Downtown Improvement Plans Moving Forward in Berwick, Bloomsburg & Danville

Rich Kisner, executive director of Community Strategies Group, informed state and local agencies and elected officials about several significant projects being pursued for Berwick’s downtown area.

Efforts to enhance the downtown commercial districts in Berwick, Bloomsburg, and Danville are moving forward.

On Thursday, Feb. 22, the Berwick: The Next Step steering committee met with representatives of state and federal agencies as well as elected officials to provide an overview of the downtown enhancement plan. Several significant projects are currently being pursued and the meeting was to help identify funding opportunities for those projects. The Chamber provided funding for the enhancement plan and is part of that steering committee that meets every other week to advance the plan. Community Strategies Group is coordinating the effort.

Downtown Bloomsburg Inc., the Chamber’s subsidiary organization, is requesting approval from the Town of Bloomsburg to apply for grant funding to convert Miller Avenue into a primarily pedestrian walkway and gathering place. Ideas include tables and chairs serviced by the adjacent restaurants, and additional lighting to enhance safety between Main Street and the municipal parking lot. The project was identified the downtown Bloomsburg enhancement plan coordinated by DBI and supported by The Chamber.

In Danville, funding for the development of Canal Park next to Borough Hall has been awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The plan includes seating and a stage area for live performances. That project is a collaboration between the Borough of Danville and Danville Business Alliance.