Our
Vision for Ashland
Ashland
shall promote its architecture to both residential and commercial
opportunities. Ashland will also enhance and market its historical
and cultural resources for tourism. Located at the intersection of
Routes 54 and 61, Ashland will serve as a western gateway into the
region.
Ashland shall build upon its potential
for tourism by connecting local historical and cultural sites through
a coordinated transportation and consistent "wayfinding"
system within the region. Ashland shall become the arts and heritage
hub of the region.
About Ashland Downtown,
Inc.
Mission
Statement
Ashland Downtown, Inc. seeks
a vibrant, attractive and historic downtown Ashland by preserving
its architectural charm, promoting economic vitality and marketing
its historic and cultural resources.
Ashland
Downtown, Inc. (ADI) has an action oriented Board of Directors and
Committees focusing their attention on downtown Ashland, but it works
with numerous other entities to initiate, catalyze, and coordinate
positive change. Since its founding in January of 2004 through Upper
Schuylkill Downtowns, ADI has brought together three original collaborators-the
Borough, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce and Ashland Area Historic
Preservation Society with many other relevant entities to address
the critical challenges and opportunities facing the commercial district
and its environs. Since that time ADI has many additional community
partners. Planned and existing efforts to keep the downtown vital
will merely link to create even stronger alloys.
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During the next five years, ADI will
secure the strong foundation established in its founding phase and
will begin to tackle new and bigger projects. Using the proven National
Main Street Four Point Approach-Design, Economic Restructuring, Promotions
and Organization, ADI will strive to accomplish its goals and objectives.
PA Main Street designation is at the forefront of our goals and will
include a Downtown Façade Improvement Program along with many
excellent opportunities for Ashland and the Upper Schuylkill region.
The principle of strong organization will remain front and center,
including both full-time program administration and a well-structured,
well-managed board and committees.
Priorities identified in the recent
Upper Schuylkill regional town meetings included: preserving Ashland's
Victorian architectural charm, shaping the downtown business mix,
improving sidewalks and landscaping, pedestrian safety and traffic
control, communication and signage, clean and green program, and enhancing
our tourism opportunities.
Promotional activities will continue
to expand including both those that enhance interest in the growing
number of Ashland's special events and those that more generally increase
awareness of Ashland's many appeals. Downtown aesthetics will remain
a focus of ADI, through streetscape planning and façade improvements.
Ashland Downtown, Inc. meets on the 3rd Monday of every
month at the Ashland Downtown Center next to Community Banks. New
members are always welcome. If you are interested in becoming active
in Ashland Downtown, Inc. please contact Main Street Manager, Greg
Fisher at 570-875-3571. To contribute to "The Campaign for
Ashland" complete and mail the attached
form to Ashland Downtown, Inc. Community Bank Building,
733 Centre Street, Ashland, PA 17921.
Key ADI accomplishments
since January 2004
- "The Campaign for Ashland" has exceeded
over $201,000 since February 2006.
- Design of professional Ashland Downtown logo
- Ashland Downtown office and meeting room compliments
of Community Bank
- Ashland Downtown office and meeting room furnishings
compliments of M&T Banks
- 501(c)(3) non-profit status
- Successful introductory "Town Meeting"
in May 2004
- Successful Downtown Events and Fundraising
- "AppleFest" held the 3rd Saturday in
October
- "Old Fashioned Christmas" 3rd Saturday
in December
- "Christmas Decorating Contest" 3rd
Friday in December
- "Downtown Farmers Market" every Saturday
morning from Spring to Fall
- "Match the Daily Number" Calendar sales
every May
- Downtown and Tourism Banner Program
- Upper Schuylkill "Welcome to Ashland" outreach
program for new businesses
- Market Research to identify downtown shopper and
demographics
- Completion of Ashland Downtown Profile for submission
to PA State Main Street officials
- Upper Schuylkill/Ashland Pedestrian and Motorist
Safety Program
- Clean and Green program-Gateway landscaping, downtown
planters and clean sweep.
- Successful visioning process through Upper Schuylkill
Downtowns and the Pennsylvania Downtown Center
- Assisted in securing grant awards for Downtown Ashland
and Borough of Ashland with Upper Schuylkill Downtowns in an amount
of $175,000
- Successful participation in all Upper Schuylkill
trainings and promotional activities
- Secured over $30,000 through volunteer fundraising
and downtown events since 2004
- More than $50,000 worth of time contributed
by ADI volunteers (2,500 hours)
- Incubation of "Upper Schuylkill Homecoming"
and decision to share the opportunity with the regional program
to further strengthen the family-like bond of Upper Schuylkill's
Six Great Towns
- Held successful "Town Meeting" on May 17,
2006 for public approval of Downtown Vision, Mission, Goals and
Objectives
- Member PA Downtown Center
- Submitted Main Street Application to DCED on June
13, 2006
- Designated as a PA Main Street Community by the PA
Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) in October,
2006 - $175,000 operating grant over a five year period
- Ashland Downtown Main Street Manager hired April
23, 2007
- Upper Schuylkill and Ashland Downtown, Inc.
Design Challenge Matching Grant Program
kick-off April, 2007
2007-2011 Goals
- DCED Anchor Building Program - $250,000
- Streetscape Improvement Projects
- Downtown Business Recruiting and Retention Program
- Downtown Bench and Receptacle Program
- Joint marketing and promotions with Upper Schuylkill
Downtowns and Ashland tourism attractions
- The increase of Ashland's Tax Base
- Sustainability of the Main Street program beyond
a five-year period
- Continued volunteer development and recruitment
- Continue active participation in the Upper
Schuylkill regional program
Ashland Downtown Partners
