Who are we?
Ten Pennsylvania communities were officially selected to participate in Blueprint Communities®, a place-based revitalization initiative created by FHLBank Pittsburgh (FHLBank) and administered by Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC). The initiative provides training and resources to help local leaders create sustainable and thriving communities. Local leaders across Eastern Pennsylvania have formed teams to engage in an 18-month training, planning and implementation process facilitated by PDC. Community teams are comprised of a representative from a FHLBank member institution, First Keystone Community Bank, the Borough of Berwick, and organizational leaders or volunteers such as Community Giving Foundation, For The Cause, Berwick United Way, Berwick Arts Association, Community Strategies Group, Columbia County Redevelopment Authority, and realtor specialists from Key Partners and EXP. Community teams will create a strategy for comprehensive revitalization that focuses on enhancing the quality of life for residents by building up community assets, engaging residents, improving local housing and attracting new businesses and jobs.
What are we doing?
This designation comes at a time when Downtown Berwick has some momentum to build on, with the recent opening of Berwick Innovation Center, the launch of the Berwick Arts District, and a handful of new businesses opening recently. Berwick has proven that a team of talented people willing to commit their time and resources into this program can deliver long term improvements to a neighborhood, and the next 18 months of training and community discussions will provide an opportunity to build community consensus on ways to capitalize on that momentum.
Where are we working?
The focal point for this initiative will be Downtown Berwick and the surrounding residential neighborhoods bordered by Oak Street, 9th Street, and Walnut Street.
