Dilapidated Buildings Hinder Greensburg Downtown Growth

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Leaky roofs and outdated structures are one big reason why about 20 percent of downtown Greensburg storefronts are vacant, despite businesses clamoring to move in, according to the Greensburg Community Development Corp.

The nonprofit plans to purchase four of the dilapidated buildings within the next year, and pursue private and public grants to fix them up and resell them to private owners, said Steven Gifford, its executive director.

Downtown real estate is in demand, with more businesses wanting to move into storefronts than there is space available, according to Gifford. Despite this, about one-fifth of the city’s 138 storefronts remain vacant, often because they are too run down or unsafe to occupy.

The development corporation has identified seven buildings with leaking roofs, and another five that cannot be occupied because of building code deficiencies, such as missing sprinkler systems and staircases.

Read more: http://triblive.com/news/westmoreland/7098524-74/buildings-gifford-owners#ixzz3J9lEs6Fm
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Spring House Brewing’s $2M Lancaster City Project To Be Completed In Spring

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Next May or so, Matt Keasey will be able to take his foot off the proverbial brake.

That’s when Keasey will no longer need to ration how much of his Spring House Brewing beer he sells to his wholesale distributors.

By then, Spring House Brewing’s new city brewery and brew pub will be operational, replacing a smaller brewery in Conestoga.

“It’s difficult,” said Keasey, the founder, brewmaster and co-owner.

Read more: http://lancasteronline.com/business/local_business/spring-house-brewing-s-m-city-project-to-be-completed/article_26864ea2-6b75-11e4-84f5-87894514c58c.html

Former IBM worker, College Professor To Run For Wilkes-Barre Mayor

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WILKES-BARRE, PA — Brian Kelly said he wants to get Wilkes-Barre back on the right track, and that’s why he is running for mayor in 2015.

Kelly, 66, announced his candidacy Friday and said he is running as a “JFK Democrat.” He said the city suffers from “malaise,” as evidenced by the demolition of the Hotel Sterling and the continued non-functioning fountain on Public Square.

Interest in the mayoral post has been high, considering the primaries are not until next spring. Councilman Tony George has announced that he will seek the Democratic nomination next year and Democratic Councilman George Brown is said to be pondering a run.

Incumbent three-term Democratic incumbent Mayor Tom Leighton said Friday he will not decide whether to run again until February. Leighton also declined to respond to criticism Kelly made of city operations.

Read more: http://www.timesleader.com/news/local-news/50686313/

Green Lane Park Hosts “Holiday Craft Double-Feature” On Sunday, November 16, 2014

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Green Lane, PA – Montgomery County’s Green Lane Park will host two holiday craft programs on Sunday November 16, 2014 at 10:00am and 1:00pm.

At 10:00am join the staff for a “Pine Cone Wreath” workshop. Wreaths will be pre-made by the staff,
but participants can create their own masterpiece by decorating with local nuts, pods, and seeds.

At 1:00pm join the staff for a “Holiday Centerpiece” workshop. Make a beautiful centerpiece for the
holiday table using local cones, nuts, and pods.

Both workshops are suitable for ages 12 to adult. There is an $8.00 materials fee per person per
workshop. If possible, please bring a hot-glue gun. If not, there are several loaners to borrow.
Preregistration is required. Please call 215-234-4528 to preregister. Participants are welcome to sign
up for one or both workshops.

For information, please contact Kevin Crilley, Environmental Educator, Region II, Montgomery County Department of Assets and Infrastructure, Division of Parks, Trails, and Historic Sites, at 215-234-4528 or via email atkcrilley@montcopa.org.

Green Lane Park is located at 2144 Snyder Road in Green Lane, PA 18054. Visit Green Lane Park
online at http://www.montcopa.org/greenlanepark.