ambridge Area. Click image to see who owns vacant properties, demographic report, facade program and more.
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