Posted by MH on March 01, 2002 at 07:02:42:
In Reply to: Re: Revitalizing Kittanning Debate- See the forest thru the trees posted by Bea on February 28, 2002 at 21:50:09:
Sorry, but I have to disagree with your main points, Bea.
First, the 'lure of the river' doesn't hold much water. The river's been Kittanning's 'lure' for quite some time now - see the revitalization of the park, a new dock and ampitheater. Has this created a sense of pride for those that live in Kittanning? Sure. But those people already had their pride. These upgrades are a good start but alone will NOT bring in businesses (which are an essential part of your plan as well).
Those that live near Pittsburgh aren't going to travel up the Allegeheny just because they can. They already have a beautiful point where 3 rivers meet where they can lounge and be close to 'everything'.
Also, there is a great revitalization of Victorian houses going on - but that's already happening in the Pittsburgh area. I know of at least a few people who have moved AWAY from Kittanning because of the 'lure of the Victorian houses' AND that they don't have to travel Route 28 to get to the city anymore. In today's society, people are spending more and more times at the workplace and a commute of 45+ minutes AFTER getting out of the city traffic doesn't leave enough leisure time.
I do agree with your final statement. Kittanning is a special place and it will take some imagination and energy to turn it around again BUT it HAS TO BE CREATIVE - not the same "we're already the best thing Next to Pittsburgh" mentality.
> You've all overlooked the lure of the river -- it's beautiful and accessible. People love to spend leisure time around water. You don't need silly themes, what you need are things to do that will generate revenue. Visitors would come to take cruises, rent a paddleboat or kayak, or tube, bike along the river, eat lunch or dinner in town, shop for antiques and arts & crafts, then stay in a charming restored hotel or a friendly bed and breakfast. How about a summer stock theater? You have to give people lots of places to spend money and make sure they have a good time so they come back again and again. Kittanning has a fascinating history--it was a key spot on the western frontier at one time and the story of the Delaware Indians is quite interesting--so include a museum/visitor's center. Proximity to Pittsburgh means there is a large potential target market; some young, married, professional city dwellers would love to live in a restored Victorian house or a charming condo in a restored building in Kittanning if there were high quality express bus service into the city that would get them back and forth to work. I can picture people settling in a town like this and having tea in Karen's restored railway station. Imagination and energy are needed. Kittanning was a special place and it can be again.
> > 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.