Ebensburg Seeks Volunteers for Visioning Process
Ebensburg Borough officials are turning to residents and business owners for their thoughts and ideas on ways to improve Ebensburg. Borough Council is seeking volunteers to participate in a series of “visioning sessions” to share ideas for future projects and to prioritize a list of initiatives.
“We have a long list of projects we would like to undertake,” said Mayor Randy Datsko. “We want some input on prioritizing those projects, and want to learn what is most important to the residents.”
Officials expect that the subjects to be discussed might include the arts, youth participation, volunteer recruitment, future sidewalk projects, community image, recreational opportunities, downtown occupancies, historic designation, infrastructure, events, safety, transportation, parking, values and attitudes, and any topic that participants wish to discuss and explore.
“We take on a number of new projects every year in Ebensburg based solely upon what we feel is important, said Borough Manager Dan Penatzer. “This visioning process will allow us to pause and make sure that we are focusing our efforts on what the group sees as its priorities.”
Officials expect the list of ideas will be a long one. Therefore, part of the visioning process will be to prioritize the wants and desires of everyone. They are seeking a group of volunteers that is representative of the entire community including professionals and non-professionals, young and old, business owners and homeowners.
Staff has already taken initial steps toward that process. During November, staff met with representatives of Derck & Edson, a firm that specializes in land planning and site design of downtown facilities, and The Gulatto Group, who provide technical assistance and funding alternatives for community development projects.
Long-term projects under consideration include an occupancy for the front residence portion of the former county prison, business incubator possibilities within the Barnes building, conversion of upper floors of several old buildings to residential use, residential development of the former middle school, and parking alternatives for the downtown.
The consulting firms will develop ideas and suggestions, and return in the spring to meet with the committee to help establish priorities. The group will then share ideas and form an action plan for achieving the agreed upon goals.
To volunteer, contact the borough office at 814-472-8780 or eburg@ebensburgpa.com. |