JERSEY SHORE - The newly formed River Town Revitalization is inviting the general public to a workshop at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Wheeland Community Center, 1212 Locust St.
Residents and business owners in the borough and surrounding townships interested in sustainable community development are asked to participate.
"Green infrastructure" creates opportunities for community beautification and economic growth while addressing local needs such as flood hazard mitigation, storm water management and water quality protection.
Jersey Shore already has taken several steps toward a green infrastructure-based future, organizers say, and the Susquehanna Greenway Partnership designated it as a Susquehanna Greenway River Town.
Several other projects have been proposed, including downtown revitalization and the beautification of Allegheny Street. Trees, shrubs, plantings, bike racks and benches offer the potential of making the borough and its downtown more appealing and economically viable.
The partnership assisted the community in establishing a River Town Revitalization Team.
"Equally important as the revitalization team's involvement," said Trish Carothers, partnership executive director, "is the general public's participation. Consensus is needed for any type of successful, appropriate community growth to occur."
Three similar sessions will follow this workshop. The intent is to identify priority projects, plan and implement them.
Participants will identify "green infrastructure" needs and potential projects. The prioritization process will include development of a scope of work and budget for each. The intent is to identify priority projects, plan and implement them.
According to Carothers, "Jersey Shore is drawing attention across Pennsylvania. For example, it was recently the subject of a feature article in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. There's great promise here and the West Branch Susquehanna will play a big part as the community shapes its future and reaches its potential."
The borough also is working with SEDA-Council of Government's community development staff on a major upgrade of the Thompson Street Recreation Complex.
Designs for a new public river access site near the Route 44 Bridge have been prepared and only $34,000 in additional funding is needed to fully complete the project, organizers say.
