COMMUNITY WORKPLAN

Carbondale Heritage Communities Program

2011

Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance CARBONDALE HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS

CHAPTER/Subsection Page

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii

COMMUNITY WORKPLAN SUMMARY 1

BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 3 Carbondale 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 15 Cultural History 21 Museums 24 Events and Activities 26 Regional Attractions and Resources 28 Local Recreation related Resources 34 Inventory and Survey of Businesses 38 Business Survey 40 Physical and Non-Physical Conditions 50 Transportation System 53 Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis 61

SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION 71 Public Input First Workshop – The Wish List 71 Second Workshop – Planning Charrette 74 Third Workshop – Draft Presentation and Comments 81 Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview 82

IMPLEMENTATION 85 Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts 85 Tourism and Economics 86 Implementation Matrix 90 Summary of Recommendations 101 Interpretive Planning Statement 107 Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement 111 Wayfinding Planning Statement 114 Heritage Resource Development/Physical Enhancement Planning Statement 119

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

This planning effort represents a relatively new approach to heritage planning being implemented by the 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 Carbondale Stakeholders Group represented a cross-section of the community and met on numerous occasions between February 2010 and February 2011, 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 was invaluable as the local liaison and point of contact on behalf of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance planning team.

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 Carbondale.

Last but not least, a special thanks to the residents, business community and especially the City staff of Carbondale who not only embraced this program and participated, but more importantly showed a genuine love for their community, respect for its heritage and even came up with its characterization as “everybody’s home town”.

ii CARBONDALE 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 Carbondale area that is focused on the City, Carbondale Township, Fell Township and the immediate 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  Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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 regard, we recommend a number of enhancements:

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Visitor Experience Enhancement – “things to see and do”

 Interactive interpretive enhancements – interconnected “smart kiosks” focused on major themes and corresponding local sites, and/or a centralized discovery center  Local promotional effort – brochures, itineraries, apps and web-based efforts relaying a clear and focused message  Several Loop Tours as a means of both bringing in regional resources and “slowing” people down  Wayfinding Signage – at critical attractions and intersections  Coordination with the local Museum and other visitor venues in the larger region  Historic Route 6 signage  Completion of trail segments  Additional festival and event opportunities – for visitors

The Community Context – addressing local needs

 Gateway Enhancements building on existing signage  Continued downtown revitalization efforts focused on specialty retail, hospitality, arts and related – reuse, rehabilitation and in-fill  Continuation and expansion of streetscape enhancements  Relatively minor revisions to local regulatory framework  Additional festival and event opportunities – for residents

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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.

Carbondale Heritage 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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale and a core of highly motivated and engaged people who want to improve it. The concept of “Carbondale” appears to transcend the City itself and includes portions of Carbondale and Fell Townships as well. The relative location and approximate distance between Carbondale and other nearby communities is below:

Community Approximate Distance Waymart 6 miles Honesdale 14 miles Scranton (near I-81/I-476) 16 miles Hawley 24 miles Tunkhannock 29 miles Wilkes-Barre (near I-81) 36 miles Milford 46 miles Binghamton, NY (near I-81 & I-86) 51 miles White Haven (near I-80/I-476) 52 miles Wyalusing 54 miles Allentown (near I-78/I-476) 89 miles Mansfield 106 miles New York City, NY 131 miles Philadelphia 141 miles Smethport 190 miles Conneaut Lake 330 miles

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! Montdale mp340 !Jermyn X 632 632 JERMYN ! ! ! ABINGTON TWP ! East Jermyn Green Grove Nebraska Powell 81 mp339  347 X ! SOUTH CANAAN TOWNSHIP Edella

mp338 296! X South Canaan ! CLARKS GREEN Justus ARCHBALD

mp337 ! ! X ! Eynon Bus Sturges Archbald SOUTH ABINGTON TWP 6 X mp336 CLARKS SUMMIT X Trail ! BLAKELY eritage iver H Riverside ! anna R ackaw ! Varden ! L Winton mp330 mp335 Blakely JEFFERSON TWP X X 247 ! ! Peckville Chinchilla 6 mp334 ! ! mp331 X Dickson City Grassy Island X ! ! DICKSON CITY Olyphant Jessup ! 307 mp333 X Cortez JESSUP LAKE TOWNSHIP NEWTON TWP mp332 !Morgan Manor X OLYPHANT 347 ! RANSOM TWP Tresslarville !Throop SCRANTON 81 THROOP 476 DUNMORE !Red Oak  City of Carbondale - Region 00.5 1 2 3 4 5 Rt 6 Corridor HCP Miles Demographics

The 2010 Census population for Lackawanna County, City of Carbondale, Carbondale and Fell Townships and the combined area of Carbondale and the two Townships are identified on Table 1 in addition to the actual Census figures for 1990 and 2000.

 Lackawanna County experienced a population decline of 2.6% between 1990 and 2000, but did have a slight increase of 0.5% between 2000 and 2010. Lackawanna and its neighboring Counties including Wyoming, Monroe, Susquehanna, Luzerne and Wayne all experienced population increases between 2000 and 2010. In fact, Monroe County and its neighbor Pike County were the two fastest growing counties in eastern Pennsylvania during this period.  The City of Carbondale experienced an 8.1% decrease in population between 1990 and 2000 and between 2000 and 2010 the City continued to lose population declining 9.3% in that period. Overall, the City’s population has decreased by 16.6% since 1990.  Carbondale Township experienced a population increase of 11.1% between 1990 and 2000 and an increase of 10.6% between 2000 and 2010. Overall, the Township’s population has increased by 22.9% population since 1990.  Fell Township experienced a population decrease of 3.9% between 1990 and 2000 and a continued decrease of 6.6% between 2000 and 2010. Overall, the Township’s population has decreased by 10.2% between 1990 and 2010.  Taken together, the combined area had a 2000 population of 13,143 and a 2010 population of 12,184, resulting in an overall decline of 7.3%.

TABLE 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – 1990-2010 Carbondale Heritage Communities Program Area

% % % Area 1990 2000 Change 2010 Change Change Population Population 1990- Population 2000- 1990- 2000 2010 2010 Lackawanna 219,039 213,295 -2.6% 214,437 0.5% -2.1% County City of 10,664 9,804 -8.1% 8,891 -9.3% -16.6% Carbondale Carbondale 907 1,008 11.1% 1,115 10.6% 22.9% Township Fell Township 2,426 2,331 -3.9% 2,178 -6.6% -10.2% Combined 13,997 13,143 -6.1% 12,184 -7.3% -13.0% Area Source: US Census Bureau

Overall, the data shows that since 2000 the City of Carbondale and Fell Township have lost population at a time when Carbondale Township and Lackawanna County have gained population.

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Larger Region

According to the US Census Lackawanna County is part of the Scranton-Wilkes- Barre Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, Pa. Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. The population of this larger region in 2000 was 560,625 and in 2010 the population had increased by 0.54% to 563,631.

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 Lackawanna County for 2010 were somewhat off, with projections indicating a population decrease rather than the actual 0.5% increase between 2000-2010.

 Population projections are available through 2030 on a county basis through the Pennsylvania State Data Center. The 2010 projected population for Lackawanna County was 204,673 or approximately 5% lower than the 2010 population as per the US Census. Thus, the projected 0.4% average annual decrease by PDC was not met.  Population projections were also made in the 2008 Lackawanna County Lines Plan. The 2010 projected population reported in this Plan was 205,774 or approximately 4% lower than the actual 2010 population as per the US Census.

The above description is not a criticism but a notation since most published projections underestimated the 2010 population, the 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 the City of Carbondale and Fell Township and increases are likely to continue for Carbondale Township.

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Economics

Employment and Number of Establishments

The economic base of Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna 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 Lackawanna County 1999-2008

1999 2008 % 1999 2008 % Economic Sector Employees Employees Change Firms Firms Change Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture support 0-19 5 NA 2 3 50% Mining 20-99 20-99 NA 9 9 0% Utilities 231 500-999 NA 10 14 40% Construction 2,930 2,858 -2% 515 509 -1% Manufacturing 15,753 12,209 -22% 303 254 -16% Wholesale trade 3,359 4,682 39% 278 286 3% Retail trade 12,891 14,235 10% 1,007 957 -5% Transportation & warehousing 2,108 4,249 102% 131 161 23% Information 2,600 2,444 -6% 68 75 10% Finance & insurance 4,236 6,752 59% 320 352 10% Real estate & rental & leasing 862 867 1% 143 154 8% Professional, scientific & technical services 2,683 3,763 40% 391 486 24% Management of companies & enterprises 1,914 1,765 -8% 25 32 28% Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation services 4,657 4,818 3% 205 236 15% Educational services 5,316 6,004 13% 53 50 -6% Health care and social assistance 16,231 21,905 35% 666 707 6% Arts, entertainment & recreation 712 1,261 77% 72 76 6% Accommodation & food services 7,240 8,731 21% 511 571 12% Other services (except public administration) 4,307 3,674 -15% 606 596 -2% Unclassified establishments 63 0-19 NA 68 2 -97% Total 89,771 100,817 12% 5,393 5,530 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 (22%) and number of firms (16%) has declined during the 1999-2008 period. Another local anchor retailing experienced growth with employee numbers but a decline on the number of firms (10% and -5% respectively).

 On the positive side, educational services as well as health care and social services have both sustained strong increases in employment. Health care and social services also saw an increase in the number of establishments although education services saw a decline in the number of establishments. Taken together, these two sectors added 6,362 employees and 38 establishments in the period reviewed.

 The transportation and warehousing, arts/entertainment/recreation and professional/technical sectors also sustained notable employment increases during this period.

 Two sectors classically associated with tourism (in addition to retail) are the arts/entertainment/recreation and accommodations/food services. As noted above, the arts/entertainment/recreation saw an increase in the number of employees (77%) and number of establishments (6%). In addition, the accommodations/food services also experienced increases in both employment (21%) and number of establishments (12%) during the 1999-2008 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 Lackawanna County for December 2009 was 105,400 of which 96,500 were employed and 8,900 were unemployed. The unemployment rate was 8.5% at the time the statewide rate was also 8.5%.

 The average weekly wage for Lackawanna County in 1st Quarter 2009 was $646, 75% the statewide weekly wage of $861. This would be equivalent to $16.15 per hour or $33,592 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked the year around.

 Average weekly wages varied considerable among the County’s economic segments in 2009 (most recent annual figures available by segment) o Accommodation and Food Services - $252 o Health Care and Social Assistance - $742 o Manufacturing - $790 o Retailing - $424

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 the City of Carbondale and the surrounding 18407 zip code area are as follows:

 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.

The above segment is within the larger Country Comfort social group, which is categorized as predominantly white, upper-middle-class homeowners. In their placid towns and scenic bedroom communities, these Americans 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.

 Golden (Downscale, Mature Mostly w/o Kids) - Golden Ponds is mostly a retirement lifestyle, dominated by downscale singles and couples over 65 years old. Found in small bucolic towns around the country, these high school- educated seniors live in small apartments on less than $35,000 a year; one in five resides in a nursing home. For these elderly residents, daily life is often a succession of sedentary activities such as reading, watching TV, playing bingo, and doing craft projects.  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 leisure, they enjoy gardening, sewing, socializing at veterans clubs, or eating out at casual restaurants.

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

11 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.

 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 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.

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 Carbondale area community.

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 Lackawanna County increased by a modest 0.08%, from $518.68 million to $519.10 million. However the percentage share of the total county economy from visitor spending fell from 3.3% in 2004 to 2.8% in 2007. The following summarizes visitor spending by category (dollars in Millions):

12 Category 2004 2007 % Change

Transportation $127.79 $119.17 - 6.75% Food & Beverage $150.70 $152.56 + 1.23% Lodging $ 37.19 $ 39.10 + 5.14% Shopping $114.81 $131.29 +14.35% Entertainment $ 63.32 $ 47.96 - 24.26% Other $ 24.88 $ 29.01 +16.60% TOTAL $518.68 $519.10 + 0.08%

The largest individual segments are retail shopping and food and beverage, each showing increases. All segments with the exception of transportation and entertainment showed increases during this period. The decline in entertainment also was seen in the other Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains region counties (i.e. Bradford, Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming) and with the exception of Sullivan County, the decline in transportation also was seen in the other Pennsylvania Northeast Mountains region counties during this period

Tourism Employment Impacts

The same report noted above reveals that in 2007, 7,434 people in Lackawanna County were directly employed in tourism-based businesses, approximately 6% 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 11,396 persons are affected by tourism employment, representing nearly 11% of the County’s economy. Wages from those directly employed in tourism businesses amounted to just over $200 million in 2007, approximately even with the 2004 figure. Again, when considering those directly and indirectly benefitting from tourism, the 2007 figure is just under $354 million.

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 Carbondale area:

 There were 9 establishments categorized as offering accommodations and food services, including motels/inns, diners, restaurants, fast food and campgrounds;  There were 7 arts, recreation and entertainment establishments, including golf courses, marinas, galleries and museums; and  There were 23 tourism-oriented retail/service establishments ranging from boat, RV and motor cycle dealers, gift stores, convenience stores, a winery and various retail stores.

13 Finally, the Pennsylvania Travel Profile presents an overview of overnight leisure travel for the & Region (2007), summarized as follows:

 Median Age: 48  Median Household Income: $55,900  Traveling Party: Adults Traveling Alone  Primary Purpose of Stay: Visiting family/friends  Average length of Stay: 3.5 days  Primary Accommodations: Private Home  Top Activities: Dining, Shopping, Sightseeing  Secondary Activities: Nature-based Activities and Outdoor Sports  Average Per Diem Expenditures: $97.90/person/per day  Average Per Trip Expenditures: $592 per travel party/per day

Generally the age profile of the traveler to the Region is higher than that statewide (43) but on par with the nearby Valleys of the Susquehanna (central PA), Dutch Country (Berks and Lancaster) and the Pocono Mountain Region (eastern PA). The median income is lower than the statewide median ($71,700), the primary purpose of travel is consistent with that seen statewide and the length of stay is slightly longer than statewide figures (3.39). The top activities reflect a varied assortment of attractions and opportunities and together present a more varied set of tourism resources than most other regions or the state as a whole. Expenditures per person per day in the Endless Mountains & Coal Region is higher than for the state as a whole ($90) although expenditures per travel party per trip is lower than statewide figures ($797).

14 Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes

This subsection outlines existing and demolished structures and sites having some role in the heritage of Carbondale and Carbondale Township in Lackawanna 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.

There is one resource in Carbondale that has been listed on the National Register: the City Hall/Courthouse. The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) records indicate that there are nineteen (19) other properties in Carbondale have been determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. These are summarized in Table 3.

15 TABLE 3 Properties Determined to be Eligible for Listing on the National Register of Historic Places

Description Location Resource Comments Category Carbondale U.S. Post Office - Building Brick; built 1911 Miners & Merchants Bank Building 13 N Main St. Building Granite, built 1871 Carbondale YMCA 82 N. Main St. Building Brick, built 1912 Coggins Property 81-83 L.Powderly Building Built 1900 Rd. Dzielak Property 146 U. Powderly Rd. Building Shingle, built 1880 Locus 43 - Building Built 1925 Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church - Building Built 1925 Skorira Property 141-143 Dundaff St. Building Weatherboarding, built 1865 Villa Street Church/Store - Building Weatherboarding, built 1880 Hart Property 189 Brooklyn St. Building Weatherboarding, built 1890 Automobile Service Station 3 Gordon Ave. Building Stucco, 1923; on historic Rt. 6 No. 3 Shaft (Locus 83) Site Concrete, 1870 Marci Property 207 Belmont St. Building Weatherboarding, built 1900 Klots Throwing Company; Gentex 16-20 8th Ave. Building Brick, built 1917; on Bus. Rt. 6 Corporation PA National Guard 109th Armory; 22-28 8th Ave. Building Brick, built 1924; on Bus. Rt. 6 Evancho, Robert First United Methodist Church; 20 N Church St. Building Sandstone/brownstone, built Methodist Episcopal Church 1903 Trinity Episcopal Church 56 River St Building Sandstone/brownstone, built 1841 Drift Mine Entrance - Site Concrete; 1890 Delaware & Hudson Canal - District District 1830; Company Gravity Railroad Honesdale to Scranton Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission, CR GIS; accessed June 23, 2010.

Examples:

3 Gordon Ave. 146 Upper Powderly Rd. 16-20 8 th Ave.

22-28 8 th Ave. 81-3 Lower Powderly Rd

16 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. Also included are bridges near Carbondale that were submitted by PennDOT, several of which have been determined to be ineligible for listing on the National Register. These resources are summarized in Tables 4 and 5. TABLE 4 Known Historic Properties

Address Historic Name National Resource Date Register Category Built Status 10 S Church St. - Undetermined Structure 14 S Church St. - Undetermined Structure 26 S Church St. - Undetermined Structure 38-40 Church St. - Undetermined Structure 121 Church St. - Undetermined Structure 1940 8 Hendrick Ln. Hendrick House Undetermined Building 1852 Dundaff St. Carbondale Industrial Historic Ineligible District 1872 District 121 Dundaff St. Schweppenheiser Property Undetermined Building 1865 (Locus 45) 144 Dundaff St. Delpalma Property (Locus 59) Undetermined Building 1865 158 Dundaff St. Collins Property (Locus 54) Undetermined Building 1865 Moosic Mountain Tunnel Undetermined Structure 1820 Main St. - Undetermined Structure 1880 15-17 Main St. - Undetermined Structure 14 N Main St. - Undetermined Structure 22 N. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 1880 25 N. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 27 N. Main St. Former Dime Bank Undetermined Building 1903 30 N. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 32 N. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 36 N. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 1900 51-55 N. Main - Undetermined Structure St. 57 N. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 91 N. Main St. Delaware & Hudson Gravity Demolished Site Railroad: Shops 25 S. Main St. Irving Theatre Demolished Site 33 S. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 34 S. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 35 S. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 48 S. Main St. - Undetermined Structure 70-74 S Main St. Dearie, James & Beverly; Ineligible Building 1874 Hallowell-Evans Store 76-78 S. Main Misko, John; Patrick Moran Ineligible Building 1874 St. Saloon 6th Ave. Bridge Ineligible Structure 55 7 th Ave. - Undetermined Structure 59 7 th Ave. - Undetermined Structure Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed June 23, 2010.

17 TABLE 4 (continued) Known Historic Properties Address Historic Name National Resource Date Register Category Built Status 8th Ave. Bridge Ineligible Structure 1936 8th Ave. General Textile Mills, Inc. Undetermined Building 1921 30 8 th Ave. Mary A. Malone House; Lena Ineligible Building 1886 Mendicino 212 Belmont St K-Line Building Supply (Locus 62) Undetermined Building 1896 126 Erie St. - Undetermined Structure 1940 127 Erie St. Lopes Property (Locus 30) Undetermined Building 1900 224 Pike St. Platzer Property (Locus 117) Undetermined Building 1900 88 Upper Cardamone Property (Locus 102) Undetermined Building 1900 Powderly Rd. 20 Railroad St. Lee Property (Locus 81) Undetermined Building 1850 River St. Red Barn Restaurant Ineligible Building 1910 River St. Retaining Ineligible Structure Walls 46 River St. Delaware & Hudson Railroad: Ineligible Building Roundhouse/Power House 42 S River St. - Ineligible Building 1930 52 S River St. Trinity Episcopal Church Rectory Ineligible Building 1899 Salem Ave. Salem Ave. Bridge 35 10 0174 0 Ineligible Structure 00376 15 Salem Ave. Galati Barbershop Ineligible Building 1920 54 Lincoln Ave. Benjamin Franklin High School Ineligible Building 1916 100 Lincoln Ave Marian Community Hospital Ineligible Building 1925 SR 106 Bridge Ineligible Structure 1925 SR 1033 Bridge Ineligible Structure 1995 SR 7301 Bridge Ineligible Structure 1930 SR 7203 Bridge Ineligible Structure 1999 121 Madison St. - Undetermined Structure 1940 172 Madison St. - Undetermined Structure 1940 81 Lower - Undetermined Structure 1940 Powderly 208 Gordan Ave. - Undetermined Structure 1940 131 Gordan Ave. - Undetermined Structure 344 Carbondale - Undetermined Structure 1940 Highway - Carbondale Commercial Historic Ineligible District District; Central Business District - Chellino Hotel Ineligible Building 1909 - McDonnell’s Restaurant Ineligible Building 1910 - Mill Street/River Street District Ineligible District 1870 - New York, Ontario & Western Undetermined District 1890 Railway: Scranton Branch - Erie Railroad: Jefferson Branch Undetermined District 1872 - Delaware & Hudson Canal Undetermined District 1892 Company Gravity Railroad - Delaware & Hudson Railroad Undetermined District 1899 (steam): Honesdale Branch Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed June 23, 2010.

18 TABLE 5 National Register Status Summary Downtown Carbondale

Number of Category National Register Resources Status Listed 1 Building (City Hall and Courthouse)

16 Building 2 Site Eligible 1 District

10 Building 29 Structure Undetermined 4 District

12 Building 8 Structure Ineligible 3 District

2 Site Demolished building 89

Downtown Carbondale has been extensively documented, with at least 89 resources on the state’s inventory. These resources date exclusively to the town’s development; no evidence of people in the vicinity prior to European settlement has been recorded.

19 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. There are 31 historical markers located in Lackawanna County. Table 6 summarizes the two (2) PHMC markers found to be especially critical for the Study Area.

TABLE 6 Historical Markers - Carbondale Vicinity, Lackawanna County Name Location Categories Text Carbondale  60 S Main St. (Bus. 6), at Housing Authority, Cities & Founded by the Wurts brothers, pioneers in developing Carbondale Towns, Coal anthracite resources of the region, in 1822. Here the  6th Ave., at City Hall (6th Ave. side), first underground mine was opened in June, 1831, near Carbondale Seventh Ave. Chartered as a city in 1851.  208 Fallbrook St. (PA 106), next to guard rail, N end of Carbondale Gravity 97 N Main St. (Rt. 6), at entrance to Gravity Coal, Gravity Railroad here began one of the first railroads in Railroad Park, Carbondale Railroads, the Western Hemisphere, built 1828-1829. The line had Transportation its eastern terminus at Honesdale; its southwestern terminus was later extended to Archbald & ultimately to Valley Junction near Olyphant. Built by the Delaware & Hudson to move coal to the D & H Canal, this line eventually provided passenger service and operated until the beginning of 1899. Source: PHMC website (phmc.state.pa.us); accessed September 8, 2010

In addition, there are a number of local historical markers scattered throughout the community identifying especially significant local historical resources that helped define the Carbondale area. Examples pictured to the right include markers depicting the first underground coal mine and the site of the D&H Railroad passenger station.

20 Community Inventories - Cultural History

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 tundra-like landscape across northern Pennsylvania. No evidence of these early people has yet been recorded near Carbondale. It is likely that they lived here, but subsequent coal mining and other landscape altering developments may have destroyed any evidence of their settlements and activities.

Historical Events

Table 7 lists some important events in Carbondale history.

TABLE 7 Carbondale Select Historical Events

Date Event 1812 The outbreak of the War of 1812 brings restrictions on trade between the and Great Britain, creating an American market for American coal just as the Industrial Revolution gets underway. 1822 Carbondale is founded by brothers William, Charles and Maurice Wurts. 1823 The Wurts brothers charter the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company in both New York and Pennsylvania. 1829 Construction begins on the Gravity Railroad by the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company to move coal from the mines near Carbondale to the canal at Honesdale. Operated between Honesdale and Archbald and was eventually extended to Olyphant. 1831 America’s first deep anthracite mine opened. 1850 The first eisteddfod (a Welsh musical and literary festival) in America was celebrated in Carbondale on Christmas Day.* 1851 Carbondale chartered as a city. 1853 The first lodge in America of the ancient Welsh fraternal order of Ivorites was opened in Carbondale.* 1859 The Racket Brook Breaker, the first anthracite coal breaker in America, was erected by the D&H.* 1876 The Hendrick Manufacturing Company is founded by Eli E. Hendricks to make screens for the mining industry. 1892 Construction begins on the Carbondale City Hall, designed by local architect Truman I. Lacey; the brick and Pennsylvania bluestone building was built in the Romanesque Revival style

21 TABLE 7 Carbondale Select Historical Events (cont)

Date Event 1894 After a fire destroyed their mill in New York, the Klots Throwing Company opens a mill in Carbondale, employing the wives and daughters of the anthracite miners. The company became a major importer of silk from China; at its peak, it operated fourteen mills, had 6,000 employees, and annual sales of $50 million. 1898 The Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad closes; by the following year, the canal closed and the D & H changed its name to the D & H Railroad. 1901 The United Mine Workers of America join the silk workers in a strike. UMWA leader John Mitchell brings Mother Jones to area to protest child labor at the silk mill. 1932 Unable to compete with the development of rayon, the Klots Throwing Company reorganizes under the name General Textile Mills, Inc. 1946 A fire at the dump spreads to underground coal mine workings near Carbondale. 1950 An attempt was made to extinguish the mine fire which had been burning since 1946. Water was flushed through the mine. 1958 As the textile industry migrated to the South, General Textile Mills acquired the Hendrick Manufacturing Company and is renamed Gentex Corporation. The company produces perforated screens and filters. 1968 A portion of the Delaware & Hudson Canal in Orange County, New York, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. 1970 D & H Railroad passenger station destroyed by fire. 1974 Another attempt is made to extinguish the mine fire, burning since 1946. An extensive excavation is done to stop the fire in the coal seam.

On November 9, three teenagers (and others) report seeing a “fireball” plunge into a near the high school football field. The next day, the UFO was retrieved from the pond and was determined to be a flashlight. 1987 Unusual snow melt observed near the site of the original 1946 mine fire suggest that the fire is still burning. 1991 D & H becomes a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway Sources: website of the Carbondale Historical Society, http://www.carbondalehistorical.org; Kim, Ann G., Thomas R. Justin and John F. Miller. 1992. Mine fire diagnostics applied to the Carbondale, PA, mine fire site. Report of Investigations 9421. US Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines.

22 Carbondale, Pennsylvania - The Pioneer City

The City of Carbondale certainly holds a significant place in our country's history. The fourth oldest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carbondale was home to the first million dollar corporation in America, The Delaware & Hudson Canal Company which revolutionized the energy and transportation industry. The first settlers arrived in 1802. In 1814, the true pioneers of the upper Lackawanna River Valley, William and Maurice Wurts, traveled to the area from Philadelphia, where they discovered the "Black Gold" which was Anthracite Coal. The brothers formed the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, the first million-dollar privately financed enterprise in the United States, and built the historic Gravity Railroad to transport the coal from Carbondale over the Moosic Mountains to Honesdale and onto the New York market. When the railroad and the canal was complete it was looked upon as a marvel in civil engineering, and even now in these days of great achievement, it is referred to as one of the wonders of engineering skill.

In 1822, the Wurts Brothers sent a shipment of coal to Philadelphia with the name of their location of operation as "Carbondale Coal Fields." In June 1831, the first underground Anthracite Coal mine in the United States was opened near the base of Seventh Avenue. Washington Irving, a famous author, and Philip Hone, founder of Honesdale, Pennsylvania have been credited by many with choosing the name of Carbondale. This area was first known as "Ragged Island", later as Barrendale, and finally as Carbondale. "Carbon" meaning coal discovered here and "dale" meaning valley. The City of Carbondale received its Charter on March 15, 1851 with 5,004 inhabitants, fifteen years before Scranton, and twenty years before Wilkes-Barre.

Carbondale grew and prospered from the mining industry. Many Europeans from different backgrounds traveled to the New World in search of great opportunities and found it in Carbondale, bringing many of their traditions and folklore with them. Mining remained the chief economic source in the city until the late 1940's and early 1950's when light manufacturing became the new economic lifeblood of the community. However, it was mining that dominated Carbondale's early days and carried it to grow from a small settlement to the fourth oldest chartered city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is the oldest, followed by Lancaster as the second, York as the third, and Carbondale as the fourth.

Source: Adapted from City of Carbondale www. carbondale -pa .gov/

23 Community Inventories - Museums

There are two important entities organized in Carbondale to preserve and tell the historic story of Carbondale, as summarized below:

 Carbondale Historical Society and Museum – The Historical Society and Museum is located at One North Main Street on the third floor of the Carbondale City Hall building. The first public meeting of the Historical Society was held in January of 1975. On November 6, 1982, the Historical Society and the Committee to Restore Carbondale City Hall merged to form the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum, which was incorporated on March 15, 1983.

The Carbondale Historical Society and Museum is an educational and historical membership organization whose mission is to record, gather, and preserve the history of the city of Carbondale and the surrounding area. Through its genealogical and local history research center and exhibition galleries on the third floor of Carbondale City hall (listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 6, 1983, through the efforts of the Society) and through an annual series of public lectures, programs, exhibitions, and commemorative ceremonies, in the community and in the public schools, the Society, at the same time, interprets and makes accessible to the public the City's rich, diverse, and unique history and heritage. The Carbondale Historical Society and Museum is committed to the central values of (1) maintaining the highest possible standards in all its endeavors, (2) providing excellent service to the public at all times, and (3) demonstrating leadership and innovation in the field of local history.

 Anthracite Historical Discovery Center - The Discovery Center, located in Carbondale at the site of the first underground Anthracite Mine in America, is an educational organization dedicated to recreating and restoring the pride the rich heritage of Carbondale’s forefathers. The organization provides learning opportunities, impacting all ages, through its resources and programs at the center throughout regional

24 venues. The Discovery Center currently owns a building donated by the Stanley Russin Family with the wishes that it be used to educate families of the rich heritage in the Carbondale area. Engineering studies to date indicate the building should be demolished in order for the planned facilities to be constructed. A future goal of the Anthracite Historical Discovery Center is to have a hands-on learning center for children with a focus on the history in the Carbondale area.

In addition to the local resources described above, there are a number of organizations located in areas surrounding Carbondale that help to present the historic and heritage resources of the larger region. These include:

 PA Anthracite Heritage Museum - located in McDade Park in Scranton, the Museum tells the story of the people who came from Europe to work in the anthracite mining and textiles industries.

 Electric City Trolley Museum – The museum, located in a recently restored late 19th century mill building in Scranton, focuses on the time of the trolleys. Through interactive exhibits and displays - including vintage trolleys, the museum tells the story of the electric traction systems and the impact they had on the development of the Lackawanna Valley.

 Everhart Museum – The Everhart Museum, located in Scranton, is a not-for-profit institution dedicated to the collection, care and display of a diverse array of artifacts, including natural history, science and fine arts. The museum also contains a library with books pertaining to themes covered by the collection.

 Lackawanna County Historical Society The Lackawanna Historical Society is located in Scranton and has a mission to collect, preserve and interpret the artifacts, archives and bibliographic materials of the social, cultural and economic history of Lackawanna County and northeastern Pennsylvania. The Society's specific responsibilities include fostering the knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of Lackawanna County and associated areas through educational programs, public accessibility to library materials and the artifact/archive collections, and alliances with like-minded organizations.

 The D & H Gravity Depot Museum – located east of Carbondale in nearby Waymart, this museum tells the story of the D&H Gravity railroad and the role it played in the region’s history.

Sources for Museums subsection include: www.carbondalehistorical.org www.thehdc.com www.anthracitemuseum.org/ www.ectma.org/ www.everhart-museum.org/ www.waymartpa.us/id17.html www.lackawannahistory.org

25 Community Inventories - Inventory of Community Events/Activities

Inventories of activities and events are available for most activities in the Carbondale and the larger surrounding region. Inventories of events and activities can be found of the following websites:  www.carbondale-pa.gov/events.php - the website for the City of Carbondale focuses on local events and activities offered by local organizations.  www.carbondale-pa-coc.com - the website for the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce provides information on networking mixers, wellness workshops, business seminars and community events.

In addition, three other tourism/visitor orientated websites have information on the region:  www.visitnepa.org – the website for the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau  www.lhva.org - The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) website serves as an information clearinghouse, informing the public about the activities of its partners  www.visitpa.com/upstatepa - the official tourism website site for Pennsylvania provides a range of visitor related information for the entire UpstatePA region.

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:

Carbondale Community Events  Art Walk – Summer/Fall  Music, Art and Wine Festival - June  Pioneer Nights Block Party - August  Oktoberfest Fall – early-October  Taste of the Town – Fall  Christmas in a Small Town – late-fall  Santa Train Festivities – late-fall  Lighted Christmas Parade - late-fall

Scranton Area Community Events  Riverfest - Lackawanna River  St Patrick’s Day Parade - Spring  St. Ann’s Solemn Novena -Summer  Jazz Festival - Summer  La Festa Italiana - Summer  Bocce Invitational Tournament - McDade Park - Summer  Race for the Cure - Fall  Polkafest - Fall  Steamtown Marathon – Fall  Santa Parade, Festival of Trees, Nutcracker, North Pole Express, Holiday Light Spectacular, Santa Train, Holiday Train at Steamtown NHS, First Nights - Winter

26 Other Carbondale Area Events  The Race of the Saints - St. Ubaldo Day or known in Italian as "La Festa dei Ceri" - Jessup - Spring  Queen City Nights - Olyphant - Summer  Northeast PA Classic Golf Tournament – Moscow - Summer  Pocono/Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Race Race Track near Tunkhannock - Summer  Philharmonic & Fireworks - Lackawanna County Stadium - Moosic -Summer  Heritage Valley Station Stops - Lackawanna Valley - Fall  “Christmas In A Small Town” Train Stops in Carbondale, Jessup, Olyphant, Dickson City - Winter

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 Carbondale and surrounding areas reinforces a Summer through late-Fall schedule of events and activities. Although a few events in the surroundings areas do take place in spring and winter, a gap does exist during these seasons suggesting an opportunity for future programming ideas.

The Main Street Experience is a local initiative facilitated through a partnership with the City of Carbondale, the Carbondale Business Association and the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The Main Street Experience’s mission is to focus on economic development, event and marketing initiatives designed to enhance the vitality of shops, restaurants and services in the business district, as well as increase foot traffic along our historic Main Street corridor. This includes a mix of events noted above and revitalization activities that have the goal of bringing new energy, enthusiasm and economic growth to the region.

27 Community Inventories – Regional Attractions and Resources

Carbondale is within the Upstate PA Region as identified by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development ( www.visitpa.com ). The Upstate PA Region is described as having some of the most dramatic scenery and landscapes in Pennsylvania with mountainous areas covered with forests and steep peaks interspersed with tranquil communities with unmatched natural beauty. Carbondale is also within the Lackawanna Valley State Heritage Region as identified by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley addresses the historic and natural assets along 40 miles of the Lackawanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania. Within this Heritage Region, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority seeks to interpret the area’s national significance for residents and visitors while encouraging environmentally s ound economic development and recreational opportunities. The general area in and around Carbondale reflects these branding efforts.

Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawanna Heritage Valley

The Lackawanna Valley embodies the regions anthracite coal, railroad and iron works heritage. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) is the managing entity of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, a National and State Heritage Area that encompasses Carbondale and Lackawanna River Watershed in Lackawanna, Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne counties. The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority is a partnership of government, business, civic organizations, and individuals dedicated to the development of the region’s historic, cultural, economic, and natural resources through preservation, education, and promotion of our heritage. The LHVA works to tell the story of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, facilitate partnerships, preserve and enhance the physical character and economic vitality of the communities in the Lackawanna Valley, Improve the visitor experience and reconnect people and communities to the Lackawanna River.

28 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawanna State Forest

The Lackawanna State Forest totals 27,345 acres of state-owned forest land in Lackawanna and Luzerne Counties. The Forest consists of multiple tracts located to the south, southwest and southeast of the Carbondale area including the Thornhurst Tract which is located south of Carbondale in Lackawanna County. Lackawanna State Forest is named after the Native American phrase, "a place where the river forks." Portions of the Forest are located on many of the mountains near the confluence of the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers. 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 26-mile Pinchot Trail and the 5 mile Watres Loop offers hikers easy to moderate hiking options.  Picnicking : The Thornhurst Tract features the Manny Gordon picnic area with two pavilions and several picnic tables as well as charcoal grills at each location. This is a popular picnic spot with snowmobiling enthusiasts.  Camping: Primitive camping is permitted along the Pinchot Trail. Organized camping is available only at the Manny Gordon Picnic Area with a permit.  Hunting : Hunting and trapping of deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels, rabbits, the occasional black bear and snowshoe hare in the Lackawanna State Forest many visitors each year.  Fishing: Trout fishing is available during designated seasons in several creeks, streams and water bodies located throughout the forest including portions of the Lehigh River, Ceasetown Reservoir, Harvey’s Creek, Pine Creek and Choke Creek. Choke Creek attracts anglers who appreciate the challenge of fishing for the elusive native brook trout. Wild trout are also found in Butler Run, Spring Run, Painter Creek, Panther Creek, and Sand Spring Creek.  Boating: Boating opportunities are located on the upper Lehigh River and on Pond Creek, a local to the Lehigh River .

29  Sightseeing: There are many opportunities to see wildlife including turkey, grouse, white-tailed deer, black bears, and a wide variety of song birds and fall foliage. There is an observation deck at Pine Hill on the Thornhurst tract that provides a sweeping panoramic view of the Pocono plateau and the start of the ridge and valley system.  Horseback Riding : Horses may be ridden on all state forest roads and most trails, including the Snowmobile Trail.  Mountain Biking: Mountain bikes may be used on most roads and trails not including the Spruce Swamp Natural Area, Pinchot Trail and Watres Loop.  Winter Activities: An extensive 24-mile snowmobile and cross-country ski trail is well marked and opens following deer season. Snowmobile off loading areas are located at the Manny Gordon Picnic area and near the intersection of Pittston Road and Bear Lake Road.

Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historical features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest communities. Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human intervention is limited. They provide places for scenic observation, protect special plant and animal communities and conserve outstanding examples of natural beauty. Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s wild character and to provide back country recreational opportunities. There is one of these areas in the Forest:

 Spruce Swamp Natural Area: This 87-acre site located on the Thornhurst Tract south of Carbondale is noted for its glacial bog where native spruce, balsam fir, and tamarack are found. Labrador Tea and Bog Roseary, not commonly found in Pennsylvania, also grow here. Surrounding the bog and acting as a buffer is a typical hardwood forest interspersed with hemlock and assorted pines.

Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Archbald Pothole State Park

This 150-acre park is located in Lackawanna County, approximately 5 miles south of Carbondale. The park is named for Archbald Pothole, a geologic feature that formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Period, around 15,000 years ago. The pothole is 38 feet deep and has an elliptical shape. The diameter of the pothole decreases downward. The largest diameter is 42 feet by 24 feet. At the bottom it is 17 feet by 14 feet. The pothole has a volume of about 18,600 cubic feet, so could hold about 140,000 gallons. It would take 35 fire truck tankers to fill the pothole.

Major recreational opportunities in the Park are summarized below:

30  The interior lands of the park are undergoing strip mine reclamation. This reclaimed land will be used for outdoor recreation and will also include athletic fields.  Hiking: A small loop trail starting at the wayside follows an old coal mine tram road passed rock ledges and through forested areas.  Hunting: Over 100 acres are open to limited hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, squirrel and turkey. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited.  Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawanna State Park This 1,445 acre park is located in Lackawanna County, approximately 10 miles west of Carbondale. The centerpiece of the park is the 198-acre Lackawanna Lake. The Lake is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding through forest. Boating, camping, fishing, biking and swimming are popular recreation activities. Major recreational opportunities in the Park are summarized below:

 Boating: The 198-acre Lake Lackawanna allows electric motors only and is popular for sailing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. There are three boat launches around the lake.  Fishing: Lackawanna Lake has 7.5 miles of shoreline and features an ADA accessible fishing pier. Common fish species including trout, muskellunge, walleye, channel catfish, bullhead, pickerel and largemouth bass. . The 3-acre Trostle Pond, in the northern end of the park, is open to youth fishing only (ages 12 and under) and hosts a variety of warm-water species.  Swimming: a 160-foot diameter pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.  Hiking: 18 miles of trails are available and includes a series of looping trails limited to foot traffic. Additional multi-use trails explore forests, fields, lakeshore areas and woodland streams.  Horseback Riding : The multi-use hiking trails can be used by horseback riders.  Mountain Biking: About 15 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park, traversing hills, lakeshore, forests and fields. Trailheads are at the States Creek Mooring Area and on Rowlands, Wallsville and Austin roads.  Picnicking : Much of the main picnic area overlooks the lake. Grills and modern restrooms are throughout the area. Additional, smaller picnic areas can be found at the Bullhead Bay Boat Launch and States Creek Mooring Area on the northern and southern ends of the lake.  Hunting and Firearms: Over 900 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, rabbit, pheasant and grouse. Additional areas in and around the campground are open for specific hunting seasons only. Contact the park office for details.  Camping: modern sites, some with elec. The campground is within walking distance of the lake and swimming pool. The campground offers campsites for tents and trailers: 61 sites with 40-50 amp. electric hookups, washhouses with hot showers and restrooms, and a sanitary dump station.  Winter Activities: consist of Cross-country Skiing, Sledding and Tobogganing, Ice Fishing and Ice Skating:

31 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain

The Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain located approximately 12 miles south of Carbondale is a 2,250-acre property with miles of hiking and bicycling trails. The Preserve provides sweeping views of Pennsylvania’s northeastern corner and represents one of the best locations in the northeastern U.S. for ridge-top heath barrens. The Moosic Mountain “barrens” comprise a healthy mosaic of stunted pine and oak forest dominated by huckleberry, blueberry, rhodora and other low-lying shrubs that attract a broad array of birds, butterflies and moths including the globally rare sallow moth and barrens buckmoth.

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 four identified State Gamelands with areas in Lackawanna County and one located in close proximity to Carbondale in Wayne County encompassing a total of 27,009 acres, as summarized below:

SGL General Location Acreage #300 – Carbondale Twp – near City of Carbondale 5,506 #307 – Scott Twp - Jermyn 1,053 #310 – Wayne County – Lake Twp – near Lake Henry 1,120 #135 – Clifton Twp and Lehigh Twp - 3,430 #91 – Lackawanna/Luzerne County – Spring Brook Twp 15,900 Source: PGC website

32 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Nay Aug Park Gorge and Waterfall National Natural Landmark

The National Park Service administers the National Natural Landmarks (NNL) Program which recognizes and encourages the conservation of sites that contain outstanding biological and geological resources. Nay Aug Park Gorge and Waterfall located just south of Carbondale in Scranton illustrates active landscape-forming processes from erosion of differentially resistant rocks. The sedimentary rock units are important secondary features that demonstrate sedimentary processes, environments, and events in the history of the earth.

The park also includes walking trails, picnic areas, kid-friendly rides, two (2) playgrounds, two (2) Olympic-sized swimming pools and waterslide complex. Nay Aug Park’s David Wenzel Tree house is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, It overlooks the gorge, rising some 150 feet above.

33 Community Inventories – Local Recreation Related Resources

Local Recreation Areas

Information provided on the Lackawanna County web site (http://www.lackawannacounty.org/attractions_parks.aspx ) and in the County Lines report (2008), highlights that Carbondale is home to many designated playgrounds, park areas and green spaces that provide a range of recreation activities for visitors and residents including:

 Russell Park - baseball field, little league baseball field, football field, playground, softball fields, tennis courts  Cerra-Leo Memorial Park - basketball court, handball court, playground, softball field.  East Side Park/E. Garfield Avenue Playground - basketball court, playground  Belmont Street Playground - playground  Whitebridge Park/ Hemlock Street Playground – green space and basketball court and playground  Memorial Park – green space  McCauley Park– green space  Gravity Park – green space  Needle Park – green space

Regional Recreation Areas

In addition to the recreation areas available in the City, regional parks areas are available to all area residents, as are the Nature Tourism resources described previously.

 Lackawanna Valley River Trail - Mellow Park : The Park is located just south of Carbondale in Blakely Borough and serves as a trail head to the Lackawanna Valley River Trail. The park also offers baseball, football and soccer field fields, basketball courts, comfort station, horse shoe pits, ice skating pond, 5 mile jogging trail, playground and a volleyball court.

 Lackawanna Valley River Trail - Maslyar Park : The Park is located just south of Carbondale in Archbald Borough and serves as a trail head to the Lackawanna Valley River Trail. The Park is located at a point where the Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad crossed the O&W and the Lackawanna River. The Park also offers baseball and soccer fields, playground, picnic area, river access and walking trails.

Lackawanna County Park System : Lackawanna County is home to four county parks including one in close proximity of Carbondale (Merli-Sarnoski Park) that provide a range of activities including swimming, playgrounds, fishing, hiking and more. The four county parks include:

34

 Merli-Sarnoski Park: Merli-Sarnoski Park located just outside of Carbondale in Fell Township features a lake for swimming and fishing, as well as numerous trails for hiking, and pavilions and picnic tables for picnicking wide expanses of untouched natural beauty. Merli-Sarnoski Park, dedicated in 1978, is named after Lackawanna County Congressional recipients Gino Merli and Joseph Sarnoski. The 840- acre park features lake swimming, fishing and sports facilities, including: o 35-acre lake that is regularly stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission o Two pavilions o Large handicapped accessible fishing pier o Eight-mile cross country mountain bike trail o Beautiful sandy beach area with bath houses o Ice fishing o Boat launch (electrical motors only) o Approximately 15 miles of hiking, mountain bike and nature trails o Picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills o Two playground areas with basketball and volleyball courts o Regulation soccer field o Overnight camping for non-profit organizations with parks department approval

 Aylesworth Park: Aylesworth Park is located south of Carbondale in nearby Archbald Borough also offers swimming in a 4-acre lake and hiking trails as well as a multipurpose field, softball field, volleyball court and bocce court.

 McDade Park: McDade Park is located approximately 16 miles from Carbondale in Scranton is home to the recently completed Boundless Playground, a large inclusive play structure that serves children of all abilities and needs. The playgrounds are fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and specially designed swings and slides. Other facilities at McDade Park include a pool, fishing pond, playing field, pavilions and picnic tables, trails and a bocce court. The Coal Mine Tour and the Anthracite Museum are also on the property.

 Covington Park: Located further away in the southern portion of the County in Covington Township has multiple play fields, playgrounds, trails, a basketball court, increased parking and a park office.

35 Ski Areas

 Elk Mountain – Elk Mountain located approximately 16 miles north of Carbondale in Union Dale, PA, was one of Pennsylvania's first commercial ski areas, opening in 1959. Elk Mountain is still a leading skiing destination in Pennsylvania and offering 27 trails and slopes that include beginner and black diamond runs. The Resort also offers, snowboarding, ski and snowboard rentals, adaptive rental equipment, snowboard only terrain park, ski school, snowboard lessons, and USSA racing. The skiing area is the most northerly of Pennsylvania’s ski resorts.

 SNÖ Mountain – Formerly known as Montage Mountain, SNÖ Mountain is located approximately 24 miles south of Carbondale on Montage Mountain Road just outside of Scranton. This skiing destination overlooks the Wyoming Valley of northeast Pennsylvania and has been a centerpiece of winter recreation for the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, PA metro areas since 1984. Offers 21 slopes, snowboarding, snow tubing, ski and snowboard rentals, ski and snowboard classes, PSIA instructors and ice skating.

Bicycle/Hiking and Water 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 the state. Bicycle Route L, another one of the long-distance bicycle touring routes in the state, generally follows various routes in north-south alignment across the state. US Business Route 6 is Bicycle Route Y and L through downtown Carbondale. Specifically, in the Carbondale area Route Y overlaps with Route L through downtown Carbondale before taking up it again its east-west route just south of Carbondale.

In addition, as described by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, there are number of trails in proximity to Carbondale. The trails include:

 D&H Rail Trail – Located in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties, this 32.4 mile trail is comprised of cinder, original ballast, and hard-packed dirt, a hybrid or mountain bike is needed to comfortably ride this intermittently rugged trail. The trail parallels the Lackawanna River for several miles.

 O&W Rail Trail – 32.9 mile trail is located in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties and follows the route of the rail line built in the 1880s to transport coal mined from the Lackawanna Valley’s rich anthracite deposits. The

36 O&W Trail parallels the D&H Trial for much of its distance and plans are in the works to create loop trails between the two.

 Lackawanna River Heritage Trail – Located in Lackawanna, Luzerne, Susquehanna and Wayne counties this 8.5 mile trail is comprised of many sections and begins south of Scranton just north of the intersection of North Main Street and Union Street, under the railroad trestle. The last completed 1-mile section of the trail runs from just north of Carbondale to the town of Simpson. The trail can be accessed from PA Route 171 (Belmont Street) and Chestnut Avenue north of Carbondale, or from Belmont Street and Harrison Street just south of the town of Simpson.

 North Branch Water Trail - The 185.2 mile North Branch Susquehanna River Trail located to the east of Carbondale has a north-south alignment as if flows through Northumberland, Bradford, Susquehanna, Luzerne, Columbia, Montour and Wyoming Counties from New York through Pennsylvania to Sunbury where it joins the West Branch and forms the river's main stem.

37 Community Inventories - Inventory and Survey of Businesses

A major concentration of tourism related resources are located in Lackawanna County including everything from specialty and chain retail, cultural facilities and a wide assortment of hospitality resources. In the Carbondale area, many of these resources are located off of Rt. 6 and are located on or near Business Route 6 which directly links Carbondale with the Scranton area. Some segments of Business Route 6 traverse heavily developed and developing commercial areas between the cities and can be characterized as vehicle oriented.

The City of Carbondale “business district” identified by the EADS team is centered around the Main Street (north and south) and Church Street (north and south) and the cross streets including Salem Ave, Lincoln Ave, Park Place, 6 th Ave and 7 th Ave. The following summarizes the types of businesses in these areas as identified in a windshield survey in May 2010:

Downtown: Along S/N Main Street  Retail - Department Store  Funeral Home  Restaurant – Family Style  Hair Salon  Restaurant – Fine Dining  Daycare  Real Estate Sales  Floral Shoppe  Bank  Gas Station/Convenience Store  Insurance Agency  Cultural/Government Offices  Auto Parts Store

Downtown: Along S/N Church Street  Restaurant – Family Style  Beauty Salon  Photography  Dance School  Professional Offices  Drug Store

Downtown: Cross streets between Main and Church Streets  Restaurant – Family Style  Floral Shop  Bank  Hair Salon  Insurance  Bakery  Professional Offices  Auto Parts  Tobacco Shop  Cleaners

38 Perceptions – Views from an Outside Visitor

Planning staff believe that the Carbondale Central Business District (CBD) is compact and walkable. In fact, in an earlier Route 6 planning activity, the PA Downtown Center rated Carbondale as among the most pedestrian oriented CBD’s in the corridor. An on-going streetscape project has enhanced the visual quality of the CBD and sidewalks are relatively wide. There are numerous defined and marked crosswalks and traffic signals and alignment of Main Street tends to calm through traffic. West of the CBD is a largely highway oriented business area, but access to it from the CBD is relatively close.

 Within the Borough, business hours vary considerably and there appear to be limited choice after 5:00 PM. In addition, staff saw instances of no posted hours on certain stores.

 There were several vacant retail spaces in the CBD as well as some underutilized and/or vacant lots.

 Overall, businesses are in a compact area and the newcomer or casual visitor probably would not have difficulty just figuring out what is available.

 Business offerings in the larger region include everything from department stores, shopping centers, convenience stores, fast-food to high-end dining and other retail.

 A major redevelopment project in the form of a hotel was under development in the CBD during the planning associated with the Heritage Communities Program.

 On-going streetscape enhancements have improved the appearance of a number of segments of the CBD, although so far have not included benches (except on Memorial Park), bike racks or similar amenities that reinforce the “pedestrian orientation” noted earlier.

39 Business Survey

A survey of businesses was conducted during mid-2010. The questionnaire was developed in consultation with the local Stakeholders Committee. The stakeholders helped develop a listing of commercial and services businesses most closely associated with tourism and addresses and personally dropped off questionnaires, with completed questionnaires returned to the Consultant.

Overview of Responses : A total of twenty-two (22) responses were received representing an overall return of 37%, which exceeded our internal 25% target. The detailed returns are as follows, with a good response from retailers and eating and drinking establishments. Numbers reflect some respondents noting more than one type of business.

TYPE City of Carbondale # % Lodging: Motel, hotel, B&B, etc. 1 4.0

Retailing: Gifts, convenience goods, 6 24.0 hardware, etc. Eating/Drinking Establishments: 7 28.0 Restaurants, taverns, etc. Food Products/Services: Food products, 1 4.0 snacks, groceries, etc. Recreation services: Guide, outfitter, 1 4.0 sporting equipment, etc. Attraction: Amusement, museum, 1 4.0 entertainment establishment, etc. Medical/Dental Goods/Services 1 4.0 Other Professional Services: Legal, 1 4.0 accounting, etc. Automotive Goods/Services: Fuel, service, 0 0.0 automobile parts, sales, etc. Financial Services: Banking, real estate, 0 0.0 insurance, etc. Personal/Household Services: Plumbing, 0 0.0 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 3 12.0 Other 3 12.0 No Response 0 0.0 TOTAL 25 100%

40 Business Operations : Overall, the responses are generally from middle to long- term (11 to 20+ years) with 50% in business over 20 years and 27% between 11- 20 years full-time operations (100%) together employing 249 persons, with most being part-time employees. a. Number of operational years for responding businesses: Long-term orientation with 77% in business for more than 11 years including 50% in business more than 20 years and only 4.5% in business under 5 years.

RANGE City of Carbondale # % 1 year or less 0 0.0 2-5 years 1 4.5 6-10 years 4 18.2 11-20 years 6 27.3 More than 20 years 11 50.0 No Response 0 0.0 TOTAL 22 100% b. Business a full-time/part-time operation: Full-time orientation for 100% of the businesses responding.

TYPE City of Carbondale # % Full Time 22 100.0 Part-time 0 0.0 No Response 0 0.0 TOTAL 22 100% c. Number of people employed in businesses: Part-time employment is important for local businesses as reflected in the fact that approximately 72% of employees were part-time.

TYPE City of Carbondale # % Full Time employees 69 27.7 Part-time employees 180 72.3 TOTAL 249 100%

41 d. Business hours varied greatly among the respondents. The “typical business day” is difficult to generalize, due to the special needs and markets of the businesses. As an illustration, businesses generally open before 8:00 AM and noon, with before 8:00 AM being the most common. While most businesses close between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM, a number of businesses do stay open after 8:00 PM. Although difficult to characterize, the later closings are typically at eating/drinking establishments likely serving mainly local residents and the visiting public. Approximately 86% of the responding businesses note Saturday hours including one noting 24/7 operations, one noting Saturday hours by appointment only and one noting a Saturday opening without designating hours. Similarly, approximately 55% note Sunday hours as well, when including the same three types of respondents.

Carbondale Business Hours Summary

Weekdays Open Close Before 8:00 AM 7 Before 4:00 PM 1 8:00 AM 1 4:00 PM 1 9:00 AM 4 5:00 PM 4 9:30 AM 1 6:00 PM 1 10:00 AM 4 6:45 PM 1 After 10:00 AM 1 7:00 & 8:00 PM 3 After 8:00 PM 7 NOTE: Two (2) respondents noted being closed on Mondays, Two (2) respondents noting closing later on Thursday & Fridays, One (1) respondent noting being opened only on Thursdays during the week, One (1) respondent noted closing earlier on Friday, One (1) respondent noted 24 hour operations/seven days a week, One (1) respondent did not respond to the question and one (1) respondent did not provide their Weekday hours Saturday Open Close Before 8:00 AM 7 Before 4:00 PM 3 8:00 AM 1 4:00 PM 2 9:00 AM 4 5:00 PM 2 9:30 AM 1 6:00 PM - 10:00 AM 2 6:30 & 6:45 PM 2 After 10:00 AM 1 7:00 & 8:00 PM 1 After 8:00 PM 6 NOTE: One (1) respondent noted 24 hour operations/seven days a week, One (1) respondent noted Saturday hours by appointment only and one (1) respondent did not provide their Saturday hours Sunday Open Close Before 8:00 AM 6 Before 4:00 PM 3 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM 1 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 2 10:00 AM 1 6:00 PM - After 10:00 AM 2 7:00 & 8:00 PM 1 After 8:00 PM 2 NOTE: One (1) respondent noted 24 hour operations/seven days a week, One (1) respondent noted Sunday hours by appointment only and one (1) respondent did not provide their Sunday hours

42 Perceived Busy Days/Seasons: a. Most designate Saturday (41%) as the “busiest day” with Friday (27%) also being noted as a busy day. No difference also received a number of responses.

DAY City of Carbondale # % Monday 1 4.5 Tuesday 0 0.0 Wednesday 0 0.0 Thursday 2 9.1 Friday 6 27.3 Saturday 9 40.9 Sunday 0 0.0 No Difference 4 18.2 No Answer 0 0.0 b. Summer (45.5%) and Christmas (32%) are by far busiest for businesses a busy season. Winter, Autumn, Spring and no difference among seasons were also indicated to a much lesser extent. Multiple Answers were allowed per respondent explaining percentage totals exceeding 100%, with percentages reflecting percent of 22 respondents answering this item.

SEASON City of Carbondale # % Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) 10 45.5 Autumn (September through November) 1 4.5 Christmas Season (Thanksgiving through 7 31.8 New Year’s Day) Winter (January through March) 3 13.6 Spring (April through May) 2 9.1 Other 0 0.0 None; all seasons are generally the same 3 13.6

43 Ownership : The business community generally reflects a local and regional year round orientation with 54.5% of owners being full-time local residents.

LOCATION City of Carbondale # % A year-round resident of Carbondale 12 54.5 A part-time resident of Carbondale 1 4.5 A year-round resident of another 6 27.3 Lackawanna County Community A part-time resident of another Lackawanna 0 0.0 County Community A resident of an adjacent County 2 9.1 Other; none of the above applies 1 4.5 No Answer 0 0.0 TOTAL 22 100%

Route 6 Location : The relative importance of US Route 6 for business at the present time is strong as approximately 77% rate it as either very or somewhat important while only approximately 23% indicated that it is minimally or not important to their business.

IMPORTANCE City of Carbondale # % Very Important 9 40.9 Somewhat Important 8 36.4 Minimally Important 1 4.5 Not Important 4 18.2 Other 0 0.0 No Answer 0 0.0 TOTAL 22 100%

44 Sales and Trends : Overall positive characteristics and trends among the communities a. The estimate of business’ annual gross sales or revenues volume suggests a relatively high level of business success in the Community. A relatively high number of businesses (59%) reported sales/revenues earning in excess of $100,000 and approximately 46% indicated a high volume (+$250,000) of business. On the hand, approximately 32% of the businesses reported sales or revenues less than $100,000 with only approximately 14% reporting sales/revenues under $25,000/year.

RANGE City of Carbondale # % Under $25,000 per year 3 13.6 $25,000 - $50,000 per year 1 4.5 $50,001 - $100,000 per year 3 13.6 $100,001 - $250,000 per year 3 13.6 Over $250,000 per year 10 45.5 No Answer 2 9.1 TOTAL 22 100.0% b. Sales/revenue volume trend in the prior 12 months, among those providing an answer, are stable, perhaps not reflecting recessionary impacts in the larger economy, with 32% experiencing stability, 14% experiencing increases and only 9% having decreases. However, identification of a true trend is somewhat restricted as approximately 46% of respondents did not provide an answer to this question.

TREND City of Carbondale # % Increased 3 13.6 Decreased 2 9.1 Stayed about the Same 7 31.8 No Answer 10 45.5 TOTAL 22 100.0%

45 Customer Base/Characteristics a. There is somewhat of a variation in the “typical” daily customer/client base, with approximately 45% reporting having over 100 customers/clients per day while approximately 41% reported having 50 or less customers/clients per day, suggesting a mix of large and small businesses.

RANGE - # of customers/clients p er day City of Carbondale # % Under 5 1 4.5 5-10 2 9.1 11-25 2 9.1 26-50 4 18.2 51-75 1 4.5 76-100 1 4.5 101-200 3 13.6 Over 200 7 31.8 Clients/Customers do not come to business 0 0.0 No response 1 4.5 TOTAL 22 100.0% b. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “local” residents (i.e. people who live in and around Carbondale): Respondents indicate they do rely heavily on local residents. Approximately 64% of those offering a response suggest that locals account for more than 70% of their customer base, a relatively high number when compared to only approximately 18% reporting that locals account for less than 30% of their business. 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 not to be important to a substantial number of businesses as approximately 91% indicated that regular visitors account for less than 30% of their business and approximately 50% indicated they account for under 10% of their base.

RANGE – estimated customer bas e “Local” “Regular” “Casual” # % # % # % 91 – 100% 9 40.9 1 4.5 0 0.0 81 – 90% 3 13.6 0 0.0 0 0.0 71 – 80% 2 9.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 61 – 70% 1 4.5 0 0.0 0 0.0 51 – 60% 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 41 – 50% 2 9.1 0 0.0 0 0.0 31 – 40% 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0.0 21 – 30% 1 4.5 2 9.1 0 0.0 10 - 20% 2 9.1 7 31.8 4 18.2 Under 10% 1 4.5 11 50.0 13 59.1 No Answer 1 4.5 1 4.5 5 22.7 TOTAL 22 100% 22 100% 22 100%

46 d. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “casual” visitors and tourists (i.e. people “passing through” who you see only once): Similar to “regular” visitors, “casual” visitors comprise a very low percentage of the customer base among the businesses responding. In fact, 100% of those who gave an answered response suggest “casual” visitors account for under 20% of their base. e. Overall summary: Relatively high dependence on local residents with low dependence on regular and casual visitors.

Tourism and Business in General: a. Overall, businesses have either seen continuity in tourism traffic (46%) or sustained an increase in tourism traffic (9%) in their business in recent years. Only one (1) business reported a decrease in tourism traffic. Interestingly, six (6) respondents indicated their business did not receive tourism traffic.

TYPE City of Carbondale # % Tourist traffic has increased 2 9.1 Tourist traffic has decreased 1 4.5 No change in tourist traffic 10 45.5 No tourist traffic in this business 6 27.3 No Answer 3 13.6 TOTAL 22 100.0%

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 (23%) than physical expansions (14%). There were two (2) responses indicating considering closing or selling and 59% were not considering any changes presently.

CURRENT PLANNING City of Carbondale # % Considering a physical expansion of my business’ physical plant 3 13.6 Considering expanding my offering of goods or services 5 22.7 Considering hiring new employees 2 9.1 Considering selling or closing my business 2 9.1 Not considering any changes at the present time 13 59.1 No response 0 0.0

47 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. a. Results suggest a mix of structural and non-structural improvements. The most popular improvements that are seen as enhancing the community as a business or tourist destination are:  68% of the respondents identified seeing new types of businesses among the top improvements.  46% of the respondents identified additional tourist destinations/activities among the top improvements.  41% of the respondents identified storefront/façade improvements among the top improvements;

TYPE City of Carbondale # % New types of businesses 15 68.2 Additional Tourist destinations/activities 10 45.5 Storefront/façade improvements 9 40.9 Better signage to businesses/destinations 4 18.2 Improved property maintenance 3 13.6 Improved street maintenance 3 13.6 More events and festivals 3 13.6 Other - Money for Business Start-Ups 3 13.6 - New High Paying Plant - Don’t Put Down New Ideas Streetscape (i.e. benches, landscaping) 2 9.1 Coordinated advertising/promotion 2 9.1 A local visitors information center 1 4.5 Streamlining ordinances/regulations 0 0.0 Rehabilitating and maintaining the large older homes 0 0.0 Hospitality training for business employees 0 0.0

48 b. New business development is a popular enhancement as noted above. The following types of new businesses were noted as being needed and could be sustained in the community (NOTE: due to multiple answers; percentages reflect the total respondents for each type of business): There is a small specialty retail and a larger retail orientation prevalent among respondents with notable need for recreation and entertainment service establishments.

TYPE City of Carbondale # % Smaller specialty stores (i.e. antique, gifts, crafts, etc. 11 50.0 Larger retail stores (i.e. appliance, auto, etc) 10 45.5 Recreation and entertainment services 8 36.4 Eating and drinking establishments 3 13.6 Professional services 1 4.5 Personal services 1 4.5 Convenience stores 0 0.0 Other 2 9.1 - Any type of business that brings employment

49 Community Inventories - Physical and Non-Physical Conditions

This subsection provides an overview of various physical characteristics, facilities and services available in the Carbondale Area, with attention emphasized on those most affecting the traveling public. The source of the information is the County Lines (2008), City of Carbondale www.carbondale-pa.gov/ and local input.

Public Works Department

The City of Carbondale Department of Public Works (DPW) is tasked with maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure within the City's 3.2 square miles. In addition, they are solely in charge of the City-owned 52 Miles of roads and streets. DPW is responsible for the bi-weekly collection of recycling, sanitary & storm sewer maintenance, snow removal, and road resurfacing and patching.

Public Safety Services

 Fire Protection - The City of Carbondale provides full time fire protection services to its residents through a combination career/volunteer structure. The department operates with 7 full-time, unionized civil servants and 4 volunteer hose companies located in the City including Mitchell Hose Co. # 1, Cottage Hose Co. # 2, Columbia Hose Co. # 5, and West Side Hose Co. # 7. The Fire Department Headquarters are located at the intersection of S. Main Street and 6th Avenue. Surrounding areas to the northwest of Carbondale are served by the Greenfield Township Fire Department, to the northeast by the White’s Crossing Fire Department and to the south by the Meredith Hose Company.

 Police Protection – Police protection within the City of Carbondale is provided by the Carbondale Police Department located at 1 North Main Street. The Carbondale Township Police Department located at 729 Morse Ave is a part-time municipal police agency that provides police services to a population of over 1,000 residents surrounding the City.

 Ambulance – The Cottage Hose Ambulance Station 51 Rescue, located at 2 Greenfield Road in Carbondale, provides Basic Life Support and Rescue services to the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Township and Fell Township. They also provide Advanced Life Support to over 20 surrounding communities with their Paramedic Services.

Educational/Cultural

 Carbondale Area School District – The 18.6 Square Mile District serves the City of Carbondale and Fell Township. The District operates the Carbondale Area Jr/Sr High School (grades 7th-12 th ) located on Business Rt 6 at 101 Brooklyn St and the Carbondale Area Elementary School also located along Business Rt 6 at 103 Brooklyn St. The District enrolls approximately 1,500 students with enrollment at the Jr/Sr High School being approximately 628 and at the Elementary School being approximately 933. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the

50 enrollment to increase to over 1,600 students by 2014-15 and over 1,800 students by 2019. Because the Department of Education does not account for immigration in its projections, these numbers may be low.

 Lakeland School District – The 66.3 Square Mile District serves Carbondale Township along with Greenfield and Scott Township and the Boroughs of Jermyn and Mayfield. The District operates the Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School (grades 7-12) located on PA Route 247 near Chapman Lake. The Districts also operates two elementary schools including the Lakeland Elementary School which is located on part of the Jr./Sr. High School campus and houses grade levels K-6 and serves residents of Scott and Greenfield townships and the Mayfield Elementary School located at 501 Linden Street in Mayfield which houses grade levels K-6 and serves students from Carbondale Township and Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs. The District enrolls approximately 1,600 students with enrollment at the Jr/Sr High School being approximately 767 and at the Lakeland Elementary School being approximately 516 and at the Mayfield Elementary School being approximately 336. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the District enrollment to remain at current levels with total enrollment projected to be just over 1,600 by 2014-15 and just under 1,600 by 2019-20.

 Lackawanna County Public Library System (LCLS) - Residents of Carbondale and Lackawanna County have access to the resources of seven libraries in the LCLS including a branch in the City of Carbondale. The Carbondale Public Library is located at 5 North Main Street in Carbondale and is opened from Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Friday - Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The LCLC also maintains a Children’s Library in Scranton. The Lackawanna County Children’s Library is located at 520 Vine Street in Scranton and is opened Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. - 5:50 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Additional branches of the LCLS are located in the following communities:

o Albright Memorial Library - Scranton, PA o Nancy Kay Holmes Branch Library – Scranton, PA o Dalton Community Library – Dalton, PA o North Pocono Public Library – Moscow, PA o Taylor Community Library – Taylor, PA o Valley Community Library – Peckville, PA

 The Lackawanna County Office of Education and Cultural Affairs - brings together the resources of three of Lackawanna County's most significant institutions including the Lackawanna County Library System, the Scranton Cultural Center and the Everhart Museum in Scranton for the benefit of residents of Lackawanna County to learn, to grow, and to be entertained at three of the area's most valuable institutions. Patrons of the Lackawanna County Library System receive free admission to nationally-known lectures, writers, discounts to Scranton Cultural Center shows and access to special events at the Everhart Museum.

51 Water Systems

The Brownell and Fallbrook Systems of the PA American Water Company provides public water service to the City of Carbondale and surrounding areas including Carbondale, Fell and Scott Townships and Archbald, Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs Source water for these two systems comes from the Brownell Reservoir, Fallbrook Reservoir and Carbondale #4 Reservoir. Water Quality testing completed in 2010 indicated that all state and federal requirements were met.

Sewer Services

 The collection and treatment of sewage in the City of Carbondale is provided by the Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority (LRBSA). In total, the LRBSA serves the following the fifteen (15) municipalities:

o Carbondale City o Clinton Township o Jessup Borough o Carbondale Township o Mayfield Borough o Olyphant Borough o Fell Township o Jermyn Borough o Throop Borough o Forest City Borough o Archbald Borough o Dickson City Borough o Vandling Borough o Blakely Borough o Moosic Borough

 The wastewater from these fifteen (15) municipalities is conveyed to the LRBSA's three (3) Sewage Treatment Plants by over twenty (20) miles of interceptor lines located for the most part along the Lackawanna River. Many of the municipal sewer collection systems connected to the LRBSA's interceptors are of the Combined Sewer type meaning they collect both storm water runoff as well as sanitary sewage generated by homes and businesses. These combined sewers existed prior to the inception of the Sewer Authority.

52 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 the City of Carbondale are narratively described and all are described on Table 8 in terms of traffic volumes by segment.

Pennsylvania U.S. Route 6 (Robert P. Casey Highway) In Lackawanna County, Route 6 exists as both US Route 6 and a separate Business Route 6. Both are major arterial highways in the County and region. Route 6 carries a significant number of vehicles a day as noted on Table 8. From the west, Route 6 enters the county near Mile Post 322 between Factoryville (Wyoming County) and La Plume and continues through the Carbondale Area and into Wayne County just past Mile Post 347 near Waymart a distance of approximately 25 miles. The route is hardly “straight” taking more of a “V” shape alignment as it winds to/from the northwestern and northeastern sections of Lackawanna County.

Route 6 joins with Interstate 81 in the County for several miles before it splits off and heads northeastward towards the Carbondale area. For the most part Route 6 by-passes the more heavily populated areas in the County and provides a

53 more direct route from the Carbondale area to the major east/west Interstates located to the south including Interstate 81. Combined traffic volumes on Route 6 steadily decline from over 20,000 vehicles a day near Interstate 81 to under 10,000 vehicles per day nearer to Carbondale. In the Carbondale area, Route 6 carries over 9,200 vehicles each day (4,674 westbound & 4,618 eastbound) around the City of Carbondale, with 4% of that being trucks. Route 6 merges with Business Rt. 6 just northeast of Carbondale near Mile Post 347. Traffic volumes between this point and Waymart in Wayne County increase to over 10,000 vehicles per day with truck traffic staying at 4%.

Pennsylvania U.S. Business Route 6 Business Route 6 is just as important as Route 6 in Lackawanna County as a transportation corridor. Economic development, tourism, connectivity, and local and regional heritage in the County are all impacted by Business Route 6. Business Route 6 is orientated in more of a north/south direction in the County as it extends for approximately 15-miles from its intersection with Interstate 81 south of Carbondale to the point where it reconnects to Route 6 just northeast of the City. Business Route 6 carries a significant amount of traffic through downtown Carbondale and through other populated commercial areas including Dickson City, Blakely, Eynon and Mayfield. In fact, Business Route 6 has the highest traffic volumes in the area as noted on Table 8.

The Salem Ave/N Church St intersection in downtown Carbondale is the confluence of Business Rt 6 (Church St), PA 106 (Salem Ave) and SR 1019 (Salem Ave). Traffic volumes to the south of this intersection and towards Mayfield are approximately 13,000-16,500 vehicles per day, with 3-7% of that being trucks. Just to the north of this intersection to Belmont St (PA 171) volumes decrease slightly and are in 10,000 – 15,000 range. Further beyond Belmont St (PA 171) towards the mergence point with Route 6. volumes decrease significantly and range between 3,500-5,500 vehicles per day (4-5% truck).

PA Route 106 This east/west highway is located in both Lackawanna and Susquehanna Counties. PA Route 106 heads northwest out of Carbondale and connects with US 247, Interstate 81 near Lenoxville (Susquehanna County) and with US Route 11 near Kingsley (Susquehanna County). Traffic volumes on PA 106 near downtown Carbondale approach 8,000 vehicles per day and then decrease to just over 3,000 further away from the downtown area.

PA Route 171 This north/south highway extends northward out of the City in an alignment that is generally parallel to Interstate 81 west of Carbondale. PA 171 provides a connection with Interstate 81 and US Route 11 near Great Bend near the PA/NY border. Traffic volumes near Carbondale are just over 8,000 vehicles per day with around 5% of that traffic being trucks.

54

SR 1019 – Wayne St Although volumes on this state road are only 633 vehicles a day, it provides the only southwestern route from Carbondale and connects the City with US Route 296 below Waymart in Wayne County.

SR 1004 – Greenfield Rd Vehicle traffic on this state road is only 398 vehicles a day, however 9% are trucks. It provides a direct western route from Carbondale and connects the City with US Route 247.

SR 1007 – Dundaff St Vehicle traffic on this state road is approximately 1,200 vehicles a day with very little truck traffic and like PA 106, extends to the northwest and connects the City with US Route 247 although at a point north of where PA 106 connects.

SR 1041 – Pike St SR 1041 carries approximately 2,900 vehicles a day and provides a strategic connection for vehicles traveling in southern Carbondale towards its downtown area to by-pass a higher traffic section of Business Route 6.

RTE K194 – Gordon Ave RTE K194 carries approximately 1,100 vehicles a day and parallels Business Rt. 6 between the City and Mayfield. It also provides an alternate route from a residential area into the downtown area.

55 TABLE 8 Major Highway Profile/Traffic Volumes Carbondale Heritage Communities Program

Route Location Segment AADT Truck Volume Business Rt 6 City of Carbondale & Canaan St - between PA 3,652 – 4,575 4-5% North Carbondale Twp. 171 and PA Rt 6 Business Rt 6 North Main St - between City of Carbondale PA 106 and PA 171 in 12,700 7% Central Downtown Carbondale South Main St and 8 th Business Rt 6 City of Carbondale & Ave – between Downtown 16,515 3% South Mayfield Borough Carbondale and Mayfield Borough Carbondale Twp & Route 6 PA Business Rt 6/Rt 6 Canaan Twp (Wayne 9,113 - 10,092 4%-9% North junction and Waymart County) Carbondale Twp - Eastbound 4,608 4% Route 6 between Business Rt Central 6/Rt 6 junction and Westbound 4,663 4% Mayfield Borough Lackawanna County Route 6 Eastbound 5,867-11,615 7-11% Between Carbondale South Twp and I-81 Westbound 6,255-11,708 7-9% Dundaff St – between City of Carbondale & 7,908 6% PA 106 Main St and SR 1007 Carbondale Twp Fallbrook St 3,296 4% City of Carbondale & PA 171 Belmont St 8,211 5% Fell Twp City of Carbondale & SR 1004 Greenfield Rd 398 9% Carbondale Twp SR 1041 City of Carbondale Pike St 2,951 5% City of Carbondale & SR 1007 Dundaff St 1,258 4% Fell Twp City of Carbondale & SR 1019 Salem Mtn Rd 633 1% Carbondale Twp City of Carbondale & RTE K194 Gordon Ave 1,149 5% Carbondale Twp Source: PennDOT, (counts from 2007-10) NOTE: AADT= Annual Average Daily Traffic

56 3 00 1 Average Daily Volume SR CLINTON TOWNSHIP

S

15,000 plus R

1 l 0 i 0 ra 7 T il 10,000 - 15,000 a FELL TWP R W & 6,000 - 10,000 O

3,000 - 6,000 106 171

206 SR K 1,000 - 3,000 Xmp346 Bus 6 Less than 1,000

mp345 X mp347 X

SR 10 CANAAN TOWNSHIP 19 Rt 6 East - 5,037 Rt 6 West - 5,037 mp344 X SR K199

7

9

1

K

R

S

41 10 SR

mp343 6 X

Bus 6

Rt 6 East - 4,584 Rt 6 West - 4,640

CARBONDALE TWP mp342 X 4 9 1 K R S 3 02 036 1 SR 8 R S S R 10 08 City of Carbondale  Traffic Volumes 00.5 1 Miles Rt 6 Corridor HCP Air

Carbondale area residents and visitors rely on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton International Airport for commercial air service. The airport, located approximately 25 miles south of Carbondale, 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. Public use and general aviation air service in Lackawanna County is provided at the Seamans Airport located near Factoryville approximately 17 miles west of Carbondale.

Public Transportation

The County of Lackawanna Transit Authority (COLTS), located in Scranton, provides safe, affordable and convenient public transportation for the residents of Lackawanna County. COLTS runs 26 direct service routes including a Carbondale route that runs from to/from Carbondale and Scranton Monday –Saturday. COLTS also provides additional shuttle services including a Chinchilla/Clarks Green/Justus and Newton Ransom route and a Simpson/Carbondale/Route 6 Shuttle; and a second Route 6 Shuttle – through a private sub-contractor. Lackawanna County Coordinated Transportation provides cost efficient para-transit service, which addresses the recognized needs of the “transportation disadvantaged” population of Lackawanna County.

In addition to the services provided by COLTS, Martz Trailways provides daily scheduled departures from its Scranton and Wilkes-Barre terminals to regional destinations including various points in New York City and Philadelphia and locally to the Mt. Airy Casino & Resort. Greyhound Bus Lines also provides intercity bus transportation out of their Scranton and Wilkes-Barre locations.

Rail

The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA) is the result of the merger in 2006 of the former Monroe County Railroad Authority and the Lackawanna County Railroad Authority. The PNRRA is a regional entity that operates a 100 mile regional rail freight system in northeast Pennsylvania and includes stretches from Carbondale to Scranton through the Pocono region all the way to East Stroudsburg and the Delaware Water Gap. Rail freight services

58 are provided by the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad Co., Inc. (DLRR) under contract with the PNRRA who owns the rail assets and properties.

Short train rides and excursions are available seasonally ( there are no train rides during the winter months ) at the Steamtown National Historic Site located in Scranton. The "Scranton Limited" short train excursions begin around April of each year and are offered on a first-come basis; except for tour and school groups, reservations are not available. This excursion train gives visitors a chance to experience riding in an historic commuter car ( the cars were built between 1915 and 1935 ) behind either a vintage steam locomotive or an historic diesel-electric locomotive. The trip gives a good overall view of the railroad yards, includes a ride across Bridge 60 ( built 1912 ) and a short trip along the former main line.

There is currently no Intercity Passenger Rail service to Carbondale. Amtrak’s Pennsylvanian line does travel daily between New York City and Pittsburgh. The closest stations to Carbondale would be in Harrisburg, PA and Downingtown, PA which are both approximately a two and a half hour drive south from Carbondale. 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 in Syracuse, approximately a two hour drive to the north. A long term goal of the PNRRA is to successfully complete the restoration of rail passenger commuter service between Scranton, the Pocono Region, New Jersey and New York City. The PNRRA in partnership with New Jersey Transit are advancing this Bi State Project.

Bicycle PA Routes

Bicycle Routes Y and L are two of the six long-distance bicycle touring routes in the state. Bicycle Route Y generally follows Route 6 in an east-west alignment across the state and Bicycle Route L generally follows various routes in north-south alignment across the state US Business Route 6 is Bicycle Route Y and L through downtown Carbondale. Specifically, in the Carbondale area Route Y overlaps with Route L through downtown Carbondale before taking up again its east-west route just south of Carbondale.

59 Historic Route 6

There are two former segments of US Route 6 within the Carbondale area, as per historic mapping from PennDOT:

North End – According to mapping from the 1920’s (insert to the left), Route 6 is routed through Whites Crossing then via a winding and hilly route eastward towards Waymart. By the 1950’s (see below), Rt 6 routing misses Whites Crossing with a new Township Rt. 491 shown on former Rt 6 ROW while the “new” Rt. 6 ROW cutting the diagonal. Present day SR 1003, pictured at the left appears to be the route of historic Route 6 as it existed between the 1920’s and 1950’s.

South End – In the 1920’s, Route 6 appeared to follow what would later become a County Road entering Carbondale over present day Gordon Ave (also identified in non-PennDOT sources as SRK194) connecting with present day Pike St (SR 1041). By the 1950’s County Road is shown and is now distinct and parallel with Rt. 6. Rt 6 appears to follow present day Business Rt 6 ROW to Pike Street (present day SR 1041) and South Main St through Salem Ave intersection (LR 35037 now SR 1019). The former LR 35046 (later SR 1033 in mine fire impacted area) is now where Business Rt. 6 Highway Commercial area is located.

60 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. Carbondale was one of the communities visited by PDC and was found to have 21 of the 28 characteristics or features inventoried, lacking only a clean appearance, wayfinding to tourist destinations, maintained sidewalks, parking garages and bicycle racks. In fact, Carbondale was among the communities having the most features or characteristics associated with visitor readiness. Specifically, PDC found:

Appearance:  Streets and Sidewalks appear to be safe but not clean  Visible welcome sign  Visible wayfinding signage, inside and outside of town, but not to historic or tourist destinations

Public Space:  Visible public spaces downtown  Visible benches  Visible public restrooms at community library building  Visible public phones  Visible public areas to have a picnic  Visible public areas to walk a dog  Sidewalks throughout the business district & the rest of town need repaired  Marked, but fading crosswalks with signals; traffic did not seem to yield to pedestrians during site visit  Reasonable posted speed limit, but heavy traffic  Visibly marked bicycle routes  Questionably wide shoulders for bicycles  No visible bicycle racks  Well-marked street signs  Additional street lighting  Easy to find parking: metered; free for specific businesses; easily accessible  Some parking for tour buses/RV’s; parking may be available on side streets

Visitor Impression: Carbondale is in some ways a surprising town. There are certain obvious exterior property maintenance issues but there is a nice town park in the center of the business district surrounded by free 2-hour parking and many of the businesses seem to be open some evenings and on the weekends.

61 Overview

The City of Carbondale is enhancing its visual quality but some obvious property maintenance issues exist in and around the CBD, but it has free and accessible parking, is rather pedestrian-friendly and has some businesses that are open evenings and weekends. It is also a developmental “counterpoint” to the highway-oriented and higher density commercial development on Business Route 6 between Carbondale and Scranton. Some interesting and unique food establishments, such as Vita Bella, Barbour’s Bakery and Carwanna’s Lunch, reinforce Carbondale as a stopover destination of the region.

Gateways

The major western gateway into the community is rather generic to the traveler with basic highway commercial land uses on both sides of the road. A streetscape project does extend near the western entrance but a gap does exist between where a traveler first experiences Carbondale and where the streetscape project begins.

Moderate density residential and some scattered cottage/home businesses greet visitors on the eastern entrance into Carbondale.

Those traveling into Carbondale from Exit 6 off of Rt. 6 Casey Highway from the Childs area experience rather unappealing mine refuse piles, vacant parcels and a generic “T” intersection with Business Rt. 6. In general, the area between Childs and western Carbondale is not visually appealing with older homes and businesses and some linear commercial stretches.

62 The Community

Carbondale exudes “traditional neighborhood development”, with a mix of residential styles and densities, pedestrian and highway oriented commercial, industrial, office and institutional land uses in a rather confined area. Perhaps among the most recognizable features of the community are the numerous church steeples, most on the appropriately named Church Street. There is a certain retro and “hometown” feel to the place, even to the planning team. As a case in point, planning team members engaged in field work were stopped several times by residents who merely were friendly and curious about what they were doing, photographing, etc. One gets the feeling, that residents are closely attached to the town, care about it and keep tabs on who is in the neighborhood.

As alluded to earlier, there are some property management issues in the community, perhaps most noticeable being vacant schools, hotels and large commercial buildings. At the same time, renewal efforts are underway as seen in the expanded/renovated YMCA, the hotel under development, and streetscape enhancements especially along Main Street and River Street. However, there were few benches in the areas that experienced streetscape enhancements. This is a notable gap in an otherwise pedestrian-friendly community.

There are a number of significant newer economic focal points in the community, including the Business Park @ Carbondale Yards and the newer highway commercial area, as well as a number of long-established businesses with historic ties to Carbondale, such as Gentex Corporation, Hendricks Manufacturing and Schoenberg Salt Company and of course the CBD.

63 Signage

There are signs of many types, styles and purpose in Carbondale, 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 Carbondale. 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;

64  Location of signs – on buildings, setbacks, etc.; and  Special requirements – flashing, neon, sandwich boards, etc.

Carbondale has been carefully crafting a thematic component to its on-going revitalization efforts as it frames itself as “The Next Chapter in the American Story”. This is a laudable effort in relation to tourism. 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

Generally, a municipality’s regulations do not directly deal with “attraction signs”, which are critical especially in areas with numerous tourism and attractions such as in most Northeastern Pennsylvania. Present tourism signage regulations are found in PennDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (Pub. 46; October 2010), 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)  Business district (area within a city/borough officially designated as a business district by local officials)  Campground (area reserved for at least 20 tents/ RV’s with permit from DEP and open at least 6 months/year.  College or university  Commerce Park (at least 25 acres and recognized/signed as a commerce park by local authorities)  Cultural center (a minimum occupancy capacity of 250 people)  Facility, tour location (plant, factory or institution conducting daily or weekly public tours on a regularly scheduled basis year-round)  Fairground  Farmer’s Market (open at least 2 days per week throughout year or harvest season)  Golf course

65  Historical site (as recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission)  Hospital or Institution  Library  Military base  Municipal buildings  Museum  Off-track betting facility (as authorized by Act 1988-127)  Park  Religious site (i.e. shrine, grotto, or similar type facility)  Resort (minimum of 75 rooms and recreational/vacation amenities  Roadside farm market (open at least 2 days/ week for year or harvest season)  School  Shopping center (30 or more stores with parking facilities)  Ski area  State and National park, recreation area, forest or cemetery (mileage requirement may be extended a reasonable distance)  Transportation terminal (i.e. bus or railroad passenger).  Visitor information (i.e. approved by the Commonwealth and is open at least 6 months each year including 10 hours each day between Memorial Day and Labor day and 8 hours each day during the balance of the open season, with attendant on duty and provide free access to travel literature, rest rooms and drinking water)  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)

PennDOT regulations limit TODS to roads having an average daily volume of at least 2,000 vehicles and note that TODS shall not be installed when prohibited by local ordinance. Consideration of these signs or even a citation to the PennDOT regulations is suggested in future updates to relevant ordinances.

66 Zoning

The City of Carbondale consists of nine (9) zoning districts (see map on following page), of which sections of five (5) abut some part of the Business Route 6 corridor. The largest stretches include frontage within the C-2 (Central Business District), C-3 (General Commercial), R-1 Low Density Residential), R-2 (Medium Density Residential) and M-1 (Light Industrial), were this review is confined.

1. C-2 Central Business District: includes the traditional central business district centered on North and South Main St. (Business Rt. 6)  Overall, the C-2 District generally conforms to the concept of a pedestrian-friendly downtown , but there are some exceptions. Overall in terms of commercial use alone, there are relatively few differences between the C-2 and the C-3 General Commercial District, even though the latter has a more “highway commercial” orientation.  The major differences between these districts are the dimensional requirements such as minimum lot size (5,000 vs. 20,000 sq. ft.), and setbacks (wider in C-3). In addition, there are a number of permitted uses in C-2 that appear to be better placed in the C-3 District including car washes, major vehicle repairs, convenience stores, drive-in/drive-through uses, golf driving range, motel (versus hotel), lumber yard, mobile home sales and self-storage buildings

2. C-3 General Commercial District: includes the newer highway oriented commercial area along Brooklyn St (Business Rt. 6) as well as some of the business park area behind it west of North Scott St.  Overall, the C-3 District has the appearance of a highway-oriented commercial area, even though permitted uses largely mirror those in C-2. Specific uses permitted in C-3 but not C-2 include delivery/distribution center, carpet/rug cleaning and heavy equipment sales/storage. As noted above, drive-in/drive- through uses are not confined to the C-3 District alone.  Dimensional requirements comprise the major differences with the C-2 District, requiring larger minimum lot sizes and wider setbacks. However, front setbacks may be still more appropriate for compact settlement rather than that associated with a typical lower-density highway commercial district. While this reflects a “city orientation”, the 25 foot minimum front yard setback may be too narrow to permit a front parking area with appropriate maneuvering room for safe traffic access/egress.

67 3. R-1 Low Density Residential District: includes a residential area on the north side bisected by Canaan St. (Business Rt. 6)  Overall, this is the classic single-family low density residential district in an urbanized area, permitting home occupations and very few other non-residential uses by Special Exception (Zoning Hearing Board review/action).  Dimensional requirements reflect the low density orientation requiring a relatively wide minimum lot (90 ft.) and side yard setback (15 ft.).

4. R-2 Medium Density Residential District: includes areas on the south side along Brooklyn St. (Business Rt. 6 in and behind school complex) and along Canaan St. (between C-2 and R-1 above)  The R-2 District conforms with a moderate density residential area, allowing single- and two-family dwellings and several higher density residential uses (town houses, garden apartments, etc.) as well as a few non-residential uses via Special Exception.  Dimensional requirements appear to encourage low- or moderate-density lots and layout, varying with the actual number/type of dwellings provided.

5. M-1 Manufacturing District: includes area on the south side and between the C-3 and C-2 Districts along Business Rt. 6  This District allows a limited array of processing and related light manufacturing, railroad yard, intensive commercial uses and storage uses.  Dimensional requirements call for relatively large minimum lot sizes (40,000 square feet) and moderate setbacks (identical to C-3).

6. Signage:  Signage requirements are fairly basic dealing with size, location, types and height of signs.  Signs projecting no more than three (3) feet in the direction of a public street or public walkway area are permitted although subsection 5.964 c. notes such signs shall not extend over a public street or walkway. The translation of this is confusing since the term “walkway” is not defined. Literally, this can be taken to mean no projecting signs over sidewalks in the downtown.  There is no distinction between maximum signage in the C-2 and C-3 Districts, even though the pedestrian scale of the former and the highway orientation of the latter suggest the need to address signage differently.  Signage illumination is somewhat covered, with flashing signs prohibited but apparently both internally and externally illuminated signs are permitted in all commercial districts.  Portable signs are not defined and are noted as permitted for no more than one month, although it is not further described in terms of one month per year, an accumulated period that equals one month, etc. In addition, no specific permission or prohibition is given for the “A-Frame/Sandwich Board” signs, which are temporary signs that are increasingly popular in pedestrian scale downtowns.  Billboards are permitted as a Special Exception in the C-3 District only.

68 7. Other:  Subsection 4.860 deals with aesthetic design standards for commercial and manufacturing uses, requiring new construction, additions and exterior alterations shall be consistent with original construction or of comparable materials with existing structures. A partial requirement for masonry and prohibition of “woodface composition” is also noted. Overall, the requirements are well- intended but somewhat subjective relying on some undefined terms (i.e. “original”, “comparable”, etc.), do not deal with urban site planning/layout standards and techniques (i.e. maximum front setbacks, in-fill standards, off- street parking in rear, etc.) and provide no graphic illustrations as a guide.  There are landscaping and screening requirements for parking lots and other select uses, again with no graphic illustrations as a guide.  Off-street parking is required for uses in all but the C-2 District, reflecting the supply of on-street and other parking and pedestrian scale in the traditional central business district. Parking space requirements appear to be adequate for the uses delineated.  Adult Entertainment is regulated under subsection 5.510 and incorporates elements of a popular version of regulations adopted by many communities in Pennsylvania, including clear definitions and spacing requirements. These uses may only occur as a Special Exception in the M-2 District, which is located at the southwestern edge of the City.

69 70 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 Carbondale Area as a tourist destination. The Workshop was held on March 3, 2010 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 Carbondale a more attractive destination?” A total of fifteen (15) 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:

 Carbondale has an “activities orientation” o Several signature events, especially during June-August, October and December o Gaps during several periods (i.e. January – May and September)

 Greater interest in and involvement with the visual arts in Carbondale o Art Walk o Central Gallery in Chamber Office o Active local group (i.e. “Crayons”) o Recognition of arts as part of community development by City

 Downtown emphasis o Arts has a part to play o Renovated/expanded YMCA, proposed accommodations, etc. o Following strategic plan recommendations o Reemphasis on the Lackawanna River

71  Strengths to build on o Ethnic and religious heritage o Arts – performing and visual o Anthracite/Industrial heritage o Specialty retail

The attendees broke up into two (2) discussion groups, with one focusing on Stores/Attractions and the other on Events. 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:

Overall Desired Enhancement Votes Ethnic/Cultural Food Events 3 Specialty retail 14 Performing Arts/Movie Theatre 9 AHDC Museum 8

While there was a range of responses there was consensus on needing more Ethnic/Cultural Food Events. In addition, Specialty Retail, Performing Arts/Movie Theatre and the AHDC Museum were the favored types of stores/attractions.

72 Carbondale Community Workshop Summary – Wish List to Enhance Area as Destination

Group 1 - Stores/Attractions Group 2 - Events

Proposed Improvement Votes Proposed Improvement Votes AHDC 8 AHDC 8 Movie Theatre 7 Movie Theatre 7 Bookstore 4 Bookstore 4 Confectionary/Candy Store 4 Confectionary/Candy Store 4 Coffee House/Desert 4 Coffee House/Desert 4 Pub/Sports Bar 4 Pub/Sports Bar 4 Water Park 3 Water Park 3 Visitors Center 3 Visitors Center 3 Sporting Outfitter/Bike shop 3 Sporting Outfitter/Bike shop 3 Performing Arts Venue 2 Performing Arts Venue 2 Retail incubator 2 Retail incubator 2 Clothing/Apparel store 2 Clothing/Apparel store 2 Arts/Gifts 2 Arts/Gifts 2 Seafood restaurant 1 Seafood restaurant 1 Deli 1 Deli 1 Steak house 1 Steak house 1 House Tours 1 House Tours 1 Miniature Golf 1 Miniature Golf 1

73 Second Workshop and Planning Charrette

A second set of Community Workshops was held in conjunction with a three-day planning Charrette during May 24th – 26th 2010 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 28 people participated in the Charrette

Stakeholders Review 5/24/10 Attendees: 4 Presentation: Overview of regional/local resources and preliminary concepts.

Discussion: Review of significant heritage elements – coal, river, mine fire, silk, railroad, the “City of 1sts” and the UFO folklore. Other traits noted include “hokey” [in a good sense], foodie [people like and prepare various foods] and the “cured meat capital”.

While heritage is important, locals point out certain changes and trends that affect community as tourism destination: • Art, Wine and Music Festival (6/26/10) • Chamber of Commerce and Arts – art gallery, changing exhibits, juried shows, Art Walk and involvement by the “Crayons” [local arts group] • Riverfront Enhancements – in process on River Street (newly resurfaced) between 6 th and 8 th Avenues; period lighting, sidewalks, benches and proposed open space/plaza at River St./6 th Ave. [demolition planning in process] • Pioneer Plaza [63 rooms; restaurant; conference/banquet facilities; 8,000 sf retail space] – planned completion in Fall 2011

Government Focus Group 5/24/10 Attendees: 6

Discussion: • Riverfront enhancement project is a priority – opens up Lackawanna, strolling district concept and open space for community events/passive recreation • Need to better exploit the “City of 1sts” with additional signage/monuments at appropriate places • Periodic tours via “rubber tired trolley” • Area behind Ben-Mar (former D&H Office) is a key area – enhancements to presently undeveloped area can reflect heritage themes • Feeling that the mine fire is more of a “footnote” than a story • Wurtz Brothers are more than a “coal story” – entrepreneurial and early- industrial revolution story • While hunting and fishing are popular it is characterized as being more of a “family & friends” thing than a regional destination per se

74 • Arts resurgence as reflected in: o Gallery exhibits change quarterly o Interest in making Art Walks a regular event • Reinforcement of the arts resurgence affects the façade restoration program in several ways o the architectural appreciation concept o the fact that a principal mover of the “Crayons” also has been designing signs for businesses (retro/repro) • Carbondale is proclaimed to be a bit “quirky” (in a good sense) • While heritage is appreciated, there is a sentiment that the WorkPlan be attraction-based and future-oriented to attract visitors • Visiting Carbondale needs to be viewed as a “journey” where visitor discover things • Folklore is everywhere in Carbondale – the story of the “fairy bush” was popular among Irish miners who equated the downturn in the community with the destruction of the fairy bush (brought from Ireland and planted in Carbondale) during the relocation associated with the mine fire [Note: Post-charrette research shows some link between the “fairy” and UFO stories in general folklore]

Public Session #1 5/24/10 Attendees: 7 Presentation: Rt. 6 and HCP Overview; Tourism Primer, “Uniqueness” description and localization, Connection of resources, physical & non-physical elements under consideration and potential markets

Linking heritage and stories yields the following central concepts: • A river runs through it – embraces past D&H heritage, water power for industrial revolution and present re-emphasis on opening up the river • “Solutions and Survivors” synthesizes everything – entrepreneurs and people with “can do” attitude figured out how to mine coal and transport it, started businesses and industries, survived the economic downturns, mine fire (400+ relocations) and other changes [Note: As per field work/later discussion concept widened to “Solutions, Survivors and Steeples”] • “Feels Like Your Hometown” because of friendliness, feeling of the connection with the community and “open arms” • “Discover Carbondale” - may be a bit generic but a starting point [Notes: As per field work/later discussion concept revised as “Look Up Carbondale” o View of former Mining/Mine Fire area from vantage points in the business district requires one to “look up” o Iconic steeples require one to “look up” o “Look up” figuratively reflects self image enhancement need] • “Eclectic” (although locals don’t want to be perceived as being eccentric) [Post Charrette Note – “eclectic”: made up of parts from various sources choosing what is best or preferred from a variety of sources or styles]

75 Public Input: Conditions: • Carbondale seen as a residential option for persons seeking to be away from a big city; noted as a “magnet” due to the quality of life; most regional attractions and resources within 15 minute drive • Mine Fire lessons – caused dislocations but it triggered redevelopment and the city grew out of the ashes (Note: Centralia essentially ceased to exist but for a few hold-outs) • The rear of the Ben-Mar is the junction of former rail and future trail; critical focal point • Streetscape – “grand” scheme is extended streetscape treatment along Business Route 6 and Rt. 171 towards Simpson (Note: phased gateway treatments discussed) • Scenic Overlook on Business Route 6 intercepts westbound traffic and shows “city in a park” due to wooded areas • City is seeking to attract and retain the “creative class” – visual artists, technically creative, performing arts, etc.

Planning Team – Review and Synthesis 5/25/10

Reconfiguration of Carbondale concepts/interface with Rt. 6 Themes: • Engineers Challenge – Anthracite mining, D&H Gravity/Canal System and complex railroad web/system • Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs – the Wurtz Bros., the D&H and the Industrial Revolution; Johnson & Johnson; Gov. Robert P. Casey; development of the modern-day coal industry/technology; silk industry and arts resurgence reflecting heritage of eisteddfod (1 st Welsh music and literary festival) • New Beginnings and Safe Havens – the City of 1sts, coal mining created jobs for migrants and ethnic diversity/heritage, post-mine fire “re-birth”, everybody’s home town image and the churches • Natural Opportunities – coal, river, wind power and Marcellus shale • Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise – hunting, fishing, skiing (“Carbon-Vail”), Steamtown Marathon through town (Columbus Day Weekend) • Warriors Road – Gen. O’Malley, Joseph R. Sarnoski (CMH-WWII), First Sergeant Patrick DeLacey (CMH-CW) and Gen. Alvin Ungerlider

Heritage Focus Group 5/25/10 Attendees: 4 Related Route 6 Themes above with local interface. Local reaction was in agreement with the following additional thoughts. • Carbondale is noted as the “perforated metals capital” with two of the nation’s seven perforated metals manufacturers: o Hendrick Manufacturing (in Carbondale since 1876) o Quality Perforating, Inc. • Silk Manufacturing – Klots Throwing Company and Empire Silk Co. (NJ Headquarters) identified

76 o NOTE: Post-Charrette research reveals child labor, UMWA relationship due to family ties and Mother Jones involvement o GENTEX is historic outgrowth of Klots (in Carbondale since 1890’s) • AGC Carbondale Plant (commercial glass fabricating plant) – reportedly supplied glass for Statue of Liberty • Unlike a number of older communities, Carbondale has maintained its manufacturing base • Interactive Railroad map would help visualize Carbondale’s rich but largely gone complex railroad network • There are numerous attractions in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, many identified on “Regional resources Map”, also add Mohegan Sun (gaming) and numerous colleges and universities (students, parents, potential interns, etc.)

Business Group 5/26/10 Attendees: 4 Even though the City invited the local business community, no business owner showed up. The Chamber of Commerce Executive Director attended and joined with City officials and the planning team in a recap brainstorming and review session focused on economic considerations.

Ideas growing out of discussions: • “The City of Firsts” may better be served by “First Sundays” for a number of reasons o Other nearby large First Fridays celebrations exist o Small ethnic themed celebrations involving ethnic food and art reflect the “Sunday Dinner” concept that is a part of Carbondale o The Sunday theme reinforces the faith-based “steeples” concept o The Sunday theme reinforces the family-oriented nature of the community o The Sunday theme reflects the “day of rest” concept that in turn is part of the areas strong work ethic • Various Festivals in the area o Mt. Carmel Festival is held in July; includes procession through Carbondale o St. Ubaldo Day in Jessup includes spirited procession of three saints by “teams” along with food/entertainment/religious observances; Memorial Day weekend • There is a perceived need for a “visitors center” augmenting printed and on-line tourism information o Visitors Center to be part of the retail incubator o Expands the “Carbondale products” that can be sold (i.e. souvenirs, knick-knacks, etc.) • There is a need for a virtual site that can take people through the City – “discovery and experience”

77 o Interactive Map focusing on certain important but difficult to identify elements – such as the railroad (especially D&H yard), mining and mine fire o Seek assistance via LHVA grants to help meet technical costs o College/University students may be interns for the process • Recreating a mine tunnel/re-opening mine o It was noted that a mine opening was reopened in the hill behind the Salt Company on Business Rt. 6 o May be a part of the AHDC experience/”pods” • Dinner/Theatre may have a role in the arts resurgence o Presently offers 4-5 shows/year o Building is very visible at critical Business Rt. 6 intersection; candidate for exterior rehab/façade improvement • Residential developments/incentives o Proposal ($1.6 million noted during discussion) for converting former Hotel American to condo/lofts but some local discussion on alternative idea for low/moderate income housing o City has a number of senior and public assisted units as well as 180+ Section 8 vouchers/units o City Residential (LERTA) incentives for conversion of multiple units to single-family (5 years/100% of City taxes) or replacement of blighted structures with new units (10 years/100%)

Public Session #2 5/26/10 Attendees: 7 Brief recap of Charrette process and its role was carried out. Discussion then focused on recommendations, especially as they may have changed or become refocused during the Charrette.

Recommendations

• Virtual tour (site TBD) – interactive tour of former D&H Yards, mining facilities and mine fire area o maps and period photographs interspersed and triggered by the viewer o clips of oral history and/or narration appropriately placed

• “Creative Class” orientation - focus (in process) on artistic/technologically oriented people o Conscious relationships with nearby colleges/universities for internships that can create “input” creative class persons while providing technical capabilities o Incentives include  The Art Gallery  Art Walk (regular and periodic)  An artist incubator in an historic structure (Hotel American mentioned)

78  Retail incubator (in process)  Enhanced dinner/theatre

• 1st Sundays o Ethnic food/culture/art events during good weather months o Concerts in churches o Church tours o Non-denomination services

• “Museum without Walls” – Anthracite Heritage Discovery Center o First phase is to maintain and increase AHDC visibility – affects community perception and fund-raising potential; Incremental with early-action for “presence” o Mid- and Long-range alternative - Reformulating AHDC to be implemented in phases in “pods” that are interactive o Long-term – work towards larger/long-term facility building on the incremental steps and successes

• D&H (Ben-Mar Rear) Area o Trail head with interpretive opportunities (potential area for a D&H or railroad “pod”) o Play/Discovery Area for children with play apparatus reflecting locally identified themes/heritage (i.e. coal breaker, railroad facility, coal “climbing wall, UFO, etc.)

• Folklore – interpretive opportunities tied in with virtual tours/maps above o Oral histories o “Fairy Bush” legend o UFO incident and alternative explanations o Interactive Maplewood Cemetery Map focusing on community leaders

• Tours and Trails o Completion of segments of Lackawanna River Heritage Trail between Simpson and Mayfield with interpretive panels o Signing of “Historic” Route 6 segments  Whites Crossing Area  Pike and Cottage Streets o Auto/Bike Tour – Routes 106, 374 and 171 loop tour (Elk Mountain, Forest City, Vandling, etc.) o Scranton/Wilkes-Barre auto tour – Business Rt. 6/Route 6 o Waymart Tie in – via Historic Routes 6 on both sides of Moosic Mountain

• Downtown Enhancements o Continuation of Streetscape enhancements – N. Main between Lincoln and Salem Streets

79 o Completion of Pioneer Plaza (Summer 2012 completion date) – accommodations, hospitality and retail o Continuation of façade enhancement program o Incubators – retail (in process) and arts incubators (part of Creative Class focus) o Reuse – Hotel American and Sacred Heart High School structures o River Street/Riverfront – strolling district and public open space o Continued business recruitment focused on arts, entertainment, dining and specialty retail o Common business hours for tourism retail and select late opening night(s) o Establishment of a Visitors Center o Winter season focus on ski industry (accommodations, changes of pace, etc.)

• Welcoming o Welcoming signage (in place) o Gateway enhancements – “Carbondale lighting”, landscaping, etc.  Canaan Street (eastern)  Scranton/Carbondale Road/Brooklyn Street (western)  “T” intersection with Route 6 ramp/Business Route 6 near Mayfield  Additional interpretation at Scenic Overlook on Route 6 (Casey Highway westbound

• Other comments o Sister/Twin Cities Arrangements with communities in countries that reflect ethnic make-up of Carbondale (i.e. Wales, Ireland, Italy, Russia, etc.) o Become “secondary” activities for skiers at Elk Mountain o There are many area golf courses that are a component in tourism o Encourage and participate in Route 6 sales/promotions

A total of 28 people participated in the Charrette

80 Third Workshop – Context, Recommendations and Feedback

A total of 8 attendees actively participated in a final workshop designed to provide a background and context for the planning efforts and to present a recommendations overview. The Workshop was held in City Council Chambers on February 28, 2011.

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:  HCP planning effort is appreciated since it is easier for an outsider to see what is missing within the community, as well as being easier for outsider to see all that the community has. As far as discussions during the HCP planning the process, the following has occurred o No restaurants open after 8pm o Redevelopment authority working very hard to rid the community of blight o Museum w/o walls 1st Thursday of every month  Changes in the community must begin with a sense of pride. o Strong sense of family exists o Unity is needed within community o Keep going forward and don’t look back o How can we improve community pride and raise consciousness  There is a sense of negativity in the community o What are people not saying? o Resentment to things changing and resistance to change o Some community groups feel excluded o Better communication is needed between City and citizens; city and groups, etc. o Respect needs to given to neighbors and community members  Near-term implementation considerations o Need to ask for assistance/funding o People need to commit to making the Community Work Plan implementation a success by actively participating in the implementation task force/committee o Community should use Facebook as a marketing tool to help instill pride in the community

81 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

Rt. 6 Bypass affects access and visibility. Strategic location in relation to elements of the Signage is minimal on the Bypass making regional transportation network and population it easy for regional traffic to pass through. centers Much of the rich Industrial Heritage is Rich heritage – Coal, D&H Canal/Gravity RR, gone, other than the Ben-Mar (D&H) Rail Center, Labor Heritage A number of vacant buildings, storefronts Redevelopment can take the form of in-fill and and lots in the community reuse rather than new construction Retail challenges in CBD and few specialty Development and reinvention energies evident retail stores for travelling public. The especially involving the City government, Downtown Strategic Plan identified many accommodations and arts segments. A eating places and service establishments Downtown Strategic Plan was prepared and is but a limited retail mix not really aimed to being implemented. the traveling public. Historical Society and Museum offers No local Visitors Center and minimal local numerous heritage resources, is well on-line presence respected and is intensely committed to community Arts, “Hometown” Feel, Creativity and Financial challenges in the community “Quirkiness” appear to be embraced as intangible community assets Relatively few activities during the Numerous tourism and arts-oriented outdoor November – March period. activities May-Oct Strategic location in relation to outdoor recreation, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and Local feeling that the community may be the Poconos creates the potential to become a overlooked due to the wealth of resources diversionary destination attracting people in the region already travelling to Northeastern Pennsylvania The “D&H” and other railroad stories provide The “D&H” and other railroad stories are an opportunity for partnering with Waymart, essentially regional stories. Honesdale and Scranton. Locals appear to have a negative or at There are unique parts of the community least a “detached” view of parts of the heritage, including the Mine Fire, the “UFO” community’s heritage. incident, labor heritage and ethnic folklore.

82 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 timber boom years and nature tourism opportunities. This requires:

 Physical improvements to the downtown is seen as part of the community agenda to enhance Carbondale as a place to live and as a place to visit. This reflects discussion at community workshops as well as per the Business Survey results;

 Building on the momentum created in two relatively large structural projects – the expansion and revitalization of the YMCA and the development of the Pioneer Plaza Complex - Hotel, Banquet Facility, Condominiums and Parking;

 Linking the above physical and downtown economic base enhancements with other physical and economic improvements in the downtown such as a River Street/Riverfront stroll district/public open space and reuse vacant buildings for commercial and/or residential uses that together reinforce the pedestrian scale and orientation of the downtown;

 Non-physical improvements to the community including business recruitment, common hours, promotions, attracting and building on the arts, more signature events and festivals and the continuation of delivering a clear and consistent message about Carbondale and its downtown in particular;

 The enhanced efforts to reuse of major large vacant buildings should be augmented by similar efforts to improve exterior property maintenance in general;

 Linking all of the special stories of Carbondale’s unique and rich industrial, cultural and community heritage in a visual, interesting and interactive fashion;

 Partnering with allied heritage organizations and tourism development and promotion agencies, including local groups such as the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum and the Anthracite Historical Discovery Center in Carbondale, groups in nearby communities such as the D & H Gravity Depot Museum in Waymart that tells a story intertwined with that of Carbondale, other local heritage/tourism groups in the Scranton/Wilkes- Barre and Honesdale/Hawley areas, and regional groups and agencies such as the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the Lackawanna County Historical Society, Steamtown National Historic Site, the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and others;

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 Connectivity and linkages among existing State, Federal and private recreational resources including improved linkages with the varied outdoor resources including Archbald Pothole and Lackawanna State Parks, Lackawanna State Forest, Eales Preserve, Nay Aug Park Gorge and Waterfall National Natural Landmark, the Lackawanna River, D&H and O&W Trails, Elk Mountain and SNO Mountain Ski Areas and other outdoor resources and attractions.

 Continue engagement of the population in education and hospitality;

 Continuation and maintenance of a localized marketing and promotion effort, keyed to a coordinated and coherent message, highlighting unique characteristics of the community while linking it within the larger Northeastern Pennsylvania context;

 Careful events and activities programming keyed to a coordinated and coherent message that emphasizes the “small town/everybody’s hometown” concept that resonated during the various Community Workshops, which in turn attracts the resident and the visitor; and

 Understanding the relationship among developmental regulations and standards, the critical physical features and heritage of the community and the image being projected by the community.

84 IMPLEMENTATION

The planning process has identified a number of localized implementation measures aimed to enhancing the Carbondale Area as a better tourism destination and as a community. It is often easy to overlook the latter, but one major goal of heritagetourism 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 outof 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 firsttime 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 touristvisitor 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 JuneAugust period to a longer April – October period; 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)

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 Visitors spend only a portion of their time at “typical” tourist lures: o nationally, people spend 2040 minutes in a museum o the typical lure captures people for no more than 46 hours per day, leaving 810 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

Brooks and Forman often cite the “4Times 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 Carbondale, driving time suggests that a visitor from nearby Scranton could justify a trip to Carbondale with approximately 2 hours of activities; while the visitor from the Allentown/Bethlehem area would require over 6 ½ hours of activities and a visitor from Philadelphia would need 10 hours of activities (and lodging).

Obviously, experiences from an area larger than the Carbondale area 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 Carbondale 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. (Carbondale’s gateway signs are good examples of decent signage.)

 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 onehalf 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

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professionally done. (Again, Carbondale’s gateway signs are good examples of an appropriate welcoming linked to the community’s ongoing revitalization efforts).

 As a corollary, communities need adequate and userfriendly wayfinding signage. (Few examples in Carbondale).

 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. (Appears to be permitted with possible need for clarification).

 Address parking issues with special “forgiveness” for parkers/shoppers, providing facilities with signage for RV parking and other local incentives. (Does not appear to be a concern in Carbondale.) 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 .”], crosspromotions or other local efforts.

 Visitor information availability 24hours a day, 7 days a week, with informational kiosks augmenting staffed visitor centers, all of which should be conveniently located and well maintained. (Presently not available in Carbondale).

 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. (Presently there are some but much retail is not clustered and more oriented to the convenience shopper “just passing through”).

 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 thirdparty 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 (There is a museum in Carbondale).

 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 88

drive”. This requires an understanding of the potential visitor market, the concept of bundling and the relationship between accommodations and other hospitality resources. (Carbondale is relatively well located in relation to population centers and tourism resources).

 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 development of other diversions. Visitors need “something to do”, especially after 5:00. (Carbondale seems to “get it” as evidenced in the many activities and revitalization efforts in process, however, it may need to do more in terms of attractions.)

 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. (Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau [LCC&VB] website identifies a number of attractions and resources, many in the Scranton/WilkesBarre area and three in Carbondale).

 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. (LCC&VB website shows some of this.)

 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. (City has produced several cleaver concepts and activities.)

 Use the Internet to attract visitors with a quality and userfriendly website [i.e. coordinated and recognizes the value of search engine optimization] (LCC&VB site adequately addressed this regionally although City website lacks some content); 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 Carbondale area and how does the community setting (i.e. visual quality, retailing, attractions, diversions, etc.) interface with the area as a destination.

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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 daytrippers

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, 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  Inform and direct – personal contact not just signs, websites and brochures  Become a destination Sell the experience not just the place  A good first impression – aesthetics and community design

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 96100 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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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 Carbondale in relation to Route 6 and other regional themes.

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Administrative Framework/Institutional Issues

A central recommendation critical for followup 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;  It may also include County and regional planning and development agencies; and  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. Both Carbondale City has enacted and enforces individual land use regulations. Pages 6770 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 Carbondale 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:

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Greater differentiation between commercial districts: As the review notes, existing zoning provides for nearly all of the same uses in the C2 (Downtown) and C3 (General) Districts. The major distinctions are within dimensional requirements. In essence, the former district is best suited for pedestrianscale businesses while the latter for highwayoriented. This makes each district unique and internally noncompetitive. Similarly, there is no differentiation in signage requirements (i.e. maximum square footage, types, locations, etc.) between the districts, even though smaller signs, projecting signs over sidewalks, sandwich board signs and externally lit signs may be more appropriate in the C2 District and larger signs, freestanding signs, wall signs and internally lit signs may be more appropriate in the C3 District. The combined rethinking of the use and signage requirements for the two different commercial districts allows Carbondale to reinforce the relative strengths of each of the areas so that the City can continue encourage wellplanned contextsensitive growth and development.

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 Subsection 4.860 local of the zoning ordinance peripherally deals with standards for commercial and industrial development at least conceptually. In some communities, such regulations tend to outline specific and graphically depicted design standards in terms of landscaping and buffering requirements or massing and layout, 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 infill development in the City or 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.

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Consideration of sign design standards: Similarly, design guidelines may be considered for signs in the traditional downtown, the C2 District. Such guidelines can address various signage design matters, such as:  Maximum square footage for signs  Appropriate signage categories and types in historic commercial areas  Preferred sign locations and sizes, including use of the sign band for primary signage, projecting sign standards, proportionality of flush mounted wall signs, etc.  Preferred sign materials, colors and illumination  Preferred content for signage

Overall, design guidelines strive to link signage context and building façade, with signage not obscuring or competing with architectural details of the façade.

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 below and on the following page.

 Alternative Highway Commercial Layout – 15% of total building frontage at/near front setback line, reinforcing streetscape and screening parking.

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 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

 Addressing the often overlooked concept of screening utility and mechanical equipment.

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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: The Carbondale Zoning ordinance makes no mention of this signage. Consideration of these signs or even a citation to the PennDOT regulations is suggested in future updates of this ordinance. 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.

 City Dimensional Requirements: Within Carbondale’s C2 District, dimensional requirements (i.e. setbacks, lot sizes, lot widths, etc.) essentially reflect what may be expected in an older and earlierdeveloped City with an urban core, but may not relate them to certain contextual factors such as adjacent setbacks, massing, etc. This is critical for infill development (between two or more existing structures) and in physically expanding buildings. In addition, the front setback in the C3 District is rather narrow (25 feet). Specifically, the City may want to consider the following when revising its zoning regulations:

o Consider the potential for a “floating” front setback for new construction (i.e. buildings, additions, etc.) in the C2 District whereby the existing front setback may be set by adjoining existing buildings or average setback of the block (i.e. helps preserve historic appearance), or consider a maximum setback especially to avoid the breakup of urban design with parking areas and out of character large front open space. o Consider a deeper minimum front setback in the C3 District (i.e. 3550 feet), to facilitate a front parking area with appropriate maneuvering room for safe traffic access/egress.

In summary, a focused review and revision of the municipal regulatory framework is suggested, in the interest of maintaining the special qualities of the City of Carbondale. 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 process. Up to the budget year that began on July 1, 2010, the Commonwealth provided matching funding for land use/land development planning via the Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP). The Commonwealth is expected to unveil its Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) in 2011, which replaces LUPTAP and will provide 50/50 funding for resultsoriented 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 Implemen tation 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 Carbondale 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):  City of Carbondale revisions and refinement of recommendations  Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce  Will also convene and coordinate various agencies  Carbondale Business Association  Establish/maintain a Facebook page focusing on local  Carbondale Historical Society and Museum HCP activities  Anthracite Historical Discovery Center  Institutionalize connections among area resources,  Carbondale Area Churches attractions  Representation from the Carbondale Crayons and other local  Encourage business owners in Carbondale to adopt artists and maintain consistent operational hours and at least  Residents atlarge with an interest in heritage and tourism one common day for lateopenings  Lackawanna County Commissioners  Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau  Confirm/refine priorities among projects suggested in  Lackawanna County Historical Society WorkPlan  Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage  Identify possible future events, festivals and shows of Area interest to members  PA DCNR  Local residents with interest in heritage and tourism Will improve coordination among local groups/committees and formulate a direction

Stakeholders develop and maintain or participate on an existing Facebook page on Carbondale focusing on local resources, feedback and a call for volunteers

Business hours as an earlyaction response to comments

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Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - continued

Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Carry out litter indexing with teams focused on 8 Low/nocost items that are carried out quickly that (1) Short-term Visual Quality Administrative identified areas (see Litter Indexing Map, see page enhance visible areas and community gateways, and (2) Enhancements Marketing 106) and coordinate plantings, landscaping and show public that “something is being done”. These are welcoming signage restoration as needed at gateways annual or more frequent events throughout ten-year period. Continuation of the implementation of the downtown The City initiated began an enhancement project along Main Continuation of Streetscape Heritage Resource streetscape enhancement project. Street. Suggestions continue this and reinforce the Project Development  Continuation of Streetscape enhancements on north pedestrian/nonvehicular modes of transport, important in end of North Main Street focusing on the traditional downtown sense of place.  Placement of benches and bike racks at strategic points Steering Committee/Task Force decides on the concept of along the Main Street Corridor the proposed streetscape project and explores availability of Keystones Community Program , Transportation Enhancements, future rounds of Pennsylvania Community Transportation Initiative (PCTI) funding and availability of continued local funding and partnerships. Costs likely in the $100,000 $150,000 range, pending scope/length. Steering Committee/Task Force dealing with Three websites are of interest to Carbondale tourism, those administrative and marketing components central to of the City of Carbondale, the Greater Carbondale Chamber the WorkPlan keyed to building on central concepts: of Commerce and Lackawanna County Convention and Coordination, Identity and Marketing  Carbondale as the City of 1sts Visitors Bureau (LCC&VB)  “Carbondale” is not really a common name, yet Internet Clear Message Administrative  Carbondale as “everybody’s home town” searches yield few reference locally  The LCC&VB website gives an overview of attractions and Getting out the local message/identity: resources throughout the County, although presently there are  Carbondale’s localized cultural and industrial heritage no links to local websites. information and all events must be added to local  The Carbondale Chamber’s website provides local information websites – City and/or Chamber of Commerce on events but provides no localized tourism or heritage information. City’s website has little in the way of heritage  Encourage the Carbondale School District to develop and carry a local history component in its curriculum. content. Neither is linked back to LCC&BV’s website. Mutual links need to be posted. Complete ongoing development of Pioneer Plaza and Pioneer Plaza is private/public partnered project that will Downtown Enhancements Heritage Resource continuation of Riverfront Enhancements enhance the hospitality and retail infrastructure of the Development community and perhaps most importantly provide for a critical mass of business and pleasure travelers in the downtown. Continuation of the enhancements along River Street interface with Pioneer Plaza and furthers pedestrian friendliness overall. 97

Mid-term (1-5 years)

Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category

Begin a signage/wayfinding effort that focuses on Carbondale is uniquely located and positioned to attract Wayfinding signature projects that build on Carbondale’s strategic travelers from a wide area that are already visiting Wayfinding and Signage Marketing location northeastern Pennsylvania’s many resources  Loop tour identification and wayfinding signage costs may  Elk Mountain Auto/Bike Tour (Rts. 6/106/374/171) range from $5,000 $15,000 depending on number. Will signage & interpretation that also links nearby require Highway Occupancy permits (PennDOT) and communities and ski area partnering opportunities with the various resources linked.  Scranton/WilkesBarre Link Tour (US Rt.  Landscaping at existing community welcome signs is a low 6/Business Route 6) cost item especially if partnered with local civic groups.  Community identification signage may cost $1,500 +/, and  Gateway signage landscaping enhancements potentially eligible for future Rt. 6 State Heritage funding as it  Community identification signage (Meredith again becomes available. Street/Business Rt. 6 intersection and on Rt. 6  Historic Route 6 signage may range from $500 $1,500 Byway depending on number. Will require Highway Occupancy  Historic Route 6 signs along Pike and SR 1003 permits (PennDOT) and partnering opportunities with the various resources linked. Planning and early implementation steps for a multi A wideranging downtown effort that together enhance Heritage Resource faceted downtown enhancement effort comprised of downtown Carbondale as a pedestrianoriented downtown Downtown Enhancements Development various components: offering specialty retail, dining and entertainment for the area residents and the traveler. Potential funding sources  Incubators – Retail (The Colliery) and Artist include:  Reuse planning/coordination for use of the former  Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program Hotel American, Sacred Heart School and school  PCTI and other transportation enhancement funding on Spring St.  Keystone Communities Program st o 1 floor retail/artist incubator  Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program (CDBG) o Upper floor loft apartment  Community Economic Development Loan Program  Riverfront Enhancement Area and streetscape  Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Guarantee Program completion  Local private/public partners Riverfront and other streetscape enhancement costs likely in  Recruitment focusing on vacant storefronts/retail the $150,000 $200,000 range, pending scope/length. gaps Encourage City to update and refine local zoning WorkPlan suggests incorporating design standards, Regulatory Revisions Administrative regulations to reflect suggested changes in the differentiation of commercial districts, dimensional WorkPlan requirements, signage standards and attraction signage revisions into ordinance. State funding via proposed MAP. Revisions estimated cost $3,500$5,500. 98

Mid-term (1-5 years) - continued

Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category

Begin a concerted planning/implementation effort for Except for a short section of the Lackawanna River Heritage Historic Resource filling in the trail gap that exists between the present Trail between Old Plank Road, Mayfield, to Meredith Street, Trail Segments Development terminus of the Lackawanna River Heritage, the O&W Carbondale Township, there is a gap between sections, and the D&H Trails. especially within the City of Carbondale. Coordination between the City and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley  Have a trailhead with parking at the Restored Authority is suggested that would (1) continue efforts to Railroad Station assure maximum connectivity and (2) put Carbondale in the position of being an important trail center that interfaces with the pedestrian improvements planned and completed in the City. Major funding sources for trails have included DCNR C2P2 Programs (Recreation & Conservation, Pennsylvania Recreational Trails, RailstoTrails); most require 50% match. Begin planning for an interactive and graphically During the development of this WorkPlan ideas surfaced on stimulating interpretation effort, specifically featuring interpretation via a Discovery Center or through a series of Interpretive Enhancements Interpretive heritage components not readily present or in visual displays. existence anymore , related to industrial, community  A local decision on which alternative is to be followed is required, or if in fact there is a hybrid with decentralized kiosks reinvention, ethnic and folklore heritage, as noted in including one or more a the local museum and/or other this WorkPlan discovery center. Financial feasibility and sustainability  Locally determine the need for a centralized (i.e. questions have been raised on the more centralized approach, “discovery center”) or decentralized (i.e. series of with an incremental decentralized approach seen as possibly interconnected “smart kiosks), or combination being more feasible.  Potential teaming partners include Waymart and Honesdale thereof. (part of the Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills Heritage  Identify regional teaming partnerships with other Community) given the link afforded by coal and coal transport nearby Rt. 6 Heritage Communities. via the D&H systems.  Seek proposals for interpretive services associated  Phase 1 activities are estimated in the $30,000$50,000 with Phases 13 as spelled out in this WorkPlan range; Phase 2 activities are estimated in the $50,000 o Carry out Phase 1 – Concept Design activities $75,000 range as highlighted in this WorkPlan  Technical assistance on funding may be available via

o Carry out Phase 2 – Details, Artifacts and the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance and the Design Drawings Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority

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Long- term (6-10 years)

Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Continue, complete and maintain downtown Enhancements build on the concept of a viable and Downtown Enhancements Heritage Resource enhancements sustainable pedestrianoriented downtown Development  Incubators – Retail (The Colliery) and Artist  Strengthening the retail offerings  Reuse development for use of the former Hotel  Adding a residential type (lofts) not presently part of American, Sacred Heart School and school on the housing stock Spring St. (i.e. mixed commercial, lofts, etc.)  Completion of aesthetic enhancements  Entertainment enhancements planning/partnering  Infill is a critical step but prioritized after filling any for dinner/theatre vacant storefronts  Recruitment focusing on vacant storefronts/retail gaps  Infill development on North Main Street  Lighting of significant buildings Completion of the interactive interpretive initiatives Phase 3 activities are estimated at $200,000+ Interpretive Enhancements Interpretive that tell the story of the community.  Interface with Waymart and Honesdale on the coal and coal transport/D&H portion of the story  Carry out Phase 3 – Production, Fabrication, Final Products, Training and Testing Complete the attraction/resource based signage Attraction signage will vary in cost and is potentially eligible Wayfinding and Signage Wayfinding system linking and directing travelers to significant for future Rt. 6 State Heritage funding as it again becomes Marketing local resources identified in this WorkPlan available, along with costsharing with the businesses/attractions benefitting from the directional signage.

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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. In addition, a number of recommendations reflect the recommendations in the Carbondale Downtown Strategic Plan , including streetscape enhancements, a specialty retail incubator and numerous downtown and “Main Street” types of improvements.

Regional Resources Map

The graphic on the following page summarizes existing tourism resources as well as suggested resources, including the following:

 Various trails including the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, the O&W Trail and the D&H Trail that can or will connect Carbondale and nearby communities (i.e. Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald, Blakely, Simpson, Vandling, Waymart and others) along with local resources in those respective communities (i.e. Maslyar Park, Mellow Park, train stations, trail heads, etc.);  The Lackawanna River;  US Route 6 in its many manifestations, including the limitedaccess Route 6 Governor Casey Byway that bypasses Carbondale and features a scenic overlook of the Carbondale area for westbound traffic, US Business Route 6 that bisects Carbondale and links it with Dickson City and Scranton and historic traces of former Route 6 alignments including one in and around Whites Crossing;  Bicycle Routes Y (US Business Route 6) and L (PA Route 171/Business Rt. 6);  Scranton/WilkesBarre Area resources, including the PA Anthracite Museum, Steamtown, Electric City Trolley Museum, Everhart Museum, sporting/gaming venues, college/universities, regional shopping and many others; and  Carbondale resources including the Carbondale Historical Society Museum, YMCA, Library, Memorial Park Triangle, a developing stroll district and a pedestrian scale central business district, a hotel/conference/banquet center under development, a number of stately churches, and many stories of regional and/or national significance (i.e. 1 st underground anthracite mine, 1 st $1 Million Corporation, 1 st Coal Breaker, 1 st commercially successful railroad, etc.)

The types of visitors the planning process feels that may be attracted cuts across interest and age groups, embracing travellers with interest in industrial heritage, ethnic heritage, active and passive recreational amenities in the region, as well as regional travellers on US Route 6 and nearby I81 and visitors to the many Scranton/WilkesBarre area and Pocono area attractions and resources in search of diversionary activities.

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Revitalization recommendations on the following page are premised on enhancing Carbondale as a primary and/or secondary destination, providing specialty retail goods, accommodations, industrial heritage stories, arts and leisure in a pedestrianfriendly environment. Key among them are the following:

 Completion of downtown aesthetic enhancements including the expansion of streetscape enhancements, façade restoration in individualized historic/architectural context, “Gateway” enhancements at the eastern and western entrances to the community on Business Route 6, completion and marketing of a riverfront stroll district with public open space and a reconstructed 6 th Avenuet Bridge for pedestrian traffic;

 Continuation and expansion of revitalization, redevelopment and reuse efforts completing Pioneer Plaza to fill an accommodations/conference gap; incubators for specialty retail and artisits; and reuse of vacant structures such as the former Sacred Heart School, former public school and Hotel American;

 Connecting the visitor and the many varied stories of Carbondale even though remnants of the coal, rail, canal and silk industries may be gone. This can be accomplished via a centralized visitor center and/or a decentralized series of interactive displays and “smart kiosks” and can recrate everything from the early coal industry through the fabled UFO “siting” in the 1970’s through the reivention of the City today; and

 Activities that reinforce the City’s selfproclaimed image of “everybody’s home town”, including church tours, ethnic celebrations and 1 st Sundays.

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As part of the effort to enhance Carbondale’s 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 earlyaction, inexpensive but effective way of maintaining attractive gateways and other critical areas in Heritage Communities. Clean and attractive neighborhoods are safer, healthier and more vibrant neighborhoods. 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 Carbondale Stakeholders Group in October 2010 at which time the program was explained and eight (8) areas were chosen to be monitored by the Stakeholders. The eight areas area identified on the map on the following page and summarized below, 1 8th Avenue near western entrance to CBD 2 Canaan Street near eastern entrance to CBD 3 Highway commercial area near western Gateway 4 & 5 CBD area 6 Belmont Street in and around Maplewood Cemetery 7 Belmont Street 8 In and around Russell Park

The areas are to be regularly surveyed by designated teams, and observations of litter recorded, using a scale of 14 1 = clean area 2 = needs one or two people to pick up trash 3 = needs an organized effort to pick up trash and beautify 4 = areas of blight. Needs organized efforts and funding to beautify

Followup may be in the form of reporting back to steering committee or task force, apprising code enforcement officials and/or periodic volunteer pickup. This can be family and organized group events (i.e. civic, church, school, etc.).

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B ro ok 3 si 0 de 2 R 9 d CARBONDALE TWP R S Sa 4 lem 9 Mo 1 unta K in R R d S  City of Carbondale Litter Indexing Areas 0 0.5 1 Miles Rt 6 Corridor HCP Interpretive Planning Statement – What Makes Carbondale 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 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 all of the Route 6 themes:

 A Warrior’s Road: Among the resources associated with this theme, the Carbondale area was home to a number of famous and highly decorated military people since the 19 th Century including: o 1st Sergeant Patrick DeLacey (Civil War – 143 rd Pennsylvania Infantry; Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient with experience at the Battles of Gettysburg and the Wilderness) o Brigadier General Alvin Ungerleider (WWII – in the 29th Infantry Division among the first troops to land at Normandy Beach; awarded two Bronze Stars; involved in the liberation of a sub camp of Nordhausen) o Second Lieutenant Joseph Sarnoski (WWII – US Army Air Corps; , and Congressional Medal of Honor; experience and death in the Pacific Theatre) o General Jerome O’Malley (Vietnam and USAF Vice Chief of Staff; decorations included Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross with , and Meritorious Service Medal)

 Natural Opportunities: Carbondale has a long association with the economic use of natural resources ranging from the first deep underground anthracite coal mine in America that opened in 1831, the Lackawanna River that powered early industry and included canal development through the utilization of wind power for electricity on nearby Moosic Mountain and the growing importance of Marcellus Shale drilling.

 The Engineers Challenge: Carbondale has an equally long identification with engineering marvels encompassing the creative engineering with mining, ranging from the first deep anthracite mine noted above to fighting the longburning mine fire; the Delaware and Hudson Gravity Railroad and Canal; and the successor complex railroad network that had Carbondale as a hub.

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 New Beginnings and Safe Havens: Carbondale has in essence been a laboratory of “firsts”, early Carbondale industry attracted throngs of immigrants, has reinvented itself more than once and it prides itself as now being “everybody’s home town”. Among its “firsts are: o The Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad, the first commercially successful railroad to operate in America, began operations from Carbondale to Honesdale in October 1829. o The first deep underground anthracite coal mine in America was opened along present day Seventh Avenue here in 1831. o The first eisteddfod , a Welsh music, performance and literary festival, in America was held in Carbondale on Christmas Day 1850, reflecting the rich ethnic and arts heritage of the community. o Carbondale was incorporated as a city on March 15, 1851, making it the oldest city in Lackawanna County and the fourth oldest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, no doubt reflected in its moniker as the "Pioneer City." o The first lodge in America of the ancient Welsh fraternal order of Ivorites was opened in Carbondale in the fall of 1853 and the first public Ivorite celebration in America took place in Carbondale in August 1855 o The first anthracite coal breaker in America, the Racket Brook Breaker, was erected by the D&H, adjacent to the company's coal and rail operations.

The City has had to reinvent itself after the lengthy mine fire, after the demise of the local mining industry and again in recent years as the economy changed from a largely industrial base to a diversified one with manufacturing, retail and service businesses. Its rich ethnic, cultural and industrial heritage helps frame Carbondale as “everybody’s home town”.

 Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs: Carbondale prides the connection with this theme with numerous local stories and personalities, many tied to the “city of firsts” concept above. o The Wurts Brothers who creatively developed and marketed the anthracite coal resource, and the emergence of the industrial era coal industry and technology; o The D&H as a pioneer in what would become the American Industrial revolution; o The Silk Industry seen through the Klots Throwing and Empire Silk Co. through the GENTEX Corp.; o The birthplace of important industry (Robert Wood Johnson) and labor (Terence Vincent Powderly) leaders; and o Present City and community leaders “pioneering” a focus on the arts and attracting “the creative class”.

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 Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: The area around Carbondale has numerous attractions and resources that reflect this theme, including State Parks, local parks, trails, hunting and fishing opportunities, two major ski areas and an annual Marathon over Columbus Day weekend, just to name a few.

In relating the Carbondale 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 Carbondale special and answer the question “ what can I get in Carbondale that I can’t get somewhere else?”

Carbondale Interactive Display Options Interpreting and Interaction

Carbondale has many key rich stories – early anthracite mining, the D&H Canal, the town as a railroad hub/center, the mine fire and long time needed to extinguish it, ethnic diversity, “quirkiness” (i.e. UFO, Irish Fairy Bush, active arts community, etc.), labor history, how the town reinvented itself several times and more. Unfortunately 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 threedimensional maps showing aboveground topography in relation to

Example underground coal seams. The latter can show “reach” of Carbondale – compact above-ground but extensive underground. A 109 computerized visual program can show such factors as underground mining activity, the mine fire and aboveground coal and rail facilities. These provide 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, alleged UFO area, 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 simulated coal seam, etc. All can be expanded to encompass the nearby Route 6 Heritage Communities of 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 Carbondale, 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: $30,000 $50,000 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: $50,000 $75,000 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 staff/volunteers and test products o Cost estimate for this phase: $200,000+/ o Timeframe: 1 year

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Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement

The Carbondale community should focus its respective uniqueness to attract the traveling public and strengthen itself as either a primary or a diversionary destination . While the City can offer industrial and cultural heritage interpretive opportunities within the context of being “everybody’s home town”, the question still begs, “What can a traveler get in Carbondale that they cannot find in their own backyard?” This WorkPlan identifies these unique qualities and Carbondale’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, hopefully as a tab on the City’s existing website, which is at the same time coordinated with other regional efforts. In this case, it includes the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the PA Route 6 Alliance. Cross promotion of events and attractions should be both communitywide and regionally based.

Recognizing the relationship between Carbondale and the larger region is important in marketing. Carbondale is a part of a larger region rich in cultural, recreational, commercial and outdoor opportunities and has a critical pedestrian friendly downtown where people can stay, shop, dine and explore. 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 Google search of “Carbondale” (no state) yielded two (2) “Carbondales” in the country, in the states of Illinois and Colorado, with the only reference among the top 10 (first page of the search) to Carbondale PA being the website of the Carbondale Area School District and that of the local YMCA being the 12 th identified on the second page of the search. The website of the City of Carbondale, Illinois is the first 111

reference followed by the website of Southern Illinois University, located in that City. Many of the top “Carbondale” results refer to tourism and government sites.  A similar search of “Carbondale, PA” yielded different results, with the first reference being the Carbondale, PA Wikipedia page, the City’s website being second followed by the Carbondale News. A dated website (2007 latest update) on the UFO incident appears 8 th . th  The local Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s website was 5 in order when “Carbondale Chamber of Commerce” (no state) was searched, but not among the top 20 when “Carbondale, PA” was searched.

In the day of the Internet and “Search Engine Optimization”, Carbondale, PA still may need to differentiate itself and enhance the City’s visibility.

 Carbondale events, attractions and other tourism resources appear on at least two (2) area websites, with more on the Chamber’s website and a few on the Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which promotes events throughout the County. Presently no events are noted on the City website. Closer consistency and coordination in identifying events among these websites is suggested. Carbondale should be active in the efforts of the Lackawanna County Convention and 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 multiday itinerary option using the Loop Tours as unifying forces for activities and visits to the area . These tours focus on the experience – industrial and cultural heritage, nature, recreation and pedestrianoriented activities. In all cases, the experience not necessarily the location 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 website of the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has a “Calendar” tab that briefly lists events in a calendar format along with holidays but little other content. The resources, itineraries, experiences, etc. may be appropriate here or on a new “Activities/Events” tab on the City website.  Incorporate National Tourism Week (1st full week of May) into the school curriculum by inviting business owners, Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau staff, Chamber representatives and other local tourism officials to speak about the importance of tourism to high school students.  Reestablish and maintain curriculum for a local history course with the Lackawanna School District in the development of.  Maintain presence on the website and any future apps of Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau for area resources, tours and other attractions that focus on Carbondale.  Highlight successful businesses through an awards and recognition program.  Maintain participation in the Litter Index in the Keep America Beautiful Program.

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The City of Carbondale has developed and carries out a creative local promotional effort as part of “A Main Street Experience: The Next Chapter in the American Story” concept. The effort promotes the Community in printed and DVD formats keyed to extolling the Quality of Life, Accessibility and Incentives offered by the City.

Cross Promotions

The City promotes a “Buy Local” effort that encourages local residents and businesses to positively impact and sustain the local economy via local purchasing power for everyday goods and services. 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 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. Music, Art and Wine Festival, Art Walks 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. As a means of reinforcing Carbondale as “everybody’s home town” building on the faith heritage and existing stately houses of worship, and the tradition of “Sunday Dinner”, an ethnicoriented “1 st Sunday” observance is suggested that embraces various ethnic and faithbased communities in a crosspromoted event. Remember, the shopping experience and the signature events help define Carbondale’s uniqueness.

Web Presence

Carbondale area businesses and attractions appear to have a varied web presence, with a few having exceptionally well planned and userfriendly sites but perhaps many more having no presence at all. A number of Chamber members are linked via the Chamber site including numerous financial and professional services, perhaps of more interest to the resident than the visitor, but a few

113 specialty retail and several restaurants interest to the travelling public. The 2008 PA Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan identified the following within Lackawanna County (Carbondale Area in parenthesis)  180 accommodations/food services (9)  115 arts, entertainment and recreation providers (7)  408 tourismoriented retail establishments (23)

Clearly, most of the businesses identified as part of the tourism infrastructure are located within the County, many within Scranton.

Wayfinding Planning Statement

Planning by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s notes the importance of installing touristfriendly signage as part of a tourism development and promotion effort. A relatively new approach has been developed that replaces the TourismOriented 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 may be for the multi-municipal region linked with companion wayfinding signage in the nearby Rt. 6 Heritage Communities of Waymart and Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills. 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, colorcoding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites, provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information.  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 placement, lack of signage 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.

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 Tourism Services resources – visitors centers, accommodations and food services, tourismoriented retail/services, etc.

Locally eligible attractions typically included in wayfinding efforts are summarized as follows, some of which are already signed locally  commercial attractions such as local signature downtown businesses, eating/drinking establishments, the highway commercial district and other signature shopping;  cultural/heritage attractions such as the Carbondale Historical Society Museum, the Public Library and similar attractions.  historical/architectural resources such as the site of the first underground anthracite coal mine, the site of the first coal breaker, City Hall, surface site of the mine fire, and sites of railroad yards, depots and related.  recreational attractions such as MerliSarnoski Park, the O&W, D&H and Lackawanna River Heritage Trails, the Riverfront Stroll District and the YMCA; and  transportation facilities such as the rightofway of former railroads, the suggested tours later in this section, the canal and historic Route 6 traces.

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 onpremise 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 6566 of this WorkPlan.

Gateway Signage

Welcoming signage at the gateways is attractive and no major changes are suggested other than the addition of some landscaping and continued maintenance. In addition, erecting attractive signage near the otherwise generic Meredith Street exit ramp is suggested, along with some community identification signage along the Rt. 6 Robert P. Casey Byway.

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Historic Route 6 Signage

Communities across the Corridor are signing segments of US Route 6 that may no longer be in the Route 6 alignment. The inventory portion identified several segments, including Pike Street in the southern portion of the community and SR 1003 through Whites Crossing in the northern part. The National US Route Association is suggesting a tan Historic Route 6 sign, as pictured, which are suggested to convey the highway’s context to the visitor and resident alike.

Tours

This WorkPlan recommends two tours that together link various heritage sites, attractions and resources. The inventories of this WorkPlan describe the resources within these tours.

 The Elk Mountain Auto/Bike Tour beginning on US Business Route 6 in Carbondale and linking it with Elk Mountain, Forest City, Vandling and Simpson via a routing through a largely rural and scenic area (See page 117). The loop consists of approximately 35 miles over Routes 106, 374 and 171, as depicted on the following page, providing varied views of rustic countryside, an industrial village, trails, windmills and access to a ski area.

 The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Link Tour , as graphically depicted on page 118 links Carbondale to/from numerous recreational, commercial, entertainment, cultural and other heritage resources in a metropolitan area indeed rich in these attractions and venues. The regional highway network in and around the Scranton/WilkesBarre area carries several times the traffic volumes that are carried on either the Route 6 Robert P. Casey Byway or Business Route 6. Simply and figuratively stated, the tour loop outlined are all “twoway” roads capable of bringing people to Carbondale as well as taking people to these two cities. Much of this is over two manifestations of Route 6, Business Route 6 and Route 6 Robert P. Casey Byway.

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Physical improvements alone will not assure success in the Carbondale area becoming an even better primary or diversionary destination; however their role in establishing and reinforcing the community context should not be underestimated. Input gained from field work and the extensive public participation process suggested that Carbondale’s appearance varies considerably, including areas with small urban area charm as well as other areas that are rather generic or visually unappealing. In a related matter, the planning process noted that Carbondale’s presence and image needs to become more visible in the regional context. Simply stated, the Route 6 Robert P. Casey Byway makes it rather easy for the regional traveler to bypass the community. 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 Carbondale 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 conditions, the development and community recommendations focus on the following:

Streetscape Enhancements: The City has made great strides in streetscape enhancements in sections of the downtown area, with new sidewalks and period street light replicas. This WorkPlan recommends the continuation of the streetscape enhancements (i.e. sidewalks as needed, benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, etc.) in the downtown area along remaining portions of North Main Street and several of the intersecting streets in the downtown area (approximately 1,100 feet), as well as adding benches and bike racks along otherwise completed sections as well as the expanded sections. The benches and bike racks fulfill anticipated needs while reinforcing the image of the downtown as a pedestrianfriendly area. Streetscape improvements create a good first impression for businesses, travelers and students, and reinforce community pride and identification for residents.

Riverfront Enhancement Area: Nationwide communities of various sizes have or are planning a “stroll district” that literally provides the environment for pedestrians to leisurely walk to access amenities or just enjoy the outdoors or the act of walking. In some cases the stroll district involves accessing art galleries, leather shops, other specialty retailers, riverfronts and/or open spaces. The City has been pursuing one along River Street that essentially reorients the community toward the Lackawanna River. In addition to completed walkway enhancements along River Street, a dilapidated building is being demolished to make way for a public open space that can be a venue for community events, shows, concerts, etc. Rehabilitation and reopening the 6 th Avenue Bridge will

119 allow the stroll district to tie in with the revitalized streetscape along North Main Street, thus linking it with commercial, arts and other community resources. Downtown Revitalization: The City already has an aggressive and progressive Main Street approach. A number of “Main Street Program” types of activities in the downtown area that reinforce it as a pedestrianoriented commercial and residential area are suggested.

 Completion of the Pioneer Plaza project that will fill some retail, hospitality and accommodations needs in Carbondale.

 Reuse of several large vacant structures, including the former Hotel American building and adjacent site and the former Sacred Heart School in the downtown as well as the former school on Spring Street. The downtown structures in particular provide potential multiuse/traditional development opportunities, such as commercial uses on the first floor and residential uses on the above floors. More communities recognize the economic development advantage associated with reemphasizing residential uses in downtowns. These residential uses go beyond the typical “towers” apartments that have been developed in many small urban communities such as Carbondale. While these units serve community needs, alternative forms, such as loft apartments , attract a different market. Carbondale City officials often mentioned attracting “the creative class” as part of its “Next Chapter in the American Story” efforts. This audience is a good fit for the loft concept, as are younger retired people who like the community, the downtown conveniences but not maintaining a large singlefamily home. Loft development tends to be a private sector action, but one that can be encouraged by local public sector incentives (i.e. low interest loans, façade grants, property tax abatements, etc.). In essence, it likely requires a private/public partnership, an approach the City has often taken in recent years.

 Business incubation and recruitment are both part and parcel of not only the Heritage Communities Program approach but existing local “Next Chapter in the American Story” efforts. The City’s Downtown Strategic Plan recommended recruitment and filling up vacant storefronts as a priority. City officials noted plans for a retail incubator in a vacant downtown building. Input during this planning effort suggested the need for an arts incubator as well, a concept that also found some traction in a PA Route 6 Heritage Community in western Pennsylvania. A first floor location in one of the structures noted above for multiuse is suggested as a possibility. Arts incubation in the downtown reinforces the arts presence desired by many during the planning process and interface well with the stroll district concept. In addition, the need for enhancing a dinner/theatre venue was noted during the planning process. Again, this builds expands the concept of “arts” and provides additional activities for the post5:00 audience.

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Bus S h 3 - City Hall g 6 8th Av i e SR K199 H 4 - Former Bank (Adams CTV) 5 - Pennstar Bank 8th Ave 6 - Hotel American (former) & Fenced Area 7 - Former Post Office 8 - Ben-Mar (former D&H office) 9th Ave 9 - Historic YMCA & New Addition 1041 SR 10 - Intact Iron Facade Building  Carbondale Significant Downtown Resources 0250 500 1,000 Feet Rt 6 Corridor HCP  Infill development also has a place in downtown revitalization. A major project in underway during this process in the development of Pioneer Plaza on what was a large vacant tract in the downtown. A small vacant parcel located near the Memorial Park Triangle presents a prime commercial opportunity in the heart of the downtown near the aesthetically pleasing and pedestrian oriented Memorial Park.

 A number of Route 6 Heritage Communities are adopting the Trail Town concept within their heritage and nature tourism planning. Trails provide the connections and trail towns provide the goods and services demanded by trail users. Carbondale has a twofold implementation role in this regard. o Trail segments must be completed. The O&W and D&H segments have a trailhead in nearby Simpson while the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail segment ends in Archbald. The extension shown on the Regional Resources Map links these critical resources and in effect makes Carbondale a trail network hub just as it once was a rail hub. A local trail head with parking would seem to fit at the restored Railroad Station park. This augments the bicycle route system that already bisects the downtown area. o Trail towns provide trail users with retail shopping, accommodations, dining and diversions.

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Community WorkPlan Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance 2011