Visioning group ready to adopt final statement

By Mike Faher
Tribune-Democrat

This week, a group of residents, officials and business owners will complete a vision for downtown Johnstown's future.

Then they will set about trying to make that vision a reality.

The fourth and final planning session led by Discover Downtown Johnstown Partnership is scheduled for Tuesday night. The previous three meetings have drawn an average of more than 100 people.

"We've already made progress," partnership President Jeff Philibin said. "We're very proud of that, while realizing that it's just the beginning."

The group's goal is to land a Main Street program, which could bring hundreds of thousands of dollars in state cash to the city along with a full-time downtown manager.

The partnership had to lay the appropriate groundwork before submitting a Main Street application to the state Department of Community and Economic Development.

Hence the "visioning" sessions, which will culminate Tuesday with adoption of a final vision statement.

It essentially is a blueprint for development and improvement of the downtown area.

This week's meeting also will include other activities:

  • Developing ideas for a "five-year action strategy" based on the vision statement.
  • Unveiling preliminary artist renderings showing how a revitalized downtown might look.
  • Browsing displays set up by existing businesses that have accepted invitations to the meeting.

"We want to make sure that people realize that there are some good businesses downtown," Philibin said.

The downtown partnership's next step will be applying for acceptance into the Main Street program. Bill Fontana, Pennsylvania Downtown Center director, said it may take the state a few months to process that application.

The program dictates that Johnstown raise $90,000 in matching funds over five years.

But in exchange, the state would send $175,000 for administrative costs during the same time period.

In addition, state officials offer up to $120,000 for facade improvements. And Fontana said other grants are available.

Fontana added that he is encouraged by the enthusiasm of those who have participated in the planning process.

"People really seem to be interested," he said. "People invested their time."