COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Honesdale, Hawley and White Mills Heritage Communities Program
2012
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance HONESDALE, HAWLEY AND WHITE MILLS HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER/Subsection Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
COMMUNITY WORKPLAN SUMMARY 1
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 3 Heritage Communities Program 3
COMMUNITY INVENTORIES 4 Community and Area Overview 4 Location Map 5 Demographics 6 Economics 8 Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites and Themes 16 Historical Markers 25 Cultural History 26 Community Inventories – Museums 36 Community Events and Activities 38 Regional Attractions and Resources 40 Local Recreation Related Resources 48 Inventory and Survey of Businesses 52 Business Survey 56 Physical and Non-Physical Conditions 67 Transportation System 70 Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis 80
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION 94 Public Input First Workshop – The Wish List 94 Second Workshop – Planning Charrette 96 Third Workshop – Draft Presentation and Comments 103 Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview 104
IMPLEMENTATION 107 Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts 107 Tourism and Economics 108 Implementation Matrix 112 Summary of Recommendations 124 Interpretive Planning Statement 135 Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement 137 Wayfinding Planning Statement 139 Heritage Resource Development/Physical Enhancement Planning Statement 142 i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This planning effort represents a relatively new approach to heritage planning being implemented by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance. The concept was locally developed during early Route 6 heritage planning and refined with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) who insisted that the Heritage Communities Program be premised on the engagement of the community . In short, DCNR wanted this to be “grass roots” and not “top down” planning requiring the establishment of the Heritage Community Stakeholders Groups in each Heritage Community. This was envisioned to be a group of area residents who met throughout this process and even spearheaded several early action implementation actions. Members of the Honesdale, Hawley and White Mills Stakeholders Group represented a cross-section of the communities and met on numerous occasions between March 2011 and January 2012, and also helped during this period in conducting Community Workshops and a Planning Charrette. In addition, many other residents participated in various public forums such as during the focus group meetings during the Planning Charrette and at the various Community Workshops. The coordination provided by the staff of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance throughout the process as the local liaison and later the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance planning team was also important in the development of this WorkPlan.
Major project funding for the Heritage Communities Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, through the Heritage Areas Program under the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a local contribution from communities involved.
Last but not least, a special thanks to the residents, business community and especially the members of the Stakeholders Group who not only embraced this program and participated, but more importantly showed a genuine appreciation of the many resources and assets of the communities and region.
ii HONESDALE, HAWLEY AND WHITE MILLS HERITAGE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Background
A Community WorkPlan is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program. It is intended to establish an action-oriented framework for local heritage and community planning and implementation in Heritage Communities along Route 6. This is a WorkPlan for the Honesdale and Hawley area surrounding region. While the document is important in itself the process gone through to prepare it is probably more important. In this regard local engagement is not only important but is required.
The process involved the engagement and discussion with a local Stakeholders Group that was involved throughout the planning period. The document attempts to aggregate and synthesize the input and recommendations of this Group, also taking into account public input received at Community Workshops and a planning charrette. The document and process also involves original and secondary research gathered by the Route 6 planning team. The WorkPlan is organized as follows:
BACKGROUND ACTIVITIES – DESCRIPTION Honesdale, Hawley and White Mills Heritage Communities Program Community Inventories - Themes and Sites, Heritage, Community Events, Businesses, Physical and Non-Physical Needs and Visual Conditions and Design Analysis
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION Public Input review and Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview Issues and Opportunities Statement
IMPLEMENTATION - Planning Statements and Implementation Strategy
Overview
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program recognizes that the action-oriented framework requires attention to both physical and non-physical needs that address the Visitor’s Experience and the Community Context. Each has an impact on the other, and the latter frames and directly affects the former. Thus the Community WorkPlan must enhance the Study Area as a destination and a stopover, without negatively affecting the quality of life and community characteristics that make it a great place to reside. In essence then, this entire process is an attempt to address tourism in a context-sensitive manner. In this
1 regard, we recommend a number of enhancements including the following more significant ones:
Visitor Experience Enhancement – “things to see and do”
Interactive interpretive enhancements – interconnected “smart kiosks” and other displays focused on major themes and corresponding local sites Coordinated regional promotional and marketing efforts – brochures, itineraries, apps and web-based efforts relaying a clear and focused message on regional and local resources, attractions and themes Re-evaluation and search for a new business plan for the rail excursion – as part of a two-way transportation system transporting people to attractions and locations along a scenic and historic line Regional Wayfinding Signage – at critical attractions and intersections Additional events/activities – may include Rail/Canal-Fest, Baseball Heritage event, river-based activities, etc. Partnering with allied heritage organizations and tourism development and promotion agencies Completion of trail segments linking sections of area and specific resources
The Community Context – addressing local needs
Gateway Enhancements Continued pedestrian-oriented downtown efforts focused on specialty retail, hospitality, arts and related Select façade and streetscape enhancements Relatively minor revisions to local regulatory framework Continued implementation of plans for Lock 31 Museum and White Mills Master Plan
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BACKGROUND ACTIVITIES – DESCRIPTION
The Heritage Communities Program is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corporation, focused on strengthening the many vibrant communities along the Route 6 Corridor in Pennsylvania. The Program was developed by local stakeholders involved in the development of the Pennsylvania Route 6: Our Heritage and a Destination for the Future – Framework for Action during 2001- 03. These stakeholders have developed the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program that requires communities – their leaders, business community and residents – to buy into the heritage tourism concept and process. The program provides assistance to Route 6 communities in first identifying and localizing heritage tourism sites, resources and themes; then developing ways to enhance and refine these resources; and finally a way to sustain local heritage tourism. This assumes a very inclusive grass-roots process involving local residents, which will have an important side-benefit of making the community a better place in which to live as well as visit.
The key to the Program is to identify and capitalize on the unique qualities of select communities on the Corridor that reflect the themes of Route 6. These themes are as follows:
Warrior’s Road honoring the epic stories of the warriors of many races, genders and times fought or lived along the Corridor; The many Natural Opportunities utilized and enjoyed by hunters, fishermen, oilmen, tanners and miners of the region, and the changes in the view of natural resources; The rough terrain required Engineer’s Challenge to be met by spectacular feats of civil engineering that made Northern Pennsylvania and its resources more accessible; The region has provided New Beginnings and Safe Havens for a diverse group including Connecticut Yankees, French Aristocrats and escaping slaves; Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs of the region whose ideas and achievements inspired and transformed the region and the country; and The region’s recognized position as an Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise offering active and passive recreational opportunities year-round.
The Program is premised on providing technical assistance to the communities in interpreting and localizing these themes.
Honesdale, Hawley Heritage and White Mills Communities Program
The unique qualities of the Pennsylvania US Route 6 Corridor are created and affected by the communities along its length. Descriptions of the Corridor often tout the unhurried, small-town ambiance that has not been traded for a “brand
3 name drive-through identity”. The Route 6 Community identity is authentic and individual and is not contrived. Route 6 heritage planning recognizes that this “community identity” must be maintained and strengthened if heritage tourism is to prosper along the Corridor.
A request on behalf of City of Honesdale and Hawley was a successful applicant in the fifth round of the Heritage Communities Program, joining the following: st 1 Round: Smethport nd 2 Round: Corry/Union City rd 3 Round: Potter County (Austin, Coudersport and Galeton) th 4 Round: Conneaut Lake, Youngsville, Waymart and Wyalusing
A local visioning and participation process was carried out to establish the elements of a local heritage tourism effort meeting the orientation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 tourism effort while addressing local issues, themes and resources. This approach is identified in this planning document – referred to as a Community WorkPlan . As such, it is an action-oriented document that builds on past tourism planning, as well as regional and local efforts.
Community Inventories - Community and Area Overview
There is a very strong identity and attachment to Honesdale and Hawley and a core of highly motivated and engaged people who want to improve it . The concept of “Honesdale and Hawley” appears to transcend the Borough’s themselves and includes portions of the surrounding region as well. The distance between Honesdale and Hawley is approximately 9 miles. The relative location and approximate distance between Honesdale and Hawley and other nearby communities is below:
Community Average Approximate Distance (Honesdale-Hawley) Waymart 12 miles Milford 30 miles Scranton (near I-81/I-476) 36 miles Tunkhannock 50 miles Wilkes-Barre (near I-81) 53 miles Wyalusing 72 miles Allentown (near I-78/I-476) 82 miles Binghamton, NY (near I-81 & I-86) 84 miles New York City, NY 102 miles Mansfield 125 miles Philadelphia 147 miles White Haven (near I-80/I-476) 167 miles Smethport 209 miles Conneaut Lake 341 miles
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The 2010 Census population for Wayne County, the Borough of Honesdale and the Borough of Hawley and the combined area of Honesdale and Hawley are identified on Table 1 in addition to the actual Census figures for 1990 and 2000.
Wayne County experienced a population increase of 19.50% between 1990 and 2000 and an increase of 10.69% between 2000 and 2010. Between 1990 and 2010, Wayne County’s population increased by 12,878 persons. Honesdale Borough experienced an 1.97% decrease in population between 1990 and 2000 and between 2000 and 2010 the Borough continued to lose population declining by approximately 8% in that period. Overall, the population in Honesdale Borough has decreased by approximately 492 individuals (9.9%) since 1990. Hawley Borough experienced a population increase of approximately 4.7% between 1990 and 2000, however between 2000 and 2010, the population declined by 7.06%. Overall, the population in Hawley Borough has decreased by only approximately 33 individuals (2.65%) since 1990. The 2010 population in Texas Township (2,569) is approximately the same as its 1990 population (2,570). Between 1990 and 2000 the population decreased by 2.7% and increase by the same 2.7% between 2000 and 2010. Palmyra Township experienced significant population increases between 1990 and 2000 (24.5%) and between 2000 and 2010 (18.8%). Overall, the population in Palmyra Township increased by approximately 434 individuals (47.95%) since 1990.
TABLE 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – 1990-2010 Honesdale and Hawley Heritage Communities Program Area
% % % Area 1990 2000 Change 2010 Change Change Population Population 1990- Population 2000- 1990- 2000 2010 2010 Wayne County 39,944 47,722 19.50% 52,822 10.69% 32.24% Honesdale Borough 4,972 4,874 -1.97% 4,480 -8.08% -9.90% Hawley Borough 1,244 1,303 4.74% 1,211 -7.06% -2.65% Texas Township 2,570 2,501 -2.71 2,569 2.71 0.03% Palmyra Township 905 1,127 24.5% 1,339 18.8% 47.95% Combined Area 9,691 9,805 1.18% 9,599 -2.10% -0.95% Source: US Census Bureau
Overall, the data shows that since 2000 Honesdale and Hawley have lost population at a time when Texas and Palmyra Townships and Wayne County have gained population. Taken together, the combined area had a 2000 population of 9,805 and a 2010 population of 9,599, resulting in an overall decline of 2.10%.
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Larger Region
Wayne and its four neighboring Pennsylvania Counties including Susquehanna, Lackawanna, Monroe and Pike all experienced population increases between 2000 and 2010. In fact, Pike (23.9%) and Monroe (22.5%) Counties were the two fastest growing counties in eastern Pennsylvania and were among the three fastest growing counties statewide during this period. Taken together, Wayne and its neighboring Counties experienced a 10.2% increase in population from 488,244 in 2000 to 537,826 in 2010.
Population Projections
Projecting populations at a local level is a challenge given the many variables that affect population (i.e. migration patterns, mortality, age profile, household size/profile, market forces, etc.) and the general lack of verifiable information. Projections for places experiencing spikes in growth or decline are especially challenging. In the former case then, it is not surprising that relatively recent population projections for Wayne County for 2010 were somewhat off.
Population projections are available through 2030 on a county basis through the Pennsylvania State Data Center. The 2010 projected population for Wayne County was 52,499 or approximately 0.61% lower than the 2010 population as per the US Census. Thus, the projected 0.01% average annual increase by PDC was not met.
Population projections were also prepared by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PaDEP) for the 2008 update of the State Water Plan. The 2010 projected population for Wayne County was 53,745 or approximately 1.7% higher than the 2010 population as per the US Census
The above description is not a criticism but a notation since, as shown above; published projections have underestimated and overestimated the 2010 population. Therefore projections for subsequent years would likely be off as well. Instead of replicating these projections, it appears safe to say that population declines are likely to continue for Honesdale and Hawley and increases are likely to continue for Wayne County.
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Economics
Employment and Number of Establishments
The economic base of Wayne County has undergone change throughout the recent and distant history. Economists look at employment bases in several ways, including by place of residence (where employees reside) and by place of work (where people work regardless of where they live). The decennial Census is the place where information by place of residence is available on a municipal basis. Given the age of available Census data (i.e. 2000) this data is not meaningful at the time of this writing in 2011. Given the fact that detailed 2010 Census data is not anticipated for awhile, this study uses more recent place of work data even though it is available only on the County basis. Overall, place of work data has been found to be a better barometer of local economic activity in Route 6 economic analyses anyway.
Before reviewing this data for Wayne County descriptive background information is reviewed. Table 2 reviews and compares information from two recent County Business Patterns reports. County Business Patterns is an annual series that provides sub-national economic data by industry. The series is useful for studying the economic activity of small areas; analyzing economic changes over time; and as a benchmark for statistical series, surveys, and databases between economic censuses. Businesses use the data for analyzing market potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting sales quotas, and developing budgets. Government agencies use the data for administration and planning.
County Business Patterns covers most of the country's economic activity. The series excludes data on self-employed individuals, employees of private households, railroad employees, agricultural production employees, and most government employees.
The information is establishment based. An establishment is a single physical location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are performed. It is not necessarily identical with a company or enterprise, which may consist of one or more establishments. When two or more activities are carried on at a single location under a single ownership, all activities generally are grouped together as a single establishment. The entire establishment is classified on the basis of its major activity and all data are included in that classification. Table 2 identifies them as firms in the respective years compared.
Paid employment consists of full- and part-time employees, including salaried officers and executives of corporations, who are on the payroll in the pay period including March 12. Included are employees on paid sick leave, holidays, and vacations; not included are proprietors and partners of unincorporated businesses.
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TABLE 2 ECONOMIC PROFILE AND CHANGE Wayne County 2000-2009
2000 2009 % 2000 2009 % Economic Sector Employees Employees Change Firms Firms Change Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture support 15 0-19 NA 9 8 -11.1% Mining 28 20-99 NA 7 10 42.9% Utilities 138 20-99 NA 15 14 -6.7% Construction 1,027 1,209 17.7% 205 196 -4.4% Manufacturing 978 735 -24.8% 68 59 -13.2% Wholesale trade 310 371 19.7% 42 34 -19.0% Retail trade 2,659 2,793 5.0% 253 235 -7.1% Transportation & warehousing 278 292 5.0% 55 60 9.1% Information 412 252 -38.8% 34 28 -17.6% Finance & insurance 580 508 -12.4% 62 69 11.3% Real estate & rental & leasing 101 119 17.8% 39 35 -10.3% Professional, scientific & technical services 415 366 -11.8% 99 96 -3.0% Management of companies & enterprises 0-19 35 NA 2 3 50.0% Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation services 400 737 84.3% 55 61 10.9% Educational services 73 59 -19.2% 9 7 -22.2% Health care and social assistance 2,200 2,302 4.6% 97 127 30.9% Arts, entertainment & recreation 322 141 -56.2% 30 26 -13.3% Accommodation & food services 2,344 1,608 -31.4% 166 154 -7.2% Other services (except public administration) 854 1,075 25.9% 150 150 0.0% Unclassified establishments 20-99 0-19 NA 23 1 -95.7% Total 13,160 12,739 -3.2% 1,420 1373 -3.3% Source: US Census Bureau; County Business Patterns Note: Ranges in italics are all that are available for certain sectors, precluding determination of exact percentages
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Data presented on Table 2 above suggests the following trends as reflected in employment and/or number of establishments:
• Employment in manufacturing is very important even though employee levels (-24.8%) and number of firms (-13.2%) have declined during the 2000-2009 period. Another local anchor retailing has experienced an increase in number of employees (5%) but a decrease (7.1%) in the number of employers.
• On the positive side, health care and social services have sustained impressive increases in employment as well as the number of establishments involved. This sector added 102 employees and 30 establishments in the period reviewed.
• Also on the positive side, the Construction (17.7%), Wholesale Trade (19.7%) and Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation services (84.3%) sectors all experienced significant increases in employee numbers.
• Two sectors classically associated with tourism (in addition to retail) are the arts/entertainment/recreation and accommodations/food services. The arts/entertainment/recreation saw significant decreases in the number of employees (56.2%) and establishments (13.3%). Accommodations/food services also experienced a decrease in number of employees (31.4%) and establishments (7.2%) during the 2000-2009 period.
Unfortunately, reliable information on a small municipal basis is only available via the US Census, reflects data by place of residence and more recent data is not anticipated until 2012. Other relevant economic figures and trends are summarized below:
• Place of residence data shows that the total civilian labor force (not seasonally adjusted) in Wayne County for December 2009 was 25,200, of which 23,100 were employed and 2,100 were unemployed. The unemployment rate was 8.2% at the time the statewide rate was 8.5%.
• The average weekly wage for Wayne County in 1st Quarter 2009 was $580, 67% of the statewide weekly wage of $861. This would be equivalent to $14.5 per hour or $30,160 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked the year around.
• Average weekly wages varied considerable among the County’s economic segments in 2009. o Accommodation and Food Services - $365 o Health Care and Social Assistance - $594 o Manufacturing - $704 o Retailing - $453
10 Market Segmentation
Econometrics is a field always showing sophistication and even localization. One approach in understanding economic markets is the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM segmentation system that brings together household and geographic level data. PRIZM attempts to capture demographic and lifestyle data to help companies target their customers. It also provides those not marketing a good or service with a “snapshot” view, perhaps oversimplified, of how small areas (i.e. Zip Code level) may be profiled. The PRIZM model contains 66 segments consistent at both the household and geodemographic levels. The 66-segment model resulted from standard demographic measures – Age, Income, Presence of Children, Marital Status, Homeownership and Urban/city. The most common PRIZM segments and larger social groups identified for Honesdale and the surrounding 18431 and Hawley and the surrounding 18428 zip code areas are as follows:
Honesdale:
Blue Highways (Lower-Middle income, Middle Aged, Mostly w/o Kids) - On maps, blue highways are often two-lane roads that wind through remote stretches of the American landscape. Among lifestyles, Blue Highways is the standout for lower- middle-class residents who live in isolated towns and farmsteads. Here, Boomer men like to hunt and fish; the women enjoy sewing and crafts, and everyone looks forward to going out to a country music concert. Heartlanders (Lower-Middle income, Older Mostly w/o Kids) - America was once a land of small middle-class towns, which can still be found today among Heartlanders. This widespread segment consists of older couples with white- collar jobs living in sturdy, unpretentious homes. In these communities of small families and empty-nesting couples, Heartlanders residents pursue a rustic lifestyle where hunting and fishing remain prime leisure activities along with cooking, sewing, camping, and boating. Simple Pleasures (Lower-Mid income, Mature, Mostly w/o Kids) - With more than two-thirds of its residents over 65 years old, Simple Pleasures is mostly a retirement lifestyle: a neighborhood of lower-middle-class singles and couples living in modestly priced homes. Many are high school-educated seniors who held blue-collar jobs before their retirement. And a disproportionate number served in the military, so many residents are members of veterans clubs.
The above three segment are within the Middle America social group , which is categorized as including lower-middle-class homeowners living in small towns and remote exurbs. Typically found in scenic settings throughout the nation's heartland, Middle Americans tend to be white, high school educated, living as couples or larger families, and ranging in age from under 25 to over 65. Like many residents of remote communities, these conservative consumers tend to prefer traditional rural pursuits: fishing, hunting, making crafts, antique collecting, watching television, and meeting at civic and veterans clubs for recreation and companionship.
Old Milltowns (Downscale, Mature, Mostly w/o Kids) - America's once-thriving mining and manufacturing towns have aged--as have the residents in Old Milltowns communities. Today, the majority of residents are retired singles and couples, living on downscale incomes in pre-1960 homes and apartments. For
11 leisure, they enjoy gardening, sewing, socializing at veterans clubs, or eating out at casual restaurants. Crossroads Villagers (Downscale, Older w/o Kids) - With a population of white- collar couples and families, Crossroads Villagers is a classic rural lifestyle. Residents are high school-educated, with downscale incomes and modest housing; one-quarter live in mobile homes. And there's an air of self-reliance in these households as Crossroads Villagers help put food on the table through fishing, gardening, and hunting.
The above two segments are within the larger Rustic Living social group, which is categorized as including the nation's rural towns and villages, having relatively modest incomes, low education levels, aging houses and blue-collar occupations. Many of the residents, a mix of young singles and seniors, are unmarried. Typically, these consumers spend their leisure time in such traditional small-town activities as fishing and hunting, attending social activities at the local church and veterans club, and enjoying country music and car racing.
Hawley:
Traditional Times (Upper-Middle income, Older w/o Kids) - Traditional Times is the kind of lifestyle where small-town couples nearing retirement are beginning to enjoy their first empty-nest years. Typically in their fifties and sixties, these upper- middle-class Americans pursue a kind of granola-and-grits lifestyle. On their coffee tables are magazines with titles like Country Living and Country Home. But they're big travelers, especially in recreational vehicles and campers. Mayberry-ville (Upper-Middle income, Older w/o Kids) - Like the old Andy Griffith Show set in a quaint picturesque berg, Mayberry-ville harks back to an old-fashioned way of life. In these small towns, upper-middle-class couples like to fish and hunt during the day, and stay home and watch TV at night. With lucrative blue-collar jobs and moderately priced housing, residents use their discretionary cash to purchase boats, campers, motorcycles, and pickup trucks.
The above two segments are within the larger Country Comfort social group , which is categorized as predominantly white, upper-middle-class homeowners who live in placid towns and scenic bedroom communities. They tend to be married, mostly between the ages of 25 and 54, with or without children. They enjoy comfortable upscale lifestyles, exhibiting high indices for barbecuing, bar- hopping, and playing golf as well as home-based activities such as gardening, woodworking, and crafts. Reflecting their rural, family environment, they prefer trucks, SUVs, and minivans to cars.
Heartlanders (Lower-Middle income, Older Mostly w/o Kids) - America was once a land of small middle-class towns, which can still be found today among Heartlanders. This widespread segment consists of older couples with white- collar jobs living in sturdy, unpretentious homes. In these communities of small families and empty-nesting couples, Heartlanders residents pursue a rustic lifestyle where hunting and fishing remain prime leisure activities along with cooking, sewing, camping, and boating. Simple Pleasures (Lower-Mid income, Mature, Mostly w/o Kids) - With more than two-thirds of its residents over 65 years old, Simple Pleasures is mostly a 12 retirement lifestyle: a neighborhood of lower-middle-class singles and couples living in modestly priced homes. Many are high school-educated seniors who held blue-collar jobs before their retirement. And a disproportionate number served in the military, so many residents are members of veterans clubs.
The above two segments are within the larger Middle America social group , which is categorized as including lower-middle-class homeowners living in small towns and remote exurbs. Typically found in scenic settings throughout the nation's heartland, Middle Americans tend to be white, high school educated, living as couples or larger families, and ranging in age from under 25 to over 65. Like many residents of remote communities, these conservative consumers tend to prefer traditional rural pursuits: fishing, hunting, making crafts, antique collecting, watching television, and meeting at civic and veterans clubs for recreation and companionship.
Back Country Folks (Downscale, Older Mostly w/o Kids) - Strewn among remote farm communities across the nation, Back Country Folks are a long way away from economic paradise. The residents tend to be poor, over 55 years old and living in older, modest-sized homes and manufactured housing. Typically, life in this segment is a throwback to an earlier era when farming dominated the American landscape.
The above segment is within the larger Rustic Living social group. These segments represent the nation's rural towns and villages, having relatively modest incomes, low education levels, aging houses and blue-collar occupations. Many of the residents, a mix of young singles and seniors, are unmarried. Typically, these consumers spend their leisure time in such traditional small-town activities as fishing and hunting, attending social activities at the local church and veterans club, and enjoying country music and car racing.
The above segments and social groups may be an oversimplification, but the demographic data taken into consideration by the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM system suggest the existence of both upper-middle and lower income segments of the Honesdale and Hawley area community. While PRIZM suggests some commonality between Honesdale and Hawley, there are some differences such as the presence of Old Milltown and Crossroads Villagers only in Honesdale and the Mayberry-ville and Back Country Folks only in Hawley.
13 Tourism Spending Patterns
General spending and related economic impacts for tourism are included in a series of reports entitled The Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism in Pennsylvania (Global Insight), which tracts spending patterns at the County level. Between 2004-07 visitor spending in Wayne County increased by 1.9%, from $138.61 million to $141.27 million. However the percentage share of the total county economy from visitor spending fell from 6.1% in 2004 to 5.3% in 2007. The following summarizes visitor spending by category (dollars in Millions):
Category 2004 2007 % Change
Transportation $34.15 $32.43 - 5.04% Food & Beverage $21.44 $21.70 + 1.21% Lodging $45.19 $47.52 + 5.16% Shopping $21.88 $25.02 + 14.35% Entertainment $ 9.78 $ 7.41 - 24.23% Other $ 6.17 $ 7.19 + 16.53% TOTAL $138.61 $141.27 + 1.92%
The largest individual segments are lodging and transportation, transportation showed a 5% decrease in spending between 2004 and 2007 while spending increased for lodging by 5.16%. All segments with the exception of transportation and entertainment showed increases during this period. The decline in transportation and entertainment spending also was seen in the other Pennsylvania Northeast Mountains region counties during this period (i.e. Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Bradford and Wyoming).
Tourism Employment Impacts
The same report noted above reveals that in 2007, 2,023 people in Wayne County were directly employed in tourism-based businesses, approximately 4% below the figure for 2004. When adding those persons indirectly benefiting from tourism (i.e. suppliers of tourism businesses, impacts of buying power from those directly employed in tourism, and other secondary beneficiaries), a total of 3,102 persons are affected by tourism employment, representing nearly 17% of the County’s economy. Wages from those directly employed in tourism businesses amounted to $54.4 million in 2007, approximately 1.4% higher than the 2004 figure. Again, when considering those directly and indirectly benefitting from tourism, the 2007 figure is around $96.3 million.
14 Localized Information
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan (2008) helps localize the direct impacts alluded to above. In 2008 the following summarizes the tourism infrastructure in the Honesdale and Hawley area:
There were 17 establishments in Honesdale and 13 establishments in Hawley categorized as offering accommodations and food services, including motels/inns, diners, fine dining, fast food and grocery stores; There were 12 arts, recreation and entertainment establishments in Honesdale including art galleries, fitness centers, museums and historical sites and 5 in Hawley including an art gallery, golf course and historical sites and marinas; and There were 51 tourism-oriented retail/service establishments in Honesdale and 10 in Hawley ranging from performance arts and artisans to bowling and convenience stores to pet care.
Finally, the Pennsylvania Travel Profile presents an overview of overnight leisure travel for the Pocono Mountains Region (2007), summarized as follows:
Median Age: 46 Median Household Income: $73,200 Traveling Party: Couples Primary Purpose of Stay: Getaway Weekend Average length of Stay: 3.5 days Primary Accommodations: Hotel/Motel and Private Home Top Activities: Dining, Shopping, Sightseeing and Entertainment Secondary Activities: Nature-based Activities, Visit Historic Site Average Per Diem Expenditures: $98.00/person/per day Average Per Trip Expenditures: $1,006 per travel party/per trip
The above suggests an older and more affluent travel party with no children, spending more and staying for a slightly shorter period than travel parties profiled elsewhere along the corridor.
15 Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes
This subsection outlines existing and demolished structures and sites having some role in the heritage of Honesdale, White Mills, and Hawley. The Study Area includes the Boroughs of Honesdale, Hawley and Bethany, and portions of the townships of Texas (including White Mills), Canaan, Berlin, Cherry Ridge, Dyberry, Paupack and Palmyra in Wayne County, Pennsylvania.
National Register Sites and Properties
The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as the standard for preservation efforts (Section 101). It is the “hall of fame” of places that are important to the American people. To be eligible for listing on the National Register, a property must pass a rigorous review at the state and federal level. It is not easy to list a property on the National Register, so the properties that are listed are truly worthy of preservation.
The National Register recognizes several categories of resources including single objects, structures, or buildings and groups of resources within a site or district. Regardless of category, the resource must possess integrity of location, design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The property must also be significant, as determined by these criteria:
It must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or It must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or It must embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction, or o Represent the work of a master, or o Possess high artistic values, or o Represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components may lack individual distinction, or It must have yielded, or be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or history (abstracted from 36 CFR Part 60.4).
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) maintains an inventory of historic properties. It includes not only those that have been listed on the National Register but also those that have been determined to be eligible for listing. It also lists resources that have been reported by professional and amateur archaeologists and historians that have not been fully evaluated regarding the National Register criteria but which appear to meet those criteria or are important to a local community.
The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) records identify eight (8) resources that have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These are summarized on Table 3. In addition to these, twenty-six (26) properties have been determined eligible for listing on the National Register. These are summarized in Table 4. Most of these resources are in Honesdale (2 listed/18 eligible); Hawley has two (2) listed and two (2) eligible; Texas Township, 16 including White Mills, has one listed and three (3) eligible; Palmyra Township has one listed and one eligible; Bethany Borough has two (2) listed and one eligible; and Berlin Township has one eligible resource.
TABLE 3 Properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Description Municipality Location Resource Comments Category Delaware & Hudson Honesdale 1810 Main St Building National Historic Canal Company Borough Landmark Office Honesdale Honesdale District Residential Historic Borough District Wilmot Mansion Bethany Borough Building Built 1827 Wilmot House Bethany Borough Building Built 1911 Dorflinger, Eugene, Texas Township Building Built 1865 Estate Bellemonte Silk Mill Hawley Borough 230 Wellwood Ave Building Built 1880 O’Connor, J. S., Hawley Borough 120 Falls Ave Building Built 1890 American Rich Cut Glass Daniels Farm/Hintze Palmyra Township US Route 6 Building Built 1820 Hotel/New Castle Delaware & Hudson Honesdale District Built 1830 Canal Company Borough, Texas Gravity Railroad Township, and (Honesdale to others Scranton) Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CR GIS; accessed October 31, 2011.
17 TABLE 4 Properties Determined to be Eligible for Listing on the National Register of Historic Places
Description Municipality Location Resource Comments Category Honesdale Post Office Honesdale 830 Main St Building Built 1935 Borough Wayne County Courthouse Honesdale Court St Building Built 1879 Borough Honesdale Coal Pockets Honesdale Structure Built 1899 Borough Honesdale Downtown Historic Honesdale District Earliest building District Borough dates to 1826 Honesdale Coal Company Honesdale Brown St Building Built 1919 Elevator Borough Lenz/Anderson/Brotsman Honesdale 325 Willow St Building Built 1850 House Borough Tracyville Store Honesdale 345 Willow Building Built 1850 Borough Ave Deitzer, Edward & Christina, Honesdale 301 Willow Building Built 1900 House Borough Ave O’Malley, Martin J., House Honesdale 307 Willow Building Built 1869 Borough Ave. Stanton/Knapp House Honesdale 105 Brown St Building Built 1869 Borough Brown/Dorbad House Honesdale 109 Brown St Building Built 1870 Borough Honesdale 347 Willow St Building Built 1900 Borough Honesdale 349 Willow St Building Built 1840 Borough White, Ephraim V., House Honesdale 351 Willow St Building Built 1840 Borough Buckley House Honesdale 104 Tryon St Building Built 1920 Borough City Hall Honesdale 958 Main St Building Built 1892 Borough Hotel Wayne Honesdale Main St Building Built 1892 Borough Grace Episcopal Church Honesdale 827 Church St Building Borough D&H Lockhouse #31, Palmyra US Route 6 Site Prehistoric and Daniel House, Hintze Hotel Township historic archaeological site Atkinson, Joseph, House Hawley Borough 528 Academy Building Built 1861 St Berlin Baptist Church Berlin Township Brook Rd Building Built 1849 Bethany Historic District Bethany Borough District Earliest building dates from 1799 White Mills Industrial Historic Texas Township District Buildings date District from 1870 Holbert, D., Canal Store Texas Township Building Built 1850 Holbert, Decatur, Farmstead Texas Township Building Built 1850 Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CR GIS; accessed October 31, 2011.
18 The PHMC lists other properties in their database that have historical value. They were recorded but have not yet been evaluated or are ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. These resources are summarized in Tables 5 and 6.
TABLE 5 Known Historic Properties
Address Municipality Historic Name National Resource Date Register Category Built Status 823 Church St Honesdale Borough Zaner-Bloser Building Undetermined Building 1863 (Whitney House) 10 th St Honesdale Borough Old Stone Jail Undetermined Building 1858 115 9 th St Honesdale Borough Dimmick, Samuel Law Undetermined Building 1859 Offices Brown St Honesdale Borough Brown St Bridge No. Ineligible Structure 1942 19 Brown St Honesdale Borough Cortright & Son Ineligible Building 1897 Warehouse Honesdale Borough Undetermined Structure 1936 Honesdale Borough Undetermined Structure 1905 Park St Honesdale Borough Park St Bridge Ineligible Structure 1915 Honesdale Borough Kelz, Julius W., Ineligible Building 1892 Bottling Works 554 Riverside Dr Honesdale Borough Fitzsimmons, Francis Ineligible Building 1913 G., House 117 Grandview Honesdale Borough Hiller, Edward & Ineligible Building 1930 Ave Gladys, House 121 Grandview Honesdale Borough Spangenburg, Stephen Ineligible Building 1935 Ave & Leda, House 419 Willow Ave Honesdale Borough Billard, Walter P. & Ineligible Building 1926 Mary, House Grandview Ave Honesdale Borough Culley, Matthew J. & Ineligible Building 1945 Agnes, House 206 12 th St Honesdale Borough First Baptist Church Undetermined Building Honesdale Borough Firmstone Service Ineligible Building 1920 Station 507 High St Honesdale Borough Bryant Property Ineligible Building 1897 1220-1222 Main Honesdale Borough Gillette-Patmore-Oaks Ineligible Building 1840 St Property 1211 Main St Honesdale Borough Kim-Roe Property Ineligible Building 1840 Honesdale Borough Auto Sales & Service Ineligible Building 1920 Property 500 Park St Honesdale Borough Hospital Residential Ineligible Building 1872 Property B 504 Park St Honesdale Borough Hospital Residential Ineligible Building 1872 Property C West St Honesdale Borough Wayne County Ineligible Building 1949 Hospital 518 Park St Honesdale Borough Wayne Hospital Ineligible Building 1900 Residential Property 602 Park St Honesdale Borough Hospital Residential Ineligible Building 1900 Property E
19 TABLE 5 (continued) Known Historic Properties
Address Municipality Historic Name National Resource Date Register Category Built Status 606 Park St Honesdale Borough Oliver Property Ineligible Building 1900 Honesdale Borough Heinrich Property Ineligible Building 1920 113 Willow Ave Honesdale Borough Stott Property Ineligible District 1850 107 Willow Ave Honesdale Borough Rickert Property Ineligible Building 1900 103 Willow Ave Honesdale Borough King-Upham Property Ineligible Building 1900 4th St Honesdale Borough 4th Street Bridge Ineligible Structure 1940 403-403A Church Honesdale Borough Blesser Property Ineligible Building 1860 St 119 4 th St Honesdale Borough Eggleston Property Ineligible Building 1840 115 4 th St Honesdale Borough O’Neil Property Ineligible Building 1840 111 4 th St Honesdale Borough Bonear Property Ineligible Building 1885 107 4 th St Honesdale Borough Fowler Oil Company Ineligible Building 1885 Residential Property Honesdale Borough Fowler Texaco Ineligible Building 1920 Honesdale Borough Wayne Motors Ineligible Building 1930 Honesdale Borough Hospital Residential Ineligible Building 1892 Property A Honesdale Borough Lackawaxen River Ineligible Site 1840 Park & Monuments Main St Honesdale Borough Main Street Bridge & Ineligible Structure 1890 Lackawaxen River Retaining Walls 402 Church St Honesdale Borough Eggleston Property A Ineligible Building 1860 SR 6 Honesdale Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1980 SR 6 Honesdale Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1936 SR 2008 Honesdale Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1930 SR 4015 Honesdale Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1996 SR 7403 Honesdale Borough Bridge 21 Axe Factory Ineligible Structure 1926 Honesdale Borough East Ineligible District 1846 Honesdale/Tracyville Historic District 810 Main St Honesdale Borough Wayne County Undetermined District 1860 Historical Society Museum 105 Park St Honesdale Borough National Guard of Undetermined Building 1912 Pennsylvania Armory SR 2007 Honesdale Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1909 Park St Honesdale Borough Blum Furniture Ineligible Building 1840 Property Main St Honesdale Borough Weniger’s Variety Ineligible Building 1827 Store Park St Honesdale Borough Irving Cut Glass Undetermined Building 1904 Corporation Factory 100 Main St Hawley Borough Hawley US Post Office Ineligible Building 1964 Hawley Borough Cromwelltown Bridge Ineligible Structure No. 23 Hawley Borough Curtis-Howe House Undetermined Building 239 Hudson St Hawley Borough Dunn, Lawrence, Undetermined Building House
20 TABLE 5 (continued) Known Historic Properties
Address Municipality Historic Name National Resource Date Register Category Built Status 117 Prospect St Hawley Borough Loftus-Seiler House Undetermined Building 245 Prospect St Hawley Borough McAndrew, Michael, Undetermined Building House 101 Ridge St Hawley Borough McNamara-Miller Undetermined Building House 301 Prospect St Hawley Borough Orr, Thomas, House Undetermined Building 202 Prospect St Hawley Borough Pabst House Undetermined Building 201 Prospect St Hawley Borough Plum-Morveden House Undetermined Building 4 Main Ave Hawley Borough Settlers Inn-Tudor Inn Undetermined Building 245 Hudson St Hawley Borough Swingle, Mary, House Undetermined Building 219 Hudson St Hawley Borough Twin Oaks Undetermined Building Hudson St Hawley Borough U S Knitting Mills Undetermined Building 1898 103 Prospect St Hawley Borough Undetermined Building 233 Hudson St Hawley Borough Undetermined Building 235 Hudson St Hawley Borough Undetermined Building Hawley Borough Hawley Elementary Undetermined Building 1938 School SR 6 Hawley Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1943 SR 7402 Hawley Borough Bridge Ineligible Structure 1945 Main Ave Hawley Borough Watts Building Ineligible Building Wayne St Bethany Borough Bethany Presbyterian Undetermined Building 1823 Church Texas Township Bridge Undetermined Structure 1921 Texas Township Bridge Undetermined Structure 1903 Texas Township Goyett, Judith & Ineligible Building Phillip, House No. 2 Texas Township Goyett, Judith & Ineligible Building 1900 Phillip, House No. 1 Texas Township Greendlinger, George Ineligible Building & Katherine, House Grandview Ave Texas Township Schneider, Elizabeth, Ineligible Building 1945 House Grandview Ave Texas Township Baer Outbuilding Ineligible Building 1900 Texas Township Goodman, Floyd R. & Ineligible Building 1910 Mildred, House Texas Township Taylor, C. E. & Mary Ineligible Building 1930 Grace, House Texas Township Brotsman, Julia & Ineligible Building Fred, House Texas Township Neugebauer, Adolph & Ineligible Building Sophie M., House Texas Township Roots Creek Bridge Ineligible Structure 1936 SR 7222 Texas Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1920 SR 2006 Texas Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1921 Route 6 Texas Township White Mills Fire House Undetermined District 1911 Texas Township Polt, Jack J. & Pearl Ineligible Building B., House Palmyra Township Haussman, Frederick, Undetermined Building House
21 TABLE 5 (continued) Known Historic Properties
Address Municipality Historic Name National Resource Date Register Category Built Status Palmyra Township Baird-Degroat House Undetermined Building Palmyra Township Case House Undetermined Building Palmyra Township Gerry, Samuel D., Undetermined Building House Palmyra Township Wright House Undetermined Building SR 2004 Palmyra Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1943 State Route 6 Palmyra Township Delaware & Hudson Undetermined District 1827 Canal: Lock 31 SR 3028 Palmyra Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1943 SR 4006 Dyberry Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1933 Paupack Township Hemlock Hollow Undetermined Building 1872 School SR 1001 Berlin Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1943 SR 3028 Cherry Ridge Bridge Ineligible Structure 1941 Township SR 3028 Cherry Ridge Bridge Ineligible Structure 1935 Township SR 590 Paupack Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1931 SR 3015 Paupack Township Bridge Ineligible Structure 1934 Honesdale Borough, Moosic Mountain Aggregate file District Texas Township Tunnel (and others) Hawley Borough, Pennsylvania Coal Aggregate file District Cherry Ridge, Company Gravity Palmyra, Paupack Railroad Townships (and others) Hawley Borough, Erie & Wyoming Valley Aggregate file District Cherry Ridge, Railroad Palmyra, Paupack Townships (and others) Hawley and Erie Railroad, Aggregate file District Honesdale Jefferson Branch boroughs, Palmyra and Texas townships (and others) Honesdale Borough, Delaware & Hudson Aggregate file District Texas Township Canal Company (and others) Gravity Railroad Honesdale Borough, Delaware & Hudson Aggregate file District Texas Township (steam) Railroad, (and others) Honesdale Branch Hawley Borough Erie Railroad, Hawley Aggregate file District (and others) Branch Texas Township Delaware & Hudson Undetermined Site 1826 Canal, Texas Township segment
22 TABLE 6 National Register Status Summary
Municipality Number of Category National Resources Register status 1 District Listed 1 Building 1 District 16 Building Eligible 1 Structure 2 District Honesdale Borough 32 Building Ineligible 10 Structure 1 Site 2 Structure 6 Building Undetermined 1 District 2 Building Listed 1 Building Eligible 1 Structure Hawley Borough 2 Building Ineligible 2 Structure 16 Building Undetermined 1 Building Listed 1 District Eligible 2 Building Texas Township 10 Building Ineligible 3 Structure 2 Structure Undetermined 1 Site 1 Building Listed 1 Site Eligible Palmyra Township 3 Structure Ineligible 1 District Undetermined 5 Building 2 Building Listed Bethany Borough 1 District Eligible 1 Building Undetermined 1 Building Eligible Berlin Township 1 Structure Ineligible Cherry Ridge Township 2 Structure Ineligible 1 Building Undetermined Paupack Township 2 Structure Ineligible 1 District Listed Multiple municipalities 7 Linear resource Aggregated TOTAL 149
23 Historic Survey Reports • Joire, K., MAAR. 1990. Phase I Archaeological Investigation of property, Bohemia-Honesdale 138- 69 kv transline, Pike and Wayne counties, PA (ER 1989-1346-042-A). • 1993. Wayne County SR 4015 Park Street Bridge Replacement (ER 1988-0358-127-E). • Lawrence, J., et al., Grubb. 1993. Phase I Archaeological Survey, Senior Citizen Housing, Hawley Borough, Wayne County (ER 1991-2503-127-D). • McVarish, C., T. Crist et al., Milner Associates. 1993. Phase I Archaeological Survey & Historical Resource Investigation, SR 4015 Park Street Bridge Replacement, Honesdale Borough, Wayne County, PA (ER 1988-0358-127-E). • 1994. SR 2006, Section 670 Proposed Bridge Replacement, Phase I Cultural Resource Survey and Historic Architectural Assessment (ER 1988-1341-127-C). • 1996. Wayne County SR 0006, Section 606 Improvement, Honesdale Borough, Texas Township (draft) (ER 1997-6181-127-C) • 1996. Wayne County SR 0006, Roots Creek Bridge Replacement, Texas Township (ER 1997- 8090-127-C). • Lattanzi, G., Ecoscience. 1996. Phase I archaeological survey of Texas Township Wal-Mart, Texas Township, Wayne County (ER 1995-3179-127-B). • McVarish, D., T. Crist, John Milner Associates. 1996. Phase I archaeological survey, Wayne County SR 0006, Roots Creek Bridge Replacement, Texas Township, Wayne County (ER 1997- 8090-127-A). • McVarish, D., T. Crist, John Milner Associates. 1996. Phase I archaeological survey and historic resource investigation, SR 0006 improvements, Borough of Waymart, Borough of Hawley, and Palmyra Township, Wayne and Pike counties. • McVarish, D., John Milner Associates. 1996. Wayne County SR 6, Section 606 Improvements, Honesdale Borough and Texas Township, Phase I archaeological survey and historic resources investigation (ER 1997-6181-127-D). • Holst, Nancy, et al., CHRS, Inc. 2000. SR 96001, Section 000, Church Street Bridge Project (ER 2001-8018-127-A). • Trachtenberg, S., CHRS. 2000. Phase I survey, SR 2008, Section 670, Bridge Replacement Project, Honesdale Borough, Wayne County (ER 2003-6007-127-B). • Lewis, T., CHRS, Inc. 2001. Phase I survey, Church Street Bridge project, SR 9601, Section 000, Borough of Honesdale, Wayne County (ER 2001-8018-127-B). • Pan Cultural Associates. 2003. DEP, NPDES, Wayne County Prison site selection, Stourbridge School site, Honesdale Borough, Wayne County, Phase I archaeological survey (ER 2002-1106- 127-C). • Lankenau, E., McCormich Taylor. 2005. Historic structures determination of eligibility and phase I archaeological identification survey, Replacement Axe Factory Bridge (County Bridge 21) over Carley Brook, Honesdale Borough, Wayne County, PA (ER 2005-6156-127-B). • McCormick Taylor. 2005. Historic Structures Determination of Eligibility and Phase I Archaeological Identification Survey, Axe Factory Bridge Replacement Project (ER 2005-6156-127). • Reinbold, M., Pan Cultural Associates, Inc. 2005. Wayne County Historical Society proposed addition, Honesdale, Wayne County, PA, phase I archaeological survey (ER 2005-1880-127-A). • Reinbold, M., Pan Cultural Associates, Inc. 2006. Act 537 sewage facilities plan, Honesdale Borough, PA, Phase I archaeological survey (abbreviated report) (ER 2005-0670-127-E). • Reinbold, M., Pan Cultural Associates, Inc. 2009. Delaware & Hudson Canal Towpath to Trail Project, Palmyra Township, Wayne County (ER 2000-8047-127-J).
24 Historical Markers
The iconic blue and yellow PHMC Historic Markers identify important historic sites, events, and resources and are readily recognizable by heritage tourists, residents and the casual traveler. The nine (9) historical markers located in Wayne County are summarized in Table 7below. TABLE 7 Historical Markers - Wayne County
Marker Categories Text David Wilmot Government & politics The great Free-Soiler and author of the 1846 Proviso was born at nearby Bethany Government & politics, Jan. 20, 1814. The birthplace is still standing. Later lived at Towanda and was buried 19 th century, Writers there at Riverside Cemetery after his death March 16, 1868. Delaware & Hudson Canals, Coal, Terminus of the waterway uniting the Hudson and Delaware rivers. Built in 1825-28. Canal Navigation A gravity railroad feeder reached to Carbondale. For 70 years the anthracite trade Railroads, outlet for the region. Transportation Dorflinger Glass Business & industry Founded in 1865 by Christian Dorflinger on this site. Glass was made and cut here Works Glass until 1921. Noted for the quality of Flint Glass, Dorflinger supplied the White House with sets of tableware through a number of administrations. Honesdale (2 Canals, Cities & towns, Named for Philip Hone, noted New York merchant-diarist, who pioneered in locations) Coal, Professions & developing transportation and anthracite resources of the region. Laid out 1827 as vocations, head of D&H Canal. County seat since 1841. Transportation Lincoln Nomination Abraham Lincoln, In May, 1859, Horace Greeley met with notable political leaders to create a boom to Government & politics nominate Abraham Lincoln for President. The events that ensued at the Republican Government & politics, National Convention in Chicago paralleled the strategy planned at the parley held in 19 th century this building. Stourbridge Lion Railroads Here began the trial run of the first locomotive operated by steam on rails in the U.S., Transportation Aug. 8, 1829. The Lion was English-built for use on levels of the Gravity Railroad. It was piloted by Horatio Allen. Stourbridge Lion Railroads A replica of the famous Stourbridge Lion, first locomotive run on rails in the U.S., Transportation 1829, is housed here. Beside it is the Eclipse, original passenger coach on the D & H Gravity Railroad. Wayne County Government & politics Formed on March 21, 1798, from Northampton County. Named for Gen. Anthony Government & politics, Wayne. Site of test run of Stourbridge Lion, first locomotive in U.S. to run on a 18 th century commercial track. Honesdale, county seat, incorporated 1831, was western terminus of D & H Canal. Source: PHMC website (phmc.state.pa.us); accessed October 31, 2011
25 Community Inventories - Cultural History
Paleoindian. The area we know today as Pennsylvania has been inhabited since the end of the last “Ice Age.” As the continental ice sheets retreated across northern Pennsylvania, the ancestors of today’s American Indians soon arrived on this new, tundra-like landscape. They were big game hunters in pursuit of mammoths, mastodons and other large animals and they made distinctive chipped stone tools for killing and butchering. They are known as the Paleoindians, and they were the first humans to live in North America.
For most of the 20 th century, researchers agreed that the Paleoindians crossed a temporary land bridge from Siberia to present-day Alaska, then spread across not only North America, but also Central and South America. There are hundreds of sites dating between 11,500 and 10,500 years ago. By the late 20 th century, many archaeologists questioned how quickly people spread across the American continents. How did they travel from Alaska to the tip of South America and from Pacific to Atlantic in only a thousand years? More recently, DNA studies of modern American Indians have suggested that no more than two dozen individuals may have actually made it to North America and reproduced.
Further complicating the mystery of the origin and travels of these First Americans was the evidence from several archaeological sites in the eastern United States. Different styles of chipped stone tools were found and radiocarbon dates indicated that people had been in North America as many as 18,000 to 30,000 years ago, almost 20,000 years earlier than expected. Some of these newly discovered tools closely resembled spearpoints and knives from the Solutrean period in Europe. Climate data has now revealed that during the last Ice Age, the continental glaciers also encroached on the northern Atlantic, altering the flow of the ocean currents. It is now thought that a strong westerly flow along the southern edge of the ice delivered ocean-going seal hunters from western Europe to the eastern coast of North America long before the Bering land bridge opened to nomadic hunters from Siberia.
Excavations at Meadowcroft Rockshelter near Avella in southwestern Pennsylvania have provided some of the evidence to support the theory that people have been in North America much longer. The evidence suggests that people first occupied this large rockshelter overlooking Cross Creek 16,250 years ago. It is, for now, the oldest human occupation of the New World.
Whether they arrived from Europe or Asia, the people who came to North America needed to adapt to the changing environment. As the climate warmed, new plants and animals flourished. The large animals adapted to the cooler climate, including mastodons and mammoths, were replaced by the types of animals we see today. Hunting a deer required a very different strategy than hunting an elephant-sized mammoth. The cold weather spruce forests were replaced by nut-bearing deciduous trees. Low-lying wetlands teemed with frogs,
26 turtles, snakes, and other edible animals and plants. Rivers supported freshwater clams, mussels, and fish. Seasonal migrations of geese and ducks provided yet another reliable food source. No sites from this period have been discovered in the study area.
Archaic. Archaeologists have collected much evidence documenting the human, or cultural, responses to this changing environment. Known as the Archaic period, this stage lasted from 8000 BC to 1800 BC in Pennsylvania. The larger straight-edged chipped stone points that were affixed to the heavy throwing or thrusting spears of the Paleoindians were replaced by a variety of notched points. These were used on shorter, lighter spears and darts that were thrown by a tool known as an atlatl, or spear thrower. It consisted of a short stick with a hook on one end. To use it, the end of the spear was set in the hook as the atlatl was held at shoulder height, the spear shaft held in place along the atlatl by the hunter’s hand. With a motion similar to that of a major league pitcher, the hunter snapped the atlatl forward, releasing the spear. This weapon was a significant upgrade and was so successful it was used for the next 8,000 years.
The availability of other food led to the addition of other tools to the prehistoric toolkit. Bone fish hooks and stone netsinkers are evidence of the increasing reliance on fish. Large deposits of fresh water clam shells near habitation sites suggest that these were also a reliable food source. The bones of ducks, geese, frogs, and turtles are also commonly found on Archaic sites in the eastern woodlands, as are those of deer, elk, turkey, and other species.
The abundance of plant life was also exploited. Large grinding stones were used to pulverize nuts and seeds. Baskets and other containers, useful for gathering plant foods such as nuts and berries have also been recovered.
During the Archaic, the more dependable food supply also led to larger groups of people living together. Instead of the small family groups of Paleoindians that lived in temporary camps as they followed the animal herds, people now lived in larger camps following a seasonal schedule. They moved from camp to camp to be nearest to the food available during that season. For example, they might move to an upland forest camp in the fall to collect acorns and hickory nuts. In the spring, they might move down along the river to take advantage of the upstream migration of shad. Summer might find them near wetlands (frogs and turtles) or berry patches. In the course of the year, they might also spend time near their favorite stone outcrop gathering chert or other rocks to be made into stone tools. No sites from this period have been discovered in the study area.
Transitional. In eastern North America, prehistoric people discovered that they could take certain actions to encourage the growth of their favorite plants. Competitive species were removed (weeding) giving the preferred species a selective advantage. Eventually, seeds were collected and curated from growing season to growing season. Some seed-bearing grasses, such as amaranth or
27 chenopodium (goosefoot) were probably encouraged in this way and became important food staples. This artificial selection also led to a more stable and predictable food supply, and with more food, populations grew.
As people invested time and energy in the propagation of plants, they could stay in one place, near their fields, for longer periods of time. Hunting and gathering wild foods was still important, but the first steps had been taken toward the development of a population dependent on the food they could grow rather than the food they could find. In Pennsylvania, this Transitional period lasted from 1800 to 1200 BC.
Some evidence indicates that there was also a focus on the rivers during this time. Many sites have been found on the floodplains and terraces along Pennsylvania’s major rivers. Short projectile points with broad shoulders and thick narrow points are typical. Carved bowls made of the soft stone steatite are also part of the toolkit.
Woodland. As people became more dependent on the crops they grew, they became increasingly settled. The seasonal nomadic hunting and gathering ways gave way to planting and harvesting schedules. Surplus food supplies required storage, and stored food needed to be protected from the bacteria, mold, and appetites of hungry animals and also from other groups of people. Family ties were important, but now several different family groups may live together in villages and towns. Social organization became more complex. With a plentiful and reliable food supply, it was no longer necessary for every person to engage in gathering food. With the new “free time,” specialists emerged to redistribute food and other resources within the community. Trading relationships were established with others hundreds, even thousands, of miles away.
New artifacts came into use. Finally, the atlatl was replaced by a new weapon, the bow and arrow. Arrows were tipped with small thin triangular chipped stone points. Fire-hardened clay containers become common. These pots were fragile, but they were waterproof and efficient cooking and storage vessels. They could also be decorated with motifs and themes that were not only practical but also culturally meaningful.
Large villages consisting of bark houses were typically located within protective palisades of upright logs. In prominent locations near the villages, the dead were interred in earthen mounds, a key characteristic of this period, which lasted in Pennsylvania from about 500 BC to 1200 AD. The Pennsylvania moundbuilders, especially in the Allegheny and Ohio river drainages of western Pennsylvania, are thought to have been influenced by the Adena and Hopewell peoples of Ohio.
During the Late Woodland period, crops such as beans and corn were cultivated. In Pennsylvania, between 1450 and 1600, several important cultures occupied
28 the major river valleys. In the southwest, archaeologists have identified the Monongahela culture along the river of the same name. The Shenks Ferry people lived along the Lower Susquehanna River in southern Pennsylvania. They were later replaced by the Susquehannocks. Villages during this time tended to be large and fortified with stockades. Each culture used distinctive pottery styles and projectile point shapes. No sites from this period have been discovered in the study area.
Contact. By the 1600s, many of the native people in Pennsylvania had been impacted by the arrival of European traders, settlers, and missionaries. In some areas, they met directly, in others, their material culture, ideas, and germs were passed along indirectly. Trade goods, such as glass beads and iron kettles, have been found at some Monongahela sites, but it is unlikely that the Monongahela ever met the Europeans face-to-face. Instead, the items were acquired through trade with other natives who had directly had contact with the European newcomers.
Along the Delaware River, researchers have found clues to the ancestry of many of the historic American Indian groups that occupied eastern North America at the time of European settlement. The Minisink were an Algonkian-speaking group that occupied the valley from about 900 to 1550 AD. Other sites are also related to the prehistoric Owasco culture that may be the ancestors of the Iroquois. Because the Delaware River is not navigable above Trenton, New Jersey, European settlement along the Delaware lagged behind the Hudson Valley, Delaware Bay and the coastal areas by about one hundred years. During this time, traders and a handful of settlers lived among the native people of this inland valley. No contact period sites have yet been discovered in this study area.
19 th and 20 th centuries. Three historical archaeological sites have been investigated in the study area, all dating to the 19 th century and later. The Fitzsimmons House Site and the Staengle Site (site numbers 36WY128 and 36WY139, respectively) are domestic sites that were discovered in the course of investigations required by state and federal law. Two industrial sites have also been investigated, the Axe Factory Site (36WY 149) and Lockhouse 31 (also known as the Daniel House or the Hintze Hotel) on the Delaware and Hudson Canal (36WY152).
An historic era summary is provided as follows for the Study Area communities, as a historic context in relation to Route 6 themes rather than a definitive history.
29 Hawley Historical Context
The history of early industrial development, water, energy, transportation, and recreation are among the most significant variables in the development of Hawley Borough, and of the entire "Lake Region." When the area was first settled in the late 1700's, ice harvesting, logging, and tanning were the primary forms of industry along with subsistence hunting and fishing. The pioneers who came to this region found a place where three creeks converged and the early settlers built a sawmill along the original "Eddy" (now Hawley). Lumber was harvested and rafted down the Lackawaxen and Delaware Rivers to Philadelphia.
In the early 1800's mineral deposits, including anthracite coal, were discovered in the region and although Hawley was not located directly in the deposit fields, it played a key role in the creation of transportation lines for the eastern markets of the United States. A combination of canal and railroads transported coal through the northeast corridor, and both forms of transportation were developed in Hawley. In 1823, New York State allowed for the development of the D&H Canal which was a 108-mile long waterway between neighboring Honesdale, PA and the Hudson River (terminating near Kingston, NY) As a result, from the 1840's to the 1860's Hawley and the surrounding areas were very prosperous. The people who lived in Hawley were primarily employed at transfer docks, train and car repair shops, and other support industries for the coal trade. Ancillary businesses sprung up to support the town such as clothing, hardware, grocery and feed stores, and boarding houses. In addition, the Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad was in operation between lower Pittston and Hawley from 1850 to 1884. The 47-mile route made it possible to ship Pennsylvania Coal Company's anthracite directly from its mines to Delaware and Hudson Canal, and ultimately to New York markets.
With the arrival of the Erie Railroad in 1865, the usefulness of the canal and gravity railroad was exhausted. As these industries declined, others took their place. The waterfalls in the area helped in the establishment of several fine glass cutting operations such as Keystone Cut Glass, John S. Connor Glass, and the Wangum Cut Glass Company. This period saw the development of numerous textile mills, including silk manufacturing. The imposing bluestone building at the top of Bellmonte and Wellwood Avenue was constructed by Dexter Lambert & Company of Boston ca. 1881 as the Bellmonte Silk Mill and is the largest bluestone building in the world. The town continued to grow and Hawley was separated from Palmyra (Wayne) Township and incorporated as a Borough on January 23, 1884.
By 1922-25 another cycle of growth began when the Pennsylvania Power & Light Company dammed the Wallenpaupack Creek to generate hydroelectric power. The resulting completion in 1926 of a manmade lake, Lake Wallenpaupack, became the basis for real estate and tourism development, as well as recreation. With the reuse of the former Silk Mill, Hawley is becoming a post-secondary educational center as well as several area universities have established a presence in the Silk Mill.
30 White Mills Historic Context
Beginning the mid-1800’s, Christian Dorflinger transformed White Mills from a sleepy hamlet on the banks of the Lackawaxen River into a bustling industrial center. For more than half a century the Dorflinger Glass Works produced exquisite cut lead crystal that graced many of America's finest tables, including those of several White House administrations. Glass produced here became famous and prized throughout the world and today is available and sought after on on-line auctions.
In 1865 Christian Dorflinger began building his glass factory in White Mills, eventually hiring experienced glasscutters from Sweden, France, Ireland and England. In 1883 this 3-story native stone building became the second cutting shop for Dorflinger Glass Company. It is approximately 160 ft. long and 35 ft. wide. The first and second floors are at ground level because it is situated on a side hill, and both have brick arched ceilings. The first floor (or basement) was used as a storage room for the company's blanks. The second floor was used as the annealing room. The cutting and engraving rooms were located on the third floor. The cutting department had a 75-hp steam engine, which turned more than a hundred cutting wheels; the engraving department had a 6-hp steam engine. These engines were powered by two boilers in a wooden frame addition located in the rear of the building. The huller room had an iron chimney on a 55 ft.-high stone base. The factory had gas lighting, steam heat, and water pipes that ran throughout the building for fire protection. These water pipes originated at a feeder pond, located a short distance above the property.
By 1903 there were 650 workers at the Dorflinger factory. Christian Dorflinger died in 1915. and the factory closed in 1921. The village also sustained several other buildings associated with the Dorflinger enterprise, many still standing today, including a number of former “worker houses”. The D&H Lock #33 and Lock Tender’s House is located in the village as well.
Of course there are other components of the glass story in the area, for example Jacob Faatz opened the Honesdale Glass Company in East Honesdale but failed after three years and went through several owners before James Brookfield in
31 1849 made it a success. At one point this factory was named the Anthracite Glass Company because it was the first to use anthracite coal to make glass in the County, until destroyed by a D&H dam failure in 1861. In 1882 the Hawley Glass Company was built on Crystal Street, Hawley along with several company houses, which were rented to the factory’s workers, although it was destroyed by a flood in 1942. Louis W. Rickert learned the art of cutting glass under Christian Dorflinger. When Dorflinger’s company closed in 1921, Louis worked for other cut glass companies in Honesdale and Hawley.
Honesdale Historic Context
Honesdale gained prominence as a transportation center, the terminus of a Gravity Railroad and the starting point of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, which provided for transport of coal to Kingston, New York and then down the Hudson River to New York City. In the 19th century the expansion of railroads eventually superseded regular use of the canal. The D&H is intertwined with much of the community’s heritage. It also was the “Birthplace of American Railroading” and in fact a key player in what became known as the American Industrial Revolution.
Of course, Honesdale was always more than an industrial town, being the birthplace of Jennie Brownscombe, an artist known for historical genre including scenes of the Revolutionary War and Colonial America; home of Richard Smith a lyricist inspired to write the lyrics for “Winter Wonderland” after seeing Honesdale's Central Park covered in snow; the Himalayan Institute, a leader in the field of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and holistic health; and the home of the editorial offices of Highlights magazine.
32 A visit to the Honesdale Post Office not only gives the visitor the opportunity to mail post cards but to see much of the heritage of the community on murals.
In addition, David Wilmot was born in the nearby historic and charming village of Bethany. Wilmot was a prominent lawyer, judge and politician in the 19 th Century, and the author of the Wilmot Proviso that limited the spread of slavery. His house is marked by a PHMC marker, as noted earlier.
The Stourbridge Lion and the Birthplace of America's Commercial Railroad
In 1827 the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company began to investigate the use of the steam engine for traction and locomotive use on its gravity railroad to haul coal from its mines to Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and then by canal to New York City. The gravity railroad operated on a system of inclined planes over which the cars were moved by gravity. This system of connecting differences of elevation by means of a series of inclined planes was little known and understood in America at that time, though similar systems were in use in Europe.
In order to evaluate the use and power of the steam engines and the rails on which they were run, the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company sent a deputy engineer, Horatio Allen, to England in 1828. If he decided they would be suitable for the company’s use, he was instructed to place orders for four engines and rails.
Horatio Allen’s inquiries led him first to Newcastle, where the Stephenson family was producing an engine for the Liverpool and Manchester Railway. Allen was impressed and ordered one engine from them. He then went to the Town of Stourbridge where he met a brilliant engineer, John Urpeth Rastrick. Rastrick had taken out a patent for the steam engine in 1814 and formed the firm of Foster Rastrick and Company to produce
33 them. He was considered an authoritative witness in support of railroads when opposition from the canal companies threatened their growth and development.
It was from Foster Rastrick and Company that Allen ordered the other three locomotives. Among them was the Stourbridge Lion, so named because a Lion’s head had been painted on the front of the boiler. It weighed eight tons and cost $2,915.00. When the Stourbridge Lion arrived in Honesdale in July 1829, about three miles of wooden track had been laid which crossed the Lackawaxen River on a trestle bridge some thirty feet in height. The rails were of wooden construction, the running surface of which was faced with wrought iron strips secured to the rails with stout wood screws.
The trial run was to take place on the 8th of August 1829. When this became known, crowds of people assembled to witness the event, convinced that the iron Lion would never work. Afraid that the curious contraption would kill any who rode it, no one would take the trial run with Horatio Allen. So, amidst jeers and laughter, he mounted the hissing Lion. The jeers quickly turned to cheers as the Stourbridge Lion crossed the bridge and disappeared from sight. Many thought it would not return; but soon, with Allen at the throttle, and riding backwards, the fierce Lion screeched back into Honesdale. The crowd was jubilant. A new era in commercial transportation had begun.
After another trial, it was decided by the company that the light wooden rails would not stand up to the continued use of the locomotive and the haulage of coal, so it was put into storage in a shed at Honesdale. There it remained until 1849 when the company removed it to their workshops at Carbondale, Pennsylvania. The boiler was removed and put to use, and other parts were removed and separated, some being irretrievably lost.
In 1889 another firm acquired the boiler and deposited it with as many of the other parts of the engine as they could find at the Smithsonian Institution. There it was partially reconstructed and stood in this form for many years in the Hall of Transport. The Delaware and Hudson Railroad Company has built a full scale replica of the Stourbridge Lion from the original plans. It is on exhibit at the Wayne County Historical Society’s, 810 Main Street, Honesdale museum.
The Delaware and Hudson Canal Company Gravity Railroad
The D & H Canal and Gravity Railroad was a system of transportation between northeastern Pennsylvania coal fields and ports of New York and New England. The Gravity Railroad was built during the period 1825-28 as a more practical means of hauling coal over the Moosic Mountains than sleds and wagons used previously, and bisected Waymart. The Gravity Railroad stretched sixteen (16) miles from Carbondale to Honesdale. Starting from the early anthracite mines in Carbondale at an elevation of 1,200 feet, the Gravity Railroad rose to 1,907 feet at Rix's Gap by means of five planes. From this elevation the road descended on the east side of the Moosic Mountains by three planes and levels to Honesdale, elevation 975 feet.
34 From the boat basin in Honesdale the coal was shipped by canal boat 108 miles to Rondout near Kingston, NY where it was transloaded to steamship to market. Stationary steam engines operated the cars on each plane by means of two drums and at first a huge chain, then hemp cables and finally the first steel cables made by John Roebling, w ho was brought in to work on four suspension aqueducts, among the more distinguishing features of the D & H Canal. On the three planes descending to Honesdale, the loaded cars required no motive power and were sent via gravity. It was on the tracks of t he Gravity Railroad that the first commercial locomotive, the Stourbridge Lion, operated in America. The D&H Gravity Railroad existed until 1899 when conversion to steam engine power was adopted. A seven mile loop was built from Farview Mountain to Canaan and on to Waymart (see inset map) since the heavy locomotives could not travel the steep gravity planes. The engines from Waymart then used the old gravity levels to Honesdale.
Sources: htt p://www.visithonesdalepa.com/honesdales -history/ http://www.waynehistorypa.org http://www.waynehistorypa.org/htopics/glass.php http://www.dorflinger.org/historic_white_mills.html http://www.himalayaninstitute.org/about -us/ http://www.visithawleypa.com/hawley -history.php
35 Community Inventories - Museums
There are a number of entities organized in and around the area to preserve and tell the historic story of Honesdale and Hawley and surrounding areas, as summarized below:
Wayne County Historical Society - The Wayne County Historical Society, located in Honesdale, was organized on May 26, 1917 and was incorporated in 1922. Its main museum building, built in 1860, was originally the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company Office. The Canal began at its back door and ended at Rondout New York on the Hudson River. The company’s gravity railroad from Carbondale also terminated at this site. It is for this reason the US Department of the Interior designated it a National Historic Landmark in 1968. The purpose and objectives of the Society as stated in its by-laws are: • To collect and preserve historical records of persons, places and events in Wayne County • To preserve and maintain a research library and museums of relics, books, maps, paintings, and all other articles which further public interest in the history of Wayne County • To make every effort to preserve and restore historical buildings, landmarks, and sites • To educate the population of the history of the area and its historic value
The Society also supports the operation of two addition museums located in Wayne County. One is the J.B. Parls Museum located on the Wayne County Fair Grounds. The second is the Bethel School, a one-room school house located in Berlin Township
Wallenpaupack Historical Society, Incorporated – Located south of Hawley in Paupack, the Wallenpaupack Historical Society is dedicated to keeping the history of the Lake Wallenpaupack area accessible. The Society operates the Williams House as a museum, and has artifacts and pictures on display at the PPL Wallenpaupack Environmental Learning Center and the Palmyra Township (Pike) building. The Society also has limited research assets and can assist in research in the local area.
36 Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary and Glass Museum - The Sanctuary is home to the Dorflinger Glass Museum, a museum dedicated to preserving the magnificent glass made in White Mills from 1852 to 1921. With over 900 pieces of cut, engraved, etched, gilded and enameled crystal, the museum proudly displays the nation's largest collection of Dorflinger glass. In addition, preservation efforts of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary organization move past the boundaries of the Sanctuary into the village of White Mills. Those efforts began with restoring one of the original seven houses built by Christian Dorflinger as homes of the workers he brought from France. It now serves as a reminder of a worker's life in 1867. Then, under the leadership of the late Wayne W. Stephens, the 1911 White Mills Fire House was saved from demolition and safely moved across the street. The original Dorflinger cutting shop and office, as well as the Lock Tender's House, are privately being saved from ruin, helping to preserve the heritage White Mills.
Historic White Mills Fire House The historic White Mills Fire House is part of the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary's historic White Mills project. In recent years the Sanctuary has made great strides in highlighting the historical significance of the glass cutting industry and the town of White Mills
The D & H Gravity Depot Museum – located east of Honesdale and Hawley in nearby Waymart, the D&H Depot is one of the last vestiges of the D&H gravity railroad. The exact date for the building of the Depot is unknown though newspapers, histories and local folklore suggests that the first use for the building was a blacksmith and carpentry shop for the D&H. Depot was little used and abandoned from the 1970’s on so a decision was made by the Waymart Bicentennial Committee to save the Depot. The Waymart Area Historical Society (WAHS) was formally incorporated in 1994 with a primary mission to rehabilitate the Depot. This was accomplished with assistance from various state, county and regional agency programs. The Depot now serves as a museum and meeting area.
Sources for Museums subsection include: www.Honesdale and Hawleyhistorical.org www.thehdc.com www.anthracitemuseum.org/ www.ectma.org/ www.everhart-museum.org/ www.waymartpa.us/id17.html www.lackawannahistory.org
37 Community Inventories - Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Inventories of activities and events are available for most activities in the Honesdale and Hawley and the larger surrounding region. Inventories of events and activities can be found of the following websites: www.visithonesdalepa.com - the Greater Honesdale Partnership website that focuses on local events, activities and local organizations. www.visithawleypa.com - the Downtown Hawley Partnership website that focuses on local events, activities and local organizations.
In addition, other tourism/visitor orientated websites have information on Wayne County and the region: www.waynecountycc.com - the website for the Wayne Chamber of Commerce provides information on the county, events, Lacawac Sanctuary and Stourbridge Line Train excursions. www.800poconos.com – The website of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau that focuses on events in the four counties of Carbon, Monroe, Pike and Wayne.
A review of information from the listings and input from the Community Workshops yield a varied assortment of events and activities for both the visitor and the resident. The events recognized as of tourism interest have been sorted by topic or provider and are summarized below:
Honesdale Area Events Mardis Gras on Main – February Home & Garden Festival - April Honesdale Area Jaycees Canoe Classic - April Annual Festival of the Arts - May Roots and Rhythm Festival - June Aloha Honesdale - July Wayne County Fair - August Greene Dreher Sterling Community Fair - August-September Wayne County Wine & Cheese Festival - September Harvest & Heritage Days - October Honesdale for Holidays - November WCHS Annual Holiday Open House - November Santa Express (12/4 & 12/11/11) - December
Hawley Area / Lake Wallenpaupack Events Ice Tee Golf Tournament on Lake Wallenpaupack - January Hawley Model Train Show – April Hawley - Lake Wallenpaupack Chamber of Commerce Arts & Crafts Fair - June Hawley Model Train Show - October Hawley Harvest Hoedown – October Hawley Winterfest - December Fall Classic Car Show - October Crystal Cabin Fever (Winter Ice Display) - February Annual Chili & Wing Cook Off – March Annual Arts & Crafts Fair in Bingham Park – June
38 Annual Fireworks Display over Lake Wallenpaupack – July Fall Arts & Crafts Fair in Bingham Park – September Hawley Hoedown - October Annual Wally Lake Fest - August Audubon Art and Craft Festival - July Hawley Winterfest Express Train Excursion - December
White Mills Events Wildflower Music Festival (Saturdays – Dorflinger-Suydam) July - August
Stourbridge Lion Excursions (currently postponed for 2012) Bunny Run - April Patriot's Express - May Sept - Great Train Robbery – June-September Grape Express - September Bavarian Festival - September Historic White Mills - October Fall Foliage - October Halloween Fun - October Santa Express - December Hawley Winterfest Express - December
Some activities are functions of more local than of tourism interest. However, most are in fact the types of activities that can be destinations for travelers – regular and casual – as well as of interest to residents. Not all are publicized in one place or on one website. A review of the timing of the activities in Honesdale and Hawley and surrounding areas reinforces a Spring through late-Fall schedule of events and activities, although this area more than a number of others along Route 6 seem to extend the season into the winter months for a few signature events.
39 Community Inventories – Regional Attractions and Resources
Wayne County has numerous recreational opportunities for residents, nonresidents and visitors. The County has an abundance of lakes, rivers, streams and forest land that attract seasonal and second home visitors throughout the year. It possesses major recreational attractions such as Lake Wallenpaupack and the Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River, extensive game lands and fishing resources, State Parks and a very large number of lakes and private recreational resources.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Prompton State Park
Prompton State Park is located just northwest of Honesdale and Hawley, which DCNR notes that the following facilities in the Park: • Boating: The 290-acre Prompton Lake has one public boat launch on west shore, accessed from PA 170. • Picnicking: Picnic tables are by the boat launch and a picnic pavilion is in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) property above the dam. • Fishing: The 290-acre Prompton Lake is a warm-water fishery. Common fish are crappie, yellow perch, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. • Hunting: Most of the park is open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer and turkey. • Disc Golfing: An 18-hole disc golf course is in the USACE portion of the park. • Hiking: An assortment of twelve (12) hiking trails ranging in length from 1 to 4 ½ miles in length, together totaling 26 miles. • Mountain Biking: 26 miles of trails of hiking trails are open to mountain biking. • Winter Activities: Cross-country skiing on many park trails and open fields and hills in the park are good for sledding .
Local discussion during the planning phase and a review of on-line ratings not a favorable view of the Park setting but mention is made of it not always being open or available. Also during the planning process, a non-profit 501 (c) (3) Friends of Prompton organized to promote the restoration, maintenance and improvement of the park's facilities to increase tourism to Wayne County and the surrounding areas.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lake Wallenpaupack
Lake Wallenpaupack, located on the border of Wayne and Pike counties near Hawley is Pennsylvania's third-largest artificial lake, making it an ideal destination for boaters, anglers, swimmers, and water-skiers. Lake Wallenpaupack, with approximately 5,700 acres of water and 52 miles of shoreline, constitutes Wayne County’s single largest recreational attraction. Public access is provided by the
40 many resorts and motels, public recreation areas, and picnic and nature areas that surround the lake.
Pennsylvania Power & Light (PP&L) built Lake Wallenpaupack in 1926 as a part of a hydroelectric project, but has become an outdoor and tourism destination. The lake comprises 5,700 acres, has a maximum depth of 60 feet, and is 13 ½ miles long with 52 miles of shoreline. The lake has six recreation areas featuring hundreds of acres of forest lands, wildlife, walking trails, campsites and boat slips. The original survey of the lake region shows that there was a 12,150 acre parcel of land that was transferred from the William Penn Estate to James Wilson, reportedly one of only four men who signed the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the Constitution of the United States in 1787. He was later appointed to the First Supreme Court of the United States by President George Washington.
The Wallenpaupack hydroelectric plant in the Pocono Mountains includes a dam, 1,275 feet long and 70 feet high, with a reservoir and a powerhouse that contains two units with a total capacity of 44 megawatts. The Lake is open to the public for recreation purposes such as fishing, boating, waterskiing, camping, hiking, wildlife viewing and nature study. P&PL also operates several campgrounds, observation and overlook areas, a wildlife refuge, two natural areas and an Environmental Learning center. The lake is a great waterway for fishing. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, walleye, muskellunge, pickerel, yellow perch, trout, striped bass and a variety of panfish are popular sportfish on the Lake. The PA Fish and Boat Commission owns and maintains a boat access area at Mangan Cove, which is located off of State Route 590. There are also PPL-owned boat access areas at Caffrey, Ironwood Point, Ledgedale and Wilsonville. The lake has no horsepower limit regulations for boaters. Lake Wallenpaupack may be best known for the thousands of lakefront and lake-rights homes surrounding the lake. There is a wide variety of residential and vacation home communities in all price ranges. Residents and visitors to can also use a 3-mile hiking trail at Lake Wallenpaupack. The trailhead starts at the parking lot just a short distance south of the Route 6 & Route 507 intersection. Sources include: www.pplweb.com/ppl+generation/hydro+plants , www.wallenpaupack.com and www.fish.state.pa.us/water/lakes_
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawaxen River
The Lackawaxen River is a 31.3-mile-long tributary of the Delaware River and flows through Honesdale, Hawley and White Mills, where it is joined from the southwest by Wallenpaupack Creek. It continues east and joins the Delaware at Lackawaxen. East of Honesdale, it was deepened as part of the Delaware and Hudson Canal project. The headwaters are in the borough of Prompton in
41 western Wayne County, at the confluence of the West Branch and Van Auken Creek. The river is a popular destination for canoeing and recreational fly fishing for trout. The Lackawaxen is a destination for fly fishing for Brown trout, Brook Trout and Rainbow Trout. Trout are stocked in the spring and fall from Hawley, PA to the confluence. From the PPL Hydro electric power generation station in Hawley the Lackawaxen River stays cool in the summer and fishable through the winter.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Irving Cliff
Irving Cliff is large rock cliff approximately 300 feet above Honesdale. It has magnificent views of the borough and the confluence of the Dyberry Creek and the Lackawaxen River. The park was named after Washington Irving, when he visited the region and fell in love with the cliffs overlooking the borough. After arriving in Honesdale, Irving noticed a huge outcropping of rock high on a hill and insisted on climbing to the top to get a view from the summit. Irving was so impressed with the vistas that Philip Hone insisted that the ledge be known as "Irving Cliff."
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary
In 1980, the Dorflinger-Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, Inc., located near the Village of White Mills was formed to further natural history, conservation, artistic and cultural education and to serve the people as an agency for popular enlightenment, cultural improvement and scientific progress, recognizing through its programs the essential relationship among the natural, artistic and historic elements of the area. During the summer months, the tranquil Sanctuary gives life to the Wildflower Music Festival. This annual outdoor music festival brings the finest musicians to the area, performing classical, jazz, folk, bluegrass, and chamber repertoires. Miles of well- maintained walking trails are located in the Sanctuary which during the winter months are open for cross-country skiing.
42 Lacawac Sanctuary – the Lacawac Sanctuary is a nature preserve, ecological field research station and public environmental education facility located approximately 14 miles west of Hawley and 12 miles south of Honesdale. It was founded in 1966, via the donation of 341 acres (now totals 545 acres) and a group of historic buildings. The Lacawac Sanctuary is most notable for 52 acre Lake Lacawac - the southernmost glacial lake in the hemisphere that has been preserved in pristine condition totally free from development or encroachment. The property also features nature displays, a native plants garden, demonstration forest, deer exclosure plots, and five public hiking trails. In addition the property preserves a natural boreal bog, The Wallenpaupack Ledges Natural Area, Partner Ridge, and the Heron and Golden Ponds. Lake Lacawac was declared a National Natural Landmark by the U.S. Department of the Interior in 1966. The 1903 historic “Adirondack Great Camp” building complex at its core has been named to the National Historic Register.
Upper Delaware River Resources
The Delaware River, the only remaining undammed river in the eastern United States, is also part of the National Wild and Scenic River system. It is extremely popular for canoeing, rafting, fishing, picnicking and camping, attracting over 5 million visitors annually. The Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area is managed by the Department of Interior, National Park Service as a designated national recreation area. It encompasses 70,000 acres of ridges, forests, lakes and rivers on both sides of the Delaware River. Numerous boating and canoeing, picnicking, swimming, fishing, educational education and hiking opportunities are available
43 The Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River offers some of the finest nature tourism recreational opportunities in the northeastern United States. In particular, sightseeing, boating, camping, hunting, fishing, hiking, and bird watching are popular activities in the river area. Among the heritage and engineering attractions is the Delaware Aqueduct is the oldest existing wire cable suspension bridge in the nation. Begun in 1847 as one of four suspension aqueducts on the Delaware and Hudson Canal, it was designed by and built under the supervision of John A. Roebling, who would later engineer the Brooklyn Bridge. In addition, in recent years the Bald Eagle has returned to the Upper Delaware in ever increasing number, many are now nesting in the area and are often seen hunting near areas of open water in the mostly frozen Delaware during the winter. Travelers in vehicles using NY Route 97, which parallels the River, are treated to one of the most spectacular rides in the northeast following a winding scenic road with many vistas of the River.
The Delaware River Water Trail is the River, embracing a host of nature and water-related recreational opportunities in its Upper (north of Matamoras/Port Jervis), Middle (between Milford and Kittatinny Point) and Lower (between Delaware Gap and Trenton) segments, Each segment has its own special attributes and attractions. As is the case throughout the Route 6 Corridor, as well as throughout the Commonwealth, there is increasing interest in river-based recreation and recognition of the river as a tourism asset in the area and surrounding region.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Delaware State Forest
The Delaware State Forest totals 80,267 acres of state-owned forest land in Pike, Monroe, Northampton, and Carbon counties, however, most of it is within Pike County, with pockets of forest land to the north, west and southwest of Milford. The scenic beauty is outstanding and the area draws millions of visitors annually. The Bureau of Forestry within the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) manages state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving native wild plants. These forests are “working forests” and provide for a whole range of uses while maintaining the forest’s wild character, embracing pure water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber and natural gas, and many other uses and values. Recreational opportunities include the following:
Hiking: The Blooming Grove 4-H Hiking Trail (7 mile) features two loop trails encircling hardwood swamps and a meadow, and the Thunder Swamp Trail System (26 miles) that includes short loop trails for day use and longer loops for overnight camping. Picnicking: several picnic areas/pavilions including the Pecks Pond Picnic Area along the south shore of Pecks Pond offering charcoal grills and several picnic
44 tables, as well as a boat launch affording access to fishing and boating in Peck’s Pond. The Snow Hill Picnic Area has a picnic pavilion with tables, charcoal grills and rest rooms. Camping: Several different camping opportunities are available including three designated camp sites (i.e. Snow Hill, S1; Edgemere, E1 and Owego, O1). DCNR website provides information on requirements and permit procedures. Hunting & Trapping: Hunting for deer, turkey, grouse, woodcock squirrels, waterfowl, rabbits, hares, coyotes and black bear is a popular use of the forest during designated seasons. Other than a few safety zones around buildings and picnic areas, hunting is permitted throughout the state forest. Lakes & Ponds: There are thirteen lakes and ponds within the Forest including six glacial and seven constructed, among the latter are Stairway Lake (13 acres) and Lilly Pond (12 acres) to the northwest of Milford. DCNR notes that warm water fishing is good at many of the lakes and ponds. Fishing: In addition to the ponds and lakes, the Forest contains numerous brooks, streams and river, many of which are stocked with the native species. Saw Creek, Bushkill Creek, Little Bushkill Creek are all stocked with brook trout. Poplar Run, Saventine Creek, East Spring Run and Red Rock Run to name a few all have native trout. The Delaware River fronts on one mile of Forest land (accessible by boat), offering many species including trout, bass, walleye, shad, musky and pan fish. Boating: Boat launches are located at White Deer Lake, two at Peck’s Pond, Little Mud Pond and Lake Minisink. The DCNR website notes registration, permitting and related requirements. Sightseeing: The Tarkill Forest Demonstration Area is an “outdoor Textbook Area” of eighty-two acres, located north of Peck’s Pond along PA Route 402 in Pike County. Along marked trails, trees have been identified, examples of forest management practices can be viewed, and interesting facts about trees are provided. Horseback Riding: H orses may be ridden on all Forest roads and trails except in natural areas or the Thunder Swamp Hiking Trail. The Promised Land tract of Delaware State Forest also has in excess of 26 miles of trails for equine enthusiasts. Mountain Biking: Mountain bikes may be used on all roads and most trails in the Delaware State Forest except those in natural areas and the Thunder Swamp Trail system. Motorized Trails: The Forest maintains three ATV trails totaling more than twenty-eight miles for summer and/or winter use. The DCNR website identifies registration and related requirements. In addition, the eighteen hundred acre Dancing Ridge disabled sportsperson area is available year-round to ATV operators with physical limitations. Winter Activities: The Forest maintains nearly 115 miles of public snowmobile trails, providing for both long and short rides. Trail grooming is conducted on about seventy miles of this trail network. Cross-country skiing can be done on any trail, road or forest land. Bruce Lake Natural Area focuses on non-motorized, non-equine and non-bicycle travel, and its trails are not groomed and offer skiers and snow shoe enthusiasts an opportunity to experience the forest’s beauty on a marked trail system.
45 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Promised Land State Park
This 2,971 acre state park is located in Pike County, approximately 25 miles south of Honesdale and 15 miles south of Hawley, and is surrounded by 12,464 acres of Pennsylvania’s Delaware State Forest. The park offer offers picnicking, hunting, and hiking, on twenty-nine miles of trails, and the forests of the park consist primarily of beech, oak, maple and hemlock trees. The land that became Promised Land State Park was hunting grounds for the Minsi Tribe of the Wolf Clan of the Lenni-Lenape Indians (Delaware). The Shakers, a religious group, purchased land in the area. After contracting the forests to be timbered, the Shakers left the area. Early settlers of the area erected sawmills to process the large stands of conifer and hardwood trees. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania purchased the land in 1902 and created the fourth Pennsylvania state park and the first park facilities opened to the public in 1905. The Park hosted the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), and Camp S-139 opened in May of 1933 and closed in July of 1941. The hard working young men transformed the land in and around Promised Land State Park. Major recreational opportunities in the Park are summarized below:
Lakes: The 422-acre Promised Land Lake and the 173-acre Lower Lake provide opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. The common fish species are largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel, muskellunge, yellow perch, sunfish and catfish. Lower Lake is approved trout waters and is stocked with brook, brown and rainbow trout. Camping: facilities include 506 campsites in four areas as well as rustic cabins. Winter Activities: Winter activities include ice-skating and ice-fishing on the lakes, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling on 17 miles of trails. Trail System: There are about 50 miles of hiking trails in the Park and the surrounding State Forest, providing access to areas rich in historic and scenic interest. The Park provides access to equestrian trails on State Forest lands. Bicyclists share the road on the 6.5-mile paved road around Promised Land Lake but are not permitted on hiking trails. Boating: Together the lakes have five boat launching areas and a total of 170 mooring spaces rented on a seasonal basis. Motorized boats may be of the electric motor type. A boat rental is available for rowboats, canoes, kayaks and paddleboats. Hunting: About 450 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, bear and turkey. Picnicking: The Picnic Area is on Promised Land Lake and has many picnic tables and two pavilions. Refreshment Stand: The food concession offers numerous items and is open from the Saturday immediately preceding Memorial Day through Labor Day Swimming: There are two sand beaches that are open from late-May to mid- September. Source: DCNR
46 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – State Gamelands
The Pennsylvania State Game Lands are lands managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) for hunting, trapping and fishing. Typically these lands are either acquired by or donated to the PGC. There are five State Gamelands in proximity to Honesdale and Hawley located in Wayne, Lackawanna and Pike Counties encompassing a total of 21,487acres, as summarized below:
SGL General Location Acreage #159 - Lebanon Twp - Rileyville 9,368 #310 - Lake Twp – near Lake Henry 1,120 #300 - Carbondale Twp – near City of Carbondale 5,506 #183 - Palmyra Twp – Wilsonville 2,778 #316 - Lackawaxen Twp – Masthope 2,715 Source: PGC website
Stourbridge Line Railroad Excursions
The Wayne County Chamber of Commerce sponsored rail excursions along the Stourbridge Railway, which at one time offered shortline freight service. There were no freight customers during this planning activity, although passenger service for excursions on a number of Saturday’s in the summer, as well as special holiday- theme (e.g. Bunny Run, Patriot's Express [Memorial Day], Fall Foliage, Halloween, Santa Express, etc.) and/or special event (e.g. Bavarian Festival, Grape Express [wine tasting], Winterfest, etc.). A great deal of discussion during the Heritage Community planning activities focused on the role, importance and sustainability of these excursions within the tourism context of the Study Area. Subsequent to the final Community Workshop, it was determined that excursions would not occur in 2012, an issue affecting one of the area’s many tourism assets. The extent of impacts to area tourism remains to be seen as of this writing, or if the excursions resume in a future year.
47 Community Inventories – Local Recreation Related Resources
Honesdale and Hawley are within the Pocono Mountains Region as identified by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (www.visitpa.com ). The Pocono Mountains is described as an endless outdoor playground with ample areas for hiking, biking, fishing and canoeing. The general area in and around Honesdale and Hawley reflects this branding. In addition to the Nature Tourism Resources described in the previous section, Honesdale and Hawley and surrounding are offer a number of recreation opportunities.
Honesdale Borough Parks
Honesdale Borough has six parks including: • Central Park - Benches, Bandstand, Fountain, Playground, Walking Trail • Fair Avenue (Apple Grove/Veterans) - Baseball, Benches, Disc Golf, Pavilion, Picnic Facilities, Playground Pool, Walking Trail • Gibbons Memorial Park – Picnic Facilities, Walking Trails • Little Baseball Association Park – Baseball, Benches, Restrooms, Walking Trail • North (Triangle) Park – Benches, • Riverside Park – Benches, Walking Trails
Hawley Borough Parks
Residents and visitors can enjoy approximately 24 acres of protected greenspace and Hawley Borough’s two parks and including • Bingham Park – Baseball, Basketball, Benches, Bandstand, Playground, Skate Park, Tennis Courts, Walking Trails. The Park is one of the most heavily used in Wayne County and contains the only skate park in the County. • Riverside Park - Baseball, Benches and Walking Trail
Regional Recreation Areas
Wayne County is a sponsor of a number of recreational events and programs, including the annual Hershey’s Track and Field Games at each of the major school districts. This program is open to girls and boys ages 9 to 14 and involves a variety of track and field events. The County also co- sponsors baseball, basketball and field hockey camps at school district facilities. These camps annually attract more than 200 children and adolescents. Other sponsored events include a Little League tournament and two road races including the Habitat for Humanity and the Dr. Perkins Annual Races. Finally, the County sponsors a golf tournament for adults held annually at the Honesdale Golf Club.
48 The Wayne County Recreation Complex, known as the “County Farm” is the only County owned recreational facility. It is bounded on the north by State Route 652 and the south by State Route 2011 and contains approximately 193 areas of land. Currently, the Recreation Complex includes three baseball fields, a pavilion with picnic facilities and portable restroom facilities. In addition, two soccer fields exist on the site. The construction of soccer fields at the Wayne County Recreation Complex was the result of a partnership between Wayne County and the Honesdale Soccer Club. The developed portion of the Wayne County Recreation Complex currently occupies roughly 40 acres of land. The remaining 150 areas of County land are occupied by the Wayne County.
Carousel Water & Fun Park Located approximately 8.4 miles east of Honesdale in Beach Lake off of Route 6 via PA Rt. 652. The Carousel Water & Fun Park offers water and fun park activities for the entire family including Water Slides, Bumper Boats, Go-Karts, Mini-Golf, Batting Range, Kiddie Kars, Game Room and snack Bar.
Honesdale Golf Club Honesdale Golf Club is one of the oldest golf clubs in Pennsylvania, chartered in 1900 as a private non-profit organization. Honesdale Golf Club is a private club for the exclusive use of its members and their guests and is rich in traditions and family oriented in its values. The golf course offers a challenging 18 holes using varying tee locations and what many consider some of the finest greens in golf. Frequent private and semi- private tournaments are held throughout the year.
Wayne County YMCA Wayne County has one YMCA located on Park Street in Honesdale that serves communities in Wayne and Pike Counties. The YMCA has a gymnasium, program room, aerobic training area, locker rooms, free weight/paramount fitness station room, leg room, boxing room, stretching/abdominal room, and a meeting room. The YMCA has grown in the number of programs it offers and the number of individuals who have become members since its inception.
Ski Areas Wayne County has one private ski resort, although there are a number of ski resorts located in close proximity to Wayne County. The Hideout Ski Resort is located near Hamlin and restricted to use by the community residents and guests. Ski Big Bear and Tanglewood Ski Resorts are located in Pike County and Sno Mountain Ski Resort is located in nearby Lackawanna County and Elk Mountain Ski Resort is located in Susquehanna County.
49 Fairgrounds The Wayne County Fairgrounds is located in Dyberry Township just outside of Honesdale, and is home to the annual Wayne County Fair which offers family oriented entertainment including numerous rides, special events and a large agricultural extension exhibit.
Summer Camps Historically, Wayne County has been the location of numerous summer camps, numbering in the range of 35-40 as per the Wayne County Comprehensive Plan Update , with most in central and northern sections of the County. The summer camps generally operate between June and September, primarily serving children from metropolitan areas in New York and New Jersey. A number of camps are year-round operations offering other programs such as sports camps, cheerleading camps, band camps, retreats, banquets and other group-related activities.
Resorts Wayne County is the home of three primary resorts. Cove Haven Honeymoon Resort located in Paupack Township on the shores of Lake Wallenpaupack caters to honeymoon and other couples who want a weekend or weeklong vacation. The resort features a sports palace with indoor tennis, racquetball, miniature golf and ice skating. In addition, the resort has a marina on Lake Wallenpaupack that offers guests opportunities for boat rides and water skiing. The resort includes indoor and outdoor pool facilities as well as outdoor tennis and basketball courts. Lukan’s Farm Resort located in Palmyra Township, just outside of Hawley caters to couples and families, offering outdoor tennis, basketball and volleyball courts, children’s playground, large outdoor swimming pool, fishing ponds on the property, miniature golf, cross country skiing and hiking. The resort features a large dining room that is also open to the public and hosts many large banquets. The Central House located in Beach Lake, between Honesdale and Narrowsburg, is a family oriented resort. The resort offers an outdoor pool, horseshoes, bocce, lakefront access and boat rentals. In addition, the resort has a restaurant and hosts many banquets.
50 Bicycle Trails
Bicycle Route Y, one of six long-distance bicycle touring routes in the state, generally follows Route 6 in an east-west alignment across most of the state. One of the exceptions is within the Study Area where Route Y departs from Route 6, most notably just east of Hawley where Route 6 follows Kimbles Road northeastward ending in Lackawaxen at the Roebling Bridge. Bicycle Route Spur Y1 follows Route 6 eastward through Pike County from the split at Kimbles Road. Route Y parallels the D&H Canal towpath for much of the route through Wayne and Pike Counties
51 Community Inventories - Inventory and Survey of Businesses
A number of tourism related resources are located in and around the Study Area including everything from specialty and chain retail, cultural facilities, outdoor recreational assets and a wide assortment of hospitality resources. In the Honesdale and Hawley area, many of these resources are located on Route 6 which directly links Honesdale and Hawley with the larger region. Honesdale and Hawley each contain a defined pedestrian-scale “business district” identified by the EADS team centered on Route 6 and the cross streets in each of the communities. The following summarizes the types of businesses in these areas as identified in a windshield survey in June 2011:
Honesdale
There is a relatively large central business district (CBD) along the one-way pairs that form Route 6 in Honesdale, Main Street (Rt. 6 east) and Church Street (Route 6 west). During the time of our field survey the district consisted of approximately 124 occupied businesses, which included 45 retail businesses, 20 eating/drinking establishments and the remainder being professional, personal and businesses services, as well as gasoline/convenience stores. Retail stores account for 36% of the establishments in the CBD and include a wide variety of retailing, including the sale of large consumer goods, convenience retail items and specialty retail, such as antiques, gifts, etc. In this later case there are a number of smaller shops selling gift items, consignments and antiques. Approximately 16% of the establishments are involved in the sale of food or beverages, thus, over one-half of the establishments are likely to be of interest to tourists. At the time of our field work, there were 21 vacant spaces within the CBD. The Village of Indian Orchard is located east of the CBD on Route 6 and is comprised of an additional 32 establishments, ranging from franchise eating establishments to small retail stores to several big box retailers. This strip center is more of a highway-commercial than pedestrian scale business area. There are numerous other individual businesses located along Route 6 especially east of Honesdale.
52 Hawley
Hawley is considerably smaller with approximately one-quarter of the population of Honesdale, but the CBD along Main Avenue (Route 6) and intersecting streets is relatively large comprised of approximately 70 establishments including 27 retail and 9 eating/drinking establishments, and the remainder being professional, personal and businesses services. Retail stores comprise 39% of the establishments and are mostly smaller specialty stores, including several antique stores. Approximately 13% of the establishments are involved in the sale of food or beverages, thus, over one-half of the establishments are likely to be of interest to tourists. At the time of our field work, there were 6 vacant spaces within the CBD. During our field work we noticed a great variation in store hours, with some stores open and others closed. We also noted that many stores had no posted hours. The restoration and reuse of the nearby Hawley Silk Mill and the Ledges Hotel were underway during the field work in 2011, with the former slated for a multiple use involving retail, office and educational space and the latter as high- end accommodations. A highway/lake-oriented business area is just east of the CBD along Route 6, quite different than the largely pedestrian oriented CBD along Main Avenue. Taken together, existing and in- process activities create a dynamic and diverse setting for the visitor and resident alike.
Antique Dealers
A number of antique dealers joined forces in the Wayne, Pike and Sullivan (NY) County Antique Dealers Association. At least seven (7) of them are located in the area between Honesdale and Hawley.
53 Perceptions – Views from an Outside Visitor
Planning staff believe that the Honesdale and Hawley CBD’s are walkable, of course with Hawley’s being somewhat more compact. There are numerous defined and marked crosswalks and traffic signals in both communities although the one-way pair alignment in Honesdale most likely encourages many motorists to drive a bit faster than perhaps warranted.
Business hours vary considerably in the communities and while there are some post-5:00 activities, especially in Honesdale, generally there are limited choices then. In addition, staff saw instances of no posted hours on many stores in Hawley.
There was a noticeable number of vacant retail spaces in the CBD’s but few vacant lots.
Overall, businesses are spread out in Honesdale, over the two streets that together form Route 6 and side streets and the newcomer or casual visitor probably would not have difficulty just figuring out what is available. In addition, the one-way pairs complicate both vehicular and pedestrian circulation.
Business offerings in the communities are relatively diverse offering everything from big box retailers, shopping centers, convenience stores, fast-food to small specialty and high-end dining.
Overall, the streetscape in both communities is rather pleasing. In Hawley, a major recent streetscape project along Main Avenue and several other streets presents a welcoming image to the visitor, with new sidewalks, newly planted trees and period light standards. Some of the facades in Hawley are not as aesthetically pleasing as the streetscape, but still the town exudes a nice small-town atmosphere.
54 The Honesdale streetscape is also very attractive with wide sidewalks, mature trees in some sections, pedestrian- scale “sandwich board” signs and generally attractive facades. There are gaps in the street-tree lining with some sections somewhat stark.
55 Business Survey
A survey of businesses was conducted during the late-summer/early-fall of 2011. The questionnaire was developed in consultation with the local Stakeholders Committee. The survey was conducted exclusively via SurveyMonkey , and included e-blasts from representatives of the Stakeholders. Separate questionnaires were prepared for Honesdale and Hawley businesses, which were very similar differing in only a few items. Unfortunately, the response from Hawley business was exceptionally low (4 responses) making any statistical analysis meaningless. Select results from Hawley will be reviewed in general form at the end of this section. The body of this section focuses on responses from Honesdale businesses.
Overview of Responses : A total of twenty-four (24) responses were received from Honesdale area businesses. The detailed returns are as follows, with a good response from retailers, non-profits and eating and drinking establishments. Numbers reflect some respondents noting more than one type of business, thus percentages exceed 100%.
TYPE Honesdale # % Lodging: Motel, hotel, B&B, etc. 0 0.0
Retailing: Gifts, convenience goods, 14 58.3 hardware, etc. Eating/Drinking Establishments: 3 12.5 Restaurants, taverns, etc. Food Products/Services: Food products, 0 0.0 snacks, groceries, etc. Recreation services: Guide, outfitter, 0 0.0 sporting equipment, etc. Attraction: Amusement, museum, 1 4.2 entertainment establishment, etc. Medical/Dental Goods/Services 2 8.3 Other Professional Services: Legal, 1 4.2 accounting, etc. Automotive Goods/Services: Fuel, service, 0 0.0 automobile parts, sales, etc. Financial Services: Banking, real estate, 2 8.3 insurance, etc. Personal/Household Services: Plumbing, 2 8.3 contracting, hairstyling, repair, etc. Rental 0 0.0 Business Services: Data processing, 0 0.0 copying, etc. Storage/Wholesaling 0 0.0 Non-profit agency/organization 4 16.7 Other 1 4.2 No Response 3 12.5 TOTAL 33
56 Business Operations : Overall, nearly four-fifths of the responses were from middle to long-term (11 to 20+ years) with 67% in business over 20 years and 13% between 11-20 years. All of the responding businesses were full-time operations. In total the 24 businesses employ 288 persons, with most being full- time (56%) employees, for an average of 6.7 full and part-time employees per business.
RANGE Honesdale # % 1 year or less 1 4.2 2-5 years 2 8.3 6-10 years 1 4.2 11-20 years 3 12.5 More than 20 years 16 66.7 No Response 1 4.2 TOTAL 24 100%
TYPE Honesdale # % Full Time 23 100.0 Part-time 0 0.0 No Response 1 0.0 TOTAL 24 100%
TYPE Honesdale # % Full Time employees 161 55.6 Part-time employees 127 44.4 TOTAL 288 100%
57 Business hours varied somewhat among the respondents. The “typical business day” is difficult to generalize, due to the special needs and markets of the businesses. a. The common weekday hours begin with most openings between 8-9 AM and closings between 5-6 PM. Early openings and late closings are the exception and not the rule. b. Weekends are quite different with few early openings and 8-9 openings more common, similar to weekdays. However, early closings before 4 or 5 PM are common unlike the weekdays. c. Fewer stores show Sunday hours, in fact only one-half of the respondents who show weekday and Saturday hours are open at all on Sunday. Those who conduct business open later in the morning. d. One responding business noted 24/7 operations,
Honesdale Business Hours Summary
Weekdays Open Close 7 AM or earlier 2 Before 4:00 PM 1 7:00 - 8:00 AM 1 4:00-5:00 PM 4 8:01-9:00 AM 10 5:01 -6:00 PM 13 9:01-10:00 AM 7 6:01-8:00 PM 2 10:01-Noon 4 8:01-10:00 PM 3 After noon 0 After 10:00 PM 1
Saturday Open Close 7 AM or earlier 2 Before 4:00 PM 8 7:00 - 8:00 AM 0 4:00-5:00 PM 5 8:01-9:00 AM 9 5:01 -6:00 PM 4 9:01-10:00 AM 5 6:01-8:00 PM 1 10:01-Noon 6 8:01-10:00 PM 2 After noon 0 After 10:00 PM 2
Sunday Open Close 7 AM or earlier 1 Before 4:00 PM 3 7:00 - 8:00 AM 0 4:00-5:00 PM 3 8:01-9:00 AM 1 5:01 -6:00 PM 2 9:01-10:00 AM 0 6:01-8:00 PM 0 10:01-Noon 7 8:01-10:00 PM 2 After noon 2 After 10:00 PM 1
58 Perceived Busy Days/Seasons: a. Most designate Saturday (33%) as the “busiest day” with No Difference noted by another 33%. Friday (21%) also being noted as a busy day.
DAY Honesdale # % Monday 1 4.2 Tuesday 1 0.0 Wednesday 0 0.0 Thursday 2 8.3 Friday 5 20.8 Saturday 8 33.3 Sunday 0 0.0 No Difference 8 33.3 No Answer 1 0.0
b. Summer (71%) is by far the busiest season for the most number, distantly followed by Christmas (30%). A relatively small number see no difference among seasons. Multiple Answers were allowed per respondent explaining percentage totals exceeding 100%, with percentages reflecting percent of 22 respondents answering this item.
SEASON Honesdale # % Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 17 70.8 Autumn (September through November) 3 12.5 Christmas Season (Thanksgiving through 7 29.2 New Year’s Day) Winter (January through March) 1 4.2 Spring (April through May) 1 4.2 Other 0 0.0 None; all seasons are generally the same 4 16.7
59 Ownership : The business community generally reflects a local and regional year round orientation with two-thirds of owners being full-time local resident.
LOCATION Honesdale # % A year-round resident of Honesdale Area 16 66.7 A part-time resident of Honesdale Area 1 4.2 A year-round resident of another Wayne 3 12.5 County Community A part-time resident of another Wayne 0 0,0 County Community A resident of an adjacent County/State 4 16.7 TOTAL 24 100%
Route 6 Location : The relative importance of US Route 6 for business at the present time is strong as approximately 83% rate it as either very or somewhat important while only approximately 13% indicated that it is minimally important. No respondent rated Route 5 it as not important to their business.
IMPORTANCE Honesdale # % Very Important 9 37.5 Somewhat Important 11 25.8 Minimally Important 3 12.5 Not Important 0 0.0 Other 1 4.2 No Answer 0 0.0 TOTAL 24 100%
60 Sales and Trends : Overall positive characteristics and trends among the communities a. The estimate of business’ annual gross sales or revenues volume suggests a very high level of business activity in the community, with a substantial portion (58%) noting sales/revenue in excess of $250,000 and none showing sales/revenues under $50,000. Another 15% have sales between $50,000 and $250,000. Comparatively, all of this suggests one of the more sales active and substantial business districts on the Route 6 corridor.
RANGE Honesdale # % Under $25,000 per year 0 0.0 $25,000 - $50,000 per year 0 0.0 $50,001 - $100,000 per year 2 8.3 $100,001 - $250,000 per year 2 8.3 Over $250,000 per year 14 58.3 No Answer 6 25.0 TOTAL 24 100.0%
b. Sales/revenue volume trend in the prior 12 months vary considerable, perhaps not reflecting recessionary impacts in the larger economy, with 38% experiencing increases, 26% experiencing stability and 30% having decreases. However, overall 64% either experienced an increase or stability in sales/revenues, still a positive trend in rather uncertain economic times.
TREND City of Honesdale and Hawley # % Increased 9 37.5 Decreased 7 29.2 Stayed about the Same 6 26.0 No Answer 2 8.3 TOTAL 24 100.0%
61 Customer Base/Characteristics a. There is somewhat of a variation in the “typical” daily customer/client base, with approximately 46% reporting having over 100 customers/clients per day while approximately 38% reported having 50 or fewer customers/clients per day, suggesting a mix of large and small businesses.
RANGE - # of customers/clients per day Honesdale # % Under 5 0 0.0 5-10 1 4.2 11-25 3 12.5 26-50 5 20.8 51-75 3 12.5 76-100 1 4.2 101-200 5 20.8 Over 200 6 25.0 Clients/Customers do not come to business 0 0.0 No response 0 0.0 TOTAL 24 100.0%
The following summarizes are related to the table on the following page: b. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “local” residents (i.e. people who live in and around Honesdale and Hawley): Respondents indicate they do rely moderately on local residents, within the context of other Route 6 communities surveyed. Only 38% of those offering a response suggest that locals account for more than 70% of their customer base, a relatively moderate percentage (one-half of that in some other heritage Communities). c. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “regular” visitors and tourists (i.e. visiting local families, hunters/fishermen, seasonal residents, etc. who you may be seen a number of times over the years): The “regular” visitors appear to be important to a substantial number of businesses as approximately 50% note that they represent 21%- 50% of their business and only 38% indicated that regular visitors account for less than 30% of their business. d. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “casual” visitors and tourists (i.e. people “passing through” who you see only once): While no business relies on the stereotypical “tourist” for most of its business, 42% note that casual tourists account for 10%-30% of business, again a relatively high percentage among Route 6 communities surveyed. Thus, similar to “regular” visitors, “casual” visitors comprise an important component of the customer base among the businesses responding.
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RANGE – estimated “Local” “Regular” “Casual” customer base # % # % # % 91 – 100% 1 4.2 1 4.2 0 0.0 81 – 90% 4 16.7 0 0.0 0 0.0 71 – 80% 5 20.8 1 4.2 0 0.0 61 – 70% 2 8.3 0 0.0 0 0.0 51 – 60% 3 12.5 1 4.2 0 0.0 41 – 50% 3 12.5 3 12.5 2 8.3 31 – 40% 4 16.7 3 12.5 1 4.2 21 – 30% 2 8.3 6 25.0 4 16.7 10 - 20% 0 0.0 7 29.2 6 25.0 Under 10% 0 0.0 2 8.3 10 41.7 No Answer 0 0.0 0 0.0 1 4.2 TOTAL 24 100% 22 100% 22 100%
Overall summary: The Honesdale business district is serving and somewhat dependent on casual and regular visitors, even though local residents may be the “backbone”.
Tourism and Business in General: a. Overall, businesses have either seen continuity in tourism traffic (33%) or sustained a decrease in tourism traffic (29%) in their business in recent years. Only three (3) businesses reported an increase in tourism traffic.
TYPE Honesdale # % Tourist traffic has increased 3 12.5 Tourist traffic has decreased 7 29.2 No change in tourist traffic 8 33.3 No tourist traffic in this business 2 8.3 No Answer 4 16.7 TOTAL 24 100% b. Factors that describe present business planning, (multiple responses with percentages reflecting percent of responding businesses). Planned expansions are more in the way of offering more goods and services (39%) than physical expansions (13%), a common finding among business districts in other Heritage Communities. There was one (1) response indicating considering closing or selling and 48% were not considering any changes presently.
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CURRENT PLANNING Honesdale # % Considering a physical expansion of my business’ physical plant 3 13.0 Considering expanding my offering of goods or services 9 39.1 Considering hiring new employees 2 8.7 Considering selling or closing my business 1 4.3 Not considering any changes at the present time 11 47.8 No response 1 4.3
Future Enhancements : Respondents were asked to identify no more than the three (3) top improvements they think would improve the community as a business or tourism destination. Multiple responses were encouraged with percentages reflecting percent of the total respondents favoring each type of improvement. (See tables on following page) a. Results are widely scattered and comprised of mostly non-structural improvements. The most popular improvements that are seen as enhancing the community as a business or tourist destination are: Additional tourist destinations/activities (33%) Additional inns/hotel or other accommodations (29%) More traffic calming measures (29%) More specialty retail businesses (25%) As such, there is no overwhelming consensus on a single improvement. The lack of comment on Stourbridge Line railroad excursion item is noteworthy, and it is worth noting that the survey occurred prior to the announcement of the suspension of excursions during 2012. A few miscellaneous “other” comments are noteworthy: One commenter noted that it was “great” when excursion drops off passengers in town Two noted the need to slow traffic and/or restore two-way traffic on Main Street (related to “traffic calming” option above) One commenter suggested completion of utility construction at night to minimize impacts on business One commenter noted that stores should open later and better advertise to people vacationing in the Beach Lake or Hawley areas
b. New business development is a popular enhancement, with recreation and entertainment services being the most popular type noted. Specialty retail stores and eating/drinking establishments were noted to a lesser extent. The “other and Specified Stores” comment allowed open-ended responses. While several suggested up=scale specialty retail, one commenter suggested “practical stores” for residents while another noted the need for more consistent business hours in the business district as a whole.
64 Please identify no more than the top 3 improvements that you feel would improve Honesdale as a business/tourist destination Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Additional tourist destinations/activities 33.3% 8 Additional inns/hotel or other accommodations 29.2% 7 More traffic calming measures 29.2% 7 More specialty retail businesses 25.0% 6 Additional Streetscape improvements 20.8% 5 Improved property maintenance 16.7% 4 Improved street maintenance 16.7% 4 More coordinated advertising/promotion 16.7% 4 More events and festivals 16.7% 4 Hospitality training for business employees 16.7% 4 Improvements to storefronts/facades in the business district 12.5% 3 Better signage to businesses and destinations 12.5% 3 Bus/jitney transit link with Hawley & other area communities 12.5% 3 Additional Stourbridge Railroad excursions 8.3% 2 Information kiosks 8.3% 2 Streamlining of ordinances and regulations 4.2% 1 Schedule changes for Stourbridge Railroad excursions 4.2% 1 More cooperation with Stourbridge Railroad (i.e. business discounts, 0.0% 0 more joint promotions, tickets available at businesses, etc.) No Response 0.0% 0 Other (please specify) 5
From a business perspective, what types of new businesses do you feel are needed and could be sustained in the area? (Check all that apply) Response Response Answer Options Percent Count Recreation and entertainment services 71.4% 15 Other and Specified Stores 42.9% 9 Smaller specialty stores such as antique, gifts, crafts, etc. 38.1% 8 Eating and drinking establishments 33.3% 7 Larger retail stores (i.e. appliance, auto, etc) 14.3% 3 Professional services 0.0% 0 Personal services 0.0% 0 Convenience stores 0.0% 0
65 Best Kept Secrets
Respondents were offered the opportunity to identify the “best kept secret” about Honesdale in an open-ended question with no choices identified. A summary of these responses is as follows:
Numerous comments on size and diversity of downtown business district as an attraction Several noted outdoor recreation opportunities including the River, which is seen as being unnoticed Quality of life, community spirit and a “home town” feeling (common traits with several other Heritage Communities) One noted that it is the Birthplace of the American Railroad One noted the Victorian Homes in the north end.
Hawley Summary
Unfortunately the very low response rate from Hawley businesses precludes any meaningful analysis of responses, since only four responses were received. However, a few items are worth noting: Among the range of improvements noted, there was unanimity on the need for improvements to storefronts/facades, and consensus on the need to address property maintenance conditions. Respondents see the need for additional specialty retail stores, businesses offering recreation and entertainment services and eating and drinking establishments. As was the case with the larger sample of Honesdale businesses, no mention was made of more cooperation with the now-suspended Stourbridge Line excursion.
66 Community Inventories - Physical and Non-Physical Conditions
This subsection provides an overview of various physical characteristics, facilities and services available in the Honesdale and Hawley Area, with attention emphasized on those most affecting the traveling public. The primary source of the information is the Wayne County Comprehensive Plan Update (2010) and local input.
Fire Protection - All of Wayne County is served by volunteer emergency and rescue organizations. The Hawley Volunteer Fire Department consists of one fire station located in the Borough at 10 Columbus Avenue. The Hawley Fire Department serves Hawley Borough, Palmyra Township (Wayne County), Palmyra Township Pike County (Cromwelltown), bordering Lackawaxen Township. The Honesdale Volunteer Fire Department consists of four companies - Hose Company No. 1, Alert Hook and Ladder No. 2, Texas No. 4 and Protection Engine Company No. 3. Founded in 1853, Protection Engine Co. #3 is the oldest fire company in the Honesdale Fire Department. The Honesdale Fire Department serves approximately 10,500 citizens in a 45-square mile fire district consisting of Honesdale Borough, the Wayne County Courthouse, the Wayne Memorial Hospital as well as a the growing rural area surrounding the Borough.
Police Protection – Four local municipalities in Wayne County including Hawley Borough, Honesdale Borough, Lehigh Township and Waymart Borough maintain their own municipal police force. The Hawley Police Department also provides police service to Palmyra Township. The remaining areas in the County rely on the State Police. The Hawley Police Department is located at 434 PA Rt. 402 and the Honesdale Police Department is located at 962 Main Street. The PA State Police Barracks serving Wayne County is located on PA Rt. 191 about 5 miles south of Honesdale in Cherry Ridge Township.
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Ambulance – The Honesdale EMS, located at 3298 Lake Ariel Highway provides basic and advanced life support services for residents in Honesdale and Texas, Berlin, Cherry Ridge, Dyberry Oregon, Prompton, Bethany and Paupack Townships. The Hawley Ambulance and Rescue Company, located at 219 River Street provides services to the residents of Hawley Borough and parts of Berlin, Lake, Palmyra and Texas Townships.
Educational/Cultural
Wallenpaupack Area School District – The 325 square mile Wallenpaupack Area School District is located in Wayne and Pike Counties and draws its student from Hawley Borough and Wallenpaupack, Dreher, Palmyrar, Paupack and Texas Townships in Wayne County and Greene, Blooming Grove, Palmyra and Lackawaxen Townships in Pike County. The District operates the Wallenpaupack High School located in Hawley on Rt 6, the Wallenpaupack Area Middle School, Wallenpaupack North Intermediate School and the Wallenpaupack North Primary School in Hawley on Atlantic Ave, the Wallenpaupack South Elementary School located in Newfoundland, and the Wallenpaupack Hawley Center in Hawley on Academy Street. The District enrolls approximately 3,586 students with enrollment at the High School being approximately 1,343, the Middle School being approximately 870, the Intermediate School being 577, the Elementary School being 299 and the Primary School being 497. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the enrollment to decrease to approximately 3,057 students by 2015-16 and down to approximately 2,836 students by 2020-21. Because the Department of Education does not account for immigration in its projections, these numbers may be low.
Wayne Highlands School District – The 425.2 square mile Wayne Highlands School District is located entirely in Wayne County and draws students from Honesdale and Bethany Boroughs and Scott, Preston, Buckingham, Manchester, Lebanon, Dyberry, Oregon, Damascus, Berlin, Cherry Ridge and Texas Townships. The District operates the Honesdale High School located in Honesdale on Terrace Street, the Wayne Highlands Middle School located in Honesdale on Grove Street, the Damascus Area School (K-8) located in Damascus, the Preston Area School (K-8) located in Lakewood, the Lakeside Elementary School (grades 3-5) located in Honesdale on Lakeside Drive and the Stourbridge Primary Center (K-2) located in Honesdale on 123 ABC Drive. The District enrolls approximately 2,974 students with enrollment at the High School being approximately 978, the Middle School being approximately 526, the Damascus Area School being approximately 324, the Preston Area School being 189, the Lakeside Elementary School being 504 and the Stourbridge Primary Center being approximately 453. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the enrollment to decrease to approximately 2,800 students by 2015-16
68 and down to approximately 2,538 students by 2020-21. Because the Department of Education does not account for immigration in its projections, these numbers may be low .
Wayne County Public Library System (WLA) - Residents of Honesdale and Hawley and Wayne County have access to the resources of seven libraries in the WLA including branches in Honesdale and Hawley. The Hawley Public Library is located at 103 Main Avenue in Hawley and is opened on Monday, Wednesday and Fridays from 10 am to 5 pm, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 5 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm. The Wayne County Library is located in Honesdale at 1406 Main Street and is opened Monday, Thursday and Fridays from 10 am to 6 pm, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 am to 7 pm and on Saturday from 10 am to 3 p.m. Additional branches of the WLA are located in the following communities:
o Bethany Library - Bethany, PA o The Community Library of Lake & Salem Townships – Hamlin, PA o Newfoundland Area Public Library – Newfoundland, PA o Northern Wayne Community Library – Lakewood, PA o Pleasant Mt. Library – Pleasant Mount, PA
Water Systems
The Honesdale Water System of the Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (Aqua) company provides public water service to Honesdale Borough and Texas Township. Source water for this System comes from six different groundwater wells. The Hawley Water System of the Aqua Pennsylvania, Inc. (Aqua) company provides public water service to Hawley Borough and Palmyra and Paupack Townships. Source water for this System comes from three different groundwater wells.
Sewer Services
The Central Wayne Regional Sewer Authority is the largest sewer Authority in the county in terms of treatment capacity. Currently, the Authority maintains a flow capacity of 1.18 million gallons per day (mgpd) with 2,300 connections. It serves Honesdale Borough and portions of Texas Township, Cherry Ridge Township and Berlin Township. The Authority is managed by a six member Board comprised of three members from Honesdale Borough, two members from Texas Township and one member from Cherry Ridge Township. The Authority is moving ahead with plans to upgrade facilities and expand plant capacity to 2.2 mgpd.
The Hawley Sewer Authority’s sewage treatment plant, which is physically located in Lackawaxen Township, Pike County provides secondary treatment with effluent discharge to the Lackawaxen River. The Authority’s sewage treatment plant has 200,000 gallons per day (gpd) of capacity and currently treats approximately 127,000 gpd. The system serves the Borough of Hawley and parts of Palmyra Township, Wayne County. There are approximately 1,113 connections.
69 Transportation System
Area highways carry a significant amount of traffic and provide key north/south and east/west connections. The major roads in and around Honesdale, Hawley and the village of White Mills are narratively described and all are described on Table 8 in terms of traffic volumes by segment.
Pennsylvania U.S. Route 6
U.S. Route 6 is classified as a Principal Arterial Highway and is the principal west-east route through Wayne County. From the west, Route 6 enters the county near Mile Post 348 and passes through Canaan Township, Waymart Borough, Prompton Borough, the village of White Mills, Texas Township, Honesdale Borough, Palmyra Township and Hawley Borough before exiting the county near Mile Post 370.
To the west of Honesdale Borough traffic volumes on Route 6 range between 6,626 and 7,212 vehicles a day with approximately 8-9% being truck traffic. Traffic volumes entering into Honesdale Borough along W Park Street increases to approximately 9,350 vehicles a day with 7% of that being truck traffic. In the immediate Downtown area, the Route 6 carries 9,014 and 9,698 vehicles a day (3-4% truck) eastbound along Main Street and a similar volume of traffic westbound along Church Street. Traffic volumes increase to the south of Main and Church Street where they reach approximately 15,000 vehicles a day (7% truck) along Willow Street. To the east of Honesdale towards Indian Orchard, volumes continue to be high and range between 14,315 and 16,515 vehicles a day with approximately 3-5% of that being truck traffic.
Through the Village of White Mills volumes are approximately 6,592 vehicles a day with 7-8% of that being truck traffic. Volumes remain at that level until Hawley Borough.
In Hawley Borough, Route 6 joins with PA 590 and carries approximately 6,000 vehicles a day (10% truck) along Hudson Street and approximately 7,961 (5% truck) along Main Avenue. Volumes increase to approximately 11,553 (11% Truck) along Main Avenue, Spring Street and Bellemonte Avenue between Columbia Avenue (SR
70 2004) and the PA 590 split near Wilsonville and the Pike County Line.
As reported in the Wayne County Comprehensive Plan (2010 update), Route 6 has experienced large increases in traffic on both sides of Honesdale Borough but especially on the east side toward Hawley. This is mostly a function of the extensive new commercial development in Indian Orchard and on the east side of Hawley Borough. Route 6 is, during peak seasons, virtually at its full safe capacity, a fact that has caused PennDOT to invest in the new Church Street Bridge and general upgrading of the highway infrastructure between the Borough and Route 652. It’s not clear these measures are enough, however, given the congestion that continues to exist between the Borough line and the K-Mart and Wal-Mart shopping plazas. The lack of sidewalks and shoulders in these areas has also become a problem as pedestrian traffic has increased in the vicinity. Recent widening of the highway in this area all but eliminated shoulders and created a hazardous situation. A new one-way traffic pattern has been developed for Honesdale Borough, which is expected to move traffic faster, but could also complicate downtown circulation in shopping and pedestrian areas. All the implications of this change will not be realized until the system has been operating for some time. The Borough has expressed an interest in re-evaluating the one-way routing after an opportunity to test it with the new bridge in place, which will open up new options for drivers accessing downtown areas. This is appropriate, especially if accomplished in the context of a comprehensive traffic management plan and upgrade of Route 6 as a whole.
PA Route 670
This east/west highway connects with PA 191 north of downtown Honesdale and extends to the northwest within Wayne County crossing with PA 247, PA 371 and PA 370 along the way. Traffic volumes on PA 670 along Elm Place in Honesdale Borough are approximately 3,235 vehicles per day with 5% of that being truck traffic.
PA Route 191
This north/south highway extends from south of Honesdale and Hawley near Easton, PA through Honesdale and all the way north to Route 17 near Hancock in New York State. It intersects with nine other major routes in Wayne County including Routes I-84 and PA Routes 6, 196, 296, 423, 507, 370, 371 and 670. Traffic volumes to the north of downtown Honesdale on Main Street are approximately 8,909 vehicles a day and along Fair Avenue they decrease to between approximately 3,576 and 4,729 vehicles per day with 5-7% of that being truck traffic. Volumes to the south of downtown Honesdale along Sunrise Street are approximately 6,243 with 5% of that being trucks.
71 PA Route 590
This east/west highway is located in southern Wayne County in Salem, Paupack and Palmyra Townships and Hawley Borough and runs through the heart of Wayne County's recreational region. Traffic volumes in Hawley Borough on Hudson Street are approximately 3,164 vehicles a day (10% truck). PA 590 adjoins PA Route 6 through part of the Borough until it splits off south of the Borough in Palmyra Township where it becomes the Purdytown Turnpike. Volumes along the Purdytown Turnpike are approximately 5,075 vehicles a day.
State Routes – Honesdale Borough
Numerous State Routes carry traffic to, from and within Honesdale Borough. These include SRs 1001, 1005, 1007, 2007. 3033, 3031, 3032, 4015, 4011, 0488, 0490, 0491 and 0492. Volumes on most of these State Routes are approximately 1,000 vehicles a day or less, with the exception being SR 3031 (Terrance Street) which carries between 3,678-4,381 vehicles a day and SR 0488 (Erie Street) which carries approximately 6,802 vehicles a day.
State Routes – White Mills
SR 2006 intersects with PA Route 6 in the Village of White Mills. The traffic volume to the west of PA Route 6 along White Mills Rd is approximately 969 vehicles a day (5% truck) and the east along Charles Street volumes are approximately 209 with 10% of that being truck traffic.
State Routes – Hawley Borough
Two State Routes SR 2004 (Columbus Avenue) and SR 2001 (Ridge Avenue) are located in Hawley Borough. Columbus Avenue carries approximately 841 vehicles a day and Ridge Avenue carries approximately 438 vehicles day with both having approximately 10% of their daily traffic being trucks.
72 TABLE 8 Major Highway Profile/Traffic Volumes Honesdale and Hawley Heritage Communities Program
Route Location Segment AADT Truck Volume Honesdale Borough Between Prompton Route 6 Texas Township Borough and Honesdale 6,626 – 7,212 8-9% West Borough W Park Street 9,350 7% Route 6 Main Street – Eastbound 9,014-9,698 3-4% Honesdale Borough Central Church Street - Westbound 9,120-9,171 3-4% Willow Avenue 15,040 7% Between Honesdale 14,316-16,515 3-5% Route 6 Borough and PA 652 Texas Township East Between PA 652 and Long 9,370 7% Ridge Road (SR 2003) Dyberry Township and PA 670 Elm Place 3,235 5% Honesdale Borough PA 191 Dyberry Township and Fair Avenue 3,576-4,729 5-7% North Honesdale Borough PA 191 Main Street – Between PA Honesdale Borough 8,909 6% Central 670 and Route 6 PA 191 Honesdale Borough Sunrise Street 6,243 5% South and Texas Township Honesdale Borough Cliff Street and Bunnell SR 1001 648 10% and Dyberry Township Pond Road Honesdale Township Cliff Road 1,325 10% SR 1005 Berlin Township Garrett Hill Road 741 1% Honesdale Borough SR 1007 Daniels Road 432 10% and Berlin Township Honesdale Borough SR 2007 Tyrone Street 468 12% and Texas Township Honesdale Borough SR 3033 Grove Street 1,632 13% and Texas Township Honesdale Borough SR 3031 Terrance Street 3,678-4,381 3-6% and Texas Township Honesdale Borough SR 3032 Maple Avenue 504-880 3-5% and Texas Township Honesdale Borough SR 4015 Weniger Hill Road 200 10% and Dyberry Township Honesdale Borough Golf Hill Road and High SR 4011 1,128 5% and Texas Township Street SR 0488 Honesdale Borough Erie Street 6,802 4% SR 0490 Honesdale Borough Vine Street 242 2% SR 0491 Honesdale Borough Ridge Street 1,004 2% SR 0492 Honesdale Borough Erie Street 984 5%
73 TABLE 8 (cont) Major Highway Profile/Traffic Volumes
Route Location Segment AADT Truck Volume Village of White Mills Texas Township and Through Village of White Route 6 6,592 7-8% Palmyra Township Mills to Hawley Borough White Mills Rd 962 5% SR 2006 Texas Township Charles Street 209 10 Hawley Borough Route 6 Village of White Mills to Palmyra Township 6,592 8% West Hawley Borough Hudson Street 6,000 10% Route 6 Hawley Borough Central Main Avenue 7,961 5% Between Columbia Avenue (SR 2004) along Main Route 6 Hawley Borough and Avenue, Spring Street and 11,533 11% East Palmyra Township Bellemonte Avenue to the PA 590 split near Wilsonville and the Pike County Line Hawley Borough and Hudson Street 3,164 10% PA 590 Palmyra Township Palmyra Township Purdytown Turnpike 5,075 6% SR 2004 Palmyra Township Columbus Avenue 841 10% Hawley Borough and SR 2001 Ridge Avenue 438 10% Palmyra Township Source: PennDOT, (counts from 2007-11) NOTE: AADT= Annual Average Daily Traffic
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Wayne County has two Public use and general aviation air service airports including the Cherry Ridge Airport in Cherry Ridge Township and Spring Hill Airpark in Sterling Township. Most commercial air transportation needs are met by the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre International Airport (at Avoca) which is the hub of commercial air transportation for northeastern Pennsylvania. The Airport is served by American Airlines/American Eagle, Continental Connection, Delta Connection, United Express and US Airways/Us Airways Express which collectively offers approximately 40 daily Arrivals and Departures to Five Destinations including Chicago, Newark, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Detroit with One Stop Service to Over 450 Destinations Worldwide. Southern Wayne County is also relatively convenient to the Lehigh Valley Airport, while other parts of the County have relatively good access to the Binghamton and Newburgh Airports, all of which are served by major carriers.
Public Transportation
Wayne County currently has little in the way of regular common carrier bus transportation service. Demand responsive public transportation is provided by the Area Agency on Aging Senior Transportation Service for seniors and other Medical Assistance Card holders. The Wayne County Transportation System is a Shared Ride service requiring reservations be made before 10:00 am the day before. Currently, the Service provides travel to medical centers, shopping centers and to three senior centers. Service is provided for all of Wayne County and transportation is provided outside the County to Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties as well.
The two commercial bus companies located in Wayne County are Avery Transportation and Shortline (now part of Coach USA). Avery Transportation offers charter services to numerous destinations in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York area as well as other tourist areas throughout the country. Shortline offers transportation services with its bus line to the Port Authority in New York City. Pick-up points within Wayne County are located in Hawley, White Mills, Indian Orchard, Honesdale and Waymart. Regular taxi service is also available from private providers (e.g., Maple City Transit) to selected communities.
Rail
The Stourbridge Railroad Company provides freight service and supports a tourist excursion program over the line of railroad between Lackawaxen (Pike County) and Honesdale. It connects with the Central New York Railroad providing access to the national rail system and multiple carriers. The mainline along the Delaware River likewise serves a valuable role with respect to Wayne County agriculture.
78 There is currently no Intercity Passenger Rail service to Honesdale and Hawley. Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian line does travel daily between New York City and Pittsburgh. The closest stations to Honesdale and Hawley would be in Newark, NJ which would be approximately 2 hours from Hawley and two and half hours from Honesdale. Amtrak’s Empire Service provides daily service between New York City and Niagara Falls and the Lake Shore Limited serves the Boston-New York-Chicago route. The closest station for these latter two routes is the Croton- on-Hudson, NY station which is approximately an hour and forty-five minutes east of Hawley and 2 hours east of Honesdale.
Bicycle PA Routes
Bicycle Route Y parallels the D&H Canal towpath for much of the route through Wayne and Pike Counties. US Route 6 comprises much of Bicycle Route Y through Honesdale and Hawley. A more detailed description of the routing was discussed earlier in the Regional Attractions and Resources subsection. In addition, sections of Main Street in Honesdale have signed and marked bicycle lanes as well.
Transportation Issues
As reported in the Wayne County Comprehensive Plan (2010 update), Route 6 requires major upgrading throughout the County to address the capacity of the underlying infrastructure and also address the impacts on the communities it serves. Much of the work done over the last several years has been in reaction to specific problems and failed to address the fundamental issues with the role of this highway as the major link to the outside world for the movement of goods and people in and out of the County.
79 Community Inventories - Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis
During the preparation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan (PA Rt. 6 Heritage Corporation; 2008), nineteen (19) Route 6 communities underwent a visitor readiness study that was carried out by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC) staff, rating and ranking each community in terms of 28 facilities or characteristics especially important to likely tourists, embracing appearance, wayfinding, public space, safety and parking. Honesdale and Hawley were two of the communities visited by PDC.
Honesdale was found to have 17 of the 28 characteristics or features inventoried lacking wayfinding signage, public restrooms, maintained sidewalks, pedestrian signals and additional street lights, free parking, parking garages and RV/Tour bus parking and bicycle racks. Specifically, in Honesdale, the PDC found:
Appearance: Sidewalks appear clean and safe but streets appear to be dirty from traffic No visible welcome sign No visible wayfinding signage, inside and outside of town, or to historic or tourist destinations Visible Historic District signs
Public Space : Visible public spaces/parks Visible benches No visible public restrooms Visible public phones Visible public areas to have a picnic Visible public areas to walk a dog Sidewalks throughout the business district and the rest of town are in need of repair Well-marked crosswalks without signals Reasonable posted speed limit No visibly marked bicycle routes in business district although there are on North Main Street in adjacent neighborhood Reasonably wide shoulders for bicycles No visible bicycle racks Well-marked street signs No additional street lighting Easy to find parking: metered ($.25/hour); easily accessible No visible parking for tour buses or RV’s; parking may be available on side streets or at the train station
Visitor Impression: When entering Honesdale from the east on Route 6, visitors are greeted by the hospital and the river, from the west, a highway-oriented commercial district. Honesdale has an intact and vibrant business district with most buildings being three-stories. There are wide sidewalks, trash receptacles, but very few street trees. Traffic seemed to be heavy during the site visit. Traffic moves through Honesdale
80 without having to slow down for traffic lights within the business district, even though Route 6 traffic must follow a somewhat circuitous route. Traffic lights are along the perimeter of the business district but not within it. The business district has the potential for having a wide, “boulevard effect” on traffic by not providing any reasons to slow down.
Hawley was found to have only 14 of the 28 characteristics or features inventoried, lacking wayfinding signage, public restrooms, maintained sidewalks, pedestrian signals, marked bicycle routes, free parking, off street parking and RV/Tour bus parking and bicycle racks. Specifically, in Hawley, the PDC found:
Appearance: Sidewalks appear clean and safe but streets appear to be dirty from traffic No visible welcome sign No visible wayfinding signage, inside and outside of town, or to historic or tourist destinations
Public Space : Visible public spaces/parks Visible benches No visible public restrooms No visible public phones Visible public areas to have a picnic Visible public areas to walk a dog Sidewalks throughout the business district and the rest of town are in need of repair Well-marked crosswalks without signals Reasonable posted speed limit No visibly marked bicycle routes Reasonably wide shoulders for bicycles No visible bicycle racks Well-marked street signs Additional street lighting Easy to find parking: metered ($.25/hour); easily accessible No visible parking for tour buses or RV’s; parking may be available on side Streets
Visitor Impression: When entering Hawley from the west on Route 6, visitors are greeted by Settlers Inn, across from the relatively large and scenic community park that includes active recreation and a gazebo. On Route 6 from the east, Lake Wallenpaupack is the gateway into Hawley. The downtown has a pedestrian scale with shops and eating establishments. There are several antique shops in the eastern end of town on Route 6. Traffic was considerably heavy during the site visit. Route 6 follows a rather circuitous route through the business district and the community. Route 6 traffic appears to move rather quickly through the community encountering few traffic signals.
81 Overview
Overall, Honesdale and Hawley are rather attractive communities, presenting a charming appearance to the traveler. Both towns have attractive streetscapes with many well-kept commercial buildings, homes and public open areas. One common denominator between the two communities is the fact that US Route 6 takes one or more 90-degree turns near the business area. This serves to calm traffic to some degree, at least in the vicinity of the 90-degree turns. Both communities have fairly generous sidewalks marked crosswalks and both have residential areas with architecturally significant and well-maintained older residential structures.
Honesdale’s business district presents a faster pace than typical along Route 6 in general, no doubt due to the combined forces a relatively large and diverse business area and the one- way street pairs. The visitor may have to learn “what is where” and adjust vehicular travel, parking and walking accordingly. Building facades are largely in good shape and most retain architectural integrity. In short, Honesdale is a fairly busy small town. Yet it also has a well-signed historic residential district along the northern end of Main Street.
Hawley is considerably different, with a slower pace for vehicle and pedestrian traffic. There are prominent residential structures, particularly along some side streets, as well as some very visible, attractive and maintained commercial structures (e.g. Settler’s Inn, Silk Mill, Ledges, etc.), but a number of commercial structures with dated or altered facades. A long segment of Main Avenue is devoid of a sidewalk/walkway and is far less pedestrian-friendly than the remainder of town, and there are some very visible property maintenance issues near the eastern edge of the business district near a 90-degree turn on Route 6. The proximity of Lake Wallenpaupack and the nearby lake and/or highway businesses create a “lakeside resort” atmosphere.
82 Gateways
The charm of each of the communities notwithstanding, the gateways to Honesdale and Hawley are rather non-spectacular. Given all of the unique characteristics in each community, the gateways give no real sense that the visitor “has arrived”. Presently, the visitor is greeted by rather generic signage that really does not focus on the resources each has to offer. Gateway signage is not “everything” but ii is “something”. White Mills is a charming village, due in large part to the imposing and visually attractive former Dorflinger Cutting Shop, but easy to pass through given a four-way intersection protected only by a blinking caution light for Route 6 traffic and the typical traffic speed.
83 The Community
Honesdale and Hawley each exude “traditional neighborhood development”, with a mix of residential styles and densities, pedestrian and highway oriented commercial, office and institutional generally in a linear fashion along Route 6. Among the most recognizable features of the communities are the numerous church steeples, most on the appropriately named Church Streets in each, as well as attractive and visible parks in each – Bingham Park in Hawley and Central Park in Honesdale. The Village of White Mills is a treasure in and of itself. Remnants of the former Dorflinger complex and workers homes remain, along with an historic old fire hall/museum and the former Wellwood Silk Mill, the latter finding an arts reuse.
84 Signage
There are signs of many types, styles and purpose in Study Area, including business signs, traffic signs, historical markers and more. There are some instances of exceptionally attractive and unique signs and other rather standard or generic business signs. Business signage is rather diverse in the forms of wall, hanging, marquee and free-standing, signing everything from national or regional chains to local “mom & pop” and specialty retail establishments. In essence, there are examples of good, acceptable and inappropriate signage among businesses in Study Area. While signage is an intensely personal matter to most businesses they have a role in the overall visual attractiveness of the business district and the general shopping experience, factors which should temper the “individual” concept. Several key factors should be kept in mind when discussing signage.
Past studies and theory has shown that on-site signage is the most cost-effective means of advertising, costing as low as $0.06 per thousand readers (and potential customers), when compared to other media; Perpendicular signage (i.e. projecting signs over a sidewalk) attract both vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while front wall signage is more difficult to see by both; Signage should promote the product or experience offered rather than just the name of the establishment or organization for maximum curb appeal. In other words, signage should answer the question “why stop” and must do it in approximately four seconds to attract motorists. Obviously, pedestrians have a longer time to study signage; and Attractive, informative and professionally done signage says something about a business, as does hand written, uninformative, temporary and/or unattractive signage.
Some communities have separate signage regulations apart from zoning, while others address them in zoning. There are arguments on both sides, but many communities like the enforcement flexibility offered by a freestanding ordinance, while others like the coordination afforded via addressing signage in zoning.
Sign regulations, whether in a zoning or other ordinance, generally addresses the following:
Type of signage permitted: wall, perpendicular, free standing, awning, window, etc.; Number of signs permitted and/or maximum square footage of signs;
85 Location of signs – on buildings, setbacks, etc.; and Special requirements – flashing, neon, sandwich boards, etc.
The Study Area has been a destination and hopes to be even a better destination, with a certain amount of decentralized branding going on. Some communities involved in this type of branding also provide a framework for signage in the form of design standards, whether they are mandatory or just advisory. Typical components of these standards may include:
Types of materials permitted Maximum square footage per type of sign (i.e. wall, hanging, awning, canopy. Freestanding, etc.) Differentiation between “primary” and “secondary” signage/requirements Illumination standards (typically externally rather than internally lit preferred in traditional business districts) Linking the façade and signage design Encouraging and providing standards for hanging signs (generally in traditional business districts) Standards for portable and “sandwich board” signs Location of signage on property and/or building
The zoning overview below will summarize relevant signage regulations, comments and/or issues; however, it is worth noting that the local regulations do not use the term “attraction signs” so it is unclear if in fact they are specifically permitted, although several do exist in and around the communities. Attraction signage is critical especially in areas with numerous tourism and attractions such as in many northeastern Pennsylvania communities. Present tourism signage regulations are found in PennDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (Pub. 46; November 2011), Chapter 2 Tourist Oriented Directional Sign (TODS) Policy . Attractions that qualify for TODS that meet other PennDOT operational, distance (5 miles), access, parking and other general requirements include:
Airport Amusement park Arena (with a seating capacity of at least 5,000) Bed and Breakfast (10 or fewer rooms) and Country (25 or fewer rooms) Inns Boat Launch Brewery Business district (area within a city/borough officially designated as a business district by local officials) Campground (area reserved for at least 20 overnight sites) Canoeing and Rafting. Caverns/Other Unique Natural Areas College or university Commerce Park (at least 25 acres and recognized/signed as a commerce park by local authorities) Courthouse/Government Buildings Drive-In Theater
86 Facility, tour location (plant, factory or institution conducting daily or weekly public tours on a regularly scheduled basis year-round) Fairground Golf course Heritage Roads, Historic Routes, Byways or Trails Hiking and Biking Trails/Routes Historical site Historic District Historic Hotel Horseback Riding Areas Hospital Hunting and Fishing Areas (designated and under jurisdiction of PGC or PF&BC) Library Military base Museum Observatory Off-track betting facility (as authorized by Act 1988-127) Race Tracks/Speedways Railroad/Bus Stations (passenger) Railroad Trips (scenic/historic) Regional Restaurant (rural eating/drinking establishment with 80-seat min.) Religious site (i.e. shrine, grotto, or similar type facility) Resort (minimum of 75 rooms and recreational/vacation amenities Shopping Districts – Antique/Craft/Flea Market (1-5 stores; 2,400 sf min.); Shopping Center (30+ stores); Specialty Shops (5+ serving tourists or architectural style of interest to tourists) and Town Shopping Areas (5+ retail shops and public facilities) Scenic Overlook Ski area Snowmobile Trails and Winter Sports Areas Sports Facilities State and National park, recreation area, forest or cemetery Theatre and Performing Arts Centers (minimum occupancy of 150) Visitor information (i.e. approved PADCED) Water Skiing Water Tours Waterfronts Winery (licensed site which produces a maximum of 200,000 gallons of wine per year; maintain a minimum of 3,000 vines or 5 acres of vineyard in Commonwealth; be open for public for tours, tasting and sales a minimum of 1,500 hours per year and provide an educational format for informing visitors) Zoos, Zoological Gardens and Animal Parks
PennDOT regulations limit TODS to roads having an average daily volume of at least 2,000 vehicles, a maximum of five (5) miles from attraction and note that TODS shall not be installed when prohibited by local ordinance.
87 Zoning
The Boroughs of Honesdale and Hawley and Texas Township each have zoning regulations. Honesdale is in the process of revising zoning rather substantially. This brief overview focuses on those sections of the community abutting or near the Route 6 corridor.
Honesdale
The Borough was receiving input on zoning revisions in 2012 as this section was being prepared. The corresponding draft map is illustrated on the following page. Overall, when comparisons are made between existing and draft zoning regulations, the following is noted: 1. The number of Districts is increasing from 10 to 17 (plus an Historic Overlay), with the Route 6 corridor traversing 6 commercial district, a light industrial district, a residential/professional district and a residential/institutional district 2. The number of commercial districts increases from 2 to 7 3. Much of the central Business district Central Commercial 1 (CC-1), Central Commercial 2 (CC-2) and Gateway Commercial Districts. The CC-1 and CC- 2 are more pedestrian oriented, while latter allows more of a mix of uses and more intensive commercial uses in the latter via a Conditional Use (review/action by Council). These districts have a context-defined front setback in keeping with the historic settlement pattern associated with traditional pedestrian oriented retail and residential areas. 4. The strip commercial centers, outparcels and scattered highway-oriented businesses on the southern end of town are appropriately in the Highway Commercial District. 5. The residential historic district in the northern section of town is in a Historic Residential District, keyed to preservation, fewer non-residential Conditional Uses and single-family development, rather than the conventional Single Family District in the present Ordinance. 6. An optional Conservation Design Residential Development approach is available for specified residential districts. 7. While mention is made of “design standards”, the draft reviewed included rather general and subjective guidelines keyed more towards conservation areas. 8. Sign regulations among the districts primarily vary in maximum allowable square footage in the draft ordinance, sensibly restricting smaller square footage to the CC-1 and CC-2 Districts, with larger sign size permitted in the Gateway and even larger sign size in the Highway Commercial District. Perpendicular signs are permitted and there are general restrictions on height, movement, lighting, and a prohibition of off-premises signs.
Overall, the draft ordinance appears to deal with a diverse, historic and complex albeit small community in a creative manner. Local level planning apparently recognizes and reflects the complexities involved.
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Data source: Wayne County GIS, SSM Honesdale Zoning I-1 Light Industrial Historic Overlay A-1 Agricultural R-1 Low Density Residential Stream C-3 Commercial R-2 Medium Density Residential Parcel Zoning Map CC-1 Central Commercial 1 R-3 Moderate Density Residential Municipality Honesdale Borough CC-2 Central Commercial 2 R-4 High Density Residential Wayne County, PA G-C Gateway Commercial R-5 Residential/Professional C-2 Highway Commercial R-6 Residential/Institutional WOC Water-Oriented Commercial R-H Historic Residential G:\projects\w100000\ w109413\w0003\projects\ P-C Professional Commercial Honesdale_zoning_D.mxd RMU River Mixed Use READING 1047 North Park Road PO Box 6307 Reading, PA 19610-0307 PH: 610.621.2000 06/10/11 FAX: 610.621.2001
LEHIGH VALLEY City Line Plaza, Suite 300 SPOTTS | STEVENS | McCOY 0 500 1,000 2,000 3,000 4,000 2005 City Line Road Bethlehem, PA 18017-7701 Engineers and Consultants Feet PH: 610.849.9700 ± FAX: 610.849.9701 ssmgroup.com Hawley Borough
The Borough is divided into 8 zoning districts, with Route 6 traversing 5 of them. 1. Much of the Route 6 corridor is zoned for General Business (B-2) although there are pockets of Professional Business (B-1), Public Use and Conservation (C-1) and Multi-Family Dwelling (R-2). 2. The B-2 District embraces much of the central business district but some outlining areas as well, with relatively few permitted uses and most commercial uses as Conditional Uses, including the retail uses expected in a downtown commercial area. The lack of setbacks in this district reinforces the historic settlement pattern associated with traditional pedestrian oriented retail and residential areas. 3. It is a similar situation in the B-1 District where most non-residential uses are conditional uses, such as professional offices.
Overall, this is a fairly straightforward zoning ordinance, although the need for Conditional Uses for activities even seemingly in conformance with the stated objectives of each respective district is a unique feature. The Conditional Use is a good vehicle for the elected leaders of the community to have a hands-on approach to land use.
90 Hawley Borough Zoning Map
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Legend El Hawley Borough Zoning Map - 2007 Features ec Districts Districts tric St This map is for general information only. The official Borough Zoning Map is on file with the Borough Secretary at the Borough Hawley Borough Roads R-1 Single-Family Residential B-1 Professional Business Hall. Wayne County, Pennsylvania Water Courses In addition to the C-1 District shown on this map, R-2 Multi-Family Dwelling B-2 General Business the following areas shall also be part of the C-1 District: all railroad right-of-way, all areas within Water Bodies Adopted by the Hawley Borough Council on ______the normal high water mark of the Lackawaxen SR Special Residential, Large Lot C-1 Public Use & Conservation River, Middle Creek, and Wallenpaupack Creek. Parcels MHP Mobile Home Park I-1 Industrial & Manufacturing Along with the other General Districts there is also an additional Signature Signature Signature floodplain classification. (See Section IV in the Hawley Borough Zoning Ordinance.) Attest: " Feet Parcel line data obtained from Wayne County Assessment Office 0300 600 1,200 1,800 2,400
Prepared by Wayne County Department of Planning 1 inch equals 300 feet Texas Township
The Township is divided among 7 zoning districts, with Route 6 traversing at least 5 of them, and near the remaining two. 1. In terms of land use controls, Honesdale is the dividing line between two sections of the Township, the western half essentially in the Rural District with a few small pockets of commercial and residential uses and the eastern/southeastern half sustaining numerous and varied land uses. 2. Route 6 west of Honesdale abuts the Rural District that permits agriculture, low-density residential and several other low-density uses, while it traverses largely a linear commercial area between Honesdale and Hawley including the village of White Mills, where many commercial and multi-family uses are permitted but segregated. 3. The C-1 Commercial District abuts the western edge of Honesdale Borough and includes much of White Mills and permits most retail uses, including adult entertainment. The C-2 Highway Commercial District permits all C-1 uses (except adult entertainment) as well as lumber yards, service stations and vehicle/equipment sales, and includes much of the area abutting Route 6 between Honesdale and White Mills. The C-1 and C-2 Districts have identical 50-foot front setbacks and several other dimensional requirements. 4. Signage requirements for the C-1 and C-2 Districts reflect a highway commercial orientation, with a sliding square footage requirement based on lineal frontage up to 300 square feet.
Overall, this is a fairly straightforward zoning ordinance that one would anticipate in a largely rural Township. However, the linear C-2 District is likely to result in linear development along the roadway and may not encourage development of any major depth. In essence, the easiest to develop land is developed. In addition, White Mills is treated like a general commercial area with a pocket of multi-family residential and not as a mixed use and historic village.
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Texas Township Supervisors - Adoption Block Texas Township Zoning Map Legend ^ Note: Along with the other General Districts there is also an additional General Features Zoning Districts Date Adopted by Texas Township Supervisors - floodplain classification. (See Article IV, Section 410 in the Texas Township Zoning Ordinance.) Roads RU Rural C-1 General Commercial Supervisor Signature Supervisor Signature Supervisor Signature Watercourses
Attest: Date: Parcels R-1 Low-Density Residential C-2 Highway Commercial Waterbodies Zoning map information compiled from Texas Township Zoning Map adopted March 21, 1994 01,000 2,000 4,000 6,000 Feet R-2 ID Industrial and amended on December 20, 1999, June 13, 2005 and November 7, 2011. Texas Township, Wayne County, Pennsylvania Multi-Family Residential This zoning map was last amended in 2012 to add an amendment from November 16, 2009 Texas Township Boundary that was approved by the Texas Township Supervisors but was never incorporated on the map. 1 inch equals 1000 feet R-3 Residential - Mobile Home Parks Municipal Boundaries Parcel line data obtained from Wayne County Tax Assessment Office This map was prepared by the Wayne County Department of Planning - March, 2012
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION
Information from various sources was gathered and reviewed, summaries of which appear in the inventories. The interpretation, application and use of this information is critical in this localized heritage tourism planning effort. This phase starts with a review at public comments at various Community Workshops and a planning charrette, then proceeds to the determination of issues and opportunities.
First Workshop – The “Wish List”
Representatives from the community actively participated in a workshop designed to solicit ideas on how to improve the Honesdale and Hawley Area as a tourist destination. The Workshop was held on March 1, 2011 and focused on both activities and resources available for residents and visitors presently and the types of attractions, improvements and events that would enhance the area as a tourist destination. The existing attractions and things valued about the Study Area were reviewed earlier in this report while the following represents a summary of enhancement items represented actual votes by attendees that address the question “What is needed to make Honesdale and Hawley a more attractive destination?” A total of nineteen (19) persons signed attendance sheets. As a part of the discussion highlighting “wish list” items that followed group deliberations, a number of comments were identified and recorded. These have been aggregated by general category in no special order:
• Restaurants o Some discussion on greater dining choice (i.e. “up-scale”) o General consensus the communities have a fairly good selection • Additional amenities o More retail – for residents and tourists o More accommodations • Technology related o Smart phone “apps” and kiosks keyed to local attractions, resources, etc. • Transportation o Trail linkage via towpath trail on D&H – seen as a “natural” connection among communities o Improving linkage/coordination between Stourbridge Line and heritage attractions/resources/businesses • Tourism information/marketing o Enhanced events promotions, coordination and marketing o Improved communication among businesses/groups o Cross-promotions o Better linkage with Dorflinger Sanctuary • Other o Better store hours in Hawley and Honesdale
The attendees broke up into three (3) discussion groups each focusing on proposed improvements. The matrix on the following page summarizes the outcome of the group deliberations and subsequent “voting” process, on which attendees expressed a sense of priority. Votes were synthesized afterwards with similar votes collapsed into overall categories, as summarized below:
94 BREAK-OUT GROUP “WISH LIST” ITEMS AND VOTES RECEIVED
GROUP 1 GROUP 2 GROUP 3 Proposed Improvement Votes Proposed Improvement Vote Proposed Improvement Vote s s Centralized Kiosks 5 Better shopping hours 7 D&H Canal Towpath Trail & 10 Other outdoor recreation Community Bulletin Board 5 Riverwalk/towpath on D&H 6 More retail variety 8 Monthly Events Flyer 4 Stores for residents 2 High end dining w/liquor 4 Smart Phone Apps 3 Multi-functional Town Square for 2 Better shopping hours 3 families Wayne County Tourism Promotion 2 Link historic sites by rail excursion 1 More overnight accommodations 1 ½ Marathon 2 Good book store 1 Better coordination of rail 1 excursions/visitor stops Civil War Encampment 2 Model train accessibility 1 Calendar clearinghouse 0 Amazing Race among communities 1 Package & Cross-promote 1 Spring/early-summer activities 0 outdoor recreational activities Murder Mystery Tour Excursion w/ 0 More weekly/mid-week events 0 Shuttle bus to outlying attractions 0 “Public Hanging” Community Gardens 0 More Antique Shops 0 Better accessibility at Dorflinger 0 Site Soup/Chili Walk 0 Farmer’s & Garden Market 0 Memorial Fishing Tourney 0 Canal Nature Walk 0 Electronic Events Scroller 0 More trout fishing publicity 0 Upscale Restaurants 0 Items designated with “0” were mentioned at breakout sessions but garnered no votes in general session
Voting Summary – Combined Most Popular Enhancements #Votes Trail development on D&H towpath and related recreational 16 Better shopping hours 10 Better communication among communities – flyers, bulletin board 9 Technologically oriented tourism guidance – apps & kiosks 8 Improved promotion – County & cross-promotions 3
95 Second Workshop and Planning Charrette
A second set of Community Workshops was held in conjunction with a three-day planning Charrette during June 13 th – 15 th 2011 for the purpose of reviewing the planning process and findings to date, interactive field work, key person/focus group meetings and receive local input on preliminary recommendations. A total of 33 people participated in the Charrette
Stakeholders Group Session 6/13/11 Attendees: 6 Presentation: Overview of mapping, localized themes and concepts
Comments • White Mills resources to be noted; Master Plan being implemented: o Fire Company Museum – open limited hours o Lock House #33 o Cutting Shop (privately owned) with proposed commercial/office reuse o 1916 Paramount Pictures Film Sand Bubbles restored and “premiered” on 6/18/11 with hope of showing film at Dorflinger Glass Museum • Accommodations – extensive and evolving debate o Critical mass issues o B&B’s reflect the “hometown attitude” associated with area o Lack of larger facility hurts attracting bus trips (50+ people) o Two proposals noted for end of Main Street Hotel/Banquet/Commercial area CVS free-standing Note: Later articles in TWI state that the CVS proposal has been accepted by owner • Arts are active in all three communities, as exemplified by o Cherry Ridge Carvers (approx. 25 members, events in mid-July and late-Sept – early Oct) o Wayne County Arts Alliance (all volunteer org – prof/ed/rec activities/events; including summer Art on the Edge group exhibition @ Hawley Silk Mill 7/2 – 9/10) o Highlights influence on community at large and arts community o Wayne County Creative Arts Council presents summer concerts in Central Park th • July 4 (2011) weekend especially active and coordinated o 7/2 – Wildlife Music Festival o 7/3 - Concert in Central Park and Fireworks o 7/4 – Parade in Hawley and fireworks over Lake Wallenpaupack • Some interest expressed in a rubber-tired trolley • There are 46 summer camps in Wayne County • Railroad Issues o No local administration o Visitors Center open weekends June-October o No bus coordination with regional attractions such as Steamtown • A number of businesses do not “get it” about tourism, including rail enthusiasts
96 • Growing Agri-Tourism industry in area o Calkins Creamery o Journey’s End Farm o Foxhill Farms o CreamWorks o Wayne County Fair • Movie heritage and presence o Troy Bystrom – Pocono Film (Lackawaxen) – assists movie production o Recent movie – Blue Valentine (The film premiered in competition at the 26th Sundance Film Festival) o Advantages – close to NYC and very pedestrian scaled • Education o Hawley – recent entrance of post-secondary educational facilities (i.e. Misericordia U, Lackawanna County Jr. College, Northampton CC) o Honesdale – RN degree via Luzerne Co CC
Public Session #1 6/13/11 Attendees: 5 Reviewed mapping, localized themes and concepts, as well as additional input from Stakeholders session
• Hawley additions not shown to be added: o Riverside Park o Trail within town (map given) with hopes of connecting with new Lake Wallenpaupack Trail o New college/university presence o Lock 31 building as potential museum location • Fly fishing on Lake Wallenpaupack and Lackawaxen River; ice fishing on Lake • Eagle viewing at Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Center • There are some telecommunications issues in remote sections (i.e. cell coverage and broadband) • Churches are critical in both Honesdale and Hawley – varied denominations • Hawley has historically been the “downtown for the Lake Region” • Seasonal shuttle service is seen as a need • Woodloch – recent shift in policies – more involvement with outside communities rather than the inward focus • Trail issues o Connecting Hawley loop to Lake trail is seen as top priority o D&H Towpath trail between White Mills and Hawley; some ownership and easement issues o White Mills to Honesdale D&H is impacted by ownership and is not as intact • River use issues o No real access in boroughs o Floodplain regulatory issues in boroughs o Hawley’s Riverside Park is in floodplain
97 • Prompton Lake is noted as being private; has 26-mile trail • Geo-caching – reemphasizes regionalization • Stourbridge Line RR Disconnect o Minimal benefits over only 10 weekends o Honesdale sentiment “sending business to Hawley”, then tourists go home – tried extra hours to no avail o Hawley – “fair space” near tracks but business district some distance away and stopover is limited (“trapped” for an hour) some businesses cannot handle crunch of tourists and actually close “train robbery” trains stop in Hawley Longest stopover is during WinterFest • Business Districts o Honesdale not a “tourist business district” but Hawley is trying to be one o Businesses need to augment “general commercial” economy with tourism not become tourism only or tourism dominated; balancing tourism/year- round o Some see tourism as hurting the year-round economy o Honesdale Downtown has lost much summer camp-related business to big-box/high commercial area o Vacant storefronts in Honesdale have been seeing service business reuse o Business hours need to be consistent not just later • Area tourism is seen as being event-driven, keyed to significant festivals/events • Agri-tourism has a place – several working farms in area • Several tours are possible on “the dark side “in Honesdale, such as a more regular Old Stone Jail tour, cemetery tours and a ghost tour • Coordination and centralization may be issues – 3 chambers of commerce in area and 2 business organizations • Leadership Wayne is a good resource and approach to create and maintain informed and community-oriented leaders
Historic/Heritage Session 6/14/11 Attendees: 3 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Public Input: • Alternative rail service in the form of “light-rail” that is quasi-tourism and requires a county transportation system o Possibility for a rubber-tired trolley or bus • Wayne County Historical Society – several projects worth noting o Recent trail feasibility study found towpath trail linking White/Mills/Hawley with Honesdale not feasible – issues with towpath, house and others o Lock 33 – canal interpretation and trail head for feasible section of tow path trail o Lock 31 – WCHS owns 20 +/- acres; preservation, trail and canal
98 • Tanglewood Reuse is important – concepts noted range from housing development (Woodloch) to vineyard • The Lakeside Players are part of the arts resources of the region (NOTE: Management also involved in area tour packages – Scranton, Pike County and Lake Wallenpaupack) • Additional weekend excursions focused on NYC • Lake Wallenpaupack Historical Society – lake, canoe and cut glass exhibits o In addition to LWHS office on Rt. 507, has exhibit area in Lake Wallenpaupack Environmental Center • Area needs to better connect, relate and sell itself in relation to the Industrial Revolution • Wildlife Music Festival concerts on the Dorflinger Museum grounds are rather “eclectic” • Hospitality Training Issues – issues associated with front-line, low-paying/high turnover jobs; web-based training may be most beneficial to all parties • Possible gap/need for a Rail Fest/Canal Fest – unveiling of the Lionel Stourbridge Lion in Honesdale seen as a success • Coordination is needed; presently there is semi-formal coordination among the events • The Visit Wayne County website is “the” website (http://www.visitwaynecounty.com/ ) o Funded via room tax o Some duplication with GHP and others o Some “streamlining” may be needed • Narrowsburg is a good potential “partner” in tourism o Delaware Valley Opera Corporation (41 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY; six productions between June-December 2011 o Eagle Fest (January) – sponsored by the Delaware Valley Eagle Alliance
Business Session 6/14/11 Attendees: 3 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Public Input: • Area school systems have significant economic influence o Large employers offering relatively high incomes o Wallenpaupack Area SD – Large district; local history emphasis • Stourbridge Line – a huge part of the local heritage story o Presently attracts 10,000 – 20,000 tourists/year; needs more to break even (20,000 – 22,000 at least) o Needs more flexibility along the route more scheduled through-routes “transportation system” rather than “event” o Better cross-promotion among attractions o Needs revenue/freight customers; similar to gas impacted revenue enhancements on the Wellsboro and Corning Railroad/Tioga Central (owned by Myles Group)
99 o Perceived “disconnect” between railroad and business communities with minimal discounts and stories of more informal cross- promotions o Railroad may want to consider “dining car” restaurant on tracks near Visitors Center o Complex railroad concept Wayne County Chamber pays part of marketing Stourbridge Railway operates line Lackawaxen-Honesdale Shippers Association owns equipment o Railroad needs to survey users to get a better feel for its market o E-mail bank of addresses – allows for inexpensive advertising, offering incentives, encourages repeat business o Consider on-line ticket purchase capability • Business communities have some links with summer camps, Woodloch, etc. • Rt. 6 should exploit/use technology o Rt. 6 apps – video/dialogue on the spot o QR Codes o Points of interest on GPS o DVD/CD travelogues
Government Session 6/14/11 Attendees: 7 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Comments • Note recent renovation/reuse of Silk Mill as gallery (PAPA18473.com) • Note Wayne County Fair – part of agricultural heritage and reinforces growing agri-tourism efforts o Hopes to connect fairground with pool area along Route 191 north of Honesdale • Parks and Recreation Plan are in process (copy later shared) • Tourism in area is event-driven • Creative partnerships with resorts and developments needed o Woodloch need not have residents “locked in” o Proposed vineyard (Tanglewood) • Rail excursions seen as threatened o Increasing costs/decreasing or flat sales o Tickets can be bought via 800 number or in town on day of excursion (risky for distant traveler) o Communities could be more welcoming o Honesdale needs to be as much of a “destination” as point of departure o Trolley as an alternate connection • Hospitality training needed – options o PMVB customer service training o On-the-spot
100 o ½ day tour • Dorflinger has GPS locational issues – incorrect info via popular GPS aids • “Smart Phone Apps” are seen as increasingly important o County has “layers” of GIS data • In a flat economy the “stay-cation” marketing should not be overlooked o Many locals use area campgrounds o Adjust to future role as a retirement community o Encourage different relationships with summer camps (fairly self- contained) but do not ignore parents as a potential market • Accommodations issues o Weekday patronage – no real “business traveler” o Reportedly there are 40+ accommodations establishments in County o Area may be able to sustain a new establishment with no more than 30-40 rooms
Public Session #2 6/15/11
Attendees: 9 Brief recap of charrette process and its role was carried out. Discussion then focused on recommendations noted above, especially as they may have changed or become refocused during the charrette.
Markets: Likely markets that are or can be attracted • Seasonal visitors (i.e. Lake, skiing, etc.) • Summer camps – young people, counselors/staff and parents • Day Trippers and Route 6 traveler • Rail enthusiasts • Business travelers and gas-field workers • Nature tourists • Arts/Cultural/Festival attendees • Collectors/Antiquers • Weekenders/Get-Away
Festivals/Events: Planning team continuously heard that area tourism is “event- oriented”; several types of events are suggested to further tap into this market: • Nature-based (i.e. river, etc) • Fire and Ice (progressive style) • Rail-fest • Canal-fest • Baseball Heritage Game (i.e. historic connection with Christy Mathewson and “Honest Eddie” Murphy) • Storytellers
Concepts • Communication o Web-Based and accessible information o Hospitality training as “quality control”
101 o Business hours – consistency and tourism-friendly (i.e. late opening) • Stories worth considering – better “touch” with the canal, silk, glass and railroad stories o Lock House and other canal structures help tell that story o Web-based information and apps o Everybody needs to know and tell story o Exploiting “the Silk Road” story (i.e. applies to several area Rt. 6 communities o Continued implementation of the Plan for Historic White Mills and the Dorflinger Glass Works o Emphasis on the Highlights connection • Private agri-tourism efforts seem to be “living” that story o Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills Walking Tour o Knox & Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills Trail • The Stourbridge Railroad – better capture of existing audiences o Groups/group discounts o Part of a transportation system not just a destination (i.e. freight revenue service, two-way travel opportunities, etc.) o Continued and enhanced interpretation o Coordination • Connections o Trails – local (i.e. loop trail in Hawley, Dorflinger Trail in White Mills) and regional (D&H Towpath Trail) o Lackawaxen River Water Trail – building on kayaking and canoeing and resolving river access issues o “Rubber-Tired Trolley” – augments Stourbridge Railroad • Physical Enhancements o Gateway/Welcoming/Good Bye signage – less critical in Hawley that has some welcoming signage o Decent streetscape conditions/enhancements – enhancements may address facades (especially in Hawley) and additional green space/landscaping o Trackside Honesdale – access roadway surface, rear of buildings facing tracks Hawley – open space area near platform - landscaping and information directory o Accessibility Access to CBD in Honesdale and walkway along Rt. 6 in Hawley Maintenance of crosswalks and pedestrian signage in both communities o Road conditions in concert with PennDOT on secondary state routes o Accommodations enhancements
102 Comments • Railroad recognizes its “visibility” in the community o Will continue to work with local/regional groups and businesses o It has tried a number of the enhancements recommended but has fixed cost and loses money consistently (i.e. $200,000 deficit in past 2 years) o Recommendation on greater us of local musicians on trains • Better coordination of tourism activities via a County Coordinator o Concern over funding of position (room tax) o WEDCO staffing and other functions limits involvement in tourism o Can coordinate marketing of all resources/attractions o Local tour development – linking attractions, discounts, itineraries, etc. • Interim action may approach coordination more informally via a “breakfast” format
Third Workshop – Context, Recommendations and Feedback
A total of 26 attendees actively participated in either or both the final Stakeholders Group meeting and the final workshop designed to provide a background and context for the planning efforts and to present a recommendations overview. The sessions were held consecutively in the Hawley Public Library on January 23, 2012.
A summary/recap PowerPoint Presentation provided the following information: Heritage Communities Background Tourism – Factoids & Overview Theme Overview Business Survey Overview Recommendations Comments/Input Future Steps
A summary of public comments are as follows: • DCNR grant received for Lock 33 improvements – parking, ADA/lot & ramp, highway access – long-range project dependent on funding • Finding a reuse of former Chroma plant is an on-going effort • Stourbridge Line Excursion Issue - Rail operator search – in process – avoid abandoned rail issue • Prompton improvements/role should be noted in WorkPlan • Professional signage is needed – coordinated (TA & project) • County coordination of events discussion in relation to present fragmentation issues o Public relations Technical Assistance needed o Informal Process - Working group of Chambers, Downtown Groups, Libraries, etc. o Linked websites o WEDCO funding/staff • Use of social media in publicizing events
103 Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
The matrix below summarizes discussion items encountered during the Heritage Communities planning process. Based on the inventories, the review of input, the discussions involving the Stakeholders, a succinct statement of issues (i.e. challenges) and opportunities (i.e. strengths to build on) is difficult to do and subject to being general. Nonetheless, the following summarizes these:
Issues Opportunities
Consensus emerged over the need to There are many resources in the area – inject some sense of coordination, cross- shopping, heritage, arts, recreation, agriculture promotion and communication and signature events There is a distance among the The area has a long heritage as a destination communities and other attractions, due to the many summer camps in the general including Lake Wallenpaupack, vicinity and Lake Wallenpaupack and its complicating getting the message out on strategic location in relation to the Poconos local resources in each of the communities and the Lackawanna Valley resources There are few “hands-on” experiential The area has an arts, movie, canal, glass, silk opportunities related to much of the agriculture and rail heritage, many of which are industrial heritage, particularly related to interpreted and displayed by area museums canal and rail heritage and related attractions Area residents engaged in this planning Locals tend to equate “tourism” with process seemed to recognize the need to have “events” rather than being an interactive an array of heritage tourism opportunities, opportunity to encourage longer-term and ranging from trail connections and shopping overnight visits; in addition there are no opportunities to continued implementation of “events” directly related to the canal and the Historic White Mills/Dorflinger Glass Works rail heritage Master Plan and development of trail sections The Sturbridge Line train excursions was seen as being “threatened” during this Locals recognized the excursions reinforced planning effort and in fact excursions were the area’s rich rail heritage but wish to see cancelled for 2012; some Honesdale more of a local presence in terms of ticket people saw it as “shipping people sales, frequency of trips and have it become elsewhere” while some Hawley people saw more of a two-way proposition the stopover as too brief With three chambers of commerce, two The area appears to have a growing segment downtown business groups, several of excited and committed residents and groups historical societies and scores of tourism- who appear to “get it” as far as the role of oriented businesses, some sense of tourism in the economy county/regional coordination is needed Planning discussion reinforced the need to The Hawley and Honesdale business districts balance retail offerings for visitors and are relatively healthy, visually appealing and year-round residents, with consistent, vibrant, each with certain special or anchor posted hours perhaps more important than enterprises extended hours While there are a number of smaller inns, campgrounds and accommodations, there There is an array of specialty retail, big-box are no larger hotels/motels to retail, dining, arts and services businesses in accommodate busloads of visitors at a pedestrian and highway commercial scales given time
104 Synthesis
The elements of a local heritage effort are premised on an approach that provides understandable and interesting linkages with the community’s rich social, cultural and economic past and the present, embracing such disparate elements as the canal and rail years and nature tourism opportunities. Interestingly, both Route 6 and the Lackawaxen River links the communities. Building on this linkage, it is suggested that the local tourism effort include better connecting, publicizing and coordinating the resources, attractions, diverse experiences within the Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills corridor:
Certain corridor-wide enhancements such as: o Additional events/activities – may include Rail/Canal-Fest, Baseball Heritage event, river-based activities, etc. o Re-evaluation and search for a new business plan for the rail excursion – as part of a two-way transportation system transporting people to attractions and locations along a scenic and historic line o County Tourism Coordinator/Web and App and “Smart Kiosk” based information/marketing – building on www.visitwaynecounty.com and may include centralized events, display of geo-located resources (i.e. historic structures, businesses, attractions, etc.), existing walking tours with interpretive annotation, discounts/promotions, etc. o Regional Wayfinding Signage – key attractions signed and geo-located in Web/App system o Partnering with allied heritage organizations and tourism development and promotion agencies, including local Route 6 Heritage Community groups in Waymart, Carbondale and Milford, groups in Narrowsburg, NY (e.g. the Delaware Valley Arts Alliance, the Delaware Valley Opera, EagleFest, etc.), Upper Delaware attractions and the many attractions and resources in the Lackawanna Valley.
In Honesdale, enhancements such as: o Gateway and identification signage o Pedestrian and roadway access enhancements between downtown and visitor’s center/rail excursion area o Rear building/property enhancements along railroad – with rail/canal interpretation o National Register additions o Restoration of and maximizing the Stourbridge Line excursion as an economic asset o Long-term suggestion on interconnection with suggested regional (Carbondale/Waymart) interpretive and interactive display
In Hawley, enhancements such as: o Gateway Signage o Façade Enhancements o Pedestrian sidewalk walkway o Landscaping and information enhancements at train platform
105 o Lock 31 Museum/D&H Towpath to Trail link o Lackawaxen River Water Trail – access enhancement o Trail linkage between local loop trail and PP&L Lake Trail o Long-term - Interconnection with suggested regional (Carbondale/Waymart) interpretive and interactive display
In White Mills, enhancement such as: o Continued implementation of Plan for Historic White Mills/Dorflinger Complex - Cutting Shop, Fire House (museum), worker houses, other vacant company structures, Lock 33, interpretive walking tour, etc. o White Mills Historic District o D&H Towpath to Trail Link o Consensus on use of ballfield area – maintain present , recreation, train station for Stourbridge Line excursion, future economic development site o Reuse of former Chroma Tube Plant
106 IMPLEMENTATION
The planning process has identified a number of localized implementation measures aimed to enhancing the Honesdale, Hawley and White Mills area (hereinafter referred to as the Study Area) as a better tourism destination and as a community. It is often easy to overlook the latter, but one major goal of heritage tourism is to stabilize and enhance the community’s economy.
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Heritage PA sponsored a study of the economic impact of State Heritage Areas (SHA) in Pennsylvania. The study analyzed the economic impact of heritage areas and in Pennsylvania six SHA’s including PA Route 6 participated. Surveys were conducted at several sites in August through October 2008. Survey data was paired with visitation statistics for specific sites within each heritage area and fed into an economic impact model developed by the National Park Service called Money Generation Model (MGM2). The results released in 2010 revealed that visitors to participating SHA’s in Pennsylvania spent a total of $300.9 million in 2008, generating an estimated $255.8 million in direct sales, which supported over $95 million in salary and wages for Pennsylvania residents. Approximately 56% of the spending ($168 million) was generated by overnight visitors staying in hotels, motels, B&B’s, inns and other lodging, 29% ($88 million) by those either staying with friends/family or in campgrounds and 15% ($45 million) by out of town day visitors.
According to the Route 6 SHA portion, released by the PA Route 6 Alliance, Route 6 attracts 3.5 million travelers a year, who spend approximately $91.1 million dollars, supporting over 2,000 jobs. The study also revealed the following: 55% of the visitors to Route 6 were first time visitors to the SHA; Over 67% of the 407 respondents, or 274 persons, were staying overnight with the following major characteristics: o 118 (43.1%) in hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts or inns o 95 (34.7%) in campgrounds o 40 (14.6%) with family/friends in area o 21 (7.7%) staying overnight outside the area. The average stay along Route 6 was 2.9 nights. The typical Route 6 travel party is one to four adults traveling without children, in fact 84% of the travel parties are without children under 18 years of age. Approximately 32% of the visitors reside in a different state, 17% reside in a county within the Route 6 SHA and 51% in a county outside of the SHA. The average number of facilities or attractions visited along Route 6 is 2.8.
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Tourism and Economics
A recognized source for economic/tourism thought and strategies is The 25 Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism (Roger A. Brooks and Maury Forman; Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2003), which coincides very well with the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program. This referenced work begins with a simple statement that earning money in a given town and spending it elsewhere is “leakage”. Tourism as a part of an economic development strategy that seeks to avoid leakage, since it should accomplish the following:
Diversifies local economy helping avoid over dependence on a few businesses; Creates multipliers on all local businesses; Brings in “new money” to the community; Helps tax base that in turn pays for community services and facilities; Creates jobs and opportunities at the entry level; Promotes business development especially when a visitor becomes an investor or future business person; and Enhances community aesthetics.
Successful tourism is premised on getting visitors to stop and keep them in town longer, especially overnight. “Visitors” may include tourist and business travelers. A few “rules of thumb” help understand the tourist visitor a little better:
State estimates suggest that 44% of all visitors stay with relatives, thus a large part of tourism occurs literally at the “kitchen table” (earlier Rt. 6 SHA data suggest this percentage is much lower within the SHA);
The visitor experience is shaped by destinations or “lures” that in turn create a potential visitor market for attractions or “diversions” (i.e. those amenities that may depend on the lure);
There are a number of shifts occurring in the tourism industry due in large part to the maturization of the “baby boomer” generation: o the prime season is expanding from the June August period to a longer April – October period (something long recognized in Study Area); o “boomers” generally do not prefer motor coach/packaged tours but prefer to be in greater control; and o High gasoline prices notwithstanding, the RV industry appears to be healthy (RV’s are premised on “control” not necessarily costs)
Visitors spend only a portion of their time at “typical” tourist lures: o nationally, people spend 20 40 minutes in a museum o the typical lure captures people for no more than 4 6 hours per day, leaving 8 10 hours for other attractions and diversions, and 80% of tourist spending occurs at these attractions and diversions o the “scenic vista” experience usually lasts no more than 15 minutes
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Brooks and Forman often cite the “4 Times Rule” in their discussion on tourism, in that travelers subconsciously must be kept busy at a destination for a period 4 times the travel time to get there. Simply stated, one would probably not travel to Europe or Hawaii for a weekend stay, due to the travel time involved. To localize this to Study Area, driving time suggests that a visitor from nearby Scranton could justify a trip to Study Area with just under 4 hours of activities; while the visitor from the Harrisburg or Philadelphia areas would require 12 hours of activities, as well as overnight accommodations. Simply stated, the oft noted desire to attract visitors from these larger metro areas requires activities to justify the trip, although Study Area’s proximity to the many resources and attractions of the Lackawanna Valley and the Poconos is important as long as Study Area can attract diversionary travel.
Obviously, experiences from an area larger than the Study Area (i.e., Northeastern Pennsylvania, Upper Delaware Valley in New York State, etc.) can be “bundled” into the visitor experiences. Finally, this latter bundling issue is reflected in the fact that people generally travel for experiences and not geography. An edited summary of their following 25 rules help assure success and are critical in the Route 6 tourism effort (with local relevant notations in parenthesis): o A good plan that takes into account local resources and likely visitors who may be attracted by various features, such as natural resources [i.e. forests, recreation, etc.], cultural resources [i.e. history, ethnic heritage, etc.], human resources [i.e. performing arts, crafts, etc.] and capital resources [transportation, hotels, etc.]. (These are the foundation of this Heritage Community Planning effort.)
Partnerships among visitor, development, business and other organizations, representing the private and public sectors, much like the Study Area Stakeholders Group;
Billboards and signage that “tease” and tempt or give a reason for visitors to stop, avoiding overused words and phrases [i.e. gateway, something for everyone, etc.]. Signage should use the right words, be brief, have a simple design and be maintained. (Study Area needs to address this)
Adequate, clean and conveniently located comfort facilities that may include a visitor information kiosk. On the commercial side, national chains have found that restrooms actually attract customers, with approximately one half of those purchasing something there doing it out of convenience and the other half out of guilt. In short, since everybody “has to go” why not take advantage of it as business decision?
Take community design into account especially at entranceways focused on places that will make the best first impressions, keeping signage uncluttered and professionally done. (Again, Study Area’s gateway signage is in need of attention).
As a corollary, communities need adequate and user friendly wayfinding signage. (e.g. examples in Study Area are for the Visitor’s Center and other major attractions.) 109
Consider perpendicular signage with appropriate sized letter fonts for ease of reading by drivers and pedestrians, advertising the type of store not just the name that may be unfamiliar and meaningless for visitors. (Permitted in Honesdale)
Address parking issues with special “forgiveness” for parkers/shoppers, providing facilities with signage for RV parking and other local incentives. By the way, studies show that most visitors need up to 4 hours of parking at a given location.
Make the “frontline” employees such as retail clerks, waiters/waitresses, etc. part of the sales and attraction effort. This requires hospitality training, “adoption” of resources [“while you’re in town you need to see .], cross promotions or other local efforts.
Visitor information availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with informational kiosks augmenting staffed visitor centers, all of which should be conveniently located and well maintained. (Presently available in Study Area for most of the week).
Create a conveniently located cluster of visitor oriented retail shopping opportunities that in turn attract a critical mass of shoppers that benefit the clustered businesses. (Limited connectivity among shopping areas in Study Area).
Creatively convert any negative characteristics into positives, [i.e. pointing out parking and walking to avoid periodic congestion].
Develop a unique idea or concept that sets the community apart and becomes intrinsic in its theme (This is a basic component of the Heritage Communities Program). This may be one of the most critical and difficult elements, since many communities can claim to be a friendly small town that is close to outdoor recreation.
Gather third party endorsements that reinforce the local pitch to visitors. This can be as simple as welcoming comments at visitor’s register at a Visitor’s Center.
Pursue business attraction and retention that complements the local tourism resources and helps attract visitors and keep them longer. Simply stated, focus on businesses that fit in with community image, goals and context and avoid those that may disrupt the setting or context.
The most successful museums and the ones most remembered tell stories and give a context and do not merely show artifacts (Wayne County Museum is exceptional among comparable Heritage Communities).
Keep people interested and occupied so that they are busy four times longer than it took them to get there as noted earlier, so that they can say that “ it was worth the drive”. This requires an understanding of the potential visitor market, the concept of bundling and the relationship between accommodations and other hospitality resources. (Study Area is relatively well located in relation to major population centers).
Understand the importance of “product development” not just marketing in terms of the local economic impacts of tourism. This may require a community to address certain issues such as attractions, business development, visual quality and the 110
development of other diversions. Visitors need “something to do”, especially after 5:00.
Promote activities not just the place, perhaps in an “activities guide” where the experience is addressed. This can be on the State tourism website, local websites, niche markets, etc. (visitwaynecounty.com website presents elements of an overall regional approach and lists shopping, dining, events and a number of outdoor attractions).
Promote the community in terms of what is that sets it apart or is unique. Again, the uniqueness sells the community. When one hears of Salem, MA or Williamsburg, VA one has an image. While these communities may be the extreme, they do illustrate the need to have a recognizable theme or perception.
Photographs should show the activities not just the resources or attractions. Again, sell the experience and not the location. (Some of this on Borough website).
Promotional items should create a positive image and provide a simple way to respond or call for more information.
Carry out a public relations effort in various types of media, since it is usually more effective than advertising alone.
Use the Internet to attract visitors with a quality and user friendly website [i.e. coordinated and recognizes the value of search engine optimization]; and
Advertising should be frequent and consistent. (Part of recommendations)
Taken together the above reinforce two critical components of any local heritage community effort, simply stated what is unique about the Study Area and how does the community setting (i.e. visual quality, retailing, attractions, diversions, etc.) interface with the area as a destination.
Tourism Factoids
The following factors have been identified by Destination Development International and premise this Heritage Community planning effort: #1 tourism activity worldwide – shopping, dining and entertainment in pedestrian friendly setting having a critical mass of food, specialty retail and stores open after 6:00 (when 70% of spending occurs) Tourists are active 14 hrs/day – 6 hours in the primary activity that brought them to a place and 8 hours in secondary/diversionary activities Secondary or diversionary activities account for 80% of visitor spending Curb appeal accounts for 70% of most recreation and accommodations and food services sales Overnight visitors spend three times more per day than day trippers
Building on the above the keys for success include getting visitors and passersby to stop and create and maintain ways to keep them here longer. In other words,
111 the community needs to enhance its role as an overnight destination. Thus, the WorkPlan should: Develop, revitalize and maintain – things to do and keeping people busy, especially in the evening Inform and direct – personal contact not just signs, websites and brochures Become a destination Sell the experience not just the place – answer the question “why come?” A good first impression – aesthetics and community design – from gateway signage to attractive storefronts and lake views
Implementation Matrix
The various recommendations are interrelated and all oriented towards addressing and reinforcing those two critical elements underlying this planning effort, namely focusing on unique qualities and enhancing the community setting. The matrix on pages 118 23 describes and relates the recommendations, and places them into a suggested implementation timeframe.
Central to the implementation is a local responsible and coordinating party assuming the role initiated by the Study Area Stakeholders Group that spearheaded the process. Pragmatics should rule here, in that as is the case with smaller communities, there are only so many people to go around. At the same time there are several organizations in Study Area that play critical civic roles and carry out important betterment projects. A local decision, and a critical one at that, is if this role is to be by a separate individual body or a part of another.
The implementation process is complex and interrelated, and depends on applying for and receiving a certain amount of public and private funding. The final plan will be placed before a State Oversight Committee in an effort to see that this occurs. Central themes are carried forward as an attempt to reinforce Study Area in relation to Route 6 and other regional themes.
Administrative Framework/Institutional Issues
A central recommendation critical for follow up and implementation of the Heritage Communities Program concept is the institutionalization of a steering committee or task force that will be the central focal point for localized tourism activities recommended in this Plan. This group can bring together various elements of a small but diverse community, and in bringing together a potential funding mechanism. The steering committee or task force is recommended to meet the following: It should be representative and focused, embracing the community, area tourism resources and focused on furthering the recommendations of this Plan; It may include various existing groups and committees, especially the respective downtown Partnerships in Honesdale and Hawley; It may also include County and regional planning and development agencies; and
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It should be officially sanctioned by municipal governing body as in charge of Plan implementation.
The steering committee or task force is seen as a facilitator and coordinator focused on the implementation of WorkPlan recommendations. The steering committee or task force essentially “keeps things moving”, carries out activities and monitors the community agenda and encourages actions. In either case, the steering committee or task force also has annual reporting responsibilities to the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance, so that the Alliance is kept abreast of progress towards carrying out the WorkPlan.
Administrative – Regulatory Issues
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) is the framework for local level land use and land development plans and ordinances within the Commonwealth, and clearly recognizes municipal governments as the land use/land development regulator. Simply stated, MPC allows communities to exert as much or as little of a regulatory framework, within some rather general guidelines. Honesdale, Hawley and Texas Township have enacted and enforce individual land use regulations. Pages 88 93 of this WorkPlan review present zoning and land use regulations, as well as comments on these regulations especially as they relate to recognized and localized Route 6 heritage resources in relation to Route 6 themes. The steering committee/task force or other variation of a Heritage Community Program implementation vehicle, while having no formal role in such regulations, may serve as a point of coordination and advocacy with Study Area communities in a coordinated approach to revisit and revise land use, land development and signage regulations in the interest of tourism considerations. There are a number of specific recommendations in relation to the local regulatory framework:
Consistency in requirements along Route 6: As the review of ordinances noted, existing zoning allows a number of types of land uses along the Route 6 corridor, varying dimensional requirements within the Districts and an assortment of review and approval procedures. While each municipality no doubt enforces regulations it feels is in its best interest and reflecting the difference between borough and township development, there may be little in the way of a regional perspective. There are ways to inject this into the process. MPC affords the option for Joint Municipal Zoning by two or more municipalities, and includes procedures and requirements if this option is followed. MPC also allows for joint administration and enforcement. Short of outright joint zoning, municipalities may craft individual ordinances that have commonalities with those in adjacent communities, and further regional planning, land use, development and design goals. It may be “selfish” but this is seen as beneficial for the concept of a consistent and compatible Route 6 corridor as a destination and as a contributor to the regional economic base.
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Consideration of design standards and/or guidance in land use and other local regulations: Simply stated, design standards are defined procedures, dimensions, materials, or other components that directly affect the design of a facility. In essence in land development they deal with layout and appearance. The existing local developmental regulations tend to outline specific design standards in terms of landscaping and buffering requirements or general appearance, certainly prudent considerations in defining and retaining the community’s sense of place. There are other forms of design standards that may be incorporated into local zoning ordinances. For example, new development on vacant land or in fill development in a Borough or village between developed parcels may be guided by architectural design standard illustrations, as conceptually depicted above, in an attempt encourage buildings to relate in scale and design features to other surrounding buildings, showing respect for local context. Honesdale has the beginnings of attention to design standards within the draft ordinance under consideration, although they are not as detailed as those reviewed here.
A number of communities provide guidance on the other design considerations, such as the City of Sparks, Nevada, which outlines guidance on everything from building site layout to light standards as depicted on the following two pages.
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Alternative Highway Commercial Layout – 15% of total building frontage at/near front setback line, reinforcing streetscape and screening parking.
Parking and circulation standards that illustrate written requirements, depicting a hierarchy for driveways, landscaping and other site planning considerations,
Illustration of design and site amenities for entry driveways.
Alternative methods of achieving the screening of parking areas via perimeter buffering
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Addressing the often overlooked concept of screening utility and mechanical equipment.
Such standards are in fact written in narrative form with the graphic depictions as a means of providing examples that transcend some of the more subjective design statements found in numerous local ordinances.
Other Regulatory Considerations: A review of the existing regulatory framework as it affects the tourism orientation of this WorkPlan is as follows:
Attraction Signage Consistency: There is no real consistency in signing for attractions between the municipal ordinances reviewed. Consideration of these signs or even a citation to the PennDOT regulations is suggested in future updates of these ordinances. This is an area where a regional approach may benefit the communities and the attractions that help define the region, in the form of common language, requirements, etc.
Borough Requirements: While no major suggestions are made for the individual existing (Hawley) or draft (Honesdale), the Borough may want to consider a regional approach to zoning or at least compatibility in terms of uses and dimensional requirements along the Route 6 corridor.
Township Requirements: As presently constituted, the C 2 Highway Commercial District encourages linear development, which may seem to be appropriate for the township but may actually create long term access, safety and development issues. As constituted, this District may encourage sprawl, may result in many driveways in a relatively short distance and result in traffic safety and circulation issues, may result in high sewer and water system costs, and may encourage only the development of a narrow strip of land abutting the highway (i.e. “low hanging fruit”) without encouraging creative site planning that would use the land deeper in the respective lots. In addition, while designated as a General Commercial District, this District that includes much of White Mills has the dimensional requirements and many of the uses associated with a “Highway Commercial District”, including adult entertainment, and may be at odds with the concept of a Village District that accommodates mixed uses and densities more like that seen in older boroughs than townships. Likewise, apportion of the village is also in the Multi Family Residential District that has rather generous front setbacks. Given the existing settlement pattern and historic ambiance, consideration of a Village District is suggested.
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In summary, a combined and coordinated review and revision of the municipal regulatory framework is suggested, in the interest of maintaining the special qualities of the Study Area. Obviously, the perspective of the WorkPlan coincides with a tourism orientation and does not attempt to inject other conditions or community needs that may also be served by such a coordinated and cooperative process. The Commonwealth is recently unveiled the Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) in 2012, which replaced the former Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP), providing 50/50 funding for results oriented planning. MAP may then be a source for assistance in ordinance revisions.
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Short-term (first 12 months after adoption)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Determination of proper implementation vehicle and Building on the Stakeholders Group membership, the framework expanded group needs to decide the form and format of the Continuation/Transformation Administrative Creation of new steering committee or task force implementation vehicle. The possibility of forming a new of Study Area Heritage Expansion of role of existing steering committee or task steering committee/task force or adapting an existing Community Program (HCP) force committee or agency for a new purpose must be determined. The chosen vehicle reviews the Stakeholders and other Other new agency/committee recommendations, suggested priorities and involved Early-Action Activities Expansion of role of existing agency agencies, organizations and individuals and makes An expanded formal group building on the activities of necessary revisions and refinements. Suggested invited the Stakeholders Group charged with the review, agencies may include (subject to local decision): Greater Honesdale Partnership revisions and refinement of recommendations Downtown Hawley Partnership Will also convene and coordinate various agencies Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary/Master Planning Maintain a Facebook page focusing on local HCP Committee activities Honesdale & Hawley Borough Councils Institutionalize connections among area resources, Texas Township Supervisors attractions Washington Township Supervisors Encourage business owners in Study Area to adopt Wayne County Chamber of Commerce and maintain consistent operational hours and at least Pocono Lake Region Chamber of Commerce one common day for late openings Wayne County Commissioners Wayne County Historical Society Confirm/refine priorities among projects suggested in Wallenpaupack Historical Society WorkPlan Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance Identify possible future events, festivals and shows of Wayne Economic Development Corporation interest to members, including one focused on canal Residents at large with an interest in heritage and tourism and rail heritage themes Focus all tourism info in the www.visitwaynecounty.com Will improve coordination among local groups/committees website and formulate a direction
Stakeholders develop and maintain or participate on an existing Facebook page on Study Area focusing on local resources, feedback and a call for volunteers
Determine need and interest in a non profit town/university community/economic development organization – either expansion of existing or development of a new organization
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Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - continued
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Physical Early action enhancements focused on (1) interim America in Bloom provides a framework for continuous Short-term Visual Quality Enhancements visual quality enhancements at gateways and (2) improvements in communities via a municipal and volunteer Enhancements Marketing implementation of Litter Indexing self improvement program that brings the community together. Litter Indexing is a no cost community directed initiative that identifies, monitors and fosters visual and litter improvements. Begin planning for new welcoming signage on US Existing gateway signage on Rt. 6 ranges from generic Gateway and Wayfinding Physical Route 6 gateways (Honesdale) to barely visible to traveler (Hawley). Signage Enhancements Enhancements Develop the concept of welcoming signage that gives a sense Heritage Resource Initiation of Wayfinding Signage planning of “arrival” in special places Begin partnering with local artists in design concepts that Development relate the experience of the Study Area
Steering Committee/Task Force dealing with At least four major websites are of interest to Study Area, administrative and marketing components central to including www.visitwaynecounty.com ; the WorkPlan keyed to building on central concepts: www.visithawleypa.com/ ; www.visithonesdalepa.com/ ; Coordination, Identity and Marketing The industrial heritage – canal, railroads, glass, www.lakeregioncc.com/ ; http://www.dorflinger.org/ Clear Message Administrative “silk road”, etc. The County website was noted as “the” central force in regional tourism, assuming input and sharing from local The arts, agricultural and recreational heritage groups. At a minimum, links among all is encouraged, but Lake Wallenpaupack , the River, ponds and other the other sites come up when one is search that name. Thus water resources the prospective traveler may “miss” one of the entities not Study Area’s identity must get out on line in a more specifically searched. regional and coordinated manner. Honesdale and Hawley are fairly unique names and come up readily, as does Wayne County, although White Mills and the Lake Wallenpaupack are harder to find on line. Heritage Resource Restoration of and maximizing the Stourbridge Line Locals implied a new business model was needed, one Rail Excursion Resumption Development excursion as an economic asset, reinforcing the rail involving more local administration/networking, provide more Marketing heritage especially for Honesdale but all of the Study of a two way excursion and find other revenue generation Area opportunities including resumption of freight service
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Mid-term (1-5 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category
Installation of two gateway signs along Rt. 6 on the Production and placement of signage developed in Gateway and Wayfinding Physical entrances/exits to Hawley & Honesdale partnering with local artists near the areas highlighted on Signage Enhancements Enhancements later in this WorkPlan Heritage Resource Continuation of Wayfinding Signage planning and Construction costs likely in the range of $2,000 $2,500 Development implementation per community Will likely require acquisition/sharing of an easement
outside of the highway right of way Initiate of planning related to multi pronged effort A complex task suited for phased implementation by three Physical towards downtown enhancements and revitalization in separate bodies over a multi year period suggesting: Business District and Enhancements Honesdale & Hawley, emphasizing coordination and In fill development of vacant storefronts in a Related Developmental Heritage Resource phased implementation complementary manner Maintaining the focus as a pedestrian oriented business Enhancements Development Storefront/facade and walkway enhancements in areas Marketing Hawley New development and recruitment of destination type of Continued recruitment of specialty retail, recreation businesses building off of the many existing destination service, ding and other destination businesses, businesses with special emphasis on existing vacant storefronts Physical enhancements fundable via the Keystone Business district location for suggested canal/rail Communities Program, upcoming Transportation festival Enhancement Programs and local funding with locals Continued implementation of Master Plan for involved in the planning process in a regional approach Historic White Mills/Dorflinger Complex Support and coordination with the Wayne County While proximity to Hawley suggests local benefits, it Physical Historical Society in continued planning and also gives the “hands on” opportunity for building on Trail and Related Enhancements implementation efforts in the D&H Lock 31 site the canal era heritage while affording outdoor activities Interpretation Heritage Resource May include trail, trailhead & museum and interpretation Enhancements Development Providing parking, ADA access/lot/ramp, & highway Part of trail development interest access Provides interpretive experience near Hawley Potential sources include PA DCNR trail programs, Coordination with PP&L on the connection of the Transportation Enhancement Programs, State Heritage Hawley Loop Trail and the PP&L trail from Area funding (when restored) and foundations and private Environmental Center sources
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Mid-term (1-5 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category
Administrative Encourage Boroughs and Township to update and WorkPlan suggests certain changes into future ordinances: Heritage Resource refine local zoning regulations to reflect suggested Incorporating specific design standards into Zoning Regulatory Revisions Development changes in the WorkPlan Township consider a mixed use Village District for White Mills and changes to liner Highway Commercial District Honesdale consider nomination of additional historic Connect future zoning revisions with a regional approach across municipal boundaries, especially along the Route structures to the National Register 6 corridor
Consideration of a National Register Historic District in State funding (50%) via MAP is noted. Cost for revisions are White Mills difficult to estimate depending on the municipality and the scope of changes, but likely to average $2,500 $5,000 per municipality.
Local coordination of National register efforts via Wayne County Historical Society and the steering committee/task force Heritage Resource Planning initiation for aesthetic improvements Locals implied that the new business model be as much of a Rail Excursion Resumption Development associated with the sustainability of the rail excursion two way excursion as an “event” Marketing as a tourism resource Enhancements would address both aesthetics visible during the trip and communication Landscaping and information kiosk at train platform Identification of funding resources in concert with County Excursion platform and information kiosk at White and regional visitor agencies Mills Rear building enhancements in Honesdale along Rear building façade enhancements and rail ROW to showcase both rail and canal heritage information kiosk at Honesdale
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Long-Term (6-10 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category
Completion of multi pronged effort towards downtown A complex task suited for phased implementation by three Business District and Physical enhancements and revitalization in Honesdale & separate bodies over a multi year period suggesting: Related Developmental Enhancements Hawley, emphasizing coordination and phased In fill development of vacant storefronts in a Enhancements Heritage Resource implementation complementary manner Maintaining the focus as a pedestrian oriented business Development Storefront/facade and walkway enhancements in areas Marketing Hawley New development and recruitment of destination type of Continued recruitment of specialty retail, recreation businesses building off of the many existing destination service, ding and other destination businesses, businesses with special emphasis on existing vacant storefronts Physical enhancements fundable via the Keystone Business district location for suggested canal/rail Communities Program, upcoming Transportation festival Enhancement Programs and local private funding with Continued implementation of Master Plan for locals involved in the planning process in a regional Historic White Mills/Dorflinger Complex approach
Physical In concert with and in support of the Wayne County While proximity to Hawley suggests local benefits, it Trail and Related Enhancements Historical Society completion of efforts in the Lock 31 also gives the “hands on” opportunity for building on Interpretation Heritage Resource site the canal era heritage while affording outdoor activities Enhancements Development Completion of D&H Towpath to Trail link and interpretation Part of trail development interest Planning for enhanced public access to Lackawaxen Provides interpretive experience near Hawley River Water Trail Includes river access in Honesdale, White Mills and Hawley (Riverside Park) Potential sources include PA DCNR trail programs, Transportation Enhancement Programs, State Heritage Area funding (when restored) and foundations and private sources
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Long- term (6-10 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Consider coordination with Carbondale and Waymart The Study Area shares a coal/D&H heritage with the nearby for an interactive and graphically stimulating Heritage Communities of Carbondale and Waymart – from interpretation effort (i.e. interpretive “smart kiosk”), coal production, to weighing to multi modal shipment. specifically featuring heritage components not readily These other communities included this regional interpretive Heritage Resource present or in existence anymore , especially related to opportunities in their respective plans. Implementation is over a long period of time and requires Development the transport, weighing and winter storage of coal, as considerable local and outside funding, including: Interpretive noted in this and Waymart’s and Carbondale’s Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program WorkPlan PCTI and other transportation enhancement funding Identify regional teaming partnerships with other Keystone Communities Program Resource Development – nearby Rt. 6 Heritage Communities. Private Foundations (identified in association with NEPA) Local private/public partners Regional Interpretive Seek proposals for interpretive services associated Phase 1 interpretive kiosk activities are estimated in the Opportunity with Phases 1 3 as spelled out in this WorkPlan o $10,000 $15,000 range; Final costs TBD reflecting actual facilities, exhibits , etc.
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Summary of Recommendations
The graphics in this subsection help depict the recommendations that are appropriately graphically illustrated, cutting across the categories included in the Implementation Matrix on the previous pages.
Regional Resources Map
The graphic on the following page summarizes existing tourism resources as well as suggested resources. As is seen, there is a wealth of existing resources in the Study Area , including the following:
The numerous and well known regional attractions and resources associated with the Poconos and the Lackawanna Valley; The nearby recreational attractions associated with the Upper Delaware River, Lake Wallenpaupack and the Lackawaxen River; Other private and public recreation and environmental attractions including Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, Beach Lake, a State Forest, State Parks and the Lackawac Sanctuary; Industrial heritage resources, including the Dorflinger Complex in White Mills, the Wayne County Historical Society Museum in Honesdale that interprets regional industrial heritage themes, remnants from the canal and rail days; and Many private attractions in the area including the Carousel Water and Fun Park, the village of Bethany, numerous specialty retail establishments including numerous antique dealers, dining establishments, marinas, the rejuvenated Silk Mill and many farms actively pursuing the agri tourism market.
The types of visitors the planning process feels that may be attracted cuts across numerous interest and age groups, embracing travellers with interest in active and passive recreational amenities, specilty shoppers, arts enthusiasts, rail enthusiasts, summer campers and other seasonal residents, This is a large and diverse mix of people with varying interests. The number and variety of attractions, events and resources reinforce the priority for coordination of existing resources rather than the development of new ones.
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Tourism concepts on the following page are premised on building on the many existing strengths of Honesdale, a small town atmosphere yet a diversity of retail, cultural, arts and recrecreational offerings. Key among them are the following:
A key of the town’s charm and attraction is its pedestrian scale downtown, albeit with a faster pace of traffic due to one way street pairs that carry Route 6;
There are key signature events that attract throngs;
Unlike many Route 6 communities, there is a Visitors Center in the downtown that helps in disseminating information, wayfinding, etc.;
Up until 2012, there was a rail excursion via a classic first generation diesel locomotive, but hopes that this asset can be restarted in future years; and
Honesdale is more than a business district sustaining many residential areas, some with historic structures and on being an Historic District, numerous and stately churches, Central Park and the striking Irving Cliff Overlook and much more.
Gaps identified during the planning process include additional dining choices and specialty retail, more consistent store hours, more choice in accommodations and better communication and coordination with tourism stakeholders.
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Tourism concepts on the following page are also premised on building on the many existing strengths of Hawley, whose small town atmosphere is certainly enhanced by recent streetscape improvments and the redevelopment and reuse of The Ledges and The Silk Mill:
Locals often touted the town as the shopping place for Lake Wallenpaupack visitors;
There are key events that attract regional and local residents;
There are some key accommodations and hospitality resources in Settler’s Inn and the Ledges;
Like many Route 6 communities, there is no museum presently but hopes for one in the Lock #31 site;
There is genuine interest in trail linkages – PP&L and D&H – and interest in greater use of the River
Up until 2012, there was a rail excursion that had Hawley as one destination, but hopes that this asset can be restarted in future years; and
Hawley is a great small town is more than a business district sustaining a nice residential areas, with historic structures and several attractive churches, Bigham Park and Riverside Park and much more.
Gaps identified during the planning process include additional dining choices and specialty retail, more consistent store hours, trail segment development and better communication and coordination with tourism stakeholders.
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Tourism concepts on the following page are also premised on further developing the unique industrial and transportation heritage resources of White Mills:
The continued implementation of the Plan for Historic White Mills and the Dorflinger Glass Works involving adaptive reuse and preservation of significant structures;
The Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary is a key partner offering environmental preservation and conservation, traails, glass industry interpretation and signature events and a festival;
Efforts to develop and sustain the Historic White Mills Fire House as a museum depicting the history of this unique village;
There is genuine interest in trail along the rather intact D&H towpath along the River, and several great views of the River; and
Developmentally, there is continuing interest in the eventual reuse of the former Chroma Plant.
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White Mills Village Local Resources 0 0.25 0.5 Miles Rt 6 Corridor HCP Litter Indexing
As part of the effort to enhance the Study Area appearance as a Route 6 Heritage Community, it and other Heritage Communities have incorporated Litter Indexing as a part of the implementation effort. The Litter Index is a measurement tool researched and designed by Keep America Beautiful that measures the amount of visible litter in a community. Litter indexing is an early action, inexpensive but effective way of maintaining attractive gateways and other critical areas in Heritage Communities. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and many neighborhoods, organizations and governments use the results to guide litter prevention, education and cleanup efforts. The Litter Index is a great activity for families, small groups, individuals, and students. Groups may volunteer as a team building exercise or service activity, and students may receive service hours.
The concept was reviewed with the Stakeholders Group in January 2012, and one (1) linear corridor identified in White Mills (see below) spanning sections of Texas and Palmyra Townships, seven each in Honesdale (p 133) and Hawley (p 134). Volunteers need to “adopt” one or more of the areas for indexing. Follow up may be in the form of reporting back to steering committee or task force, apprising code enforcement officials and/or periodic volunteer pick up. This can be family and group events, and hopefully involve area students, service groups and other civic or volunteer organizations.
White Mills Litter Indexing Area
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B Å 590 1 Hawley Borough Litter Indexing 0 0.25 0.5 Miles RT6 Corridor HCP Interpretive Planning Statement – What Makes the Area Unique?
The final step of the Heritage Communities Planning effort is the development of Planning Statements that (1) embody the local heritage tourism effort and (2) relate this heritage to any of the identified six themes of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Corridor, which include The Warrior’s Road, Natural Opportunities, The Engineer’s Challenge, New Beginnings and Safe Havens, Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs and Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise. Popular engagement and discussions during the planning process included many of the Route 6 themes, some summarized below
Warriors Road: Study Area cemeteries are the resting places of many war veterans, including those who fought in The American revolution and Civil Wars.
Natural Opportunities: Once the land was cleared, Study Area’s long association with agriculture began, with land in surrounding townships remaining in this use. The early exploitation of underground coal reserves in Lackawanna County, especially Carbondale, required a way to ship large quantities to the larger market. This helped trigger the establishment of Honesdale and Hawley.
The Engineers Challenge: Related to the exploitation of the coal reserves was the development of a transportation system that could cost effectively deliver it where it was needed. The D&H Canal/Gravity Railroad system was an ingenious engineering solution to an obstacle and an incentive to what became the American Industrial Revolution. This was no small task, and it literally bisected the Study Area and triggered development of Honesdale the rail/canal transfer point, named after the first D&H President, Philip Hone, who later was the Mayor of New York City. The Pennsylvania Gravity Railroad had a similar impact in the development of Hawley. The development of Lake Wallenpaupack in the 20 th Century represented an innovative way to generate electricity and afford recreational opportunities.
New Beginnings and Safe Havens: The region has been and still is the home of numerous summer camps offering “city kids” the opportunity to enjoy nature and build friendships.
Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs: Philip Hone, John Jacob Astor, Washington Irving and other prominent men of the era visited Honesdale in the 1840’s. Irving was so struck by the view from a cliff that it
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forever bears his name. In the 1860’s Christian Dorflinger, an already accomplished glass maker, acquired a farm in White Mills and began the manufacture of what became known as the finest lead crystal in the world. And perhaps the signature piece, that of Honesdale as The Birthplace of American Railroading. There are a number of “birthplaces” and “firsts” along the Route 6 corridor, including the nation’s first underground anthracite mine in Carbondale, and Milford as the Birthplace of the American Conservation Movement. “Firsts” and “Births” are unique and merit celebration. Likewise, Richard Smith was the visionary who saw a “Winter Wonderland” in Honesdale’s Central Park as he penned the words to that holiday classic and David Wilmot who was born in nearby Bethany authored was involved in the political battles involving slavery during a turbulent time in the nation’s history.
Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: Lakes, ponds and streams offer plenty of outdoor activities, as do nearby Sate Parks, State Gamelands and the Dorflinger Suydam and Lacawac sanctuaries. Water based relaxation is especially important, whether power boats on Lake Wallenpaupack or kayakers on the Lackawaxen. Public open space is important in Honesdale and Hawley for the enjoyment of resident and visitor alike.
In relating the Study Area to these Route 6 themes and/or in general promotions as a whole, Destination Development International, Inc. has developed a listing of “phrases to avoid”, and includes such words as “explore”, “discover”, “unlike anywhere else”, “so much to see and do”, “best kept secret”, “gateway” (to somewhere), “close to everywhere/everything”, “purely natural” (or other play on the word natural), “fun for the whole family”, “retire here”, and the apparent grand-daddy of them all “a great place to live, work and play” (reportedly used by 3,500 +/ communities). The message here is simple, stay away from the generic and focus on what makes Study Area special and answer the question “ what can I get in White Mills, Hawley and Honesdale that I can’t get somewhere else?”
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Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
The Study Area community should focus its respective uniqueness to attract the traveling public and strengthen itself as a destination . While the location among various natural and environmental features, the cultural heritage and the small town quaintness are all realities, the question still begs, “What can a traveler get in Study Area that they cannot find in their own backyard?” This WorkPlan identifies these unique qualities and Study Area’s attractions and resources should be on the tips of every townsperson’s tongue. Identified early on in the planning process was the need to provide information on local and regional attractions in a consistent location. Information should be easily available on how to get to a given attraction or activity, the best way to experience it, and the history or story related to the attraction.
Wayfinding signage should be incorporated into the plan and be part of the informational system; it should be easy to read and congruent throughout community. The theme and its coordinated message should be center to a localized marketing and promotion effort that is at the same time coordinated with other regional efforts. In this case, it includes the visitwaynecounty.com as well as the PA Route 6 Alliance. Cross promotion of events and attractions should be both community wide and regionally based.
Recognizing the relationship between Study Area and the larger region is important in marketing. The Study Area is a part of a region rich in outdoor opportunities and a literal and linear heritage corridor in and of itself, where people can shop, dine and relax. The matrix includes a number of recommendations on getting these messages out. Identified in the planning project was the need to provide information on local and regional attractions in consistent and convenient locations. Throughout the implementation periods, the WorkPlan identifies the need for participate in local and regional marketing and promotional efforts.
Regional and Local Promotions
The WorkPlan suggests a combined effort that both ties in with those of the suggested tourism promotion partners and further develops local promotional efforts. Websites continue to grow in importance in tourism promotions, and the recommendations in the Implementation Matrix reflect this.
A quick Google search for Honesdale, Hawley and White Mills yielded immediate hits to the Study Area, and even in a “Wayne County” search, the only higher hit was Wayne County, Michigan. Thus, unlike a few Rt. 6 Heritage Communities with a common name (e.g. Mansfield), these communities are relatively easily found. However, they are not “bundled” except under the Wayne County website (www.visitwaynecounty.com ), which does have links for individual websites of the Greater Honesdale and Downtown Hawley Partnerships. However, there are no links among the local websites noted earlier.
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Study Area events, attractions and other tourism resources appear on at least four (4) area websites, although several events have individual websites as well. Closer consistency, cross promotion and coordination in identifying events among these websites are suggested, and/or www.visitwaynecounty.com maintain the role of the coordination point. Consideration of a County Tourism Coordinator, either full or part time to effectuate the coordination concept, building on the base provided in above website. Study Area should be active in the efforts of the Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, affording the community the opportunity to participate in other state, regional and local efforts and yield the benefits of cross promotion. Create a multi day itinerary option interweaving visits among the three communities as one unifying force for activities and visits to the area. In all cases, the experience not necessarily the locations/towns should be emphasized. The itinerary options can be posted on a central website, and as apps, and provided to all local and regional marketing affiliates. The www.visitwaynecounty.com website has a tab for events but no tab for itineraries, leaving those arrangements up to each individual. Incorporate National Tourism Week (1st full week of May) into the school curriculum by inviting business owners, Pocono Mountains Visitors Bureau, representatives of the Chambers and other local tourism officials to speak about the importance of tourism to high school students. Maintain curriculum for a local history course with the area school districts. Highlight successful businesses through an awards and recognition program. Consider participation in the Litter Index in the Keep America Beautiful Program.
Cross Promotions
Businesses should be encouraged to cross promote their products, services and offerings. Local accommodations and attractions are recommended to agree on joint packaging, even cooperatively advertising their product. Attractions should not be limited to physical places. For example, guide services, artisans and other specialists can offer their services or learning experiences to lodging guests. Promotions are recommended to reflect the themes noted in the Implementation Matrix. Certain signature events and attractions (i.e. Winterfest, Roots and Rhythm Festival, Wildflower Music Festival, Ritz Community Playhouse etc.) draw sizable crowds, giving the opportunity to connect to those events and attractions and offer something downtown to attract the visitor. Special sales and activities coinciding with these signature events already exist and are recommended to continue. Remember, the shopping experience and the signature events help define Study Area’s uniqueness.
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Web Presence
Study Area businesses and attractions appear to have a varied web presence range, with some having exceptionally well planned and user friendly sites but some having no presence at all. A number of local businesses and organizations are linked via the local websites either directly as a link on the main page or indirectly via an inventory of businesses for navigation by the user. The websites of some businesses are given as links once the user navigates to the expanded inventory. This latter search is a bit tedious for the user. The 2008 PA Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan identified the following within Wayne County (Honesdale/Hawley in parenthesis) 55 accommodations/food services (17/13) 37 arts, entertainment and recreation providers (12/5) 114 tourism oriented retail establishments (51/10)
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Planning by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s notes the importance of installing tourist friendly signage as part of a tourism development and promotion effort. A relatively new approach has been developed that replaces the Tourism Oriented Directional Signage on State highways. The State signage can let people know where they are (i.e. identify regions, local communities and attractions). Wayfinding signing at a local level is a way to provide a systematic network of directional signs to guide the traveling public from major highway gateways to key civic, cultural, regional and commercial destinations using the minimum number of signs. It is designed to coincide with regional tourism marketing. A common approach to signage regulation for the Study Area is suggested in this WorkPlan. A few guiding principles for wayfinding are summarized below: Wayfinding needs are best resolved during initial planning stages through a collaborative effort by all design professionals, architects, designers and sign makers, to address a project's total environmental communication. Graphics, such as signs, color coding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites, provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information.
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Provide standardized "you are here" maps of the project that include an overall map of the complex and more detailed maps of specific areas. Local tourism resources should be designated by directional signage that includes a common logo, directional arrow and distance.
The challenges to current resource signing in general include lack of uniformity, message overload, sign redundancy, poor image for tourists, lack of effectiveness/prioritization, lack of background context and lack of maintenance.
Signage System
Color/symbol coded resource signage is suggested for resources, keyed to the following groups: Natural/Environmental resources– public and private sites Sporting resources – fishing, cycling, ATV, hiking, swimming, boating, etc. Community Life resources – churches, library, etc. Industrial/Commercial resources – past/present businesses and sites Historic Sites – museums, architecturally significant buildings, etc. Tourism Services resources – visitors centers, accommodations and food services, tourism oriented retail/services, etc. Locally eligible attractions typically included in wayfinding efforts are summarized as follows and depicted on the map on page 125, some of which are already signed locally commercial attractions such as local signature downtown businesses, eating/drinking establishments, the highway commercial area and other signature/specialty shopping; cultural/historical attractions such as the museums (already signed locally), Irving Cliff, the Libraries, Ritz Playhouse, stages and other performance venues, etc.; historical/architectural resources such as the D&H traces, towpath and remnants, White Mills resources, other locally recognized historic districts and structures,; and recreational/open space attractions such as Lake Wallenpaupack area attractions and resources, Dorflinger Suydam Wildlife Sanctuary, Beach Lake, Lacawac Sanctuary, PP&L Environmental Learning Center, etc.
Typically, signed attractions shall be open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age or handicap; be clean and pleasing in appearance, maintained in good repair; and comply with all applicable code regulations and statutes for public accommodations; be open to the general public a minimum of 30 days per calendar year; and provide sufficient parking and an on premise sign readily visible from the highway. Signage efforts should consider a signage partnership with attractions benefiting to meet installation, design and maintenance costs. The types of attractions eligible for signing under PennDOT regulations are identified on pages 86 87 of this WorkPlan.
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Welcoming Signage
Welcoming signage in the three communities ranges fro m generic to barely visible to non existent. Again, a sense of “arrival” as well as a statement of “thanks”, not necessarily in literal terms, but in a way that coveys the sense of place of three unique and different communities. Uniqueness suggests indi viduality so that the concepts shown in this case for Honesdale are (1) just that, a concept and (2) not intended to be replicated throughout the Study Area.
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Heritage Resource Development/ Physical Enhancement Planning Statement
Physical and non physical improvements are necessary for the Study Area to reinforce its role as a destination , embracing everything from portions being a lakeside resort, as great small town s live in or vis it, as a focal point of arts , music and culture and as a key player in The American Industrial Revolution. Input gained from community workshops, the charrette, the Business Survey and the Stakeholder Group meetings all suggested that Study Area’s visual quality is generally good, with some areas in need of property maintenance. Building on strengths and resolving weaknesses underlie the enhancements noted in this WorkPlan, which proposes a number of downtown, community and developmental initiatives that not only reinforce Study Area as a place to visit but a place in which to live. These strategic enhancements attempt to improve the visual quality and “lure concept” by concentrating activities that reinforce the unique qualities of the community. Based on the review of input, discussion and field cond itions, the development and community recommendations focus on the following:
Rail Excursion Resumption
While still in existence in 2011, the perceived issues, gaps and opportunities associated with the Stourbridge Line excursions were discussed and debated among residents, the business community, the then operator and local officials. A number of issue s emerged, as described in pages 96 103 (Planning Charrette Summary). The issues involved continued deficits, perceptions in Honesdale that business was being sent to Hawley, perception in Hawley that most stopovers were too short, feeling that “out of town” ticket sales were cumbersome and that excursion passengers did not linger enough in Honesdale or businesses did not adequately take advantage of them. While these do not constitute a “love/hate” relationship, they do suggest problems in the relationship and perhaps in the business plan followed. It is not the purpose of a WorkPlan to make a recomme ndation that has no local support, but the excursion conceptually accomplished two things important to local asset based tourism in this region:
It physically connected the three study area communities and many of the resources therein; and It was a livi ng testament to the conc ept of The Birthplace of the American Railroad.
The Wayne County Museum does a splendid job relaying the latter message, but the train excursion allows people to live it. Nearby Carbondale is attempting to relay a message of its u nique role in anthracite mining and in the American
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Industrial Revolution without a single tipple, breaker or other mining relic in existence. One might say that comparatively, Carbondale’s “railroad” is gone. While a community can interpret and celebrate a past with no evidence remaining, it is harder than if that evidence still existed. It is common knowledge that freight traffic would enhance the economics, so that need cannot be ignored. In some way the restoration of this excursion, perhaps more as a two way transportation effort is included in this WorkPlan.
Downtown Enhancements
Unlike many Route 6 Heritage Communities, Hawley’s and Honesdale’s streetscape treatment is seen as being very good. However, many see the facade conditions as requiring attention, including storefronts in Hawley and the rear facades in Honesdale. The former are visible to the Route 6 traveler, the latter by the rail excursion passenger.
In Hawley, a number of buildings have been maintained or restored in a manner of architectural integrity, but there are a few exceptions. Planning staff counted no more than 6 8 locations where façade treatment may be required. Typically these enhancements focus on restoring or featuring the architectural style of the building and should not strive to have every storefront look alike. Every building is unique and façade enhancements should reflect the architectural and historic context of that building. In some cases, enhancements are no more heavy maintenance items, while in other cases they may include removing past “improvements” that attempted to “modernize” the façade. Typically these enhancements range in cost from a few thousand to $10,000 or more, obviously reflecting the needs and scope of each storefront.
In Honesdale, the concern is the rear of some buildings facing the Visitors Center and the railroad line. Attention in the form of surface treatment was suggested, as was the possibility of murals at strategic locations. This becomes even more critical as and if the excursion service resumes.
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The central business districts in Honesdale and Hawley are fairly pedestrian oriented, with wide sidewalks, marked crosswalks and decent signage. However, in a segment of Main Avenue in Hawley this pedestrian orientation breaks down. Attention is suggested on the area pictured to the right, strategically linking the Settlers Inn and several other businesses with the remainder of the business district. This area is characterized as having no rea l marked walkway and continuous driveways. The conceptual drawing suggests how streetscape treatment would affect the appearance and pedestrian friendliness of this segment.
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Historic Village Considerations
Input received during the planning process suggested a countywide study of potential historic districts was in process. Certainly White Mills merits some consideration, both in terms of preservation and in heritage sensitive development as outlined in the Plan for Historic White Mills/Dorflinger Complex . White Mills is a critical component of the story that will attract visitors. The suggestion for appropriate zoning protection is noted elsewhere in this WorkPlan.
Regional Interpretive/Interactive Effort
The area between Lackawaxen through Hawley, through White Mills, through Honesdale, through Waymart to Carbondale has many key rich stories – early anthracite mining, the D&H Canal, rail center towns, ethnic diversity, how the towns reinvented themselves and more. Unfortunately in some cases there are very few tangible remains that tell the historical stories other than still photographs, artifacts and static displays. Various levels are available to tell the stories to audiences of different ages and interests. These include books, interpretive panels, videos, computers, flat screen displays. Artifacts and oral histories help tell the story with text, images and video footage to make it even more interesting.
Interactive tour can be developed with “smart kiosks”, web pages, mobile devices/apps and brochures. In the interest of Interactivity, computer interactives with touch screens (i.e. TSCI Touch Screen Computer Interactive) and/or smart phone apps with text and photos are options, as are more stationary exhibits such as three dimensional maps showing above ground topography in relation to
Example underground coal seams, the extensive rail system, the canal system and the ultimate markets. This set of interrelationships shows the “reach” of this region – small towns that helped change the country. A computerized visual program can show such factors as underground mining activity, above ground coal and rail facilities, the canal, the coal storage areas, etc. This provides room for user interface/interactivity, which keeps people engaged for longer than would be the case with static displays. There is some flexibility in that the TSCI’s and apps can be decentralized keyed to location (i.e. mine entrance, rail yards, section of gravity railroad or canal, etc.) while a larger stationary display can be a more centralized format in a visitors/discovery center. The latter can include artifacts, whereby one can lift a pick ax, crawl through a
145 simulated coal seam, get on a coal rail car, etc. All can encompass Route 6 Heritage Communities of Carbondale, Waymart and Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills, interconnected with the intertwined early Industrial Revolution, coal and D&H Canal/Gravity Railroad stories.
This is an ambitious activity, linking all of the local stories. In the case of the Study Area, three distinct implementation phases are suggested, as summarized below: Phase 1 – Concept Design o List of stories and delivery system options; involves meetings, information gathering and development of implementation costs o Cost estimate for this phase: $10,000 $15,000 range o Timeframe: 3 – 9 months Phase 2 – Details, Artifacts and Design Drawings o Stories, text and finalize costs o Cost estimate for this phase: $20,000 +/ o Timeframe: 9 mos. 1 year Phase 3 – Production, Fabrication, Final Products, Training and Testing o Produce programming and products, acquire hardware and software, train volunteers and test products o Cost estimate for this phase: $70,000+/ o Timeframe: 1 year
Coordination with the other two communities is necessary via the respective steering committee/task force in each.
Trail Development and Interpretation
During this planning effort, all learned that the extension of a trail along the D&H towpath was not possible or feasible, even though segments may be possible and are in fact in the planning stage. Specifically, efforts are underway to develop a trail between White Mills and Hawley and trailhead at the D&H Lock #31 Site. Hawley officials want to link their Loop Trail with the PP&L Trail from the Environmental Center to perhaps the Lackawaxen River. A network of interconnected segments could then exist between the existing trails in and around White Mills to and through Hawley ultimately linked with Lake Wallenpaupack and the Lackawaxen River. This is not only an outdoor recreation enhancement, but an interpretive opportunity especially when accompanied by the appropriate interpretive panels.
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Community WorkPlan Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance 2012