Ashland looks ahead
BY JOHN E. USALIS Times Shamrock
Writer
01/22/2006
ASHLAND - The first meeting of the board of directors
of Ashland Downtown Inc. in 2006 was a busy one, which, according
to the group's president, could be a predictor of things to come for
downtown revitalization.
"We have a huge year coming up and a lot of things
are in the works, including our Streetscape Program," ADI President
Louis R. Rader said at the meeting. "That's one thing. We have
a significant amount of money that we anticipate coming into the community.
We also anticipate applying for Main Street Program involvement with
Pennsylvania Downtown Center and DCED (Department of Community and
Economic Development)."
Rader said as the revitalization initiative continues
forward, it could eventually lead to a full-time Main Street manager,
which would "really help us turn the corner on revitalization.
"We're really moving along, and that coupled with
the fact that Upper Schuylkill Downtowns and the resources available
there, such as the Facade Improvement Program, we'll have opportunities
to get some additional dollars in our community."
A major step forward for ADI is its qualification as
a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, which will not only provide
certain benefits for ADI, but also to those who donate to the organization.
"When I say we have a huge year coming up, it has
started within the past week or so. Tonight, I am pleased to be able
to announce to the entire board of directors that we have been approved
for 501(c)3 status," Rader said.
To speak about filing the application with the Internal
Revenue Service and its ramifications was attorney Keith Strouse of
the law firm Strouse and Strouse, Ashland. Strouse has been involved
with ADI since its inception and he prepared the documentation that
lead to the 501(c)3 approval.
"The 501(c)3 status covers a broad range of organizations,
from Bill Gates' private foundation to local churches," said
Strouse. "More importantly, within a 501(c)3 designation, you
are classified as a public charity under Section 170 of the code because
you want your cash and in-kind contributions to be eligible for tax
deductions, which they generally are. It's the best status that you
can get."
Donations to ADI are now deductible to the maximum amount
allowed by law. Strouse pointed out that the ADI's not-for-profit
status came through an "advance ruling" by the IRS.
"What that means is that in 2008, you'll get a
letter from the IRS asking what you've been doing since 2004, especially
what your finances look like since 2004, where you've gotten money
in from and what you've done with the money," Strouse said.
Strouse explained that once that report is reviewed
by the IRS and it passes muster, then ADI would get a final or "definitive"
ruling of its not-for-profit status.
With the new status, ADI is required to file a federal
income tax return if gross receipts of cash and in-kind donations
are more than $25,000.
At the announcement, the board applauded Strouse for
the work done in getting the 501(c)3 status for the organization.
With the organization preparing to move into high gear
in its programs and with the success of community events like AppleFest
and Old Fashioned Christmas, Rader reminded the committee members
and other volunteers who have dropped away to reconsider their commitment
and become active again.
"I just want to throw out the importance of the
commitment that we made two years ago," Rader said. "A lot
of things keep people involved and a lot of things pull people away.
We recognize that fact. But when we started, we indicated that it
would be a very long-term process and that we should not expect immediate
results for our efforts."
Rader said that the hard work is paying off and this
is the time to stay onboard.
"Getting into the Main Street Program would really
mean that we've turned the corner on what we originally committed
to do to, really start to prepare for the revitalization of downtown
Ashland. I really believe we're on the cusp of making that happen,"
said Rader.
He encouraged everyone to get involved and prepare for
potential acceptance into the Main Street Program by May.
"We need as many people as we can to achieve the
goals we have set for ourselves," said Rader.
In other business, the board elected Ellen Sosnoski
as secretary. She replaces Bonni Klingerman, who stepped down from
the post for personal reasons, but will remain on the board of directors.
Rader welcomed David Scasta and Robert Keiper to the
meeting and their future participation in the downtown revitalization
effort.
Following the recent burglary spree of five businesses,
ADI announced a $500 reward to anyone providing information leading
to the arrest and prosecution of the culprits. Half of the reward
was provided through an anonymous donor, with the remaining $250 provided
by ADI.
Since the arrest of the two teen suspects was accomplished
without the need of the reward money, the board set aside the funds
in case they are needed in the future for a similar reason.
© The REPUBLICAN & Herald
2007
< Back to News
