Bob's Blog
Streetscaping in Warren
Yesterday I toured Warren’s exciting streetscape project with Mayor Phillips, City Manager Nelles, and Commissioner Eggleston. After seeing how the city has tied this project to their convention center, hotel, and other downtown developments, I was very proud to have helped secure the funds required. This funding will help advance streetscaping improvements in Warren such as new, wider, sidewalks that will accommodate café tables, a fountain in the center of town, and attractive plantings and landscaping.
My guide for the tour, Chris Cheronis, exemplified the can-do initiative that has made Warren a wonderful example of how smaller towns across our state can re-invent themselves to attract jobs and future business opportunities to our state.
Rebuilding Oil City
On Monday morning, Mayor Hawkins and Commissioner Beichner showed me around the Brody block urban renewal project in Oil City. Situated in the heart of downtown, Brody block is in desperate need of repair. Through funding from the Community Block Development Grant program, Oil City is redeveloping the area and providing new business, arts, and cultural opportunities, making Oil City more attractive to new employers.
I also had the opportunity to view firsthand the Oil City flood control device across the Allegheny River. This 28 year-old structure has prevented many floods over the years, but is past its usable life and in need of replacement.
Both of these projects are priorities for Oil City and when I return to Washington I will examine possible ways that I can provide assistance.