Q: What is the Keystone Communities Main Street Designation and why is that important?
A: The Keystone Communities Main Street is a downtown revitalization program administered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Communities within PA may apply for “designation” if there is a sustainable, local non-profit organization in place to administer the Program. Our Haven Foundation is the organization that will administer the Program in Schuylkill Haven if we become designated as a Keystone Communities Main Street.
Designated communities are placed high on the list for receiving grant funds from DCED for their revitalization efforts. Grant funds could be used for many projects including physical improvements within the downtown, market studies, promotional literature, and more.
Q: In this economic crunch, what makes OHF think they can really make a difference?
A: In today’s competitive market place, downtown revitalization activities require an ongoing effort. The best way to insure the continuation of the local revitalization effort is through the creation of a professionally managed, dedicated downtown organization. Technical assistance is provided to Main Street Communities by the PA Downtown Center staff, who are experts in the field of community revitalization.
The Main Street four point approach (Design, Promotion, Economic Restructuring, and Organization) to revitalization has been used in more than 1,700 communities throughout the country since 1980 when the program was first introduced in Jim Thorpe, PA. Local communities that “have made a difference” are Pottsville, Hamburg and Tamaqua.
Q: When making a pledge, what is the amount expected?
A: There is no “expected” amount. Our goal is to raise a minimum of $25,000 per year for 5 years for a total of $125,000.
Q: Is the pledge money I give once and done, or can it be spread out over several years?
A: We prefer a 3 – 5 year pledge, so there is a steady cash flow for the organization; however, a one-time pledge is also acceptable.
Q: What will my business receive in return for my five-year pledge?
A: All supporters receive a business listing and link on the OHF website, discounted rates for seminars and workshops, business referrals, networking and sponsorship opportunities, and your support reflects your pride in being a part of our community revitalization efforts!
Q: What areas of Schuylkill Haven will this money be used for?
A: The designated Main Street Corridor of Schuylkill Haven is –
- Main Street between Margaretta and Columbia Streets
- Saint Peter Street between River and Wilson Streets
- Saint John Street between River and Union Streets
However, improvements made within the corridor will benefit the entire community because-
- A thriving Main Street is a symbol of community economic health
- A vital Main Street retains and creates jobs, which also means a stronger tax base
- Main Street is a good incubator for new small businesses, the building blocks of a healthy economy
- A healthy Main Street core protects property values in surrounding residential neighborhoods
- A revitalized Main Street increases the community’s options for goods and services
- And lastly, many Main Street districts become tourist attractions by virtue of the character of buildings, location, selection of unique businesses and events held within the downtown
Q: Who decides what the pledge funding will go towards?
A: Each committee of Our Haven Foundation has prepared a 5 year “Action Plan” with input from the community. Funding will go towards completing projects on the Plan. The OHF Board of Directors will determine which projects will be completed depending on the amount of funding support OHF receives from pledges and grant resources.
Q: Will pledge monies be used in any way as matching funds?
A: It is possible that pledge monies will be used for matching funds for grants; however, NO funds will be used to benefit individual property owners. Pledges would only be used for grant applications for projects that benefit the community.
Q: Will my pledge money be used for operating or administrative expenses of OHF?
A: Yes. The PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development (the state dept. that administers the program) requires proof that OHF has enough funding in hand to support a full time Main Street Manager for a five year period.
Q: Will any pledge funds be used to fund merchant’s building improvements?
A: No. OHF plans on implementing a façade improvement program in the future but those funds would come directly from the PA Dept. of Economic and Community Development in the form of grant funds. The property owner would be required to match any grant funds they receive from DCED. There would be no pledge funding provided to individuals for any reason.
Q: What right does OHF have to tell a merchant what they can/cannot do to their own property?
A: OHF does not tell anyone what they can or cannot do to their properties unless the property owner requests funding through the façade improvement program. A property owner must follow rehabilitation guidelines provided by OHF only if they receive funds through the façade improvement program since the program is geared towards historic preservation.
Q:What are other examples of what pledge monies will be used for?
A: Promotional materials for the community, downtown improvements such as benches, bike racks, improved signage, and “greening” of the downtown, a variety of workshops and networking events for business owners and residents, community events, administrative expenses, etc.
Q:What is OHF doing to help fill the vacant storefronts downtown?
A: The Economic Restructuring Committee of OHF is in the process of creating and tallying several surveys to ascertain the needs/desires of our community. The committee works closely with the Borough’s Economic Development Director to recruit business to locate within the downtown business district.
Q:Who administers the funds and where will the pledges be kept/invested?
A: Funds will be deposited in local banks (both checking and savings). The Board of Directors of OHF will administer the funds and an appointed treasurer writes checks at their request.
Q:What is OHF doing to improve the “depressed area” look and feel of Schuylkill Haven?
A: OHF will be applying for a façade improvement grant from the PA Dept. of Community and Economic Development Office which will provide grant funds of up to $3,000 for property owners to improve their facades. In addition, we are improving the visual appeal of the downtown by having community clean-ups, placing benches, and planning for additional “green” areas.
Q:Is OHF working with other organizations to prevent overlap and/or duplication of effort?
A: OHF’s Mission Statement reads “Dedicated to revitalizing Downtown Schuylkill Haven through strong partnerships and community activism.” It is important for all our community organizations to work together to improve the quality of life for our residents. OHF’s focus is on the downtown business corridor, while other groups have different areas of the community they focus on, such as the Island and the Walk-in Art Center.
Q:If I prefer to remain anonymous as a donor, is this possible?
A: Yes.
Q:How soon will I see results or know where it went and how?
A: Main Street’s renewal doesn’t happen overnight; “Big fix” overnight solutions to downtown revitalization almost always fail. Revitalization is a gradual process that beings with small steps, eventually building our capacity to tackle larger, more complicated revitalization projects and problems. Community revitalization is an ongoing project.
You may have already noticed some of the projects that Our Haven Foundation has accomplished: a promotional brochure, benches placed downtown, community clean-ups, and a community Facebook page and website.
Q:What happens if the financial goals are not met?
A: All pledge funds received will go towards implementation of projects on OHF’s 5 year plan regardless if Schuylkill Haven is successful in receiving designation as a Keystone Main Street Community from DCED.
Q:Who administers the funds and where will the pledges be kept/invested?
A: Funds will be deposited in local banks (both checking and savings). The Board of Directors of OHF will administer the funds and an appointed treasurer writes checks at their request.
Q:At the end of the five-year pledge giving, how will OHF continue to exist?
A: It is important to note that community revitalization never ends. To become self-sustaining, a variety of funding sources would need to exist such as memberships, donations, fund raisers, event sponsorships, borough support, capital campaigns, etc. Several Main Street Communities have even purchased real estate with rental income to support their programs.
Q:Will I get a receipt?
A: Yes, you will receive a letter thanking you for your support and a notation will be made in the letter that your donation is a tax deductible donation, since OHF is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization.
Q:How are the members of OHF selected?
A: Anyone with an interest in assisting with the efforts of downtown revitalization may serve on one of our committees. The Board of Directors is selected through a nomination and voting process regulated by the by-laws of the organization.
Q:What can I do to help?
A: Become involved. Serve on a committee of OHF, or volunteer a few hours of your time by assisting at our fund raising or community events. Any type of financial support would be greatly appreciated too!
