Download The Plan for West End Berwick

The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
SEDA-Council of Governments
Community Resource Center
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
June 2010
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
SEDA-Council of Governments
Community Resource Center
Lewisburg, Pennsylvania
June 2010
Credits and Acknowledgements
The Plan for West End Berwick — Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
This plan for the Berwick West End Neighborhood was developed by the staff of the SEDA-COG Community
Resource Center with input from neighborhood residents and property owners, business and community leaders,
Borough and County officials and staff.
Borough of Berwick
SEDA-COG Community Resource Center
Shane Pepe, Manager
Tom Grbenick, Director
Gary Pinterich, Council President
Brian Auman
Jeri Alley
Amy Davis
Arden Oliver
Josh Hoke
Jim Meighan
Alison Stevenson
Tom Metz
Benjamin Mike
Pete Talanca
The planning team also wishes to acknowledge the contributions of the many individuals who participated in the focus groups, key person interviews, the Sponsler Park Design
Charrette, and those who served on the Elm Street Project Task Force: Jack Beiter, Nancy Beiter, Wesley Carl, Jean Golomb, Leon Greenwood, Bette Grey, Christine Hock, Jay
Jarrett, Rich Kisner, Kay Mentrikoski, Arden Oliver, Arden Oliver Jr., Shane Pepe, Joseph Siecko, Jim Stout, Jim Timbrell, and Joe Vezendy.
This report and the strategies outlined within provide a working document to guide future actions taken by the neighborhood and the Borough of Berwick to revitalize the West End Berwick
neighborhood. These strategies provide a point of departure for further community involvement and a framework for stimulating needed investment in the community. Funding for this report
was provided by the Borough of Berwick and the Pennsylvania Elm Street Program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. This report was authored by
Tom Grbenick, Director of the SEDA-COG Community Resource Center, who was the principal responsible for leading the planning process. Graphic design by Margie Swartzlander, SEDA-COG
Printing and Graphic Services.
The Plan for West End Berwick — Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
Table of Contents
Introduction West End Berwick — Set for Rebirth................................................
1
Neighborhood Description The Study Area Context...........................................
5
Neighborhood Planning Process A Cornerstone for Success..............................
27
Defining the Issues Understanding the Community.............................................
39
Vision for the West End The Foundation for Neighborhood Action.....................
43
Strategies for Neighborhood Action Building New Opportunities.....................
49
A Call to Action Organizing for Neighborhood Action..........................................
69
Appendices
Appendix A — Neighborhood Conditions............................................................... A-1
Appendix B — Blueprint Neighborhood Council Bylaws..........................................
B-1
Appendix C — Focus Group Summary..................................................................... C-1
Appendix D — Sponsler Park Design Charrette.......................................................
D-1
Appendix E — West End Street Scenes...................................................................
E-1
Appendix F — Historic Picture Post Card Views.......................................................
F-1
Introduction
west end berwick
1
West End Berwick is advantageously situated at a regional crossroads, on the doorstep to downtown Berwick, and is a link between the Susquehanna Greenway riverfront and the Berwick
countryside.
2
The Plan for West End Berwick
West End Berwick — Set for Rebirth
Neighborhoods are the basic building blocks of any
Today, West End Berwick remains a neighborhood
The SEDA-COG Community Resource Center was
community. Neighborhoods are where children
proud of its past with high hopes for its future. But
engaged by the Borough of Berwick to facilitate
are raised and schooled, where family life is
chronic disinvestment in housing and displaced
neighborhood planning with the aim of laying a
nurtured, where business serves, where civic life is
businesses have damaged the image of the area
foundation for neighborhood revitalization and
experienced and community spirit is learned, and
and diminished the sense of community that was its
even wider community success. As the western
where the bonds of successful communities are
former appeal. Once rock-solid, the neighborhood
gateway to the inner core of Berwick, it is hoped
formed and joined. West End Berwick is such a
has lost its former stability. It is a place in
that a new spirit, look, and feel will someday
place.
transition, and a place of some irony. Its attraction
pervade the scene and that the revitalization
is limited by its setting and yet its setting has the
of West End Berwick will stand as a beacon for
Neighborhoods are also dynamic places—subject
potential to be again its chief attraction. It is a
drawing new residents and building new economic
to change with the passage of time and the
place shaped by fearless old world immigrants yet
activity and social vitality benefitting all of Berwick.
progression of societal values, ways, means, and
one that fears the unknown impact of today’s new
preferences. As a collection of connected streets,
in-migrants.
blocks, houses, parks, stores and workplaces,
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood
Action stems from a considered understanding of
neighborhoods have always experienced ups and
Located on the western edge of downtown Berwick
neighborhood conditions. It poses strategies for
downs. They grow from hopes and dreams into
and near-central to the pulse of Berwick activity,
shaping the new West End Berwick and provides
lively and vibrant places. They stagnate and decline
West End Berwick occupies key ground that is ripe
a “game plan” for public-private action. It
into tired and lackluster places. West End Berwick,
for re-shaping. Its proximity to the Susquehanna
addresses the need for grass roots organizing to
too, is such a place.
River and its countryside, to the Susquehanna
create new impetus for neighborhood betterment.
Greenway, to the heart of Berwick, and to
And it points the way to constructive and realistic
Drawn by social and ethnic ties, a connection to faith
regional employment opportunities, positions the
community-building—not as the perennial
and work, and a belief in the promise of American
neighborhood for active, affordable, and connected
dependent of Borough and County government,
life, thousands of immigrant laborers were attracted
living—ingredients key to a high quality of life.
but as a full-fledged partner in neighborhood
to this place in the late nineteenth and early
This report, West End Neighborhood Development:
problem-solving and future-shaping action.
twentieth centuries. They built houses, churches,
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood
social clubs, hotels and restaurants, bakeries and
Action takes aim at the future—it poses vision and
shops. And many worked at the American Car and
direction for revitalizing West End Berwick—both
Foundry Company—the hub of everyday life and the
the place and the people who chose to make it
economic lifeblood of the neighborhood.
their home.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
3
4
The Plan for West End Berwick
Neighborhood
Description
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
5
6
The Plan for West End Berwick
Neighborhood Description
The Study Area Context
Study Area
West End Berwick has no commonly accepted or
historically held boundaries—at least none that are
uniformly claimed and celebrated. Where to draw the
specific neighborhood boundaries remains a matter
of debate; but for purposes of this study, West End
Berwick is defined as all streets and lots illustrated on
Map 1—The West End Berwick Neighborhood. West
End Berwick is generally bounded by the Susquehanna
River on the south; Mulberry, Bowman, and Market
streets on the east; Fifth and Columbia avenues on the
north; and Washington and Iron streets on the west.
Understanding the Neighborhood
Street by Street
West End Berwick defies easy description. It shows a
mix of uses, including single and multifamily housing,
neighborhood and regional businesses, a combination
of light and heavy industries, athletic fields, parks
and open spaces, churches, social clubs, elementary
schools, recreation centers, parks and playgrounds.
The neighborhood lacks a uniform character and
distinctive identity across its breadth and width.
Its chief locational advantages are its proximity to
downtown Berwick, the US Route 11-PA Route 93
corridor, and the Susquehanna riverfront. Residents
commonly think of the neighborhood in relation to its
primary streets as characterized on the next page.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
The West End Berwick Neighborhood
7
LaSalle-Monroe-Washington Streets
The neighborhood is anchored on the west
by LaSalle, Monroe, and Washington streets.
Collectively, these streets comprise the most
recognizable core of the West End neighborhood
experience.
LaSalle-Monroe-Washington Streets
8
The Plan for West End Berwick
These mostly flat, long, and straight streets are
plotted in a perpendicular direction to W. Front
Street (US Route 11), the main traffic artery into
and out of Berwick and downtown Berwick. LaSalle
Street, extending nearly one-mile in length alongside
the BIDA complex between Freas Avenue and W.
Front Street, was once an important and bustling
corridor for family living and commerce. It attracted
patronage from across all of Berwick.
Monroe Street, located between and paralleling
Washington and LaSalle streets, is a somewhat
quieter street. Although it ends just short of a direct
connection to W. Front Street, it still functions as an
internal spine and center for much neighborhood
social activity associated with the parish church,
school, social clubs, and Sponsler Park.
Washington Street is a through-traffic collector
street linked directly to W. Front Street via Orange
Street (PA Route 93). Historically, the through
LaSalle and Monroe streets accomodate housing, business and social activity which is essential to neighborhood vitality.
nature of Washington Street fostered mixed
light industry, commercial and residential uses
along its length, imparting a different character
than streets immediately to the east and west. It
forms a commonly accepted, although somewhat
arbitrary, boundary separating early and later
developed streets west of the historic American Car
and Foundry (ACF) Company plant, and it forms
the western boundary of the West End Berwick
neighborhood as defined in this plan.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
9
BIDA Complex
At the heart of the neighborhood lies the sprawling
self-contained Berwick Industrial Development
Association (BIDA) industrial complex, located on
the former ACF plant site. The complex divides
West End Berwick down the middle and deprives
the neighborhood of its natural, direct, desired, and
potentially beneficial connections to Market Street.
BIDA Complex
10
The Plan for West End Berwick
The complex is a flat and mature industrial site now
adapted to modern industrial use. It is served by
rail and truck freight which complicates compatibility
with adjacent residential areas and dampens interest
in private reinvestment in adjoining residential
properties.
With the exception of the deteriorating ACF forge
and fabricating aisles, there is little to distinguish
the architecture and site design of the complex.
It is first and foremost an industrial zone with
minimal care and attention given to its outward
appearances or its effect on the value of adjacent
homes. Its workforce is drawn from the wider
Berwick area and beyond, creating possible market
potential for neighborhood commerce. Although
the complex presents problems for the surrounding
neighborhood, prevailing opinion values the many
positive contributions made by BIDA and the
industries which now occupy the site. The stage
is ready for productive dialog on matters of mutual
interest and concern.
The BIDA industrial complex, site of the former American Car and Foundry Company plant, is centrally located in the West
End Berwick neighborhood.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
11
Oak-Maple-Vine-Mulberry Streets
To the east, between the BIDA complex and historic
Market Street, lies a somewhat incoherent mix of
low and high-ground streets.
Oak-Maple-Vine-Mulberry Streets
12
The Plan for West End Berwick
On the heights to the south—the area closest to
downtown Berwick—lies a collection of distinctive
and historically significant late nineteenth century
homes. These homes are located mainly in the area
between W. Ninth and W. Third streets between
Vine and Bowman streets. These streets are a core
asset to the neighborhood and worthy of all efforts
to preserve and restore their historic architecture and
ambiance.
The historic Berwick Cemetery, which extends
between Cemetery and W. Ninth Street along
Market Street, buffers this enclave of desired homes
The heights streets of West End Berwick are rich with historic places and spaces.
from a rambling accumulation of underused and
vacant commercial and former industrial properties
and the Berwick High School football stadium and
linked athletic fields. The flats area along Vine and
Mulberry streets between Columbia Avenue and W.
Ninth Street is ripe for greening and redevelopment
with opportunities for the adaptive reuse of
former industrial properties, enhanced streetscape
definition, and the development of a large multi-use
central park within Berwick.
The flats east of the BIDA complex are ripe for street landscaping and site renewal.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
13
W. Third-W. Second-W. Front Streets and
Susquehanna Avenue
Each of the above-described neighborhood
segments is bounded to the south by the Route 11
(W. Front Street) commercial corridor, an east-westrunning, one-way traffic zone leading into and out
of downtown Berwick—and an area sacrificed to
fast-paced car and truck use. This area forms a
natural gateway into the heart of Berwick.
W. Third-W. Second-W. Front Streets and Susquehanna Avenue
14
The Plan for West End Berwick
The area between W. Third and W. Front streets
comprises something of a no-man’s land buffer
between the BIDA complex and what might be
called the Susquehanna overlook segment of
the neighborhood. As such, its future uses seem
predisposed to some combination of automobiledestination uses such as churches, grocery stores,
larger-scaled retail, and office space.
The area between W. Front Street and the
Susquehanna River remains nearly all residential
sandwiched between the hustle and bustle of W.
The area between W. Third and W. Front streets is well suited to automobile oriented commercial uses.
Front Street commerce and the comparative serenity
of the bluff overlooking the River. Because this area
is somewhat cut-off from the major traffic flow of
Berwick, it may have unrealized potential for more
quiet living compared to other street zones within
the larger neighborhood.
Development of the Susquehanna Greenway and
recreational enhancements to the Berwick riverfront
will generate new potential for living in this southern
segment of the neighborhood. Streetscape
enhancements to Susquehanna Avenue, including
new provisions for pedestrians and bicyclists, could
Wide setbacks help to buffer W. Front Street houses from
bustling traffic.
Susquehanna Avenue houses enjoy pleasant views of the
Susquehanna River landscape.
stimulate private reinvestment throughout the area.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
15
An Historical Overview
The eastern and southern extremities of West End
Berwick developed earlier than its western fringe. This
growth preceded the establishment of the American
Car and Foundry (ACF) Company in Berwick, the
remnants of which now constitute the core of the
West End Berwick neighborhood. However, the
advancement of ACF industries fueled significant
development to the west of the plant, initially in the
area of LaSalle, Monroe, and Washington streets.
West End Berwick can best be described as a
neighborhood rooted in the blue-collar work tradition
and a place that is seemingly in perpetual transition.
The fortune of West End Berwick grew and declined
in proportion to the rise and fall of the ACF plant.
Employment at the ACF plant helped establish the
neighborhood as a viable social and economic center
West End Berwick—Site of the American Car and Foundry Company Plant
within the larger Berwick community. But the closing
of the plant in 1962, coupled with other changes
in family demographics, was the beginning of a
downward slide for the neighborhood.
When ACF acquired the Berwick-based Jackson
Woodin Company, it made substantial investments in
rail car plant construction. By 1902, the Berwick plant
had 2,600 employees. In 1904, ACF Berwick built the
first ever all-steel-bodied passenger rail car for New
York City’s subway line. By 1907, the Berwick plant
employed 5,700 workers, and Berwick remained one
of ACF’s largest production facilities until its closing in
1962.
16
The Plan for West End Berwick
In the early twentieth century, ACF sent
representatives abroad to recruit labor to work
the plant. This influx of foreign labor, including
a large contingent of Italian immigrants, led
to the development of the West End Berwick
neighborhood—particularly along and behind
LaSalle Street where much new housing was built
to accommodate the immigrant influx. Over time,
this area of West End Berwick developed a strong
identity linked by family, work, and church affiliation.
The connection between West End Berwick and
the ACF Company is inseparable, and the memory
of ACF still lingers nearly 50 years after its closing.
Older residents of the neighborhood still speak with
pride about the role that ACF and Berwick played
in World War II tank manufacturing for the United
America’s first all-steel passenger railcars were manufactured at the West End Berwick ACF plant.
States government. At the time, it was rumored that
Berwick was the largest producer of armor plate in
the world.
West End Berwick manufactured tanks for the US government during World War II.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
17
If there is a center to West End Berwick, it was and
remains the site of the former ACF Company. The
power of this connection across people, time, and
place is easily explained. But it is impossible to
imagine renewal of the neighborhood without some
concurrent adaptation and transformation of what
is now the BIDA industrial complex. As Berwick
industries adapt to meet the needs of the twentyfirst century, the BIDA complex is one place where
this transformation must occur. And just as the
early developers of the ACF plant understood the
symbiotic relationship between the neighborhood
and the plant, so too must future BIDA industry and
West End neighborhood developers grow in this
understanding.
Within the past decade a number of forces have
aligned and are giving rise to new thinking and
creating new prospects for West End Berwick.
An in-migration of low-income residents to the
neighborhood is widely seen as the cause for a
corresponding upswing in drug-related crime. And
West End Berwick’s environmental assets are largely unrecognized and greatly undervalued.
this seems to have sparked a long overdue wake-up
call within the neighborhood and the Borough. This
neighborhood plan is one result. But more tangible
actions tied to the 2008 LaSalle Street Neighborhood
Blueprint for Revitalization Plan have superseded the
release of this plan.
18
The Plan for West End Berwick
The “Blueprint Plan,” while directed to a limited area
Transportation Gateway
within the larger neighborhood, has set the tone for
Because Berwick occupies a largely level plain
continuing action on a larger neighborhood-wide
above the Susquehanna River and along the heavily
scale. Under the guidance of the Columbia County
traveled Susquehanna River corridor, it was ideally
Housing Corporation, a four pronged strategy was
situated for early industrial growth and expansion.
set out addressing crime prevention, beautification,
Early stage coach travel along what is now the US
homeowner rehab assistance, and redevelopment on
Route 11 corridor brought itinerant travelers to
the affected streets. A neighborhood organization
Berwick and created demand for a range of typical
has been formed and neighborhood manager
goods and services that further fueled the area’s
has been employed to assist the Borough and
growth. The historic Pennsylvania Canal and the
the neighborhood with implementation of the
later railroad created momentum for industrial
“Blueprint” strategies.
development throughout the nineteenth and early
twentieth centuries, and it this convergence of
The Town-Nature Connection
One of the unique advantages of West End Berwick
is its topographic elevation above the Susquehanna
River and its location between the River and the
Berwick countryside, including the forested hillsides
that define Berwick’s northern border. While such
connections to nature may not seem important in
the larger scheme of community and economic
development, these assets of place coupled with the
neighborhood’s proximity to the heart of Berwick
provide additional ingredients for attracting new
residents, particularly younger residents looking to
put down roots and lead an active life both physically
and socially. The neighborhood’s affordable housing
transportation infrastructure over time that defines
much of West End Berwick today.
West End Berwick forms the western gateway into
the heart of downtown Berwick. The development
of West End Berwick as a walkable and bicyclefriendly neighborhood as well as its connection to
downtown Berwick suffers from its proximity to
traffic-choked US Route 11 (Front Street) and PA
Route 93 (Orange Street). These regional highways
deprive the neighborhood of its center core
connection while isolating peninsulas of residential
streets from other neighborhood destinations and
Traffic speed and congestion in the West End gateway
area complicates efforts to establish cross-neighborhood
connections for pedestrians and bicyclists.
attractions.
and its close connections to nature make it ideally
suited as a place for young families and child rearing.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
19
As important as present-day streets and roadways
In recent decades, job losses coupled with general
are to the economic viability of the community
economic decline have taken a toll on all aspects
and the region, they do create impediments to
of the neighborhood with a significant impact on
desired neighborhood development. The hub
the vitality of neighborhood businesses. Corner
of confused intersections located between W.
stores, once ubiquitous, have all but evaporated
Front, Orange, Ida, LaSalle, and W. Second streets
from the scene, either vacant or converted to
serves neither commerce nor residential living well.
rental apartments. But neighborhood residents
Present transportation infrastructure in this area is
cling tenaciously to their schools, both public and
designed to move motor vehicle traffic with scant
parochial, and to their churches and social clubs.
consideration for safe walking and bicycling, an
important consideration and one that is especially
pertinent to accommodating the daily needs
of children and low-income residents without
automobile transport.
Businesses, Churches, Schools
West End Berwick has experienced significant
change in the past half century. In its heyday, the
neighborhood sustained a broad mix of uses that
generated a beehive of activity essential to the
health of any area. Those that lived and worked in
the neighborhood supported scattered storefront
businesses that catered to local needs for goods
and services, including a beneficial mix of eating
and drinking establishments. And growing families
helped to sustain neighborhood schools, churches,
social clubs, and mutual-aid societies.
Neighborhood residents cling tenaciously to their stores, schools, churches and social clubs.
20
The Plan for West End Berwick
While the decline of neighborhood storefronts
via the schools and churches. It needs understanding
combined for the neighborhood, the Borough, and
has reduced routine opportunities for resident
between the old and the new. And it needs
the County as a whole to add further perspective to
interaction, this function seems to carry on in the
bridges to new experiences linked to affordable
this information.
larger form of the area’s churches and faith-based
housing, basic commerce, parks, and recreational
organizations. Nowhere is this more apparent
opportunities.
Catholic Church and its associated residences,
offices, school, and gardens which demonstrate the
value of neighborhood social organization and the
need for related buildings and open spaces to foster
human interaction that binds individuals and families
one to another.
West End Berwick is a largely homogeneous
neighborhood. It contains a mix of single- and
than in the blocks occupied by St. Joseph’s Roman
West End Berwick Today
Short of conducting door-to-door surveys, the ability
to compile neighborhood statistics is limited to US
Census data dating to the year 2000. 2010 Census
data will be forthcoming over the next several
years. Information such as that summarized in this
section should be reviewed and analyzed in the light
A Close-Knit Community
of new data when it becomes available to better
West End Berwick remains an area of mixed housing,
assess current trends, to update the neighborhood’s
commerce, and industry—an area that evokes
statistical profile, and to establish a benchmark
a strong sense of place among native Berwick
for checking future progress resulting from
residents, but ironically enough, a place that presents
implementation of the neighborhood revitalization
no local identity or otherwise appealing image to
strategies outlined within West End Neighborhood
Berwick visitors and passers-through. As described
Development: Building a Better Berwick Through
above, the neighborhood consists of four distinct
Neighborhood Action.
multi-family homes, both owner-occupied and
rental. It includes a small number of businesses
which serve neighborhood as well as regional needs.
It has a mix of architectural styles with buildings
dating from the mid to late nineteenth century to
today. The population is racially mixed with a mix of
working families, individuals and families on public
assistance, and retirees with the majority of residents
falling into the over 30 age bracket.
street zones—one place—four zones. Each of these
functions in a somewhat isolated way from the
The US Census Bureau provides population
others, perhaps due to the absence of any center
and housing data for various geographic levels,
commons or meeting place.
e.g. states, counties, county-subdivisions, and
municipalities. The Bureau also reports data for its
Any effort to further unite this area into a larger
own geographic constructs defined as census tracts,
force for change must address matters beyond
block groups, and blocks. The data considered for
crime, beautification, and housing rehabilitation.
West End Berwick in this plan is the most current
The neighborhood needs common experiences and
data available from the 2000 Census and includes
common gathering places. It needs a collective
data for PA Census block groups 506-2, 506-6,
social life and experience beyond what is provided
507-1, and 507-4. Individual block group data is
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
21
Population Profile
Population Statistics
According to the 2000 Census, and as close as
can be conformed to the defined neighborhood
boundaries, there are 2,388 persons living in West
End Berwick, representing approximately 22.1%
of the Borough’s total population. Between 1990
and 2000, the neighborhood population decreased
West End Berwick
Total Population
Median Age
Average Family Size
Berwick Borough
Columbia County
2,388
10,774
64,151
40.7
39.5
37.5
2.9
2.9
2.9
US Census, 2000
by 2.4%. This is slightly higher than that for the
Borough population which decreased by 1.8%.
In comparison, Columbia County’s population
increased by 1% from 1990 to 2000. The average
family size of 2.9 persons per household is identical
to that of the Borough as a whole. The median
age of the neighborhood population is 40.7, which
is nearly the same as that for the Borough but just
slightly older than that for the County.
Despite the overall population decline, there were
no significant shifts in the age distribution of West
End Berwick residents between 1990 and 2000.
This points to a relatively stable neighborhood
population and suggests a need to retain and attract
younger residents and families to the neighborhood
in order to maintain a stable population and uphold
neighborhood property values. The availability
of affordable housing in the neighborhood
coupled with new incentive programs for housing
rehabilitation will help in this regard.
22
The Plan for West End Berwick
West End Berwick’s population is predominantly
Racial Distribution
white. In 2000 the percentage of white households
White
in the neighborhood stood at 93.9 percent. The
percentage of Hispanic/Latino households was 2.4
percent, higher than the 1.6 percent Hispanic/Latino
population for the Borough as a whole. The Black
Total Population
Total
Hispanic
%
Total
Black
%
Total
%
West End Berwick
2,388
2,243
93.9
57
2.4
31
1.3
Berwick Borough
10,774
10,462
97.1
175
1.6
95
0.9
US Census, 2000
population of the neighborhood was 1.3 percent,
also higher than the 0.9 percent for the Borough as
a whole.
Educational Attainment for the Population 25 Years and Over
West End Berwick
Education Profile
Educational attainment shifted downward in the
neighborhood between 1990 and 2000. The level of
educational attainment in 2000 was comparable to
that of the Borough, with a slightly lower percentage
of high school graduates but with slightly more
Total
%
Berwick Borough
Total
%
Columbia County
Total
%
Total
3,049
100
7,454
100
41,658
100
High School Degree or Higher
2,025
66.42
5,363
71.95
33,583
80.62
276
9.05
633
8.49
6,568
15.7
Bachelor Degree or Higher
US Census, 2000
holding advanced college degrees. The percentage
of neighborhood residents holding a high school
diploma was less in the neighborhood than in either
the Borough or the County. A total of 66.42% of
neighborhood residents hold a high school degree as
compared with 71.95% in the Borough and 80.62%
in the County. The neighborhood lags behind the
County in the number of residents holding bachelor
degrees or higher but ranks slightly higher on this
measure than the Borough as a whole. A total of
9.05% of neighborhood residents hold bachelor
degrees or higher compared with 8.49% in the
Borough. But the County tops both with 15.77% of
the County population holding a bachelor degree or
higher.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
23
Employment Profile
From 1990 to 2000, the percentage of neighborhood
From 1990 to 2000, median household income
residents counted in the labor force increased. Of
increased from $20,293 to $25,018, but this increase
those counted as in the labor force, the percentage
was roughly equal to inflation. Thus the purchasing
of people employed decreased by 3%. From 1990
power of neighborhood residents was stagnant or
to 2000 the unemployment rate increased by 2.3%.
declining. A total of 20% of neighborhood residents
In 2000, nearly 44% of Berwick’s 5,144 person
had incomes at or below the federal poverty line.
workforce lived in West End Berwick. Approximately
This was an increase of 6% from 1990.
31.6% of those neighborhood residents who were
Income
employed worked in manufacturing. Manufacturing
West End Berwick
was the leading employer for the neighborhood,
followed by other strong employers like retail
Median Household Income
25,018
Berwick Borough
27,442
Columbia County
34,094
trade which employed 16.6% of the total number
employed; educational, health, and social services
which employed 11.7% of the total number
employed; and accommodation and food services
which employed 7.9% of the total number employed.
Income Profile
While there are pronounced similarities between the
neighborhood and Borough and the neighborhood
and County relevant to age and family size, there are
significant differences in median household income,
particularly in comparison with the County as a whole.
The neighborhood median household income is 91%
that of the Borough and only about 73% of that for
the County as a whole. Retirees on fixed incomes and
those employed in low wage jobs or on public assistance
undoubtedly contribute to chronic disinvestment in real
estate evident throughout much of the neighborhood.
24
The Plan for West End Berwick
Housing Profile
West End Berwick has traditionally been considered
The ratio of owner-occupied to rental units remained
a family-oriented neighborhood. In the decade
relatively the same between 1990 and 2000.
between 1990 and 2000, the number of households
consisting of families with children changed very
little, despite a substantial 53% decline in the overall
Housing Statistics
number of households, which includes married
West End Berwick
adults living without children. A total of 50.5% of
all households were considered “family” households
in 2000 compared to 49.5% non family households.
Total
Total Housing Units
1,150
%
100
Berwick Borough
Total
4,992
%
Columbia County
Total
100
27,733
%
100
Owner Occupied Units
463
40.26
2,820
56.49
18,030
65.01
Housing in West End Berwick consists of a mix of
Renter Occupied Units
555
48.26
1,775
35.56
6,885
24.83
single- and multi-family units, both owner and renter
Vacant Housing Units
131
11.39
397
7.95
2,818
10.16
occupied. Housing conditions are described more
US Census, 2000
fully in the appendices to this report. According to
the 2000 Census, there are 1,150 housing units in the
neighborhood which constitutes just over 23% of all
housing units in the Borough; 11.39% of these were
vacant at the time the Census was taken, compared
to 7.95% in Berwick overall. Some percentage
of these vacancies was likely rental units pending
occupancy. Between 1990 and 2000 the housing
vacancy rate increased from 6.17% in the area.
Neighborhood housing stock is generally older, with
the majority of housing being older than 50 years. The
average residential lot size is about one-fifth acre in
size. The median value of owner-occupied dwellings
in 2000 was $67,375; 40.26% of existing housing
units are owner-occupied compared with 56.49% for
the Borough as a whole. A total of 48.26% are renter
occupied compared with 35.56% for the Borough.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
25
Neighborhood Conditions
A full documentation and comprehensive assessment
comprise 1% of the total neighborhood. A complete
of building and infrastructure conditions was
description and analysis of conditions with summary
completed in summer 2009. This work documents
conclusions is found in Appendix A — Neighborhood
and analyzes neighborhood land use; building
Conditions.
occupancy; street, curb and sidewalk conditions;
streetscapes; street lighting; parking; pedestrian
intersection accessibility; traffic circulation;
building conditions; graffiti and vandalism; and lot
appearance based on a parcel by parcel field survey
of conditions. A computerized GIS database was
developed as a repository for the data and a tool for
querying the data and performing any combination
of analyses relevant to evaluating program and
project needs. The tabular digital data is hyperlinked
to street block maps and a photographic record of
existing conditions taken at the time of the survey.
The survey team noted pride of ownership
dispersed throughout the neighborhood. Civic and
recreational land uses such as churches, church
grounds, social clubs, parks, and ball fields are
plotted as special neighborhood assets. Parcels that
display graffiti and evidence vandalism, that exhibit
major/ critical building conditions and/or poor lot
appearance are plotted as neighborhood challenges.
A total of 79% of the neighborhood outside the
boundaries of the BIDA complex is residential land
use, 13% is commercial, 3% civic uses, vacant lots
4%, and government and recreation land uses
26
The Plan for West End Berwick
Neighborhood
Planning Process
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
27
28
The Plan for West End Berwick
Neighborhood Planning Process
A Cornerstone for Success
West End Neighborhood Development: Building a
The LaSalle Street Blueprint for
Revitalization Plan—A Companion Plan
Better Berwick through Neighborhood Action is a
The LaSalle Street Neighborhood Blueprint for
defines public-private roles and responsibilities, and
plan for neighborhood betterment. It addresses a
Revitalization Plan completed in 2008 by the
provides performance benchmarks and funding
range of issues deemed important to this task. It
Columbia County Housing Corporation provides
suggestions. In early 2010, a neighborhood
is strategic in nature in that it addresses key issues
important guidance for neighborhood revitalization
organization was formed to assist with
facing the neighborhood and establishes a series of
programming. While the scope of this study was
implementation of the plan and the organization
interconnected goals and actions to achieve desired
limited to less than 25% of the West End Berwick
has secured the services of a part-time manager to
ends. It suggests priorities for action and suggests
neighborhood as defined in this report, the findings
coordinate and facilitate implementation programs
roles and responsibilities for public-private sector
and recommendations of the plan are widely
and projects such as crime watch, park upgrades,
pursuit. The plan establishes a 10 year timeframe
adaptable to the larger West End neighborhood.
and housing rehabilitation.
Plan Purpose and Mission
for action and accomplishment.
The Blueprint for Revitalization Plan revealed key
A complete copy of The LaSalle Street Neighborhood
The mission or purpose of this plan is to: 1) identify
neighborhood concerns pertinent to social change in
Blueprint for Revitalization Plan is available through
the issues, needs, challenges and opportunities
the neighborhood, crime, and deteriorated housing
the Blueprint Neighborhood Council, the Borough
facing the neighborhood in its quest for success;
conditions. It established four principal objectives
of Berwick, or the Columbia County Housing
2) lay out a comprehensive strategy for
for the neighborhood; 1) redevelop blighted areas
Corporation. In preparing this plan, the West
neighborhood renewal in West End Berwick;
of the neighborhood, 2) beautify the neighborhood
End Berwick planning team assisted the Columbia
3) involve the broadest range of neighborhood
through a combination of streetscape and building
County Housing Corporation with the development
residents, businesses, property owners,
facade improvements and improvements to Sponsler
of neighborhood council bylaws which are found
organizations, and institutions in the development,
Park; 3) establish an effective crime watch program;
in Appendix B — Blueprint Neighborhood Council
adoption, and execution of the strategies proposed;
and 4) provide housing rehabilitation assistance to
Bylaws.
and 4) provide direction for related organizational
low- and moderate-income homeowners.
development to administer and facilitate long-term
implementation activity.
The LaSalle Street plan identifies opportunity areas
for commercial redevelopment along Freas Avenue,
for housing redevelopment surrounding Sponsler
Park, and for other infill housing development. It
establishes related strategies that suggest actions,
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
29
The West End Berwick Neighborhood
Planning Process
Neighborhood Task Force
Community involvement is the key to achieving
Berwick appointed a task force representing
success with neighborhood revitalization.
neighborhood interests. In addition, a newspaper
Neighborhood residents, businesses, and church
display advertisement was used to inform the
and civic leaders contributed to the development
community about the project and to recruit citizen
of this plan through participation in the project
volunteers. The SEDA-COG team met regularly with
task force, key person and focus group interviews,
the task force seeking input and feedback for the
and the Sponsler Park design workshop. Also, the
plan. Through local news media, neighborhood
planning team garnered additional insights through
residents and the larger Berwick community were
participation in meetings hosted by leaders of
kept apprised about ongoing work activities and
the existing Blueprint Neighborhood revitalization
opportunities for participation.
Early in the planning process, the Borough of
team under the leadership of the Columbia County
Housing Corporation.
Task force members helped to identify neighborhood
participants for key person and focus group
Staff of the SEDA-COG Community Resource
interviews and contributed insight and direction
Center engaged the West End community in an
that were helpful in formulating the focus group
open planning process aimed at building consensus
questions and plans. They provided suggestions
on neighborhood issues, needs, vision, strategies,
on best approaches to achieving neighborhood
and priorities to shape a desired future. This
organization, building citizen participation in the
effort identified issues of strategic importance to
long term revitalization program, and developing
neighborhood improvement and recommended
the public-private partnerships needed for plan
specific actions to bring about desired change.
implementation. With task force assistance,
The issues addressed included neighborhood
groundwork has been laid for future participation in
organization, design, image and identity, social
the Pennsylvania Elm Street Program administered by
betterment, crime and public safety, housing, and
the state Department of Community and Economic
neighborhood development.
Development.
30
Neighborhood betterment requires informed and involved
citizens.
The Plan for West End Berwick
Key Person and Focus Group Interviews
Key person and focus group interviews were the
primary approach used to identify neighborhood
assets, concerns and opportunities as a
comprehensive survey of community opinion was
beyond the financial scope of the planning program.
A summary of the focus group plans and findings are
found in Appendix C — Focus Group Summary.
Sponsler Park Design Workshop
Sponsler Park is one of West End Berwick’s most
underused and undervalued assets. Recognizing
this, the Borough allocated funds toward the initial
stages of park rehabilitation. To solicit neighborhood
input needed to shape future ideas for the park and
priorities for reinvestment in the park, SEDA-COG’s
Community Resource Center joined forces with
faculty and students from Bucknell University to lay
the groundwork for conceptual park planning work.
A door-to-door neighborhood survey was conducted
to gather specific insights about the neighborhood
population and to determine their needs and
interests relating to the potential future uses of
Sponsler Park. The survey provided resident opinions
regarding park uses and conditions. A day-long park
Sponsler Park is one of West End Berwick’s most underused and undervalued assets. Park master planning, facility
enhancements, and regular activity programming will create social, environmental, economic, and health benefits for all.
A summary of the Sponsler Park survey findings,
points for neighborhood action in West End
charrette process, and design concepts is found in
Berwick. These are: 1) crime prevention and public
Appendix D — Sponsler Park Design Workshop.
safety, 2) housing and community development,
This pro bono effort on the part of SEDA-COG
and 3) neighborhood pride. These are the issues
and Bucknell University does not pose a final or
most deeply felt and experienced by neighborhood
phased solution for improving Sponsler Park. A
residents and property owners as determined
formal master plan is required to guide long term
through the ongoing planning process.
reinvestment in the park and that will require
organized community involvement. However, the
Although the specific wording used to characterize
document provides ample food for thought which
the issues varies, there is a strong correlation
in the proper setting can be used to shape the first
between these findings and those of the LaSalle
stage of reinvestment in Sponsler Park.
Street Neighborhood Blueprint for Revitalization
Plan and with the focus areas of the Pennsylvania
design charrette was organized to engage as many
and analysis of park and related street conditions,
Key Issues Affecting Neighborhood
Development
park uses, and facilities. Four conceptual design
Many topics are relevant and important to the
alternatives were drafted by the end of the day.
process of community-building and neighborhood
neighborhood residents as feasible in the exploration
revitalization. Three topics were considered starting
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
Elm Street Program, i.e., sustainable organization;
image and identity; design; neighbors and economy;
and clean; safe; and green activities. There is also a
strong cause and effect relationship found between
and among the issues deemed most pressing by
participants in the planning program.
31
A recurring theme in the public dialog relates to
the fact that even the perception of unsafe living
housing conditions, crime, and social disintegration.
conditions can further erode the well-being of the
This has the potential to become a self-fulfilling
neighborhood.
downward spiral if left unchecked. It begins with
the conversion of owner-occupied housing to rental
The need to tackle unsafe conditions or perceived
housing, followed by disinvestment in houses
unsafe conditions head-on is crucial to neighborhood
and businesses, creating a perception that the
community-building. Improved street lighting, a
neighborhood is unsafe, which is further fueled by
more regular and visible police presence on patrol,
reported police activity, which contributes to social
better-maintained properties, and a positive social
withdrawal and a decline in neighborhood pride.
gathering among neighbors all contribute to feelings
of safety. Having vital public places and storefront
The antidote to cure these conditions may be
businesses also foster a more desired street life and
found in the work of grass roots organizational
a sense of neighborhood well-being. Enhanced
development. The neighborhood needs to become
law enforcement, social and recreation programs,
a constructive partner with Berwick Borough and
and resident engagement are top priorities for
Columbia County Housing Corporation. It needs to
improving real safety and the sense of safety in the
speak with a more diverse and collective voice. The
neighborhood.
neighborhood needs leaders. But it also needs an
administrative structure for processing neighborhood
business both internally and externally. And it needs
a substructure of committees to perform the work
of the organization and to nurture next generation
Well maintained properties on landscaped streets enhance
public safety and bring added value to the neighborhood.
leaders and leadership.
Neighborhood Safety
Residents cite drug activity, theft, foul language,
litter, and the poor conditions of rental housing as
factors that contribute to feelings of being unsafe.
The degree to which these factors are affecting
neighborhood cohesiveness and the potential for
neighborhood betterment isn’t well understood
or easily measured. But there is no doubt about
32
The Plan for West End Berwick
Housing and Development
alleys define the neighborhood setting, its functional
The amount of rental housing in the neighborhood,
and civic potential, and its attraction for use and
as a percentage of all housing, borders perilously
investment. The proximity of West End Berwick to US
close to the edge of unhealthiness. Not only
Route 11 and to downtown Berwick positions it well
does rental housing tend to show more signs of
for new and complementary mixed-use development,
deterioration and disinvestment, but the residents
particularly between W. Third and W. Front streets—
of rental housing tend to be more transient and less
development that is sorely needed to bring renewed
involved in neighborhood life and organizations,
social and economic vitality to the community.
something that is fundamentally important to building
social connections and cohesiveness within the
Social Connection and Vitality
neighborhood.
The social cohesiveness of West End Berwick has
eroded and is eroding. But this need not continue.
West End Berwick is not immune from the problems
Resident engagement in public affairs can be fostered
associated with absentee landlords and undesirable
through trust, optimism for the future, and leader role
tenants; nor is it overrun by bad property managers
models. Learned pessimism and a lack of role models
and tenants. Residents wisely view increased
do little to build self-confidence and social skills in any
homeownership, code enforcement, and landlord
age group, but especially among young people who
accountability as foundations for combating blight
need safe, comfortable, and accessible places to play,
and crime. They see new businesses as a stimulant
learn, and grow.
for neighborhood revitalization. Businesses provide
potential employment for residents; but even more
While a general breakdown in the family structure is
important, they provide places for regular neighbor-
often cited as an overarching problem and cause for
to-neighbor social contact. They are often the
delinquency, the majority of young people can and do
cornerstones of a larger common experience—places
respond to learning opportunities when sufficiently
of meaning and memory from which lasting bonds
motivated. Churches, schools, and community
are knitted.
institutions such as the Berwick YMCA can help
children and youth feel safe and connected. They can
West End Berwick is comfortable with its past and
help instill self-confidence and leadership traits; and
comfortable in its own skin. It doesn’t seek to
they can give focus and meaning to living through
be something it isn’t. Nor does it deny the basic
programs that build important life skills to develop
importance of functional and beautiful streets.
career interests, parenting skills, self-sufficiency, and
Beyond marking routine travel paths, streets and
tolerance.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
33
The Berwick Area YMCA offers something for everyone.
34
The Plan for West End Berwick
Attractive Environment
The role of the physical environment—the natural
improvement of their properties; and it benefits from
and industry. Other ingredients of the environment
and the man-made environment—while not top
an active and responsible local government and
contribute to the West End’s sense of place and
on the list of neighborhood discussion topics, is a
police force.
potential for social bonding among residents. These
matter of true importance to both the people living
include a grid network of connected streets and
in West End Berwick and the place itself. One
West End Berwick also benefits from its proximity to
alleys, front porches, and a range of public spaces
cannot underestimate the importance of clean, safe,
and association with varied social and community
and places like St Joseph’s “campus,” the Berwick
and comfortable surroundings to the development
service organizations, churches, and schools.
YMCA, the Berwick Cemetery, Crispin Field, and
of the individual, the family, and the neighborhood.
Organizations such as the Berwick Area United
Sponsler Park.
The key ingredients in shaping desired places
Way and the Central Susquehanna Community
are universal—private homes and businesses,
Foundation and community institutions such as the
institutional buildings and grounds, and the all
Berwick YMCA have a presence in the neighborhood
encompassing public realm of streets and parks.
and foster hope for the future while committing their
resources to the betterment of the neighborhood.
West End Assets, Challenges and
Opportunities
The neighborhood has also drawn attention
from partners outside the community who share
interests in bringing about social, environmental and
economic transformation in the community. These
Neighborhood Assets
include the Columbia County Housing Corporation,
Despite outward appearances and uninspiring first
SEDA-COG, Bloomsburg and Bucknell universities,
impressions, West End Berwick has a combination
and the Geisinger Environmental Health Institute.
of human, institutional, organizational, and physical
assets from which to structure its turnaround. On
The West End’s chief physical assets are linked to
the human side, the neighborhood has a core
its prominent gateway location within the Borough
of good citizens who are involved and invested
and its proximity to the Susquehanna riverfront
in making West End Berwick a better place. As
and to downtown Berwick. The neighborhood
defined within this plan, it has a critical mass of
is served by regional roadways that facilitate easy
population across various age groups from which to
connections to other communities and employment
build its future. It has a strong and visible ethnic
destinations. It occupies high ground overlooking
and cultural heritage and a sense of place shaped
the river. It supports a mix of uses, including varied
by countless homeowners and gardeners who invest
and affordable housing choices, local businesses,
time, energy, and resources in the maintenance and
churches, schools, parks and recreational facilities,
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
West End Berwick has a surprising range of community
assets from which to build a strong sense of place.
35
Front Porches
A well connected grid of streets, alleys, and sidewalks
Park-Like Alleys
36
The Plan for West End Berwick
Neighborhood Challenges
West End Berwick has more than its fair share of
The substantial dearth of street trees and green
e.g., low educational attainment, unemployment
challenges and these will need to be addressed
infrastructure in the neighborhood perpetuates an
and underemployment, addiction, physical and
systematically in a strategic and sustained manner—
impoverished identity and the look of decay rather
environmental conditions, etc., the decline of social
overcoming these challenges will take time and
than the upswing of renewal.
cohesiveness and fear of the unknown also creates
persistence. Generally, these challenges relate to
a ripe climate for crime. Outsider perceptions of
traffic congestion and speed in the Routes 11-93
The decline in public safety is both perceived
the neighborhood as a closed-society and intolerant
gateway area and deferred property maintenance
and real. The potential for crime, prostitution,
attitudes on the part of some established resident
and disinvestment in both housing and traditional
gangs, violence, theft, graffiti, and foul street
groups toward new population groups impede efforts
neighborhood businesses. The neighborhood has
talk is real and palpable. While there are many
to build common connections and understandings
concentrated pockets of poverty with attendant
factors contributing to crime in the neighborhood,
from which a stronger, safer community may be built.
problems linked to housing, crime, and social
disintegration.
Aged housing stock with heavy maintenance
requirements is a growing problem for the
neighborhood’s low and moderate income residents.
This, coupled with an oversupply of absenteeowned rental housing, adds to the growing
image of a neighborhood in decline. Deferred
property maintenance and chronic disinvestment
in housing and businesses has led to a ballooning
in substandard and dilapidated structures and
vacant housing and lots. The focus, pace, and
scale of public assistance for housing rehabilitation
and homeownership barely meets the engrained
needs of the neighborhood. The abandonment
and decline of neighborhood shops, food stores,
and restaurants adds to the area’s negative image
and perception from outside the neighborhood.
Neighborhood industry is an asset to the Berwick area, but it also hinder private investment in adjacent homes.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
37
While the employment opportunities created in
close and personally. An enhanced ambiance within
connection with the BIDA complex are much needed
the neighborhood will create and sustain an optimistic
and valued and supported by neighborhood residents,
outlook that is essential to neighborhood success.
the outward appearance and perimeter conditions
of the complex severely limit the potential for
The need to address housing and crime also provides
neighborhood renewal through private reinvestment
real opportunities for resident involvement and
in adjoining streets and residences. The walled- and
community partnerships. More effective community
fenced-off edge that exists between the BIDA complex
policing through crime awareness and prevention
and the surrounding streets, including the severed
programming, e.g., “take a bite out of crime,” can
street connection between Freas and Columbia
be realized with the involvement of neighborhood
avenues, further limits the potential for stimulating
residents. Developing alternatives to crime through
neighborhood business and recreation reinvestment in
neighborhood-based learning and social programming
nearby blocks.
and through youth engagement and cross-generational
activity provides varied opportunities for churches,
Neighborhood Opportunities
community groups and organizations.
On a personal and one-to-one basis, West End
The quality of life for neighborhood residents can be
Berwick feels like a welcoming neighborhood. But
improved through efforts to build and rehabilitate
on a larger collective scale there are abundant
affordable housing and through the process of rent-
opportunities for enhanced community-building. The
to-own agreements between property sellers and
opportunity for improving the neighborhood’s social
potential buyers. There is an opportunity to create an
and economic diversity exists once the obstacles to
organization of neighborhood landlords and to foster
achieving this are understood and addressed.
landlord accountability and enhanced performance
through information, education, and awareness-
Every problem affecting the neighborhood, both
building programming. Given the age and income
perceived and real, presents an opportunity for positive
profile of the neighborhood, there also appears to be
step-taking. One of the easiest places to begin is
good opportunities for the redeployment of scattered
with property upkeep and maintaining neighborhood
“mom and pop” stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and
appearances. Clean and tidy streets and yards,
health and personal services businesses.
Building code enforcement is an important step in the
larger process of eliminating blight.
enhanced street and park lighting, traffic calming on
key streets and roadways, and the greening of streets
and parks can go a long way toward reimaging,
rediscovering, and experiencing West End Berwick up
38
The Plan for West End Berwick
Defining the
Issues
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
39
40
The Plan for West End Berwick
Defining the Issues
Understanding the Community
Public Opinion Research
SEDA-COG’s Community Resource Center
conducted key person interviews to identify issues
affecting West End Berwick and to uncover topics
for further exploration in focus groups. Two focus
group interviews were organized and conducted
to investigate neighborhood issues with residents,
businesses, property owners, and institutions and
to gage public opinion on long-term approaches to
neighborhood organization, strategies, and publicprivate partnerships for neighborhood betterment. A
mix of neighborhood residents, property and business
owners, Borough, civic, church, recreation, housing
and social service leaders, and advocates were
engaged in the interview process.
Focus group interviews were conducted in spring
2009 and are summarized in Appendix C — Focus
Group Summary. One discussion focused largely on
the BIDA complex—its importance to the community,
its prominence on the neighborhood scene and its
effect on the surrounding neighborhood. The second
discussion group focused on a wider range of topics
From these discussions a mix of interconnected issues
and green activities. While the group interviews were
emerged as foundation topics for the plan. These
not organized specifically around these five topics,
included: 1) the erosion of families, neighborhood
the discussions did touch upon matters embedded
life, and institutions; 2) the decline in owner-occupied
in each of these focus areas. In this regard, the
homes; 3) the need for new economic opportunity
focus group experience shows that residents, while
and more jobs; 4) the economic, environmental
concerned about all of the named focus areas, are
and aesthetic impact of the BIDA complex on the
most naturally inclined and motivated to address
neighborhood; 5) and the need to attract stable
objectives keyed to matters relevant to neighbors and
residents to the neighborhood.
economy and clean, safe and green activities. This
suggests an ongoing need for continued education—
There was much discussion about the neighborhood’s
residents need to recognize that economic and social
past, its declining condition and image, and conflicts
revitalization stems from a combination of factors, not
between various groups, particularly between older,
just a select few. long-time residents of the neighborhood and transient
newcomers from outside the Berwick community.
Need for a Strategic Plan of Action
Interestingly, concern for the loss of social connections
The absence of a strategic plan for neighborhood
and experiences outweighed concern for other
action impedes progress on many fronts and
topics such as crime and disinvestment in businesses,
minimizes the likelihood for successful neighborhood
housing, and infrastructure. This is not to suggest that
revitalization and reinvestment. The absence of an
disinvestment in the neighborhood was of little or no
organized grass roots neighborhood organization
concern because it was and is a significant concern. At
for West End Berwick minimizes the potential to
root, however, these discussions suggest that long-time
attract funding needed for programs and projects.
residents experience community first and foremost
Inadequate communications within and outside
in a social context and secondarily in a physical or
the neighborhood is an even surer deterrent to
environmental context.
neighborhood success. In combination, these factors
reduce the likelihood of attracting resident volunteers
relevant to the broader West End neighborhood.
Relationship to the Pennsylvania
Elm Street Program
to assist in critical tasks. To the degree that West
Eighteen persons participated in these group
The Pennsylvania Elm Street Program upholds five
interviews. Their opinions offered valuable insight
Berwick Through Neighborhood Action addresses the
focus areas that are fundamental to neighborhood
into the history and present day workings of the
above conditions, it can and does provide a “game
revitalization: 1) organization; 2) image and identity; 3)
neighborhood.
plan” for bettering the neighborhood in the coming
design; 4) neighbors and economy; and 5) clean, safe,
decade.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
End Neighborhood Development: Building a Better
41
Neighbors and Economy — Clean, Safe
and Green
Sustainable Organization
Established resident interest in this topic suggests
impressions are formed from the street. Upholding
As with the matter of neighborhood design,
that there is good potential to build public-private
basic property maintenance standards goes hand-
image and identity, the necessity for neighborhood
partnerships involving schools, churches, and City
in-hand with streetscape planning and design,
organization is also not well understood by
Hall (police, zoning and code enforcement, public
zoning, and code enforcement. Because the look
a significant majority of residents who have
works) and that cooperation can be expected
and feel of structures and streets is what first attracts
traditionally been dependent on the Borough
relevant to developing neighborhood businesses
or repels visitors and desired future business and
government and the County for any number of
and jobs, supporting homeownership and housing
homeowners, it is important that proactive measures
services and programs. The expectation has always
rehabilitation programs, removing of blighted
be taken to stimulate reinvestment in real estate and
been that City Hall would solve all problems.
structures and redevelopment, improving streets
infrastructure.
Complaint and confrontation between individual
residents and City Hall have been the norm.
and alleys, park restorating, and establishing and
operating community-based programming for youth
and seniors. The neighborhood may also benefit from
In this regard, however, the advent of the LaSalle
the development of a wider mix of affordable housing
Street “Blueprint” program has made significant
products, another need that was cited, including
strides by creating a grass roots organizational
condominium and professionally managed rental
model that could be adapted to the larger West
apartments and special needs housing for seniors and
End neighborhood. Neighborhood residents are
disabled persons.
realizing that it simply isn’t possible to address
the many issues facing the neighborhood through
Design, Image and Identity
Borough action alone. Organized neighbors,
The need to address neighborhood design, image
acting as constructive partners with the Borough,
and identity is something that is not adequately
have unrealized power to bring rebirth to the
recognized among many living in the neighborhood,
neighborhood—and to bring about desired change
particularly among those that were born and
faster and better than any purely governmental
raised in West End Berwick. This, too, is an area
solution.
where ongoing education is needed to build
required support for programs and projects that
recognize and celebrate what is good about the
neighborhood while bringing about desired physical
improvements to housing, streets and streetscapes,
parks, commercial and industrial operations. First
42
The look and feel of structures and streets attracts and
repels visitors, businesses, homeowners and investors.
The Plan for West End Berwick
Vision for the
West End
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
43
44
The Plan for West End Berwick
Vision for the West End
The Foundation for Neighborhood Action
Berwick—A Middle Susquehanna River Town
Berwick is the easternmost portal to the
Susquehanna Greenway in Central Pennsylvania.
It is one of 10 Middle Susquehanna River Towns
extending to Sunbury, Selinsgrove, and Watsontown.
Excerpts from the regional vision statement adopted
by these towns speak to a spirit of place important
to the region’s vitality:
“The River Towns of the Middle Susquehanna are
loved as authentic and distinctive communities that
embody the charm of small town America…a region
of inviting communities… welcoming places to call
home where we discover ourselves and each other…
where each town celebrates a unique identity…where
we gain glimpses into the Middle Susquehanna story
and lay down paths to the future.”
West End Berwick is more than just a neighborhood.
It is a portal to the Susquehanna River and a
gateway into the heart of Berwick. As one in a
series of authentic riverfront towns, Berwick and
the West End neighborhood help to define the
Susquehanna Greenway experience and occupy
a place that is important to realizing its potential.
Viewed thus, we can open our imagination to new
promise and possibilities for this place and for its
people in the twenty first century.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
Berwick is an authentic River Town with a prominent and safe situation overlooking the Susquehanna River.
West End Berwick—A Gateway to the
Heart of Berwick
The vision statement, not to be confused with an
Quoting twentieth century American poet Carl
common ground from which the West End Berwick
Sandburg—“Nothing happens unless first a dream.”
action plan is built. It sets a tone that is woven
While dreams may be born of idle, accidental, or
throughout the plan’s action strategies. It suggests
wishful thinking, the meaning of vision is more direct
marketing themes for promoting the neighborhood’s
and purposeful. Vision and visioning are sometimes
image and identity—themes capable of building
overused and overworked words and ideas, but they
new interest in the neighborhood, attracting new
remain fundamental to understanding the roots
residents and businesses, and stimulating needed
required for revitalization—they anchor the process
reinvestment in its people and its places.
organizational mission statement, establishes a
for shaping neighborhood change.
45
Any vision for West End Berwick must reflect
them. But streets alone do not a neighborhood
consideration for the capabilities already vested
make. Neighborhoods are defined by a myriad of
West Town Berwick—A Vision for the
Future
in the neighborhood—its residents, businesses,
markers—streets, structures, and setting; parks and
With insight garnered through the key person
and institutions. It must focus on the realm of
open spaces; businesses and institutions; and the
and focus group interviews and with input and
what is desired and what is possible in addition to
individual marks left on all of this by generations of
comment from the project task force, SEDA-COG
and beyond what is customarily available through
people over time.
developed a formal statement of future vision for the
neighborhood—one that exemplifies neighborhood
government and corporate generosity. The vision
statement must inspire and motivate people to
Neighborhoods are a microcosm of the towns they
values and promotes connections across cultures
engage in work to reshape the community as an
form. Their economic and social health may be
and generations. Embodied in these values and
attractive and desired place for living, playing,
keyed to many things. But neighborhoods like
this vision is an image capable of powering the
working, socializing, and educating.
West End Berwick need to project a desire image of
rediscovery and rebuilding of West Town Berwick.
‘place’ and a related identity to attract investment
West End Berwick is built upon a foundation of
and market homes, businesses, and churches. To
ethnic diversity and the immigrant search for a
this end, one should not ignore the inherent value
better life—a belief that rising up by the bootstraps
of place names. Every modern-day housing or
is entirely possible. From hard work, people of
shopping center development comes fully equipped
mixed cultures from generations past made Berwick
with a name chosen to excite the imagination.
industry feasible and through employment in
Should struggling older neighborhoods be any
industry they built homes, shops, businesses, schools
different?
and churches to form a neighborhood. This same
forward-looking spirit applied in new ways in a
With this in mind, the West End Berwick vision
new century can once again restore vitality to the
statement takes a bold and controversial
neighborhood.
leap. It offers forth a new moniker for building
neighborhood image and identity—it suggests
West End Berwick may benefit from the deployment
the name West Town Berwick as a moniker for
of a new moniker to set the tone for where it must
simultaneously promoting West End Berwick as
go—not just where it has been. This is a touchy
both a place of memory and a place in motion.
topic to be sure, particularly with the neighborhood’s
Not merely an ‘end’ or a ‘side’—but a miniaturized
older and native residents. Admittedly, the names
town—a place with defined edges and a center—a
of individual streets carry much meaning to those
gateway neighborhood to the heart of Berwick.
who have lived on and among them—whose
lifetime bank of memories is inseparably linked to
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The Plan for West End Berwick
WEST TOWN BERWICK
REBUILD! REDISCOVER!
West Town Berwick is a neighborhood with a proud past and strong hope
for the future. A place born of varied cultures and built upon diverse
traditions. A destination for people and families seeking new tomorrows in
a new land. A reflection of the best that life once offered. A framework for
the life and work of a new generation.
Berwick’s industrial heritage was cast, rolled, and forged from the hands
and hearts of West Town Berwick. Today, as in the past, we share in the
quest for the good life—a quest which is mirrored in the look of our streets
and structures and our outdoor spaces. A quest enriched by our connection
to the Susquehanna River—“A River of Dreams.”
Neighbor to neighbor we share histories, experiences, and aspirations—
community, faith, family, business, education, and politics—the ingredients
for sensible living and the pursuit of happiness. We celebrate our past as
we work to shape our future.
West Town Berwick is a busy gateway to the heart of Berwick town. With
its back to the countryside and its face safely overlooking the river, good
neighbors enjoy life, work, and nature within a close-built setting that
reminds us of our everyday need for each other and our connection to a
wider world.
Forge a new tomorrow for you and your family. Put memories into motion.
Make your mark in West Town Berwick. Let’s Rebuild! And Rediscover!
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
47
48
The Plan for West End Berwick
Strategies for
Neighborhood
Action
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
49
50
The Plan for West End Berwick
Strategies for Neighborhood Action
Building New Opportunities
Organization
Neighborhood organization is critical to the
Other potential partners from outside the community
realization of revitalization results. While various
include SEDA Council of Governments, Bloomsburg
organizational approaches are employed across a
and Bucknell universities, the Wachovia Foundation,
wide range of communities, it is recommended that
Luzerne County Community College, Geisinger Health
West End Berwick begin with a modest approach
System, and a mix of state agencies, most notably
consistent with the nature of the community and
the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation,
available resources. The recently formed Blueprint
Community and Economic Development, and
Neighborhood Council provides an excellent
Conservation and Natural Resources.
structure for addressing needs of the larger West End
neighborhood. An expanded service territory could
expand the pool of available participants and increase
resident participation in revitalization around shared
experiences, issues, problems, and solutions.
In addition to the Borough of Berwick and Columbia
County Housing Corporation, other potential
partners capable of assisting with elements of the
strategic plan include the Berwick YMCA; the Berwick
Area United Way; Berwick Industrial Development
Association (BIDA); Berwick Area School District;
Berwick Hospital; Holy Family Elementary School;
Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church; First United Church
of Christ; First Baptist Church and other community
churches; the Central Susquehanna Community
Foundation; and other businesses, civic, social, and
Safety and Appearance
Public safety and crime prevention are high on the
list of neighborhood concerns. Safe, attractive,
walkable and accessible streets and parks go handin-hand with crime prevention. Coupling safety and
appearance with other variables such as affordable
housing and basic businesses builds the quality of
life experience which attracts residents, visitors,
and workers to the neighborhood. Creating more
economic and social activity in the neighborhood
provides more “eyes on the street,” another
deterrent to crime and an aid to safety.
A clean and tidy appearance go hand-in-hand with ‘eyes
on the street’ to enhance the perception and the reality of
public safety.
faith-based organizations linked to the neighborhood.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
51
Safety and beautification are important to
formation of public-private partnerships which share
maintaining the attraction and livability of West End
interrelated goals and objectives and which aim for
Berwick and projecting a favorable image within and
results planned around strategically timed public-
beyond the neighborhood. Because perceptions
private investments.
of safety are influenced by physical characteristics
such as street lighting, property maintenance,
Public approaches to improved housing and
landscaping, and conditions of public spaces and
business opportunity involve using both incentives
rights-of-way, the broader importance of park and
and regulation to bring about desired change.
streetscape design to improved public safety and
Increasing homeownership and improving the
reduced crime should not be underestimated.
quality of rental housing is a desired aim. Increasing
housing choices for a mix of ages, incomes, and
Potential partners in the quest for improved public
physical conditions will expand the target market
safety include Berwick Borough, the Berwick
for local businesses that serve the everyday needs
Borough Police, neighborhood landlords, Berwick
of neighborhood residents and others in the
Area School District, neighborhood crime watch
community. Neighborhoods like West End Berwick
organizations, individual residents and businesses,
derive their social vitality and economic strength
neighborhood churches, and the Central
from the mix of housing and commercial uses they
Susquehanna Community Foundation. Partner
build and sustain.
prospects from outside the community include
SEDA-Council of Governments, the Columbia
County Housing Corporation, Wachovia Foundation,
and the Pennsylvania Departments of Transportation
and Community and Economic Development.
Housing and Business Opportunity
While private investment in housing and
Working together, Berwick Borough, the Columbia
County Housing Corporation, and concerned citizens are
cleaning-up streets and building new affordable housing to
harmonize with the community.
neighborhood businesses frequently follows
public investment in public spaces, facilities, and
infrastructure, there is no direct or guaranteed
correlation between public works improvements
and private investment. A far better approach
to stimulating private investment involves the
52
The Plan for West End Berwick
Key partners in the creation of new opportunities
Fostering neighborhood pride and encouraging good
Community-Building
for housing and business investment include the
property stewardship among West End residents
Beyond the physical elements of West End Berwick,
Borough of Berwick, Columbia County Housing
and business and property owners will pay future
there is a deeper need for community-building in the
Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, area realtors
dividends as newcomers are attracted, connected, or
broader social context of neighborhood residents—
and lending institutions. Manufactured housing
reconnected to the neighborhood by its enhanced
individuals, families, schools, churches, business and
companies such as Deluxe Homes in Berwick
look and feel. Equally as important, new design
civic organizations. Strong neighborhoods develop,
and others may be able to advance the pace of
and construction that celebrates and builds upon
grow, and sustain themselves from the social bonds
neighborhood renewal through the creation of new
the neighborhood’s traditional street patterns and
formed through the activities of daily life. When
housing products suitable to the neighborhood’s
residential character should be part of a balanced
these bonds break-down due to age, infirmity,
established character and in partnership with area
overall neighborhood development program.
abandonment, disinterest, etc., the neighborhood also
property developers, both public sector and private.
suffers.
Outside sources of assistance might also include
Preserving and reinforcing aspects of the
SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), the
neighborhood’s historic street and structure
Neighborhood pride begins with an understanding
SEDA-COG Housing Development Corporation, the
character warrants further study and consideration.
of neighborhood heritage, connections, and needs.
Wachovia Foundation, and the Federal Home Loan
What role do gateway entrances, street lighting,
Residents are engaged in community-building trough
Bank.
street trees, signage, landscaping, and parks
participation in common-experience programs,
play in defining the neighborhood’s traditional
projects, and most readily through neighborhood
architecture? What design features are most
events and social activities. Networking, information-
common to the neighborhood’s houses, and how
sharing, and relationship-building create new
might these provide guidance for new infill housing
opportunities for improved learning, living, working,
development? How can the neighborhood’s stock
and recreating. Activities to strengthen community
of existing structures be adapted to new uses
service groups, benefit neighborhood businesses, and
while still respecting the character of the street and
give local purpose to faith-based organizations are
neighborhood?
fundamental to the process of community-building
Neighborhood Character
Neighborhood character has the potential for
multiple meanings. In the context of this plan,
however, neighborhood character relates to matters
of physical design—the function and appearance
of neighborhood structures, streets, open spaces,
and connecting pathways. The goal of improving
neighborhood character is closely tied to community
appearance and to the resultant impressions and
perceptions formed through daily experience of
the physical environment—both day and night and
through all seasons.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
needed to implement this plan.
Design professionals such as architects, landscape
architects, and engineers can contribute to this
Potential partners in community building include the
dialog and understanding. The SEDA-COG
Berwick Area School District, Orange Street and Holy
Community Resource Center can assist with analyses
Family schools, neighborhood businesses and churches,
of the neighborhood’s physical environment and can
the Berwick YMCA, the Borough of Berwick, and any
facilitate the involvement of university faculty and
number of organizations serving the needs of various
students as may be appropriate.
age groups and populations within the neighborhood.
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Neighborhood Redevelopment
Concepts
Words have specific meaning; and in the context of
environment. A variety of ideas were discussed in
physical development planning, it is important to
connection with public participation in the planning
understand and differentiate the meaning of words
process, many of which do speak to the need for
such as renewal and redevelopment, rehabilitation,
a more detailed and comprehensive approach to
and preservation, adaptive reuse, and restoration.
planning for the physical redevelopment of West End
These words reflect a gradation of activity and
Berwick.
intervention in the urban environment from the
preservation of desired places and spaces to the
complete removal and reconstruction of blighted
structures, blocks, and infrastructure.
This plan, West End Berwick — Building a Better
Berwick Through Neighborhood Action — uses the
concept of renewal and redevelopment broadly. A
neighborhood redevelopment strategy can pursue
different approaches from the preservation and
restoration of significant historic structures, to the
rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of otherwise sound
buildings, to the wholesale demolition of blighted
structures and blocks to make way for new infill
development. While wholesale redevelopment may
be the strategy of choice in select areas, it is also the
Improvements to housing, commercial, and industrial properties, and street infrastructure are overarching concerns
across all of West End Berwick.
most expensive and daunting of all approaches and
can lead to even poorer results if not well-conceived,
funded, and financed.
West End Berwick — Building a Better Berwick
Through Neighborhood Action is not a formal
redevelopment plan in that it does not focus
solely on restructuring the neighborhood physical
54
The Plan for West End Berwick
Improvements to housing, commercial and industrial
Oak-Maple-Vine-Mulberry Streets (Heights)
organization; 2) clean, safe and green; 3) neighbors
properties, and street infrastructure are overarching
1.Historic Preservation (Vine / Mulberry / Bowman)
and economy; 4) design; and 5) image and identity.
Primary funding for West End Neighborhood
concerns across all of West End Berwick. Specific
ideas have also emerged for each segment of
the neighborhood. These are outlined below as
concepts for future evaluation. Inherent in each are
the seeds of future redevelopment policies, plans,
programs, and projects to address the neighborhood
physical environment. By pursuing actions outlined
in the strategic plan charts, these and other potential
Oak-Maple-Vine-Mulberry Streets (Flats)
1.Streetscape Definition (Vine)
2.Infill Development (Vine / Mulberry)
3.Adaptive Reuse (Vine / Mulberry)
4.Central Park Development (Vine / Mulberry)
LaSalle-Monroe-Washington Streets
1.Sponsler Park Restoration
2.Streetscape Enhancements (Freas / LaSalle)
3.Storefront and Façade Improvements (Freas /
Scattered)
W. Third-W. Second-W. Front Streets and
Susquehanna Avenue
1.Gateway Traffic Calming (Front / Second /
Orange)
2.Mixed Use Redevelopment (Third / Second /
Front)
3.River Overlook Enhancements (Susquehanna)
Understanding the Strategic Plan
The neighborhood strategies outlined in the
BIDA Complex
1.Perimeter Design and Streetscape Enhancements
(Vine / W. Ninth / Oak)
2.Entrance Gateway Enhancements (W. Third /
Vine)
3.Internal Street Definition and Enhancements
(Industrial / Powerhouse)
4.Cross-Complex Street Connection (Freas /
Columbia)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
improve neighborhoods connected to downtown
“Main Streets.”
These topical areas address key issues identified by
and actions tied to the neighborhood’s future vision
are set for each area charted. Each recommended
action constitutes a step toward fulfillment of the
listed objective. The charts establish timeframes and
responsibilities for implementing the actions. They
provide an organizing framework for committee
structuring under a neighborhood development
organization. These are the components of the
neighborhood’s strategic plan—an organizational
4.Blight Removal (Scattered)
5.Housing Rehab and Infill Development (Scattered)
Neighborhood Action was provided through the
Pennsylvania Elm Street Program, a program to
the West End Berwick task force. Goals, objectives,
redevelopment concepts may rise to a higher level of
consideration, acceptance, and prioritization.
Development: Building a Better Berwick Through
guidebook for structuring future programs, projects,
and services to stimulate revitalization of the West
End Berwick neighborhood.
following charts constitute a multi-year plan of
action to reimage, rediscover, and renew West End
The principal responsibility for programming West
Berwick. These strategies are grouped by key issues
End Berwick revitalization falls to the Borough of
into five focus areas: 1) organization, 2) safety and
Berwick, to the private sector, and to a lesser extent
appearance, 3) housing and business opportunity, 4)
to the Columbia County Housing Corporation,
neighborhood character, and 5) community building.
which currently maintains an active presence in
the neighborhood. While existing community
The chart headings use local terminology
organizations have potential roles in neighborhood
corresponding with the following terminology of
revitalization, the success of revitalization requires
the Pennsylvania Elm Street Program: 1) sustainable
sustained focus, advocacy and leadership. As no
55
single existing organization has the sole purpose or
It is recommended that the following committees
and refinement. Neighborhood success should not
capacity required to manage implementation of the
be established under the overall umbrella of
be measured solely by the systematic fulfillment
strategic plan, a new organization dedicated to the
a purpose driven neighborhood organization:
of every identified task, but rather by the results
task is most likely required.
1) Public Safety, 2) Pride and Heritage, and
achieved through combined tasks implemented
3) Housing and Development. Working under the
by multiple parties working for neighborhood
lead of a single neighborhood organization—ideally
betterment.
Action priorities listed in the charts are linked
to a three-phased, ten-year timeframe for
accomplishment. Short-range priorities are those
that offer immediate prospects for success with
available resources over a one-two year period.
Realization of these high priority tasks will set the
tone for the neighborhood revitalization effort—the
success of these actions will attract wider interest,
which is necessary to sustain efforts during the startup years.
an organization with professional administration
and basic technical capabilities—these committees
provide a starting point for implementing the fivepoint strategies charted in this plan. Suggested
committee assignments are blocked-out on the
strategy charts for all recommended actions.
Committee participation provides a proving
ground for future neighborhood leaders. As
Medium range priorities also have good prospects
such, committee membership should be open to a
for success but require more involved organization,
wide spectrum of community representation. As
planning, design, or funding to realize. These
envisioned, committees are the lifeblood of any
actions are held out as actions for realization within
neighborhood revitalization organization—the basic
a three-five year period. Long range priorities are
building blocks for plan fulfillment. Committees
grouped in the five-ten year timeframe for action.
are charged with tasks appropriate to their titles.
These are ideas that meet important needs but
They are responsible for maintaining focus on an
require significant groundwork and funding linked to
annual work program and for suggesting occasional
the fulfillment of the one-five year work program.
modifications to the neighborhood work program.
Ongoing actions are marked as priorities in all
phases of the strategic plan. The success of these
actions will rise or fall in proportion to the efforts
of neighborhood participants. It is important that
a lasting organizational framework be established
to muster and direct the human resources required.
This suggests a need for standing committees to
help orchestrate implementation action.
56
They develop and evaluate concepts, ideas, and
proposals pertinent to the neighborhood vision
and the strategic plan. They assist the principal
neighborhood leaders with important operations
relevant to implementing programs and projects.
The strategies that follow are intended to be used as
a working document that is subject to annual review
The Plan for West End Berwick
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: ORGANIZATION (SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATION)
GOAL: To create an overarching and sustainable neighborhood organization to lead, advocate, and inform, and to administer neighborhood improvement efforts and
develop strategic partnerships for neighborhood betterment.
OBJECTIVES
ORGANIZATIONAL
DEVELOPMENT
1
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
YR 1-2
YR 3-5
RESPONCIBILITIES
YR 5-10
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
PS
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
XXX
1. Assess organizational options for neighborhood
Improvement.
XXX
XXX
2. Develop consensus on organizational mission and
structure.
XXX
XXX
3. Establish understandings with Borough and County
governments and other business and community
organizations regarding the organization’s mission.
XXX
4. Prepare organizational bylaws to define organizational
operations.
XXX
XXX
5. Solicit a mix of appropriate persons to serve as
organization directors.
XXX
XXX
6. Determine legal requirements related to the
establishment of a permanent organization.
XXX
XXX
7. Convene an organizational meeting and appoint officers,
directors, and committee chairpersons.
XXX
XXX
8. Establish and maintain a network of government
and organizational contacts to assist with program
development and operations.
XXX
XXX
XXX
9. Develop ways and means to support the organizational
mission and inform the community on revitalization
programming and projects.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
10.Develop committee job descriptions and annual work
programs.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
11.Establish and maintain record-keeping systems for
financial accounting, program and project monitoring.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
12.Assess the need for professional administration of
organizational operations.
XXX
XXX
XXX
COMMITTEES1
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
57
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: ORGANIZATION (SUSTAINABLE ORGANIZATION)
GOAL: To create an overarching and sustainable neighborhood organization to lead, advocate, and inform and to administer neighborhood improvement efforts and
develop strategic partnerships for neighborhood betterment.
OBJECTIVES
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
YR 1-2
YR 3-5
RESPONCIBILITIES
YR 5-10
PROGRAMS,
1. Determine the organization’s public service capabilities.
XXX
PROJECTS AND
2. Define the organization’s annual objectives for
implementing programs and projects, events and activities.
XXX
XXX
XXX
3. Execute programs, projects, events, and activities to
implement the neighborhood vision and strategic plan.
XXX
XXX
XXX
4. Monitor work progress and evaluate organizational
performance and results.
XXX
XXX
XXX
EVENTS
5. Explore potential partnerships with Berwick Borough;
NEIGHBORHOOD 1.
PARTNERSHIPS
COMMUNITY
RELATIONS
1
58
Columbia County Housing Corporation; and allied civic,
community service, and faith-based organizations.
PUBLIC
XXX
XXX
COMMITTEES1
PRIVATE
PS
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2.
6. Develop partnership agreements relevant to specific
programs, projects, events, and activities.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
7. Evaluate partnership arrangements for continual
improvement.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
8. Maintain monthly communications with Berwick Borough
1.
and Columbia County Housing Corporation.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
9. Create an informed public through periodic news media
2.
reporting on organization programs, projects, events, and
activities.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
10.Solicit community involvement in organization programs,
projects, events, and activities through community outreach
meetings, media outlets, and the Berwick Borough and
Berwick Area Schools websites.
XXX
XXX
XXX
4.
11.Develop and maintain working relationships with
neighborhood residents, businesses, property owners,
churches, schools, and community organizations.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
12.Conduct periodic events and activities to stimulate
5.
neighborhood pride and generate awareness about the
organization and its programs and projects.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
The Plan for West End Berwick
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: SAFETY AND APPEARANCE (CLEAN, SAFE, AND GREEN)
GOAL: To ensure that the West End Berwick neighborhood has safe and attractive places to live, work, and play.
OBJECTIVES
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
RESPONCIBILITIES
YR 1-2
YR 3-5
YR 5-10
XXX
XXX
XXX
2. Distribute public information regarding the Borough’s
property maintenance codes and recycling program.
XXX
XXX
XXX
3. Facilitate communications with and among neighborhood
landlords to gain cooperation on documented property
maintenance concerns.
XXX
XXX
XXX
4. Mobilize neighborhood schools and volunteers to execute
clean-up and beautification projects.
XXX
XXX
XXX
5. Execute seasonal clean-up—green-up projects and events in
Sponsler Park and along the riverfront.
XXX
XXX
XXX
1.
6. Maintain an inventory of street tree conditions and develop
a street green-up landscaping program with annual planting
PARKS GREEN-UP
objectives and priorities.
XXX
XXX
2.
7. Identify abandoned buildings and open lots compatible with
neighborhood improvement objectives and evaluate their
potential for conversion to park use.
XXX
XXX
NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Conduct periodic surveys to document the location of
CLEAN-UP
neighborhood litter, graffiti, and eyesores.
STREETS AND
PRIVATE
PS
PH
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4.
9. Develop a network of new small parks and green spaces
strategically located within the neighborhood.
XXX
XXX
5.
10.Inform neighborhood property owners annually about
the organization’s street green-up program objectives and
priorities and provide interested property owners with
related tree facts and information.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
6.
11.Solicit annual Borough government participation in the
neighborhood green-up program, including the use of
Borough work forces and equipment for planting.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
HD
XXX
3.
8. Work with Berwick Borough and private donors to acquire
properties appropriate for future park use.
7.
12.Establish a West End Friends group to assist the Borough
with ongoing maintenance and improvements to Sponsler
Park and the riverfront.
1
PUBLIC
COMMITTEES1
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
59
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: SAFETY AND APPEARANCE (CLEAN, SAFE, AND GREEN)
GOAL: To ensure that the West End Berwick neighborhood has safe and attractive places to live, work, and play.
OBJECTIVES
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
YR 1-2
YR 3-5
NEIGHBORHOOD 1. Develop a gateway beautification concept for West End
GATEWAYS
Berwick in the vicinity of W. Front, LaSalle, and Orange streets.
2. Develop an incentive program in collaboration with Berwick
Borough to foster private property beautification in the
gateway area.
3. Initiate and maintain communications with PennDOT regarding
traffic calming measures for application in the gateway area.
AND CRIME
PREVENTION
BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY
1
60
1.
5. Work with Berwick Police to conduct a safety assessment of
streets, alleys, parks, and public spaces.
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
PS
PH
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2.
6. Establish public safety improvements priorities for streets,
blocks, alleys, and parks.
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
7. Establish a West End Safety Watch plan and program to
enhance the perception and reality of safe streets and homes.
XXX
4.
8. Inform and engage neighborhood residents and businesses
about public safety concerns and solicit block area captains to
support community policing.
XXX
COMMITTEES1
YR 5-10
XXX
4. Solicit property owner, Borough, and PennDOT participation in
a gateway green-up project.
PUBLIC SAFETY
RESPONCIBILITIES
XXX
XXX
1.
9. Work with the Borough to implement the Berwick Town Trails
plan within the neighborhood.
XXX
XXX
2.
10.Use the SEDA-COG neighborhood conditions assessment to
establish infrastructure improvement priorities and to address
critical needs for bicyclist and pedestrian safety.
XXX
3.
11.Promote purpose-driven and recreational walking and bicycling
for neighborhood health and social activity.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4.
12.Initiate safe walking and bicycling programs through related
public safety programs targeted to children and youth and
seniors.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
HD
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
The Plan for West End Berwick
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: SAFETY AND APPEARANCE (CLEAN, SAFE, AND GREEN)
GOAL: To ensure that the West End Berwick neighborhood has safe and attractive places to live, work, and play.
OBJECTIVES
BICYCLE AND
PEDESTRIAN
SAFETY CON’T.
TRAFFIC
CALMING
ACTIONS
RESPONCIBILITIES
COMMITTEES1
YR 3-5
YR 5-10
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
PS
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
6.
2. Cosponsor bicycle safety programs with schools and Borough
Police.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
7.
3. Work with Borough Police to enhance enforcement of motor
vehicle traffic laws in congested traffic zones.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
1.
4. Engage with PennDOT to determine specific needs and
locations for traffic calming street improvements.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2.
5. Establish a traffic calming plan for the West Front Street
Gateway zone in partnership with PennDOT, SEDA-COG, and
the Borough of Berwick.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
1.
7. Engage BIDA complex property owners in the development
of new design concepts for entrance gateways, internal
streetscaping, and perimeter landscaping to enhance the
neighborhood image.
XXX
8. Work with industrial property owners, BIDA, and the Borough
2.
to secure funds for planning, design, and construction of
perimeter streetscape improvements.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
9. Maintain effective communications with BIDA staff and
industry owners and managers to minimize negative
interactions between neighbors and employees.
4.
10.Work with the Borough and BIDA and with industrial property
owners to evaluate the feasibility of reconnecting Freas and
Columbia avenues via the BIDA crossing.
1
YR 1-2
5.
1. Engage school administrators, students, and parents in Safe
Routes to School programs and projects.
3.
6. Promote traffic safety in peak use times through information
and education targeted to industry and school employees, bus
drivers, students, and parents.
BIDA GROUNDS
PRIORITIES
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
61
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: HOUSING AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY (NEIGHBORS AND ECONOMY)
GOAL: To create a neighborhood that provides affordable housing choices and opportunities for small business development and employment.
OBJECTIVES
INCREASE
HOMEOWNERSHIP
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
YR 1-2
1. Establish a neighborhood homeowners association to
coordinate housing improvement efforts with Berwick
Borough and Columbia County Housing Corporation.
1
62
PRIVATE
XXX
PS
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
3. Support educational and lending efforts to guide and
assist first-time homebuyers.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4. Assist homeowners with information and resources
needed to comply with Borough building and property
maintenance codes.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
7. Promote homeowner education and assistance programs
within the neighborhood, e.g., tax incentives and
mortgage and refinancing assistance to stimulate home
improvements.
CONDITIONS
PUBLIC
COMMITTEES1
2. Identify needs and opportunities for homeownership,
including the potential for neighborhood homesteading
initiatives in partnership with Columbia County Housing
Corporation and mortgage lenders.
6. Conduct periodic homeowner support programs to
facilitate communications between homeowners
and housing experts, lenders, and realtors to guide
reinvestment in owner-occupied housing.
HOUSING
YR 5-10
XXX
5. Identify target areas for zoning amendments to support
single-family homeownership and discourage rental
conversions.
IMPROVE
YR 3-5
RESPONCIBILITIES
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
8. Use state and federal housing improvement programs,
1.
e.g., CDBG, HOME, Federal Home Loan Bank, Act 137,
etc. to provide incentives for affordable housing and
housing rehabilitation applicable to West End Berwick.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2.
9. Prepare a neighborhood housing plan and establish
income-level targets for block-based housing
improvement programs, including desired percentages for
assisted and market-rate housing development.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
The Plan for West End Berwick
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: HOUSING AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY (NEIGHBORS AND ECONOMY)
GOAL: To create a neighborhood that provides affordable housing choices and opportunities for small business development and employment.
OBJECTIVES
IMPROVE
HOUSING
CONDITIONS
CON’T.
ATTRACT
AND RETAIN
BUSINESSES
ACTIONS
YR 1-2
YR 3-5
1.
3. Establish and prioritize target areas for housing
demolition, rehabilitation, and redevelopment.
XXX
XXX
4. Acquire substandard properties for new infill housing
2.
development.
XXX
XXX
5. Develop a neighborhood housing prospectus and
3.
collaborate with realtors and lenders to promote
residential investment within West End Berwick.
XXX
6. Identify strategic targets for blight removal and
4.
redevelopment and work with Berwick Borough,
Columbia County Housing Corporation, and
Redevelopment Authority to devise and implement a
strategic long-term redevelopment program.
XXX
RESPONCIBILITIES
YR 5-10
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
COMMITTEES1
PS
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
1.
5. Survey neighborhood residents to determine close-tohome needs for retail goods and personal services.
XXX
XXX
XXX
2.
6. Identify impediments and opportunities for neighborhood
business development, including zoning, parking, safety,
and environment.
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
7. Pursue neighborhood reinvestment partnerships
with BIDA and Berwick Borough to address business
development impediments and opportunities.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4.
8. Establish block-based target areas for strategic business
development keyed to implementation of overall
revitalization objectives for the neighborhood.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
5.
9. Identify individuals and prospective businesses and initiate
outreach to bring new businesses to the neighborhood.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
6.
10.Work with Berwick Borough, SEDA-COG, BIDA, and
lenders to develop incentive programs to attract and
retain neighborhood businesses.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
7.
11.Maintain a mix of concentrated (e.g. Freas Avenue)
and dispersed businesses (e.g. corner stores) within the
neighborhood
1
PRIORITIES
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
63
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER (DESIGN)
GOAL: To ensure that new residential, commercial, and industrial development conforms to the traditional urban form of the neighborhood and creates an attractive
and livable environment.
OBJECTIVES
NEIGHBORHOOD
APPEARANCE
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
AND PUBLIC
SPACES
YR 3-5
YR 5-10
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
1. Distribute public information on property maintenance
suggestions and requirements.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2. Enforce Borough property maintenance codes
consistently and fairly.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
3. Conduct annual neighborhood programs with building
and landscape design professionals to stimulate resident
interest in home and yard beautification.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4. Implement seasonal clean-up—green-up activities with
neighborhood residents, businesses, and volunteers.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
1.
6. Prioritize streets and blocks for streetscape improvements,
including curbs and sidewalks, trees, lighting, and other
amenities.
2.
7. Work with electricity, phone, cable and satellite TV
providers to minimize aesthetic impacts to streets.
XXX
XXX
4.
9. Develop a comprehensive master plan for preserving,
enhancing, and increasing public use of Sponsler Park.
64
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
8. Develop a gateway street design and landscape plan for
West End Berwick.
1
COMMITTEES1
YR 1-2
5. Implement an annual awards program and award prizes
for model business and home beautification projects.
STREETSCAPES
RESPONCIBILITIES
XXX
5.
10.Establish a Friends group to engage neighborhood
residents and volunteers in park planning, design and
development and to assist Berwick Borough with ongoing
maintenance.
XXX
6.
11.Assist Berwick Borough with the development and
continued maintenance of neighborhood trails and
pathways connecting to the Susquehanna riverfront.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS
PH
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
HD
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
The Plan for West End Berwick
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: NEIGHBORHOOD CHARACTER (DESIGN)
GOAL: To ensure that new residential, commercial, and industrial development conforms to the traditional urban form of the neighborhood and creates an attractive
and livable environment.
OBJECTIVES
PRESERVE AND
ENHANCE URBAN
FORM
ACTIONS
1. Work with Berwick Borough, SEDA-COG, and Columbia
County Housing Corporation to foster appropriate urban
design within the neighborhood.
RESPONCIBILITIES
YR 1-2
YR 3-5
YR 5-10
PUBLIC
PRIVATE
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2. Document unique and defining components of the
neighborhood’s traditional architectural styles and
streetscapes.
XXX
3. Establish architectural and street design standards and
guidelines for new development and rehabilitation.
XXX
4. Identify opportunities for new infill, open space, park,
and trail development to enhance the neighborhood’s
traditional urban form.
1
PRIORITIES
XXX
XXX
XXX
COMMITTEES1
PS
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
65
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: COMMUNITY-BUILDING (IMAGE AND IDENTITY)
GOAL: To celebrate and promote West End Berwick as a welcoming neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.
OBJECTIVES
FOSTER
NEIGHBORHOOD
PRIDE
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
YR 3-5
YR 5-10
1. Conduct neighborhood block parties to create new social
bonds among residents from across West End Berwick.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
2. Partner with schools, churches, and organizations to engage
children and youth in neighborhood pride events and activities,
e.g. posters, flags, window murals, clean-up, West End History
Days, holiday decorating, etc.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4. Install thematic neighborhood information and wayfinding
signs.
5. Develop a logo, theme, and slogan, e.g. West End Berwick—
NEIGHBORHOOD 1.
1
66
Rebuild—Rediscover, for use in neighborhood events, activities,
and promotions.
PUBLIC
XXX
XXX
XXX
PRIVATE
COMMITTEES1
YR 1-2
3. Institute an “across the ages” community service program
to provide youth mentoring by adults and home-care and
personal services to needy shut-ins by youth.
PROMOTION
RESPONCIBILITIES
XXX
PS
XXX
PH
HD
XXX
XXX
XXX
2.
6. Regularly disseminate public information on community
programs, events, and activities through newsletter, website,
and community bulletin boards.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
7. Publish, distribute, and promote a seasonal calendar of
neighborhood pride events and social activities.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4.
8. Work with local media contacts to provide regular and positive
coverage of neighborhood programs, projects, events, and
activities.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
The Plan for West End Berwick
STRATEGIC PLAN FOR THE WEST END BERWICK NEIGHBORHOOD
ISSUE: COMMUNITY-BUILDING (IMAGE AND IDENTITY)
GOAL: To celebrate and promote West End Berwick as a welcoming neighborhood for residents and visitors alike.
OBJECTIVES
CELEBRATE
NEIGHBORHOOD
HERITAGE
ACTIONS
PRIORITIES
YR 1-2
1. Work with neighborhood historians, e.g. individuals, churches,
organizations, BIDA-ACF, and the Berwick Historical Society
to establish an accessible archive of neighborhood history and
historic artifacts.
2. Partner with church and community organizations to record
oral histories of lifetime West End residents.
PRESERVATION
PUBLIC
XXX
PRIVATE
COMMITTEES1
PS
PH
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4. Organize an annual West End Heritage Day celebration with
activities for all ages, e.g. questions and answers, treasured
family photo displays, speakers, ethnic games, clothing, and
foods.
XXX
XXX
XXX
5. Develop annual West End history photo posters to illustrate
now and then themes for Sponsler Park, churches, ACF, etc.
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
1.
6. In partnership with SEDA-COG and the Berwick Historical
Society, identify historically significant streets, structures, and
outdoor spaces, e.g. Berwick Cemetery, Bulldog Stadium,
Mulberry and LaSalle streets.
XXX
2.
7. In partnership with the Berwick Historical Society and
Columbia Montour Visitors Bureau, prepare a pamphlet to
convey information about West End Berwick’s historically
significant places.
XXX
XXX
XXX
3.
8. In partnership with the Berwick Historical Society, conduct
seasonal tours of the neighborhood’s significant historic places
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
4.
9. Work with the Borough of Berwick and Columbia County
Housing Corporation to improve the retention, preservation,
rehabilitation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historically
significant buildings.
1
YR 5-10
XXX
3. Organize activities and events to share and celebrate the racial
and ethnic cultures of neighborhood residents.
HISTORIC
YR 3-5
RESPONCIBILITIES
XXX
XXX
XXX
XXX
HD
PS (Public Safety Committee), PH (Pride and Heritage Committee), HD (Housing and Development Committee)
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
67
68
The Plan for West End Berwick
A Call to Action
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
69
70
The Plan for West End Berwick
A Call to Action
Organizing for Neighborhood Action
Neighborhood Partnership Building —
Getting Organized
Neighborhood partnerships are essential for
pride and to sow seeds for bettering the
putting forth additional complementary strategies.
carrying out revitalization plans and neighborhood
neighborhood’s image and identity through programs,
The needs and solutions relevant to each area are also
organizations are crucial for success. Without
projects, and social activities.
mirrored one to the other. Perhaps most compelling
is the fact that neighborhood organizations derive
organization, individuals and loosely connected
groups cannot bring about desired improvements.
With the completion of this plan—West End
their success from neighborhood participation and
West End Berwick lacks an organization that is wholly
Neighborhood Development: Building a Better
volunteers. The larger the neighborhood area, the
dedicated to advocating for and strengthening its
Berwick Through Neighborhood Action—the time for
more human resources can be brought to bear in
sense of community and economic success. Church
decision regarding neighborhood organization is at
the form of program leaders, committee and board
organizations, social clubs, and other entities are all
hand. The most logical and promising place to start
members, and volunteers.
potential contributors to neighborhood betterment;
is to begin dialog with the recently formed Blueprint
but the absence of a lead organization will continue
Neighborhood Council on expanding its service area
Finally, neighborhood organizations of any size
to hinder the realization of aims embodied in this
to include the broader West End neighborhood as
benefit from having active committees with work
plan.
defined within this plan. While some might view
activities keyed to the action strategies contained
such a merger as diluting to the Council’s program,
in the neighborhood plan. The success of such
That a neighborhood organization is needed is not
the truth may be just the opposite. The potential for
programs requires some level of professional support.
in doubt. But what do such organizations do that
success could be enhanced by enlarging the definition
The ability to sustain administrative support and
other organizations cannot do? First, they can
of the neighborhood to include an even wider mix
technical help keyed to the organization’s mission
maintain an overarching administrative framework
of uses and activities and by opening the door to
is enhanced when professional services are shared
for implementing the neighborhood plan and
participation by an even wider number of area
across a larger grouping of streets and blocks and
for promoting the neighborhood to business and
residents and businesses.
homes and businesses. This is the concept behind
the vision for “West Town Berwick.” Whatever
homeowner prospects. Second, the neighborhood
organization can work as a community service
There are compelling reasons for considering such
arrangement is ultimately determined best for West
agent, providing liaison and assistance linked to
an arrangement. First, the issues affecting both the
End Berwick, the need for grass roots action will
the neighborhood vision and strategies and the
“Blueprint” and “West End” territories are essentially
be the key to its longevity and to the success of
organization’s mission. Lastly, such organizations are
the same. The “West End” plan freely incorporates
any partnerships that may be formed with Berwick
best equipped to develop and sustain neighborhood
existing strategies of the “Blueprint” plan while
Borough, Columbia County, or others.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
71
Closing Thoughts
As a place, the West End Berwick neighborhood
The future of West End Berwick needs active
presents opportunities for human connections, social
participation on the part of everyone—all ages,
vitality, and economic activity. To capitalize on these
lifelong and newcomer residents alike. There are
special assets of place requires the integration of
active roles waiting to be played through partnerships
Borough, County, and private action—actions such
with the neighborhood’s schools, churches, and
as those addressed in the preceding neighborhood
organizations. No longer is it realistic to expect that
development strategies—actions that continually foster
the Borough, the County, or some mythical “they”
a sense of human attachment and belonging that is
will do what needs to be done in the absence of a
fundamental to safe and comfortable town living.
working partnership with the neighborhood.
West End Berwick is poised for betterment, but its
Neighborhood transformation takes time to
progress will depend on the continued involvement of
achieve. During this time it is important to celebrate
diverse individuals, businesses, existing organizations
accomplishments no matter how small or seemingly
and institutions, and the Borough and County
unimportant, they may be. These are the milestones
governments. These collaborative efforts will benefit
that mark the path of progress. As conceived in this
from continuing professional support also backed
plan, that path will lead to even bigger dividends in
by neighborhood volunteers. Much has been
the years ahead. Through it all, it is important to
accomplished but much remains to be done. To the
remember that neighborhood transformation creates
uninitiated this can seem a daunting undertaking, and
opportunities for leadership—new leadership that is
it is; but West End Berwick can do it together—one
capable of serving the broadest range of community
step at a time.
needs. Above all else, neighborhood organizations
have the power to grow community leaders capable
This plan outlines the steps needed. The time to work
of inspiring others and motivating them to action—
the plan has arrived. Circumstances and conditions
action that will make a lasting difference in the
won’t change overnight, but they can change over
neighborhood and throughout the larger Berwick
time if everyone commits to bringing about desired
community.
change using the fullest array of tools and resources
available. Neighborhood participation holds the
key to success; without it, there is little that can be
done. There is nothing to do—nothing to show—and
nowhere to go.
72
The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendices
west end berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
73
74
The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendix A — Neighborhood Conditions
West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-1
A-4
A-10
A-12
A-13
A-15
A-17
A-19
A-21
A-22
A-24
A-25
A-26
A-27
A-28
A-30
A-2
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-3
A-4
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-5
A-6
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-7
A-8
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-9
A-10
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-11
A-12
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-13
A-14
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-15
A-16
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-17
A-18
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-19
A-20
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-21
A-22
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-23
A-24
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-25
A-26
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-27
A-28
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-29
A-30
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-31
A-32
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-33
A-34
The Plan for West End Berwick
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
A-35
A-36
The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendix B — Blueprint Neighborhood Council Bylaws
BYLAWS OF THE BLUEPRINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
ARTICLE I
ARTICLE II
ORGANIZATION
PURPOSES OF THE ORGANIZATION
1.Name of Organization: The name of this
1.Purposes: The Blueprint Neighborhood Council
d) To organize, sponsor, and coordinate activities
organization shall be the Blueprint Neighborhood
is organized and shall be operated exclusively for
and events which promote the Blueprint
Council
the revitalization of the Blueprint Communities
Community neighborhood, enhance its image,
neighborhood. The Council shall work with
and encourage neighborhood residents to
and through the Neighborhood Manager to
participate.
2.Definition of Bylaws: These bylaws constitute
the code of rules adopted by the Blueprint
Neighborhood Council for the regulation and
management of its affairs.
accomplish its goals. The Council shall offer
guidance and advice on how best to develop and
e) To educate and inform citizens on topics
implement revitalization plans and initiatives. The
of interest and concern to the Blueprint
Council members shall share ideas and concerns
Community neighborhood, and to facilitate
freely and treat all members with courtesy and
citizen involvement in community improvement
respect. The specific purposes of the Organization
plans, programs, and projects.
are:
a) To stimulate community pride and facilitate
civic action and municipal improvements in the
Blueprint Community neighborhood.
b) To provide a non-partisan framework
for coordinating community planning,
development, and management of the
Blueprint Community neighborhood.
f) To initiate and participate in the planning and
implementation of community development
strategies.
g) To develop programs, projects, and services
to revitalize a declining neighborhood and to
preserve the community’s character, vitality,
and cultural heritage.
c) To encourage and facilitate public-private
cooperation and coordination of activities to
combat community deterioration and improve
the physical environment and social welfare of
the Blueprint Community neighborhood.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
B-1
ARTICLE III
ARTICLE IV
COUNCIL MEMBERS
OFFICERS
1.Definition of Council Members: The Council is
1.Roster of Officers: The officers of the Blueprint
be appointed for a period of one (1) year and
Neighborhood Council shall be chosen from the
management of the business and affairs of the
re-appointed at their request by a majority vote of
Council Members and shall be President, Vice
organization.
the Blueprint Neighborhood Council.
President, and Secretary.
2.Appointment and Election of Members: The
6.Vacancies on the Council: After the original
2.Selection of Officers: Each of the Officers shall
initial Council shall be appointed by the Columbia
twenty five (25) members are seated, any vacancy
be elected and appointed annually by the Council
County Housing Corporation. Thereafter, the
occurring shall be filled by a majority vote of
Members. Each Officer will remain in office until a
full board shall have the power to elect Council
the Blueprint Neighborhood Council. Any
successor has been selected.
Members by majority vote.
Council Member may nominate a candidate for
3.Qualification of Council Members: The
membership.
3.President: The President shall be the Chief
Executive Officer of the Council and will supervise
qualifications for becoming and remaining a
and control the affairs of the Council, preside
Council Member are as follows:
at all meetings, and appoint all committees.
a)Members must be residents of the Blueprint
Community neighborhood, or
b)Members must be the owners of businesses,
real estate, or have some other vested interest
in the Blueprint Community neighborhood, or
c)Members must be a current or former official of
Berwick Borough government or its entities.
4.Composition of the Council: The Council shall
be representative of varied constituencies and
consist of no more than twenty five (25) members.
At least one more than half of the members
shall be residents of the Blueprint Community
neighborhood. The balance of the membership
shall include at least one representative of Berwick
Borough Council and any other interested persons
who meet the qualifications outlined above.
B-2
5.Terms of Council Members: All members shall
the group of persons vested with control and
The President will work with the Neighborhood
Manager to ensure that the priorities and
initiatives of the Blueprint for Revitalization are
addressed by the Council in a timely and efficient
manner.
4.Vice President: The Vice president shall in the
event of the absence or inability of the President
to exercise his/her office, become acting president
of the Council.
5.Secretary: The secretary shall keep the minutes of
meetings and records of the Council.
6.Neighborhood Manager: The Neighborhood
Manager shall act as the Chief Operating Officer
for the Blueprint Neighborhood Council. The
Neighborhood Manager shall have general
supervision over the administration of the business
The Plan for West End Berwick
and affairs of the Council and shall be responsible
ARTICLE V
ARTICLE VI
REMOVAL OF MEMBERS AND OFFICERS
MEETINGS
1.Termination of Council Members: Council
1.Regular Council Meetings: Regular meetings of
for implementing plans and initiatives proposed
members shall be terminated upon receipt of
the Blueprint Neighborhood Council will be held
and voted on by the Blueprint Neighborhood
written resignation or for cause detrimental to the
monthly on a day and time to be determined by
Council. The Neighborhood Manager shall
Council as may be determined by the Council.
the Council. All regular meetings will be open to
prepare the agenda of regular and special
meetings, distribute the minutes, and provide
notice of meetings to all Council Members. The
Neighborhood Manager shall serve as a nonvoting member of the Blueprint Neighborhood
Council.
2.Removal Procedures: Any member may initiate
removal proceedings against another member.
Reasons for removal shall be presented in writing
the public and include an allotted time for public
input.
2.Neighborhood Meetings: At least twice per year
to the Council at a regularly scheduled meeting.
the Blueprint Neighborhood Council will publicize
The vote to remove the member will take place at
and conduct a neighborhood wide meeting. The
the next regularly scheduled meeting. A two thirds
purpose of this meeting is to keep all residents
vote of Council with a quorum voting shall be
and stakeholders informed as to the progress of
sufficient to remove a member.
the Blueprint for Revitalization. This meeting may
3.Removal of Officers: Any officer may be removed
by two thirds vote of the Council whenever in
their judgment the best interests of the Council
will be served.
take the place of the regular Council meeting in
the month that it occurs.
3.Special Meetings: A special meeting of the
Council may be called by the President,
Neighborhood Manager, or a number constituting
a quorum of council members. Notice of the
meeting shall be delivered to each member not
less than forty eight (48) hours before the time of
the meeting.
4.Quorum of Members: The presence, in person of
ten (10) members will constitute a quorum. The
act of a majority of the members present at a
meeting at which a quorum is present will be the
act of the Blueprint Neighborhood Council.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
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ARTICLE VII
ARTICLE VIII
ORDER OF BUSINESS
COMMITTEES
1.Order of Business: At all meetings of the Blueprint
1.Definition of Committees: The Council may have
Neighborhood Council the order of business shall
certain committees each of which will consist
responsible to and advise the Council on subject
be as follows:
of one (1) or more members of the Blueprint
areas assigned. Meetings shall be determined by
Neighborhood Council. All committees may
members. Formal minutes shall be kept of all
include persons who are not members of the
meetings and provided to Council members upon
Blueprint Neighborhood Council.
request. Each Special and Standing Committee
a)Establishment of a Quorum
b)Approval of Minutes
c)Public Comments
d)Report of Neighborhood Manager
e)Report of President
f) Reports of Standing Committees
g)Reports of Special Committees
h)Old Business
2.Appointment of Committees: The President and/
or Neighborhood Manager, with the approval of
5.Committee Procedures: All committees shall be
shall report to Council at all regularly scheduled
meetings.
the Council designate and appoint Standing and
Special Committees.
3.Special Committees: The President and/or
Neighborhood Manager may, with the approval
of the Council designate and appoint Special
Committees designed to transact certain business
i) New Business
and further the goals of the Blueprint for
j) Adjournment
Revitalization. Special Committees may become
Standing Committees with the consent of a simple
majority of Council Members.
4.Standing Committees: The President and/or
Neighborhood Manager may, with the approval
of the Council designate and appoint Standing
Committees designed to transact certain business
and further the goals of the Blueprint for
Revitalization. The following shall be Standing
Committees of the Council:
a) Crime Prevention/Safety Committee
b) Beautification Committee
c) Community Development Committee
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The Plan for West End Berwick
ARTICLE IX
AMENDMENTS
1.Modification of Bylaws: These bylaws may
be altered, amended, repealed, or added to
by an affirmative vote of a majority of the
members of the Blueprint Neighborhood
Council, provided there has been a reading of
the proposed amendments at the prior Council
meeting. Written notification of the proposed
amendment(s) shall be sent to all Council
Members at that time.
ADOPTION OF BYLAWS
Adopted by the Blueprint Neighborhood Council
at Berwick Pennsylvania on:
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BLUEPRINT NEIGHBORHOOD COUNCIL
________________________________________
President
________________________________________
Secretary
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
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The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendix C — West End Berwick Focus Group Summary
Focus group interviews were conducted on May 11
1. The Complex holds a strong grip on the
2. Enforce Borough property maintenance codes in
and May 18, 2009. One discussion focused largely
neighborhood and the town. American Car and
the areas most visible to the general public and to
on the BIDA Complex—its prominence on the
Foundry (ACF) Company—the original reason
passersby.
neighborhood scene and its effect on the surrounding
for the site—touched the lives of generations of
neighborhood. The second discussion group focused
Berwick and Berwick area residents. Words like
on a larger range of topics relevant to the entire
industrial archaeology and heritage occasionally
Elm Street neighborhood. 18 persons participated
surfaced in the discussion, but there were no
in these interviews conducted by the SEDA-COG
practical thoughts on the how the presence
Community Resource Center.
of active industrial and manufacturing uses
needs to approved and screened on-site storage
or “industrial ruins” could be turned into a
areas.
There was in-depth discussion about the BIDA
Complex—it’s place in history as well as its current
state and future direction. Attendance by industrial
property owners within the Complex was less than
expected, perhaps an indication of the disconnection
they feel with the surrounding neighborhood. As
a result, the discussion focused largely on the
experiences and needs of residential property owners
and residents living on the immediately surrounding
streets and how the physical and visual conditions
of the Complex affect public perceptions of the
neighborhood.
neighborhood asset.
2. The relationship between adjacent residential
property owners and the industries located within
the Complex are mildly stressed. Because the
3. Upgrade the appearance of perimeter building
walls as may be needed to create a more
appealing image.
4. Work to confine miscellaneous industrial storage
5. Establish and enhance designated buffer zones
around the perimeter of the Complex site through
landscape screening and enhanced fencing.
6. Establish and landscape a more “readable”
Complex has always been a part of life for the
interior street system within the Complex for the
neighborhood’s residents, they appear to be
circulation of industry-related employees, visitors,
more accepting relevant to negative conditions
shipping and receiving vehicles.
than might otherwise be reasonably expected.
The most commonly expressed issues related
to aesthetics, dirt and dust, temporary storage
trailers, and occasional harassment by workers
employed in the Complex.
The discussion failed to uncover new problems,
What can be done to enhance the presence of the
opportunities or ideas relevant to conditions at the
Complex in the neighborhood and to make it an even
Complex and how best to address them. But the
more attractive location for industry? The following
discussion verified what is already understood:
ideas were discussed in broad brush terms:
7. Provide improved definition of ingress-egress areas
to the Complex through “gateway” plantings and
signage.
8. Involve industrial property owners in adjacent
streetscape improvements, e.g., curbs, sidewalks,
landscaping, lighting, consistent with a Boroughdeveloped and approved streetscape image plan.
9. Reopen the abandoned Borough Street located
on line with Freas and Columbia avenues to
1. Demolish obsolete and dysfunctional industrial
reestablish connectivity across the neighborhood.
structures with no potential for adaptive reuse.
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
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Reflecting on the mood of the discussion at the
end, it would appear that the door to improved
relationships between industry owners and adjacent
3. Family feeling.
4. Street trees.
When asked “what is your single most important
wish for the future of your neighborhood” the
discussion remained equally vague. General
residential property owners is at least partially open.
5. Extended family.
thoughts were the rule not specific actions. Here are
There seemed to be a genuine openness to working
6. Safe streets.
some of the thoughts expressed:
together over time to resolve problems and create
better conditions for all involved. The formation of
a neighborhood organization could facilitate such
dialog in the future.
7. Friendly atmosphere.
8. The River.
1. Anything that moves families back into the
neighborhood.
9. Peace of mind.
2. Stop neighborhood erosion.
10. Churches, parks, and schools.
3. Increase homeownership.
11. Corner stores.
4. More people involved in churches.
neighborhood, discussion in the second interview
12. Diverse activities and connections.
5. Community pride restored.
was more reflective about personal attitudes and
13. Stable families.
6. Jobs.
14. Things to do.
7. Direction for youth.
15. Restaurants.
8. More camaraderie.
Because many of the issues identified in the LaSalle
Street Neighborhood Blueprint for Revitalization
Plan are transferrable to the larger West End
larger desires for neighborhood betterment. Issues
identified in the “Blueprint Plan”—redevelopment,
beautification, crime prevention, and housing
rehabilitation assistance for homeowners were
deemed equally relevant to the remainder of the
16. Clean and tidy houses and yards.
neighborhood. This intimates that at least some
Reflecting back to earlier times, it is fair to say that
in the neighborhood see benefit in expanding the
those who experienced Berwick in the mid 20th
limited boundaries of the LaSalle Street neighborhood
century feel a definite sense of loss—erosion of
as defined in the “Blueprint Plan”.
families, institutions, commerce, housing, and parks.
No one is sure how to address this, and it is not easily
Various words and phrases were used in answer
addressed in that individuals have limited capacity
to the question “what makes one neighborhood a
to deal with the larger issues shaping American
better place than another?” Here is a sampling:
society and community life. Participants appeared
to be open to new ways to meet human needs—but
1. Walkable streets—the ability to walk to
destinations.
2. Neighborhood gathering places.
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no new models emerged as guideposts for future
neighborhood action. Support was expressed for
neighborhood schools, neighborhood block parties,
Neighborhood residents fear crime more than any
other single aspect of neighborhood life. Home
invasions, preying on the elderly, youth gangs, and
active drug dealing are real within the neighborhood.
Until these factors are tamed and eliminated, it will be
difficult to attract desired new residents, particularly
family-oriented homeowners, to the neighborhood.
There appeared to be sincere interest in establishing
a crime watch program. It was said that Berwick has
“big city” crime, but a small town police force. This
was a comment descriptive of existing conditions and
not meant to disparage the efforts of the Borough
police department.
and concerts in the park.
The Plan for West End Berwick
Top on the list of neighborhood problems was the
neighborhood won’t be easy. Resistance can be
issue of poverty and boredom and the breakdown
expected particularly from those lifelong residents
of the family unit. But participants hung steadfast
living in the area of LaSalle, Monroe, and Washington
to the observation that Berwick offers good schools
streets. But it could help spark new attitudes
4.Goals, Vision, Action Strategies
and parks. It has proximity to necessary infrastructure
from which to shape the future—as such any new
5.Neighborhood Organization
for desired economic development. And generally
neighborhood organization that may evolve out of
one may experience a high quality of life in Berwick
current planning could be the vehicle for promoting
irrespective of economic strata. Berwick has
not only a new image but also a new name for an
traditions—strong community traditions. In that
area much in need of unification.
2.Neighborhood Assets and Challenges
3.Community Involvement
Why the BIDA Complex?
ffACF Heritage
sense it already has the necessary foundation from
which to build new direction for the future.
In closing, two additional observations can be made
relevant to structuring a betterment program and
related projects, events, and activities for the West
End Berwick neighborhood. First, personal stories are
most revealing. Despite its outward appearances and
location in relation to more major metropolitan areas,
Berwick appears able to attract and retain desirable
newcomers—citizens whose families contribute
meaningfully to the life of the community and to its
continued improvement. Knowing these personal
BIDA FOCUS GROUP PLAN
Focus Group Interview Plan
BIDA Stakeholder Group
Deluxe Homes Conference Room
May 11, 2009
Elm Street Project Overview
ffThe Neighborhood Defined—4 Sub Areas
ffThe PA Elm Street Program Strategies:
attracting like-kinds of people to the community in
2.Design
neighborhood would benefit from a more defining
name—a new name befitting new outlooks, hopes
and aspirations. “LaSalle Street”, “West End”, “Freas
Avenue” “Front Street”, etc. speaks to streets and
general geography within the town. Naming the
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
ffSite Access
ffSite Appearance
ffSite Edges
1.Clean, Safe and Green
Finally, it would seem that the West End Berwick
ffSite Size
2:00 PM
stories is one way to determine best approaches for
the future.
ffNeighborhood Connections
ffCommon Roads and Areas
ffLong Term Trends and Uses
Introductions
ffWelcome and Thanks
3.Neighbors and Economy
1.Facilitator—Tom Grbenick (SEDA-COG)
4.Image and Identity
2.Recorder—Arty Oliver Jr. (Task Force)
5.Sustainable Organization
ffThe Neighborhood Planning Program
1.Neighborhood Conditions
ffIntroductions
1.Name, Residence, Business Affiliation, Co.
Position
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Focus Group Purpose
Focus Group Questions
the look and feel of the surrounding streets and
Learn about some things from your perspective—the
1. To get things started, we’d like to know a little
people who own and operate businesses in the “BIDA
something about your business, why you are
houses impact your business? To those of you
Complex”—and the people who own homes and live
located at the BIDA Complex and how you feel
that own homes and apartments, how does the
adjacent to the “BIDA Complex”.
about this site as a business location. For those
look and feel of the BIDA Complex limit the uses
of you who live adjacent to the Complex I’d like
and value of your adjoining property? What effect
Help the project planners gain insights needed to
to know a little something about why you live
does the appearance of the Complex have on you
develop future vision for the “Complex” and the area
where you do and what it’s like living next to an
personally? How might image enhancements to
around the “Complex”.
industrial site.
the Complex help to attract more homeowners
Learn about your needs and concerns.
Learn about your attitudes toward neighborhood
conditions.
Get your thoughts about the future betterment of the
Complex and the neighborhood.
Ground Rules
ff A conversation focused around questions.
ff Stay focused on topics relevant to the
neighborhood project
ff One person speaks at a time
ff Everyone gets an equal chance to participate
ff No such thing as a wrong answer—all
viewpoints are welcome and respected
ff Confidentiality—honest feedback.
2. What works best about the BIDA Complex
location and site layout from the perspective
of running your business? With respect to the
efficient operation of your business what might
you do to improve access to the BIDA Complex
area? What public amenities might you suggest
as a means to improving the image of the BIDA
site and its surroundings?
5. What are the chief concerns you have relating to
site and to the site layout? You might want
the neighborhood surrounding your home or your
to consider a mix of factors. Office Facilities?
business at the BIDA site? Would you be willing
Deliveries? Storage? Customer/ Employee
to work together—BIDA and the Borough with
Parking? Site Ingress and Egress? Support
business and homeowners—on enhancements to
Business Services?
neighborhood character in the blocks immediately
3. This next question is not limited to those of you
with business interests. How has the use of
the BIDA Complex changed over the past ten
years? What business, community, economic,
or environmental trends do you foresee for the
future and how will these affect your business
surrounding the BIDA Complex? What ideas
might you have regarding the scope of such an
undertaking? For example how could the BIDA
site and neighborhood image be enhanced to the
betterment of all?
6. We all fear what we don’t know or understand.
operations at the BIDA site or the value of your
But on balance do you think it is possible to
adjoining home or property?
address the kinds of issues that we have been
4. We’d like to hear from you how your “neighbors”
affect your life and the investment you have in
your home, your rental property, or your business.
To those of you that own businesses, how does
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and families to your street and the surrounding
discussing in such a way that everyone comes
out a winner? What is your bottom line? What
would your win-win site and street design look
like and how would it function?
The Plan for West End Berwick
NEIGHBORHOOD RESIDENTS FOCUS
GROUP PLAN
Focus Group Interview Plan
Residents Stakeholder Group
CSCF Conference Room
May 18, 2009
7:00 PM
Introductions
ffWelcome and Thanks
1.Facilitator—Tom Grbenick (SEDA-COG)
Elm Street Project Overview
ffThe Neighborhood Defined—4 Sub Areas
1.Neighborhood Boundaries
2.Relation to Blueprint Communities Program
ffThe PA Elm Street Program Strategies:
1.Clean, Safe and Green
2.Design
3.Neighbors and Economy
4.Image and Identity
5.Sustainable Organization
Neighborhood History, Needs and
Conditions
ffDevelopment History
of the neighborhood, including the BIDA
Complex.
Ground Rules
ffLand Use and Population Trends
ff A conversation focused around questions.
ffStreet and Sidewalk Conditions
ff Stay focused on topics relevant to the
ffHousing Types and Conditions
neighborhood project.
ffBusiness Needs and Potential
ff One person speaks at a time.
ffBIDA Complex
ff Everyone gets an equal chance to participate.
ffTraffic and Public Safety
ff No such thing as a wrong answer—all
ffSocial and Recreation Facilities
ffNeighborhood Parks and Open Spaces
ffFocus Group Purpose
ffLearn about some things from your perspective—
the people who live in the neighborhood, the
people who own property and businesses in
the neighborhood, the people who work in the
neighborhood, and the people who play a role
in the neighborhood through churches, schools,
organizations or other forms of public service.
viewpoints are welcome and respected.
ff Confidentiality—honest feedback.
Focus Group Questions
1.To get started let’s go around the table and
introduce ourselves to each other. Please tell us
who you are and how you are connected to the
neighborhood.
2.In your opinion, what makes one neighborhood a
better place than another?
The LaSalle Street Blueprint for Revitalization Program
ffHelp the project planners gain insights needed to
develop future direction for the neighborhood—
the place you call home—the place where you
are invested.
has given us a good feel for 4 issues affecting the
3.Goals, Vision, Action Strategies
ffLearn about your attitudes, needs and concerns.
I’d like to learn a little more about you and what
4.Neighborhood Organization
ffGet your thoughts about the future betterment
ffThe Neighborhood Planning Program
1.Community Involvement
2.Neighborhood Assets and Challenges
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
neighborhood—1) redevelopment opportunities, 2)
beautification, 3) crime prevention, and 4) housing
rehabilitation assistance for homeowners. Tonight,
motivates you to stay connected to this neighborhood.
C-5
3.Think back to some of your best times in the
neighborhood or your first experiences with the
neighborhood. What are some of your favorite
memories of the neighborhood? Or your first
impression of the neighborhood?
4.What do you fear most about the neighborhood?
5.What is your single most important wish for the
future of the neighborhood—your neighborhood?
6.Of everything you’ve heard in tonight’s discussion,
where would you begin? What problem would be
top on your list for action? What is the greatest
opportunity for making the neighborhood better?
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The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendix D — Sponsler Park Design Charrette
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
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The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendix E — West End Street Scenes
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
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The Plan for West End Berwick
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The Plan for West End Berwick
Appendix F — Historic Picture Post Card Views
The image and identity of West End Berwick are
It isn’t possible to recreate the past, nor is it necessarily
interwoven through time. While it isn’t possible to
desirable. But the study of past town imagery can
turn back the clock on time we can imagine Berwick
help today’s West End Berwick residents envision a
in another time. Picture post card views of early
new scene for the residents of tomorrow’s West Town
Berwick show what a wonderfully livable community
Berwick. These precious few picture post card scenes
Berwick was and can again become. They illustrate
made available through the Berwick Historical Society
the forward-looking spirit of Berwick’s formative period
illustrate many ingredients of successful urban design
while providing a glimpse into everyday life.
and livable communities. The ingredients are as
relevant today as ever they were.
Picture post cards also depict a view of life. They speak
to what people value in a place. They portray the finer
points of a town. They help us see how people lived
and interacted with their environment. And they can’t
but help convey some feeling of loss for the past. By
studying the content and uses depicted in post card
scenes it is possible to reimagine Berwick, the place,
and imagine a new view and image for West Town
Berwick, the neighborhood.
We don’t communicate in short cross-town post
card notes anymore. Today we travel at speed
across streets, along wires and over the air. Our
ability to communicate and connect surpasses
anything previously known to man. But many
people have become even more isolated within the
streets and structures of our present-day towns and
neighborhoods. If we were to make a series of picture
post cards today for West End Berwick what might
they convey to future generations?
Building a Better Berwick Through Neighborhood Action
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The Plan for West End Berwick