Posted by Karen Rudolph on February 17, 2002 at 15:27:32:
I read with interest the debate titled "Urban vs. Rural". I was raised in Kittanning and we return several times every year. I have been encouraged by the beginnings of restoration of the downtown area each time we return. A lot of beautiful homes in town and in Applewold have been or are being restored.
I am very curious to know if Kittanning has a downtown development council, or something of that nature, that might be interested in restoration and preservation. There are many grants available for this purpose.
I know, I know, it takes money to operate a project of the magnitude that would be required to succeed. However, there is much to be learned from other communities that have succeeded in creating a tourist attraction by restoring old homes and downtown buildings, thus attracting business to the area that can survive financially.
The internet is a powerful advertising tool to attract people to your area if such a project could get off the ground. Aging baby-boomers and already retired folks have a lot of disposable income and would not hesitate to travel out of their way if the draw exists.
I live in a very, tiny town in Florida. Our Chamber of Commerce has promoted our area so effectively that bus loads of people visit our little town during our festivals and special events. None of these events are "Disney-like", but attract the type of people with the disposable income and time to spend visiting our murals, caladium festival, heritage festival, etc., etc. Our business land lords rent building space on a season basis at rents that can support them throughout the year. I could go on and on.
My husband and I intend to buy a summer home in or near Kittanning. I would like nothing better than to open a tea room in the old train depot on Grant Street, or a bed and breakfast in an old, restored apartment building, or a specialty shop in a small store front on Market Street, etc.
However, I believe I am like most potential business owners in that I must be able to turn at least a small profit in order to do so.
Perhaps these are pipe dreams? All it takes is one really fired-up, dedicated person to begin the charge.
I would love to hear from others who may or may not agree with me.