| A Greater Wilkes-Barre Renaissance: Reason to Believe |
| Written by Nick Podolak & Megan Krisanda | ||||||
 Years ago, bartender Tim Dillon took a stroll around Public Square between shifts at The Westmoreland Club, peering inside the neon-lit windows of Circles on the Square to admire its offerings. It was a cold sight downtown, with the hissing sounds of bus hydraulics, clouds of exhaust, and more pigeons bobbing around than people.When he returned to Wilkes-Barre after spending 20 years in New England as a lobster fisherman, Dillon, 45, described the same scene as, for lack of a better word, “depressing.” “It was so empty,” he said. “On a Saturday afternoon, I would leave work and go downtown for a sandwich and a soda and there would be nobody there. I would reflect back 30-40 years ago and think ‘man, what happened?’ It was almost like something after a nuclear holocaust. There was nobody left. It was horrible. I just couldn’t understand it.” That was then. This is now. The overall future for the downtown is looking much brighter. And the city’s rich heritage is one for us not to forget, but to provide inspiration as we look ahead. Dillon talked about that proud heritage he experienced as a child. “To me, it was like a Norman Rockwell painting,” he said. “My memories of Public Square are that clear.” How could such a prominent, flourishing area in which Mr. Peanut was born, HBO got its start, and U.S. presidents lodged inside the marble-columned confines of the Sterling Hotel erode into such a state? Some might blame the development of “The Mall, ” the completion of the Cross Valley Expressway, or the residential shift to the suburbs. While others might point to local politics or the Chamber of Commerce’s efforts to promote economic development projects around the Arena, downtown Wilkes-Barre has undoubtedly lost much of its vigor. Wilkes University student and Swoyersville native Matthew Gobbler has a simpler explanation. He points to the ‘72 Flood for the demise of downtown and the inability of those who lived through it to “let it go.” “It’s like the birth and death of Jesus Christ around here,” he said. “You have life ‘Before the Flood’ and life ‘After the Flood.’” No matter what the reason, Wilkes-Barre is broken and it needs fixing. Positive efforts are underway, but improvements must continue. It’s time for its leaders and citizens to stop “talking the talk” and start “walking the walk.” But revitalization doesn’t occur overnight. It’s an ongoing process involving a lot of people, a lot of time, and a huge commitment. If we can outline the strengths and weaknesses in our city, we can start acting upon change for the better. It starts with the people. And their attitude. “The region is only as good as its people,” said William Vinsko, Jr., assistant city attorney and real estate agent. Vinsko believes acceptance of the people in the revitalization or “renaissance” is essential. “This region has great people,” he said. “It was difficult in the beginning, back in 2004 when we were trying desperately to get people here. There was a resistance. Now I get calls weekly.” After law school, Vinsko had the choice of moving back to Wilkes-Barre or living in Allentown. He chose Allentown, but in six weeks decided to return to Wilkes-Barre. “I thought Wilkes-Barre is where it’s at,” he said. “It was the greatest decision I ever made. My wife came with me and says she’ll never move out of the area.” In an effort to help return Wilkes-Barre to its glory days, The Independent surveyed downtown business owners, community leaders, and “everyday Joes” to compile a Top Ten list of their ideas that would help this revitalization become a reality. We believe that a strong downtown Wilkes-Barre revitalization will have a greater economic and social ripple effect to the whole region. Hence, our purposeful use of the phrase “Greater Wilkes-Barre Renaissance,” not just a downtown one. Here are 10 of the most common denominators of change we compiled from dozens of interviews over a three-month period: 1.Business Improvement District Empty downtown storefronts don’t lie. But downtown economic development will receive a needed boost from the formation of the new Business Improvement District (BID). That is a start. “It is our job during the next five years to demonstrate that this is something in added value. For any property or business owner, this program is an investment,” said Larry Newman, vice president of Economic and Community Development for the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce The first BID in Northeastern Pennsylvania is a self-help mechanism that permits a group of property owners to agree to bind themselves to a common plan of work and a budget that they are all obligated to pay on the same schedule.There are thousands of BIDs across the United States. In March, the city council approved the BID, which kicked off in August. “It’s done to address common issues and concerns that aren’t within the purview of what gets done by the municipality,” said Newman. “It’s a way for a traditional business district to learn and be competitive with the new environment that the shopping centers have created while at the same time retaining the strength of the traditional downtown.” Two main issues business and property owners within the BID will address are safety and cleanliness; a large portion of the budget will be devoted to these two issues. The budget was determined by asking the participants what services they would like to see happen. The next step is comparing other similarly sized BIDs and their cost of these services. Business and property owners were then asked how much they could afford. Other services provided by the BID will be additional police patrols, which business and property owners believe are warranted; marketing opportunities; and additional design improvements. Once businesses believe they and their customers feel secure and welcome in a clean city, there will be more potential for growth through increased foot traffic, new shops, and more revenue for existing businesses. 2.Security “We need more foot patrolmen.” –Joe Donohue, local business owner Since 2005, the city has hired 10 new police officers and just recently added three K-9 units. A dazzling new movie theatre, a Barnes & Noble Booksellers, and a $6-$9 million downtown lighting project have transformed what was once the dark side of the moon into a Hollywood movie set. Some business owners and residents are hopeful better lighting can extend beyond the downtown toward higher-crime areas in South Wilkes-Barre. Right now, it is a matter of funding and priorities. City Administrator J.J. Murphy agreed that the corner of Academy St. is indeed a “very busy corner.” He also said that they have increased patrols in that area and have “razed” the neighborhood of former drug houses and eyesores that plague the area. “We’ve torn down at least four properties in the last four months,” he said. Though Murphy said the mayor would certainly like to expand the current lighting project farther down South Main, the priority for the time being is catering to the core of downtown, such as Blackman, W. Market, Union Street, and a few blocks branching out in each direction. “We really can’t go for more money while the [current] project is still ongoing,” said Murphy. “We need to finish the project, and once we finish it, we can apply for additional funds.” A positive addition to come about with the BID is the addition of Dan Block, director of Business District Operations, who is focusing on working with law enforcement as well as local business owners. Block is much wiser and street savvy than you would expect from a 30-year-old, mostly due to his nine years as a police officer in St. Louis. Filling this position with an optimistic young talent who has dealt with real city problems on a street level is a positive move. Another positive security addition is the recent public/private partnership with the city and Frontier Communications to add dozens of security cameras in the downtown and surrounding Wilkes-Barre area. The security cameras are something that many believe are sorely needed after two sexual assaults occurred in broad daylight near Kirby Park earlier this year. The system also includes wire and wireless capabilities and is a project Murphy has been diligently working on with many others to provide students, residents, and business owners in the Wilkes-Barre area quick and easy access to the Internet. “We’ll probably be one of the most technologically advanced cities in the state of Pennsylvania,” Murphy said. Another security subject discussed regularly by the city administration and law enforcement is the shift to saturation patrols in high– problem areas as well as responding quickly to cleaning up graffiti. Successful law enforcement models similar to these used in larger cities such as New York City to reduce overall crime need to be embraced for more residents and business owners to feel safe. Customers simply will not spend their money in places where there are strong safety and security concerns. More lighting, beat patrolmen in the right areas, and security measures being undertaken will surely help. 3.Residential Pride “In my opinion and experiences, there is a greater lack of attention to property owned by absentee landlords, regardless if there is a property manager.” –Tony Brooks, Luzerne County Historical Society The Joint Urban Studies Center is responsible for researching communities around the country and comparing the problems and solutions they experience with what Wilkes-Barre experiences. Executive Director Teri Ooms said its aim is to look at where the city has been, where the city is going, and what the city needs to improve. Many community leaders believe increasing the number of downtown residents is very important for revitalization. “There’s a lot of housing opportunity in the downtown; the problem is it’s dilapidated and it’s not owner-occupied, so it’s rented, but not always on a permanent basis,” said Ooms. “We need to get the housing stock up to speed- try and reclaim some of the housing that is bought by out-of-town owners and turn it into primary homes. This will allow more people to live downtown and become another demographic that enjoys living in the city, urban environments.” Enter CityVest, a not-for-profit community development corporation, or as Executive Director Alex Roger likes to put it, a “developer of last resort.” “We’re interested in revitalizing properties that are blighted and run-down but are not likely candidates for private development because they pose one or more unique challenges,” Rogers said. CityVest’s first project, the renaissance of four homes that had fallen into disrepair on the corner of South Franklin and Ross Streets. They have been redone and now boast owner-occupied landlords– the owner lives in a separate apartment and rents out the other apartments in the home. Ever since, the homes have been a catalyst for development in the area. “Any direction you go from those four homes– and ours was really the first project in that neighborhood in a long, long time– you see development, people investing in their properties,” said Rogers. “You see property values go up. People who might have been on the fence might have said, ‘wait a minute, this city is coming back.” Active residents’ associations and crime watch groups not afraid to stand up to drug dealers trying to take over their neighborhoods, as well as diligent individual citizens not afraid to report suspicious activity, are needed now more than ever. More residential pride will lead to more rooftops. And more rooftops means more retail. Business will follow once the residential pride returns. 4. Sterling Hotel Renovation CityVest’s latest project is the $22 million renovation of the historic Sterling Hotel, once the “Crown Jewel of Wilkes-Barre.” Boasting gleaming marble pillars and floors and panoramic views, the structure fell well short of pristine since it closed its doors, often becoming a safe haven for the homeless. “There were more pigeons in the place than in Central Park,” Rogers said. Realizing the improbability of a private developer expressing an interest in the property due to what Rogers described as “insurmountable financial barriers,” CityVest stepped up to the plate and purchased the lot with help from Congressman Paul Kanjorski and partnerships built throughout the city and county. Priority one was repairing a decayed and leaking roof, returning the electrical power, and removing environmental hazards such as lead-based paint, mercury light switches, and asbestos that ran rampant throughout the building. When the mayor and city made a public announcement about the hotel’s progress, more than 200 people gathered in its lobby on a cold, winter’s night in anticipation of the mayor turning the lights back on. “The interesting thing was,” Rogers began, “that everyone walked into the building with a story to tell– they were married there, their anniversary [party] was there, their high school prom was there. And what that evening brought home to us was that this was a property that has substantial ties to the community.” Built in 1892, the seven-story “corner building” is the only structure that will be left in tact, as you might have witnessed the aftermath of the “selective demolition” of the 10- and 14-foot structures that surrounded the building. Rogers said that these buildings were poor candidates for renovation due to deplorable conditions, such as very narrow rooms/hallways and floor-to-ceiling heights so low that if people were living there now, they would all be walking around downtown like Quasimodo. “They were built in a time when people’s housing needs were different,” Rogers explained. “The cost to renovate them was so overwhelming that it didn’t make sense to save them, and they didn’t have the history and architectural significance as ‘the corner building.’” After holding a 12-week “open-competition” to architectural firms in which three different design submissions were on display at the Osterhout Library for the public to see, CityVest decided to go with Cope-Linder, a firm based in Philadelphia. Its plan is to make the first two floors of the Sterling open to commercial business, with the upper five floors being residential, boasting one- to three-bedroom unit condominiums. “Once you get upstairs, the views are absolutely breathtaking,” Rogers said. These views include the daytime hustle and bustle of downtown, the majesty of the Market Street Bridge, the serenity of the Susquehanna River, and the towering mountain range that magnificently changes with each passing season. There will also be an entranceway off Market Street that leads into a drive-in courtyard. Visitors can be dropped off in the lobby to wine and dine in a first-class riverfront restaurant or simply relax in a leather recliner in the private mini-lobby as they wait for upper-floor residents. “However, you couldn’t conceive bringing back the Hotel Sterling without a place to park,” said Rogers. CityVest re-possessed a lot from the city through eminent domain which will not only accommodate the hotel’s occupants, but also the public who wishes to spend an afternoon or evening on the new riverfront. But while some might question the viability of dishing out so much money on a hotel with so many empty storefronts in downtown, Rogers remains optimistic. “We have received numerous expressions of interest from people who want to either occupy the commercial or the residential space in the Hotel Sterling,” he said. “So before even entering a formal marketing period, we are greatly encouraged by the level of interest people have. And I think that’s what sells it.” 5. Entrepreneurial Growth “The largest working population in a metropolitan city next to Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Wilkes-Barre has over 14,000 people in downtown,” said Ooms. Through the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Commerce and Innovation Center, entrepreneurs are given the tools and resources to be successful. John Augustine, senior director of Economic and Entrepreneurial Growth Development, is responsible for marketing downtown properties and industrial parks. “The Innovation Center has been extremely successful,” Augustine said. “Our occupancy goal was 30% in the first year and we were 60% full within the first three months. Currently, we have 14 companies that employ over 100 people. Last year, our companies contributed over $2 million to the local economy.” However, Rogers stressed that while there is a sizable business population, its members are punching out, getting into their cars, and zooming out of town to their places of dwelling. It is his hope that the new Sterling will suit their needs. Instead of an eight-hour working population, it will be a 24-hour population, which will also attract more retailers. “For the city to reach its full potential, you not only need the business developments, you also need people living downtown,” Rogers said. “There is not a city in America that can thrive without people who live there as well as work there, shop there, or seek entertainment there.” Ruth Hughes, executive director of Wilkes University’s Small Business Development Center, is a huge supporter of downtown revitalization and the S.B.D.C. assists hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs every year at the Innovation Center offices. While many pieces of the puzzle are coming together, Hughes sees the addition of an accessible grocery store as a vital necessity. “Basically, everything is within walking distance except for a larger food store,” said Hughes. “I am very optimistic about the downtown revitalization efforts.” The local S.B.D.C. became an affiliate of the local Greater Valley Independent Business Alliance and has partnered with the group to help local independent businesses expand their knowledge and capabilities in areas such as marketing and promotion. Hughes sees the tremendous benefit of business groups working together to pull resources to assist new business owners and entrepreneurs. Recently, entrepreneurs Richard Simons, Paul Dorang, Jr., and Mark Olenik, all of Wilkes-Barre, received help from the S.B.D.C. and launched the website gopoko.com to promote local nightlife and small businesses. This is the kind of entrepreneurial spirit Wilkes-Barre needs. 6. College Town “I don’t know what the answer is. The town should be thriving, especially with two colleges in the city.”- Wilkes-Barre resident Pat Osisek Wilkes-Barre is, if nothing else, certainly rich in higher education. With Wilkes University and King’s College as bookends to Public Square and offices for Luzerne County Community College literally on Public Square, identifying itself as a college town is no stretch at all. “We need to bring in entertainment and activities that will bring in the college-aged crowd,” said Mayor Tom Leighton. “We have to make the college students part of our community while they’re here and welcome them.” Leighton added that the future is very bright and will only get better. “It will get better as we get more people coming into the downtown, not only visiting but living,” he said. “We want to rebuild the downtown commercially and residentially.” Wilkes University President Tim Gilmour believes it’s a matter of confidence and having the right messages. “The link that I hope we can develop over the next year or so is to make Wilkes-Barre something that is vital and contributes to the development of the region,” said Gilmour. “And, [we must] become more aggressive in the recruitment of the things we want. For example, how wonderful would it be to have a Whole Foods Market downtown?” Wilkes and King’s students would love to see this happen, as well as any potential residents thinking of filling the future residential lofts and apartments under construction. 7. Parking “Parking is definitely a problem in the city. One of the farmers couldn’t pull in his truck this morning because there was a car parked in his spot.”- Mary Pieszala, Farmer’s Market volunteer vendor for Carmelite Kitchen. Have you ever lost track of the time you have left on your parking meter and, just as you get within a few feet of your car, the “man in the white jeep” tucks a $20 ticket between your windshield wipers? Danny Bauder is a King’s College student and has lived in Wilkes-Barre for seven years. He believes the parking situation in downtown Wilkes-Barre can be improved by a parking permit system. “Replace all metered parking places downtown with a permit parking system,” said Bauder. “The permits would be available for a nominal annual fee for residents and a monthly fee for college students.” Moving the buses off the square and placing more parking on the square is also included in a comprehensive transportation plan under development. Changing traffic patterns and the one-way streets are issues that also should be strongly considered. When former Indianapolis Mayor William Hudnut, author of numerous books on downtown revitalization, came to town last year to deliver the keynote speech at the National Conference on the Small City hosted in Wilkes-Barre, he noted the lack of efficiency and personal frustration over our city’s one-way streets. Smart Growth advocate Thomas Hylton also sees inefficient city parking and traffic patterns as being two large but correctable problems most cities like Wilkes-Barre can overcome. It’s about time Wilkes-Barre listens to some of these experts and make the changes that are necessary to bring more cars, people, and businesses to the downtown. Additional parking lots are currently being worked on as condemned buildings are being purchased by the city and razed. But unless the city seriously looks at more viable and creative solutions to the parking dilemma, there is a chance more businesses like Solid Cactus will flee because of this major issue. And new businesses will not come without a place for their customers, or their employees, to park. 8. More Events on the Square “Build upon the wild success of the Farmer’s Market by making it a year-round event. Increase public events like this.”- Teri Ooms Probably one of the most celebrated and popular events offered throughout the summer and fall is the Farmer’s Market. It is like a midday bizarre, with live music, mouthwatering kielbasa sandwiches, sno cones, pizza, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and Polish platters of pierogie, halushki, pagash, and potato pancakes up for grabs- not to mention the ripe and healthy produce our local farmers offer. “It’s a draw and it’s unfortunate that it’s 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursdays. I think the hours should be lengthened and carried into the evening,” said Ooms. “We need more events like this that use the great public space that’s available in the Square.” Richard Kessler, of Kessler Orchard Farms, said they would be happy to stay open if the Farmer’s Market extended into the winter. “As long as the weather would stay nice, we’d stay open,” said Kessler. Ooms added that even winter festivals would be a great way to draw more people to the city year round. “When will we see such events take place?” Ooms asked. “I think, given the set of circumstances the city, county, and Chamber have been faced with in regard to Wilkes-Barre, it may be on the ‘to-do’ list because there are bigger things to take care of first.” Beyond the Farmer’s Market, events such as the Fine Arts Fiesta have been very good draws. It is time to be creative. Downtown Scranton drew thousands of people with an “Office” Convention in the fall. While Wilkes-Barre doesn’t have the benefit of being the base town of a popular sitcom, it certainly has its own unique cast of characters. The city administration should get busy working with local area college leaders and students to host more fun, creative events downtown. We’ve got a great location. Now we just can use some imagination. 9. Arts & Culture The Cultural Council of Luzerne County (read more about the group on page 30), led by Michelle Pierce, is launching an education and awareness campaign called “Art, Ask More!” “Communities that invest in the arts reap the additional benefits of jobs, economic growth, and a desirable quality of life that positions them to compete in the 21st century,” says Pierce. “For every human being, I think there is such joy that comes when you participate in an art that you resonate with. And people maybe don’t know it because they haven’t been exposed.”- Kathleen Godwin, director and creator of Arts YOUniverse Arts YOUniverse has been in downtown Wilkes-Barre since October of 2005. Perhaps you have noticed the clever sayings that don a mini chalkboard on the sidewalks of South Franklin Street. Godwin feels that it is time to change the way we perceive participation in the arts. “How ArtsYOUniverse started was a thought of being able to go somewhere on a lunch hour and take a ballet class,” said Godwin. “In all the venues that exist today in this area, you have to sign up for six weeks and get the materials. People think, ‘Do I really want to do that?’ I thought it’d be lovely to go to a place where you can try things and experiment, where you wouldn’t have to commit.” Godwin is now venturing out to the community through murals and bringing programs outside for the public to enjoy. “The murals are the big thing,” she said. “They’re visible; they involve a lot of people and they help beautify the downtown.” The murals will be on display in empty store front windows and will feature quotations. “The sayings will be interesting quotes, things you don’t get tired of seeing- a little bit inspiration and funny. They’ll give the buildings their own energy and I’m hoping once people see a quote they like or respond to, they’ll go back and have their picture taken. It’s another reason for people to come downtown and walk around.” 10. Recreation “It’s a recreation sector that has room to grow. Certainly people from Philadelphia and New York metropolitan areas gravitate to Northeastern Pennsylvania for climbing, kayaking, hiking, and biking as an escape from the concrete jungle of urban life.”- Rich Adams, co-owner of Around Town Bikes Adams believes this area has a lot of potential in regard to outdoor recreation. Currently the Susquehanna River is experiencing a makeover. The riverfront project began in October of 2006 and its goal is to add to the beauty of the river by allowing better access. Jim Brozena, executive director of the Flood Protection Authority, is managing the design and construction of the riverfront project. This year, all the heavy construction is being completed such as the concrete work, construction of two 60x12 portals, foundations, and walls. Beginning next spring a lot of the finish work will be done, including construction of pathways, cladding of concrete with sandstone, installation of bridges that will carry people over the portals, planting, and landscaping. The contractual completion date is Spring of 2009…the year that the Luzerne County Courthouse will celebrate its 100th anniversary. “We haven’t really faced any obstacles besides some people upset with the trees we cut down,” said Brozena. “But we did our homework in advance and we’re going to be planting more trees than were there before we started. And they’re not going to be those small trees; we are going to put in substantial trees to give us a finished look on the riverfront when we’re done.” The riverfront effort is part of a multi-project that includes courthouse gardens, River Street becoming a “Grand Boulevard,” and additional landscape work. Mayor Leighton said these projects will generate more pedestrian traffic and visitors to downtown. Courage & Stamina The Greater Wilkes-Barre Renaissance might be a few years away, but right now things are changing for the better. Phil Rudy, owner of Cirlces on the Square, has a front-row seat. “The revitalization is underway. It’s happening right now, all around you,” said Rudy. “It’s not like it used to be.” That positive attitude, as well as smart and creative entrepreneurs with stamina and courage like Rudy, can make it happen. We believe. Bookmark with:
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