The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Tuesday, October 16, 2012

CONNEAUT LAKE —Applications for two government grants to assist Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee were discussed at the recent meeting of Conneaut Lake Borough Council.  Together, they could bring $3 million to the community’s revitalization effort that began recently.

Bill Eldridge, a member of council and also of the CLCDC, presented the proposals for applications, which received unanimous approval from council.

The first was a resolution to apply for a $1 million matching grant from the State Department of Community and Economic Development.

Eldridge said the consultants from E.G.&G., the company hired to develop plans and to apply for grants, have met with state Rep. John Evans and also with the state secretary of tourism, who were both very positive about the application being submitted.  Eldridge said he did not believe it would be impossible to raise the $1 million matching funds because of other grants and private donations which are being sought.

Funds from that grant would be used to promote and assist the downtown revitalization program.

The second application would be for a $2 million grant from a federal program.  Crawford County commissioners would have to apply for it on behalf of the Conneaut Lake groups.

Eldridge said he has discussed the project with county officials, who said they believe it would be appropriate to apply.  Eldridge will represent the CLCDC in presenting the proposal to county commissioners.

The grant would include a comprehensive agreement between council and CLCDC to work with the county to receive and manage the funds.  He said E.G. & G. has a good track record in receiving grants for various municipalities.  He said Crawford County Commissioner Jack Lynch is spearheading the county’s participation and is enthusiastic because he can see the economic advantage for the county, not just Conneaut Lake.

Eldridge said Lynch believes the project could show other communities in the county how community revitalization projects are done and could be used as a model project.

Eldridge pointed out that Conneaut Lake Borough council would have final decisions in the project.

Dick Holabaugh, president of council, asked if either grant could be used for upgrading of the storm sewer system.  Eldridge said E.G.&G. is actively working on other grants for that project.

Ed Yates, president of CLCDC, was in the audience and commended Eldridge for the many, many hours of work he has done to prepare all the necessary data, including a large amount of statistics, and working with E.G.&G. to see that all the information is available in a timely manner.

It also was emphasized at the meeting that if there are any questions about the project, they would be addressed now – not at the last minute or during any stage of the process.

Approval of the grants would mean funds would be available for the project in 2014.

The grants are the latest proposals in the ongoing work being done by CLCDC and E.G.&G. with council on improving downtown Conneaut Lake and Fireman’s Beach.

The Meadville Tribune

Thursday, August 16, 2012

CONNEAUT LAKE — Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee has raised $148,000 toward its initial goal of $150,000 for seed money to pay the consultant and related expenses for the Conneaut Lake revitalization project.

Ed Yates, chairman of the CLCDC, said the total includes funds donated as well as pledges, including a $25,000 state grant.

Yates said fundraising would continue in order to have other funds available as needed for the multi-million dollar project.

The planned improvements include removal of overhead utility wires; landscaping, including trees and flowers, new curbing, sidewalks and crosswalks; and improvements to Fireman’s Beach.

Known as the Streetscape Project, improvements to Fireman’s Beach and downtown Conneaut Lake represent the second major project in Conneaut Lake in recent years.

The first was the renovation of Ice House Park done with backing from Dr. Robert and Bobbie Moyers and Bob and Kathy Moss.  It has been a drawing card and a major beautification effort at the entrance to the borough.  Dr. Moyers said the project actually took two years from beginning to end. 

CLCDC hopes when all the work is complete, a high-end restaurant and other businesses could be enticed to locate in Conneaut Lake to increase the tax base and to improve the town.

The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Saturday, August 11, 2012

CONNEAUT LAKE — Conneaut Lake Borough Council took two steps this week that were designed to assist the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee in raising funds for a revitalization project in downtown Conneaut Lake.

The first was approval of the CLCDC to obtain a 501(c)(3) designation classifying it as a non-profit organization for which donated funds could be used as tax deductions.  Ed Yates, chairman of CLCDC, said he had been told that many large corporations would be willing to donate sizable amounts of funding, but only to 501(c)(3) organizations.

The request was met with unanimous approval.  The next step for CLCDC will be to incorporate and register as a 501(c)(3) organization.

The second step council made to help with the funding of the project was to approve, in principle, seeking a loan of up to $150,000 as a show of support for the project.  It was emphasized that this would be based on the borough’s being able to seek a loan legally.  Research will be done to determine if this is possible.

Bill Eldridge, a member of council and of the CLCDC Committee, said John Grossman of E.G. & G., the architectural firm heading the project, had informed him that many agencies which approve grants do so much more willingly if there is a show of support from the governing agency involved.  Eldridge emphasized the importance of the approval of the loan, adding that such an approval would show any grant agency that it was a serious proposal, not just a “fishing expedition.”

Dick Holabaugh, president of council, voiced his concern that the request was coming “at the 11th hour” and council had not been told of this before.

Eldridge said this is not unusual, and it was “not a secret” that many agencies want this type of support, but Holabaugh still was concerned about whether the borough could receive the funding.  Eldridge said that some grants required matching funds to be raised if the grant is to be awarded.

It was emphasized that a loan application would not be made until the completion of the project, and the motion indicated that council would seek to take out the loan—but it was not guaranteed amount, depending on whether the loan could be obtained.

Eldridge emphasized that the amount would be no more than $150,000 (about 2 ½ percent of the total project) and would be paid over a long period of time—with payments to be made from increased revenues at Fireman’s Beach when the project is completed.  He estimated this would be a payment of about $11,000 annually and the increase in revenues should support that.

He also emphasized that no tax monies are to be used for the loan.

Holabaugh also voiced the hope that if a loan is secured that it would be through local banks which support the area, not an out-of-county bank.  Some of the banks in the area already had made donations for the seed money for the project.

The beach project is to begin in 2014 (grants are being sought now) and the loan application would not be made until 2015, Eldridge said.

Council members expressed support for seeking the loan, noting that if council did not do so, it would appear it did not support the project.

Dwight Stallard, a council member, said, “The doors are open; we better walk though.”

Council members agreed on the idea of securing a loan, if it is legal.

At the conclusion of the vote, Yates, who was in the audience, said, Thank you.  You did the right thing.  John Grossman will lead us through this any way we need led.”

The beach project is part of the CLCDC Revitalization of downtown Conneaut Lake, which plans to do major upgrades to Fireman’s Beach as well as a streetscape program, which would put utility wires underground, fix up the sidewalks and do other upgrades to downtown, with the goal of attracting more business and visitors.

By Jean Shanley
Tuesday, June 26, 2012

CONNEAUT LAKE — This summer’s visitors to Conneaut Lake Borough have already noticed some changes being made—a new sandwich franchise has posted “coming soon” signs in the window of the former Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant, and other construction efforts are started on some business-district building facades.

Now, some more good news for the borough’s Streetscape Program, which promises a major facelift throughout the community in the next few years.

Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee has raised nearly $70,000 in private donations and has received the first installment of a state grant for the planning phase of the program.

Working with borough council to improve the town, the CLCDC is conducting a fundraising campaign to raise $150,000 for the first phase (the planning stage) of the $3 million project.

Ed Yates, chairman of the CLCDC, told Conneaut Lake Borough Council at its recent meeting that the first $9,000 of the $25,000 state grant has been received.

He also said E.G. & G., the firm hired to do the planning, has revised the plans to accommodate suggestions made by area residents after the proposed plans were reviewed by the public.
Yates said E.G. & G. is in the process now of writing grants for the Streetscape Program which includes infrastructure upgrades, new on-street lighting and improved sidewalks in the borough, as well as upgrades to Fireman’s Beach.

Projects will be started as funds from various grants are received, Yates said, pointing out that some grants may be for recreation (such as work at the beach) and others for the infrastructure and streetscape work.  The order of work to be done will be determined by which grants are received, Yates said.

Dick Holabaugh, council president, said he hopes E.G. & G. is not influenced regarding which grants to seek first and said that council “can take what we can get.”

Council will make the final decision on any of the projects, Holabaugh said.

Concerns about whether Conneaut Lake Aquatic Management Association will have access for a week harvester was expressed at the meeting, and assurance was given that it will.

Other concerns expressed were about boat trailers and other recreation vehicles being parked at the beach.

All those concerns will be examined, according to Bill Eldridge, a member of council as well as the CLCDC.

In the meantime, work continues on raising the funds which will be used toward payment for E.G. & G. and other expenses in the planning phase.

The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Wednesday, May 30, 2012

CONNEAUT LAKE — Two years from now, the “behind the scenes” work will be completed and the physical work of revitalizing downtown Conneaut Lake should be started.

That’s the word from John Grossman, president of E.G. & G. of Akron, Ohio, who is working as a consultant and handling all details of the plans for giving the borough an extensive “face-lift”—and improving the economy of the town.

Grossman, in a recent phone interview, said he has done similar work in 75 communities and has been successful in obtaining grants in such Pennsylvania cities as Youngsville, Slippery Rock and Grove City; Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and other towns.  Although nothing is visible on the streets of Conneaut Lake at this time, it doesn’t mean work is not being done, he emphasized.

Currently, the team from E.G. & G. is working with Conneaut Lake Borough Council and the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee, which is spearheading the project.  The work at this point has included public hearings for input as well as drawing up project plans, which show the concept of what the area will look like when it is completed.

There already have been two sets of drawings—the original and a revised set drawn up after input was received.  The second set is being “tweaked” now in response to further input, especially about Fireman’s Beach and parking for boat owners.  Previously, it had been suggested that boat owners could park their cars and boat trailers on property downtown, but that idea was abandoned after hearing response from the public, Grossman said.  The goal is to have the final plan done by the end of this month for council to review and for the committee to continue with work already in progress.

A fund drive to pay for the consultant’s work has been fairly successful, but more funds are needed.  Initially $100,000 was the goal, but the CLCDC has extended that to $150,000 to pay for any unexpected costs.

The committee has received donations from several banks, from Channellock Inc. and Sheetz, and the amount raised is now about $62,000, plus an expected $25,000 grant (a matching grant) which would take the total to nearly $90,000—just a little short of the original goal.  Ed Yates, chairman of the CLCDC, said the committee is very optimistic about the finances and has had positive input from many people.  Another fundraising push is planned, including several projects for the summer, Yates said.

Currently, Armstrong cable television is broadcasting a video written by Bill Eldridge of the CLCDC and narrated by Bill Hillgrove of the Pittsburgh Steelers about the town and its project for revitalization

Where to begin

The work will be done in phases, Grossman explained—probably Fireman’s Beach as one, and Water Street and the cross streets as another phase.  He said when plans are complete for the revitalization; council will decide what will be the first project.

Cost is very important, Grossman said, and noted that E.G. & G. “will help in that regard.  Our job is to be planner, cost estimators and help them make good decisions,” he said.  When the spreadsheets are done, showing the cost estimates and timetables, then the decision will be made regarding the first phase.

However, he said, no work can get started without finding potential sources for financing.  He said he would be very specific in searching for the grants needed to do the work—based on his previous work.  He hopes to have financial plans done by June and start working on grants over the summer.

The entire project is expected to cost about $4 million.

Asked where the grants would come from, he said he is still working on some of them and will go back to sources he has used before.

The timetable he has in mind is to complete the financial plans this summer, make grant applications in late summer and into 2013, and then he hopes to be in position with grant funding to move forward with blueprint drawings through the winter of next year.

The next step then would be to take the master plan document and commitment for funding and file documents for bidding to contractors who might bid on the work.

Contract bids

The plan would be for contracts to be awarded in the winter of 2014 (January or February) and the work to begin in spring.

Grossman said he is very aware of the tourist season at Conneaut Lake and expects work to be done so it would accommodate the tourists.

Calling Conneaut Lake a “jewel in the rough,” Grossman said he is excited about the project, especially since it is on the recently designated Heritage route 6 historic highway.

He said a borough building is not in the plans being developed.

Grossman has been pleased with input from borough council, the CLCDC and from the public session and the community at large, he said.  He said the improvements will include work to the infrastructure (streets and sidewalks and putting utilities underground) and sees the improvement as allowing Conneaut Lake to grow its economy and the regional economy, adding that it will be very helpful to the tax base of Conneaut Lake.

Remove overhead wires

Plans include removal of overhead wires, adding decorative street light and signal poles; landscaping, including trees and flowers; new curbing, sidewalks and crosswalks; and Fireman’s Beach improvements.

Known as the Streetscape Project, the improvements to Fireman’s Beach and downtown Conneaut Lake is the second major project at Conneaut Lake in recent years.

The first was the renovation of the Ice House Park done with backing from Dr. Robert and Bobbie Moyers and Bob and Kathy Moss, which has been a drawing card and a major beautification effort at the entrance to the borough.  Dr. Moyers said that project took two years from beginning to end.
CLCDC hopes when all the work is complete, a high-end restaurant and other businesses could be enticed to locate at Conneaut Lake Borough to increase the tax base and to improve the town.

Borough council, in the meantime, is continuing its work to get property owners to clean up their properties and do what they can to make the town more attractive to visitors.

The Meadville Tribune
By Jean Shanley
Saturday, January 14, 2012

CONNEAUT LAKE — A revitalization project for downtown Conneaut Lake took a major step forward this week with a $20,000 donation from Channellock Inc. the Meadville-based international tool company that got its start at Conneaut Lake.

The venture is the Streetscape Project of the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee working in conjunction with Conneaut Lake Borough Council.  The project’s goal is “to create an attractive downtown that will encourage economic development and improved quality of life for our unique lake community,” its mission statement says.

The check was presented in Memorial Park on Water Street, near the location where the first Channellock factory was located.

Jon DeArment, vice president of manufacturing and engineering at Channellock said, “Channellock and the DeArment family are pleased to be able to assist in this very important project.  Channellock Inc. was founded right here in downtown Conneaut Lake, and the Champion Bolt and Clipper Co., back in 1886 by my great-great-grandfather, George B. DeArment.  When the opportunity to help this project was presented, we all agreed supporting the project was the right thing to do.

“As we have grown over the years, we have never lost sight of the company’s beginning as a small blacksmith shop at Conneaut Lake,” DeArment said.  We are all very proud to support this project and welcome the improvements that will soon come to Conneaut Lake through this revitalization.”

Tim Kaider, mayor of Conneaut Lake said, “Our goal for the creation of an attractive downtown and Fireman’s Beach that will then encourage economic development and improve quality of life for the future of the community just moved closer to reality.”

Ed Yates, chairman of the CLCDC agreed.  “We are grateful to Channellock for it support.  This donation puts us well on our way to achieving our fundraising goal of $150,000 and represents a major step toward the realization of the results we are all looking forward to.”

During a council meeting late that day, John Grossman of E.G. & G., the contract developer hired by borough council to manage and facilitate the project, spoke briefly.  He said there is a four-step process in the program, which began with initial work on engineering, design and the securing of grant monies.  The project is focused on improving sidewalks, roads, infrastructure and landscaping.

Grossman said the project is moving very well and he outlined the steps as developing the plan; securing financial support from the community; getting grants for funding the work; and engineering, drawing and overseeing the construction.

He said one-third of the first step is completed, with the analysis of existing conditions, problems and assets.  A second part of step one is to come up with solutions to recommendations which will take about another month and a half.  It also will include alternative solutions.  Another public meeting will be held at that time, Grossman said.

A representative of E.G. & G. presented a slide show overview of pictures, showing what problems there are—along with possible solutions to create a more attractive and safe area in Conneaut Lake.

“We’re really making progress on all fronts,” Grossman said.

During Wednesday’s council meeting, Yates reported the committee has raised about $62,000 toward its goal.  That does not include an anticipated $25,000 state grant which required $25,000 in matching funds.

The $62,000 raised thus far includes the $20,000 from Channnellock, another $20,000 from an anonymous donor named only as a “Friend of Conneaut Lake” and previous donations from area banks, other businesses and individuals.  Yates said there are still many prospects for potential donors, and the committee is “very optimistic” about its goal–$100,000 to be paid to E.G. & G. and another $50,000 for other expenses in relation to the Fundraising.

Dick Holabaugh, borough council president, commended the work of the CLCDC saying, “I was one of the many doubting Thomases,” adding he was being very cautiously optimistic about the project and the funds needed.

However, he said, “You guys have proven you are able to get the job done.  I feel much more comfortable with the guidance and direction.”  He applauded the committee for its work getting toward the end of the goal.

We’re together, not against each other,” referring to the cooperative effort of the CLCDC and borough council on the project, Yates said.

A copy of the analysis of the project presented at the council meeting will be available for public viewing at the Shontz Public Library on Second Street.

Anyone wishing to donate to the fundraising campaign may contact Yates a 382-0002 or send a tax-deductible donation to Conneaut Lake Borough, Seed Money Fund, PO Box 198, Conneaut Lake, PA 16316.

The Meadville Tribune
By Ryan Smith
Thursday, October 6, 2011

CONNEAUT LAKE — One resident said he’d like to see informative signs noting the Conneaut Lake area’s historical significance.

Another said she’d like to see more public plantings when she looks out the window of her home near Conneaut Lake’s downtown district.

Some said they wish there were more restaurants, coffee shops and things like artisan spots and antique shops, and more improvements to Fireman’s Beach.

And many said there should—no, must—be more parking made available for both businesses that exist and any that may be coming in the future.

That’s a glimpse of the input Conneaut Lake-area residents gave to hired consultants E.G. & G., Inc. about plans to develop a borough streetscape improvement project during a public meeting hosted Wednesday by borough officials and the Conneaut Lake Community Development Committee.

Approximately 50 local residents and officials attended the meeting, one of what’s expected to be continuing series of public forums to gather input as plans for the project are put into place.

One Conneaut Lake resident, Chad Waldschmidt, said he’s long had a “vision” for the community and its commercial area, “like so many other small towns”:  buildings occupied by businesses on both sides of bustling streets, with pedestrians crossing back and forth as they check out what the town has to offer.

And when it comes to efforts like the streetscape plan and its related community involvement, he said, “I think this is moving in the right direction. … (The suggestions being presented) are all tied together.”

“This work of improvement is very possible,” E.G. & G. representative John Grossman said to the crowd gathered at Conneaut Lake Volunteer Fire Department’s Station 3 near Ice House Park.  But “it’s a big undertaking.”

Grossman said in total, the consulting firm is anticipating the project will be a three-year process from conceptualization to possible completion, with more meetings to develop a master plan consisting of projects the community considers most worthy and feasible; a funding plan using local, state and federal sources; implementing the plan’s phases and writing related grant proposals; and, finally, constructing the improvements.