Vehicles For Change

Vision Statement Draft #2: In 2010, a renewed Downtown Wilkes-Barre will be the jewel of north-east Pennsylvania. It will be known as an exciting and vibrant city of the 21^st century. With a prosperous and diverse knowledge-based economy supported by the central business district’s reputation as a center of higher education, Downtown Wilkes-Barre will be the heart of a proud and progressive community. The quality of life of Downtown Wilkes-Barre will be recognized, and managed, as a critical component of the economic vitality the region.
: The Downtown will provide an attractive, safe and friendly environment where well maintained and landscaped public amenities embrace multi-faceted residential housing options comprising an active downtown neighborhood alongside dynamic, business-filled storefronts, corporate and financial offices, cultural facilities, centers of learning and government service centers.
: The various districts of the Downtown will energetically celebrate the history of the community and the region, including its historic architecture, its relationship with the river, and its economic evolution. Downtown Wilkes-Barre shall provide for the retail, service and leisure time needs of its residents, workers, students and visitors. A unified and focused partnership of government, business, education and residents of the community will insure the attainment and maintenance of this vision for the Downtown.

Business Improvement District
Definition: A limited geographic area within a municipality in which a special assessment is levied on all designated properties, other than tax exempt property, for the purpose of promoting the economic and general welfare of the district and the municipality.
General Powers
Employ an Executive Director & Staff Prepare Plans & Studies Make Capital Improvements Provide Programs and Services Purchase, Own, Construct, Renovate, Develop Operate, Rehabilitate, Manage & Sell Real Estate
Activities
Public Amenity Improvements Free or Reduced Fee Parking Transit Related Programs Public Relations Maintenance & Security

Main Street Approach (Program)
Main Street Manager Organizational Development Promotion & Marketing Façade Restorations & Public Improvements Economic Restructuring - Business Development & Promotion Clearly Defined Area

Historic Architecture Review Board
Specified, Professional Membership on Board Clearly Designated Area Tight Control on All Aspects of Rehab Within the Designated Area

Downtown Residents Association
No “Official” Structure (To Be Determined) Promotes Downtown Living Would Deal with Issues Impacting the Livability of Downtown

Downtown Higher Education Task Force
No Official Structure Deal with the Integration of University and College Plans into the Downtown Plan Would Deal with Issues Impacting the Relationship of the College / University to the Quality of Life in the Downtown

Long-Range Plan
10 to 15 Year Action Plan Time Frame Would Formalize All Other Elements Define What Goes Where Define Responsibilities Estimate Costs Prioritize Activities