Gilbertsville Economic Revitalization Plan: Final Draft Review

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Michael Laursen
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1 Gilbertsville Economic Revitalization Plan: Final Draft Review November 18, 2010

2 Presentation Overview Montgomery County Revitalization Program A bit of History Program Focus Eligible Projects Project Examples This Plan: Gilbertsville Economic Revitalization Plan Started process August 2008; Started Plan June 2010 Timeline: When will it be finished? Where We Are Now: Goals and Strategies Looking Forward: Implementation

3 Revitalization Program: History The program began in 2000 Funding comes from Montgomery County Capital Budget New guidelines and programs issued July municipalities have received funding through the program, average $1.2 Million per municipality

4 Revitalization Program: Goals Focuses on revitalizing the central business districts of older towns and boroughs Specific attention to the economic impacts of proposed projects Goal is to create new businesses, new jobs, and more vitality in older town centers, and provide incentives for private investment

5 Revitalization Program: Eligible Projects Streetscape improvements Building improvements Transportation improvements Arts & cultural attractions Historic Preservation Public Safety: lighting, substations, GIS Signage Marketing

6 Example 1: Narberth Streetscape improvements Included: Clock Benches Trash Cans Decorative Sidewalks Period Street Lighting

7 Example 2: Ambler Reopened Historic Ambler Theater Helped spur other development nearby Improved the vibrancy of the Borough

8 Example 3: Pennsburg Streetscape improvements Pedestrian access in Borough Programs to bring in new businesses

9 Gilbertsville: Timeline Public meeting to set goals in November 2008 Started Plan June, 2010 Expect approval of final draft December 2010 Preliminary grant applications due to Montgomery County January 15, 2011 Final plan adoption Spring, 2011 Final grant application due April 1, 2011

10 Gilbertsville: Study Area Three areas: 1. Approved Montgomery County Revitalization Program study area (opted-in) 2. Gilbertsville CDP 3. Philadelphia Avenue

unsightly/low-hanging, some water and sewer issues Business Mix lack of retail and

11 Gilbertsville: Existing Conditions East Philadelphia Avenue Sidewalks in need of repair, narrow, mailboxes obstructing, many driveways Utilities overhead wires unsightly/low-hanging, some water and sewer issues Business Mix lack of retail and restaurants in core area to support a shopping district Building Condition some properties in need of repair

Gilbertsville: Existing Conditions Gilbertsville Trends Steady growth of new homes 6% population growth 1990-2000 (4242 persons in Gilbertsville) Increase in non-family households, but families with

12 Gilbertsville: Existing Conditions Gilbertsville Trends Steady growth of new homes 6% population growth (4242 persons in Gilbertsville) Increase in non-family households, but families with school-aged children still the norm (ave. household 2.6 persons) Significant increases in education levels % of residents in professional and office jobs, 15% in service sector Rising incomes in Gilbertsville Age Groups % 20% 10% 0% 10% 20% 30% Percent of Population Female Male

13 Gilbertsville: Existing Conditions Land Use Mostly Residential Mix of commercial & industrial around major roads Farmland at perimeter Rest of Township is mostly undeveloped, farmed, or wooded

14 Gilbertsville: Existing Conditions Business Mix 18 Business Mix lack of retail and restaurants in core area to support a shopping district High numbers of profesional services (real estate, insurance, legal, accounting, etc.), personal services (nails, hair, cleaners, etc.), and automotive-related businesses 15 eating establishments 8 are fast food, all others casual (pubs, pizza, chinese but the Tea Room is unique) Number of Establishments Retail Financial, Business & Professional Services Automotive Sales & Services Personal Services Fast Food Casual Dining Gilbertsville Commercial Corridor Business Inventory By Establishment Type

Vision Statement Douglass Township is unique in that it is a largely rural, agricultural community that is served by a busy, traditional town center in Gilbertsville.

15 Vision Statement Douglass Township is unique in that it is a largely rural, agricultural community that is served by a busy, traditional town center in Gilbertsville. The Township envisions a Philadelphia Avenue commercial corridor that is uniformly attractive, pedestrian-friendly, and lively with activity. Building upon existing strengths and attractions, Gilbertsville will become a frequent destination for residents and visitors alike, drawn by an increased number of retail shops, offices, dining options, and community events, and enticed by Gilbertsville s unique image and identity. With the Economic Revitalization Plan as its roadmap, the Township will pursue funding for major infrastructure improvements, and it will provide citizens, business owners, and developers with the tools and support to make this vision a reality.

16 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Physical Improvements Top Priorities: 1. Postal Delivery Change to door delivery or standardize slimmer mailboxes 2. Sidewalks replace sidewalks in commercial core coordinate with utility improvements 3. Crosswalks

17 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Physical Improvements Next Priorities: 1. Pedestrian-scaled streetlights 2. Street Trees 3. Plazas, seating, trash receptacles, and other amenities

18 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Building Improvements Ongoing: 1. Residential & Commercial Property Enhancement Work with local volunteers Small loans and grants Neighborhood clean-up days 2. Implement Design Guidelines 3. Enforce maintenance nuisances 4. Register and inspect rentals 5. Ordinance Amendments, as needed

19 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Traffic & Parking Improvements Top Priorities: 1. Rear Alley Parking Plan 2. Route 100 Corridor Master Plan / Market Street Study Next Priorities: 1. Public parking Township parking lot 2. Route 73 Traffic Flow Improvements

20 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Marketing Gilbertsville Top Priority: 1. Creation of an Economic Development Task Force / Main Street group a) Design Committee b) Promotions Committee c) Operations Committee d) Business Development Committee

21 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Marketing Gilbertsville Economic Development Task Force - Design Committee a) Help Township implement physical improvements b) Create Design Guidelines c) Work with businesses on façade improvements and signage d) Develop awards program for Businesses e) Organize volunteers for seasonal plantings and decorations

22 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Marketing Gilbertsville Economic Development Task Force - Promotions Committee a) Develop brand, logo, and colors for marketing Gilbertsville b) Maintain web presence, business directory c) Coordinate with Chamber and local businesses on promotions d) Assist Township with community events e) Organize volunteers

23 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Marketing Gilbertsville Economic Development Task Force Operations Committee a) Seek and apply for funding opportunities b) Apply for non-profit status, perform annual fund drives c) Maintain public records of all Task Force activities d) Recruit and maintain Task Force volunteers

24 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Marketing Gilbertsville Economic Development Task Force Business Development Committee a) Maintain business inventory/directory b) Perform retail gap analysis / survey residents c) Recruit businesses to appropriate spaces on E. Philadelphia Ave d) Coordinate retail strategy with Building a Better Boyertown e) Coordinate recruiting efforts with local realtors

regionally Install coordinated wayfinding signage

25 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Marketing Gilbertsville Next Priorities: Market Gilbertsville regionally Install coordinated wayfinding signage Install gateway signs and plantings Focus on Historic preservation

26 Gilbertsville: Goals & Strategies Re/development Opportunities 1. Route 100 Corridor Master Plan area 2. 5 potential development sites East Philadelphia Avenue 7 potential redevelopment sites Recommend Township is proactive, develop master plans for major sites that will have significant impact on commercial corridor

27 Gilbertsville: Implementation How will all this be paid for??? 1. Public Funds: a) County Revitalization Program b) County Economic Development Program c) DVRPC Transportation & Community Development Initiative d) State DCED & Housing Finance Agency funding programs e) State Historical & Museum Commission funds f) State First Industries Tourism Fund for marketing g) TreeVitalize for street trees h) PECO Green Regions for plazas and public open space i) Federal funding programs 2. Municipal matching funds Capital or operating budget 3. Private and business donations 4. Private Investment

28 Gilbertsville: Implementation Timing: 1. Initial application for County funding due Jan. 15, Final application due April 1, Rolling and variable deadlines for other programs

29 Gilbertsville: Implementation Plan Review: 1. Public review and comment period now 2. Township accepts draft to be forwarded for County review December (expected) 3. County Revitalization Board reviews draft plan, provides comments 4. Plan must be updated one more time to incorporate public comments and County Revitalization Board comments 5. Plan is adopted after it is updated 6. Does not need to be adopted until April, Plan is good for 7 years (until Spring, 2018), can only be amended up to 2 times in the 7-year period 8. Township can apply for implementation grants every year for 7 years

30 Thank you! Please review the draft plan at our website: (click on the Publications tab on the left side of our website) Or review the copy located in the Douglass Township Municipal Building. Please contact me if you have any comments about the Draft Plan: Hannah Mazzaccaro, AICP Montgomery County Planning Commission

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