Potter County Today

Potter County was in the national spotlight last weekend in Tampa, Fla., as recipient of two excellence awards by the National Assn. of Counties. Just six of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties were recognized for excellence. Potter was the lone county among them to receive two awards. They are in recognition of “No Veteran Left Behind,” based on the launch of a Veterans Transportation Program; and “Revitalize Potter County,” a series of strategies to address population loss and outmigration of young adults, starting with the launch of the Potter County Creative Council. Summaries of the county’s award-winning initiatives were presented on the NACo website:

No Veteran Left Behind: Potter County is sparsely populated and remotely situated. There is little to no access to public transportation. Availability of health care is also limited. Among the most underserved residents are military veterans. There is no VA medical facility in the county. Many of the county’s veterans are senior citizens with low incomes who lack the means to access quality health care. In 2022, a coalition of veterans’ advocates embarked on a lofty mission – a transportation service dedicated solely to taking veterans to medical appointments. This team effort was coordinated by the Potter County Department of Human Services (PCHS), with support from the Potter County Commissioners, Potter County Director of Veterans Services, American Legion/VFW posts, and community supporters. Widespread support, appreciation and respect for military veterans, coupled with the judicious and innovative use of state and county funding, have made the Potter County Veterans Medical Transportation Program a reality. It is funded annually as a line item in Potter County’s Human Services Block Grant provided by the state. Local veterans’ advocates, community organizations, businesses and individuals support the service through fundraisers and outreach activities.

Revitalize Potter County: Potter County has been gutted by population loss, youth outmigration, a struggling economy, and a rising median age (47.4 years) that now hovers nearly 10 years above the national average (38.1). At the same time, COVID and social factors have been prompting many young families to pursue a rural lifestyle. Many are seeking affordable housing, high-speed internet access, outdoor recreational opportunities, and vibrant communities. Potter County checks each of those boxes – with the exception of the latter. In 2022, a team of stakeholders spearheaded by the Potter County Board of Commissioners embarked on a strategic plan to revitalize the communities of Potter County with an intensive focus five core areas. Among them was developing arts and cultural activities. In 2023, this innovative mission bore fruit. An arts council that had been dormant for nearly a decade was revitalized. National and state arts/culture organizations provided support, while a broad cross-section of public officials, artisans, community leaders, volunteers, school administrators and other key stakeholders came aboard. “Revitalize Potter County” was off and running.

Progress continues on a proposal to establish an open-air retail center and gathering place on a vacant lot in downtown Coudersport. It’s a project of the Revitalize Potter County Steering Committee, comprised of the county Planning/Community Development/GIS Department and the County Commissioners. The site is a county-owned lot at the corner of East Second and North East streets. A $4,500 grant from the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team paid for the services of a landscape architect/engineer, who conducted a feasibility study and developed a conceptual design (above). Potter County later received a $41,400 state grant that can be used to help cover costs for construction of a plaza, pedestrian walkway and parking area; installation of utilities and interpretive signs; ADA access, landscaping, and other related site improvements.

Plans call for erection of multiple short-term rental spaces. Retail space would complement the Potter County Farmers Market, with occupants marketing agricultural goods, prepared food, locally crafted items or other products. The committee envisions the lot becoming a gathering place where live music and other entertainment or educational programs could be presented. Similar open-air markets could be developed in Galeton, Ulysses, Roulette and other Potter County towns. Community organizations, such as chambers of commerce, would be contacted to partner with the committee. Those holding festivals and other public attractions could offer previews, such as live music “teasers,” chainsaw carving demonstrations and other promotional activities, at the market. Visitors would be directed to businesses, attractions and events in the region.

Rentals would be available at low fees. The market village could serve as an incubator for new businesses. It would provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to “pilot” their business idea, without running the large risk associated with a storefront. Once the business proves to be successful, the hope is it would move into an empty storefront to help revitalize the business district.