County Seeking Bids For Downtown Lot Development
Progress continues on a plan to improve a county-owned 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 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 to help cover costs for construction of a pedestrian walkway and parking area; installation of utilities and interpretive signs; handicapped accessibility, landscaping, benches, comfort facilities and other related site improvements.
Will Hunt, director of Planning/Community Development/GIS Services, provided an update on the project at the March 6 commissioners meeting. He said a bid package for the site work is now being advertised. Assuming that a contractor’s services are secured, construction could begin as soon as late spring. Site work is Phase One of a broader plan.
Phase Two, which currently has no timetable, call for erection of multiple, semi-permanent, short-term rental spaces. Retail space would complement the Potter County Farmers Market, with occupants potentially 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.