After a year of working on appropriation funding from the 2009 Omnibus Bill , Congressman Jim Gerlach presented a check to Building A Better Boyertown (BBB) and the Borough of Boyertown for the amount of $475,000 to improve their streetscape with sidewalk improvements, historic Victorian street lighting, comfortable benches, attractive signage, trees, trash receptacles, attractive informational kiosk, and planters in the proposed “Cross Roads” area in the core of the Main Street District of downtown Boyertown.
These improvements are the initial phase of the streetscape project which is part of Building a Better Boyertown’s ongoing revitalization effort. It is designed to attract visitors, inspire residents and enhance the retail atmosphere of the Main Street District. The streetscape improvements will enhance the community’s property value will increase as well as create a more attractive and appealing retail environment.
BBB anticipates that the improvements will tempt new businesses to join our quaint town while also boosting those businesses already present on our Main Street. Additional employment would be natural outcome from this effort as vacancies are filled and new businesses start-up in the town. The streetscape improvements are in line with the Economic Development Strategic Plan for Boyertown and Berks County. An Active and economically viable community discourages crime and blight.
Along with the funds provided by Congressman Gerlach, BBB has also received funds from The Boyertown Area Charitable Giving Program of Berks County Community Foundation who has awarded $40,000 towards assistance with the professional costs related to the services required, a Community Development Block Grant in the amount of $50,000 through the office of Community Planning and Development, and $10,000 supported by State Representative David Kessler from the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Building A Better Boyertown’s Main Street Manager, Heather Oxenford said “Our charming town embraces the arts and the timeless quality of fine craftsmanship along with our Pennsylvania Dutch Heritage. Boyertown provides a memorable experience like nowhere else for family, friends and the traveler. With great appreciation to Congressman Gerlach and the other organizations that are making this project possible, The Boyertown Community will truly display a sense of place!"
Jake Lea, Building a Better Boyertown’s President stated that “This is a culmination of thousands of volunteer hours on the part of Boyertown area residents. I am extremely grateful to Representative Gerlach for his recognition of these efforts and going to bat for the Borough when in Washington. Boyertown has always had a community spirit and this is just another example of how the citizens, the Borough Council and our legislators can work together to make a significant impact”
Revitalization of the Boyertown Main Street’s will:
*spur the retail industry's development
*increase the local tax base by attracting members to a thriving, healthy community
*create jobs in assorted arenas
*stimulate housing by attracting families to buy homes in Boyertown
*increase occupancy rates by attracting families and businesses to buy/rent in Boyertown
*fight sprawl through the promotion of the retail industry
*draw investors to an active, attractive, healthy community
*rehabilitate empty buildings eager to establish businesses in the community
*reflect the history of the community in supporting its historic industries, traditions, and values
*promote civic pride
*utilize existing infrastructure
*increase community involvement
*reaffirm commitment by local leaders
*benefit adjacent neighborhoods
As part of the strategic plan, BBB, with the assistance of the Borough of Boyertown, is in hopes of beginning with these Phases of their mission, the Streetscape Improvement Plan, in order to deliver on Building a Better Boyertown in 2010.
For more information about how you can help with the “Cross Roads” streetscape initiative, become active in the Boyertown community or about Building A Better Boyertown, please contact Heather Oxenford 610-369-3054 manager@boyertownpa.org or visit www.boyertownpa.org
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