COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Warren Heritage Communities Program
2012
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance WARREN HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER/Subsection Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ii
COMMUNITY WORKPLAN SUMMARY 1
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT 3 Heritage Communities Program 3
COMMUNITY INVENTORIES 4 Community and Area Overview 4 Location Map 5 Demographics 6 Economics 7 Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes 13 Historical Markers 20 Significant Historical and Heritage Resources 21 Community Events and Activities 29 Regional Attractions and Resources 31 Cultural Facilities 39 Inventory of Businesses 44 Transportation System 45 Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis 49
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION 57 Public Input First Stakeholders Meeting 57 Planning Charrette 59 Third Workshop – Draft Presentation and Comments 68 Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview 69
IMPLEMENTATION 70 Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts 70 Tourism and Economics 71 Implementation Matrix 75 Summary of Recommendations 86 Interpretive Planning Statement 90 Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement 92 Wayfinding Planning Statement 94 Heritage Resource Development/Physical Enhancement Planning Statement 98
i ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The 2008 PA Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan notes that a Route 6 a “Hub Community” is a central place along Route 6 determined to be a critical node in telling the Route 6 story, and/or acting as a gateway to the Route 6 corridor. That Plan determined that Warren was among a handful of Route 6 communities that met these criteria. Warren is both – a story-teller and a gateway. The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities planning effort represents a relatively new approach to heritage planning being implemented by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance. The concept was locally developed during early Route 6 heritage planning and refined with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) who insisted that the Heritage Communities Program be premised on the engagement of the community . In short, DCNR wanted this to be “grass roots” and not “top down” planning requiring the establishment of the Heritage Community Stakeholders Groups in each Heritage Community. This was envisioned to be a group of area residents who met throughout this process and even spearheaded several early action implementation actions. Members of the Warren Stakeholders Group represented a cross-section of the community and met on numerous occasions between April 2011 and March 2012, and also helped during this period in conducting Community Workshop 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 Northwestern Pennsylvania Commission early in the process as the local liaison and later the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance planning team were also important in the development of this WorkPlan.
Major project funding for the Heritage Communities Program is provided through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Safe, Accountable, Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, through the Heritage Areas Program under the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and a local contribution from communities involved.
Last but not least, a special thanks to the residents, business community and especially the members of the Stakeholders Group who not only embraced this program and participated, but more importantly showed a genuine appreciation of the many resources and assets of Warren and the larger region.
ii WARREN 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 City of Warren 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 Warren 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 Warren area as a destination
1 and a stopover, without negatively affecting the quality of life and community characteristics that make it a great place 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:
Visitor Experience Enhancement – “things to see and do” Major Issue – better connections, coordination and publicizing of events, resources and activities “Better focused message linking the “balance of resources” (nature, cultural, recreational, educational, etc.) Trail Town” enhancements – water and land based trails Enhance the accessibility of the River Refocus on existing and past industrial heritage
The Community Context – addressing local needs Build on the Walkable and Sustainable attributes Continue Main Street Program – building on successes Eastern and western Gateway and refined wayfinding enhancements
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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.
Warren 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 the City of Warren was a successful applicant in the sixth round of the Heritage Communities Program, joining the following: 1st Round: Smethport 2nd Round Corry/Union City 3rd Round: Potter County (Austin, Coudersport and Galeton) 4th Round: Conneaut Lake, Youngsville, Waymart and Wyalusing th 5 Round: Carbondale, Mansfield, Tunkhannock and Milford
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 Warren and a core of highly motivated and engaged people who want to improve it. The relative location and approximate distance between Warren and other relevant communities is below:
Community Approximate Distance Youngsville 10 miles Jamestown, NY (I 86) 20 miles Kane 28 miles Bradford 34 miles Brookville (I 80) 56 miles Clarion (I 80) 59 miles Edinboro (I 79) 59 miles Erie (I 90) 68 miles Coudersport (via Rt. 6) 80 miles Conneaut Lake 86 miles Buffalo, NY 90 miles Mansfield (US 15) 125 miles Pittsburgh 148 miles Cleveland, OH 150 miles Wyalusing 179 miles Tunkhannock 202 miles Carbondale (via Rt. 6) 244 miles Honesdale (via Rt. 6) 256 miles Milford (via Rt. 6) 295 miles
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SR 2006 mp103 DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP ! X Old Clarendon WATSON TOWNSHIP SR Buchers Mills 20 mp104 ! 01 X ! Althom Weldbank ! City of Warren Region 0 2.5 5 Miles Rt 6 Corridor HCP Demographics
The 2010 Census population for Warren County and the City of Warren are identified on Table 1 in addition to the Census figures for 1990 and 2000.
Warren County experienced a 2.6% population decrease between 1990 and 2000 and experienced a 4.5% decline between 2000 and 2010. Warren City experienced a 7.8% decrease in population between 1990 and 2000 and experienced a 5.4% decrease between 2000 and 2010. Overall, Warren’s population has decreased by 12.7% between 1990 and 2010.
TABLE 1 DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – 1990-2010 Warren Heritage Communities Program Area
% % Change Change % Change Area 1990 2000 2010 Population Population 1990-2000 Population 2000- 1990-2010 2010 Warren County 45,050 43,863 2.6% 41,877 4.5% 7.0% Warren City 11,122 10,259 7.8% 9,710 5.4% 12.7% Source: US Census Bureau
The data suggest that while both the City and County have experienced population declines since 1990, the percentage decline in the City was more significant. In terms of longer historical trends, in 1960 the population of the City was 14,504 and that of the County was 45,582. In addition, County population increases were documented by the 1970 and 1980 US Census before experiencing declines in 1990. Unfortunately, declining population trends are not uncommon among older cities in Pennsylvania and among counties in western Pennsylvania. In addition, population projections from the Pennsylvania State Data Center envision a continuing decline through 2030.
Larger Region
Warren County along with its five adjoining counties including Forest, McKean, Elk, Cameron and Potter had a 2000 population of 153,911 and a 2010 population of 147,469 which is a decrease of 4.2%. These results are buffeted in part by the significant 56% increase experienced in Forest County which is highest percentage increase in any County in the State during that period. On a statewide level, Warren County had the ninth highest percentage of population loss between 2000 and 2010 with McKean County being sixth and Potter County (3.4%) being fourteenth. Furthermore, Cameron County (14.9%) and Elk County (9.0%) had the highest two percentages of population declines in the State during this period.
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Economics
The economic base of Warren 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 and it is generally marginally useful in tourism planning. Overall, place of work data has been found to be a better barometer of local economic activity in Route 6 economic analyses, especially in relation to tourism.
Before reviewing this data for Warren 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 Warren County 2000-2009
2000 2010 2000 2010 Economic Sector Employees Employees Firms Firms Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture support 20-99 16 18 6 Mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction 196 266 28 42 Utilities 127 117 10 9
Construction 245 277 71 70
Manufacturing 4,382 2,705 75 58 Wholesale trade 261 214 36 30 Retail trade 2,935 2,470 173 129 Transportation & warehousing 391 1,373 31 32 Information 180 140 19 16 Finance & insurance 449 500-999 52 44 Real estate & rental & leasing 76 20-99 15 14
Professional, scientific & technical services 250 248 50 49 Management of companies & enterprises 500-999 100-249 2 6 Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation 23 services 128 159 24 Educational services 75 212 5 8 Health care and social assistance 2,404 3,025 94 115 Arts, entertainment & recreation 89 61 13 15
Accommodation & food services 929 849 95 85
Other services (except public administration) 800 730 149 135 Unclassified establishments 20-99 0-19 11 1 Total 15,869 13,770 970 888
Source: US Census Bureau; County Business Patterns Note: Ranges in italics are all that are available for certain sectors for privacy reasons. 8
The withholding of data for certain segments of the economy may inhibit some comparisons, although the data presented on Table 2 above suggests the following trends as reflected in employment and/or number of establishments:
While employment in manufacturing remains very important there have been declines in employment levels and in the number of manufacturing firms during the period analyzed.
Similarly, while retail trade remains an important employer, the number of employees and the number of firms have declined as well.
On the positive side, employment and the number of firms involved in health care and social assistance and in mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction have increased, while employment in the financial sector has held its own.
Two sectors classically associated with tourism (in addition to retail) are the arts/entertainment/recreation and accommodations/food services. The arts/entertainment/recreation saw an increase in the number of firms but a decrease in employees, while the while accommodations/food services segment showed a decline in both during the period.
Overall, the number of employees declined by 13% and the number of firms declined by 8% during the 2000 2010 period.
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 Warren County increased by 14%, from $50.7 million to $57.8 million, with a decrease only in shopping. However the percentage share of the total county economy from visitor spending fell from 1.2% in 2004 to 0.9% in 2007. The following summarizes visitor spending by category (dollars in Millions):
Category 2004 2007 % Change
Transportation $ 7.59 $ 8.98 +18.31% Food & Beverage $17.81 $18.61 + 4.49% Lodging $10.11 $11.33 +12.07% Shopping $ 8.55 $ 7.63 10.76% Entertainment $ 4.72 $ 5.08 + 7.63% Other $ 1.92 $ 3.48 +81.25% TOTAL $50.70 $57.83 +14.06%
9 Tourism Employment Impacts
The same report noted above reveals that in 2007, 789 people in Warren County were directly employed in tourism based businesses, which is slightly higher than the 771 employed in 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 1,210 persons are affected by tourism employment, representing 6.9% of the County’s economy. Wages from those directly employed in tourism businesses amounted to $21.2 million in 2007, approximately 8.2% higher than the 2004 figure of $19.6 million. Again, when considering those directly and indirectly benefitting from tourism, the 2007 figure is approximately $37.6 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 Warren area:
There were 38 establishments categorized as offering accommodations and food services, including fine, family and fast food restaurants; hotels/motels/B&B’s & Inns; camping opportunities and food stores; There were 18 arts, recreation and entertainment establishments, including art galleries, fitness centers and museums/historical sites; and There were 69 tourism oriented retail/service establishments ranging from chain retail and gift/novelty/artisan venues to convenience stores/gas stations to pet related establishments
Regional Travel Profile
Finally, the Pennsylvania Travel Profile presents an overview of overnight leisure travel for the Pennsylvania Wilds Region (2007), summarized as follows:
Median Age: 32 Median Household Income: $49,800 Traveling Party: Family Primary Purpose of Stay: Visiting family/friends Average length of Stay: 4.1 days Primary Accommodations: Private Home Top Activities: Sightseeing, Dining, Shopping Secondary Activities: Hunting/Fishing, Hiking/Biking, Entertainment Average Expenditures: $33.70/person/per day Average Expenditures: $600 per travel party/per day
Generally the age profile of the traveler to the Region is significantly lower than that statewide (43) and the nearby PA Great Lakes Region (39), the Endless Mountains and Coal Region (48) and the Valleys of the Susquehanna (45). The median income is lower than that statewide ($71,700), the primary purpose of
10 travel is consistent and the length of stay is slightly longer (3.39) that statewide figures. 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 Pennsylvania Wilds Region are much lower than for the state as a whole ($90) as well as for expenditures per travel party per trip ($797).
PA Wilds Regional Branding Impacts
In 2003, then Governor Edward G. Rendell established the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative to coordinate the efforts of various state agencies as well as local jurisdictions, tourism promotion agencies, economic development leaders, and the private sector to conserve the natural resources and energize the economies of the 12 counties including Warren located in the northern Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Wilds region is a vast and largely rural section of the Commonwealth that is home to some of the best opportunities for outdoor recreation and wilderness adventure experiences in the eastern US. An important objective of the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative was to brand the Pennsylvania Wilds region as a distinct entity and world class destination for outdoor recreation experiences, thus attracting tourists, creating jobs, and sustaining communities.
A program evaluation report for the Pennsylvania Wilds Initiative was finalized in April 2010 for the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. One of the main purposes of the report was to assess the extent to which the Pennsylvania Wilds initiative has had an economic impact on the Pennsylvania Wilds region. As noted in this report, the Pennsylvania Wilds regional branding effort initiative has had a positive effect on the Pennsylvania Wilds Region. In general, tourism driven economic growth in the Pennsylvania Wilds region has been a bright spot. Key economic indicators, particularly those influenced by tourism, are largely positive, contributing to some promising, albeit limited economic and fiscal successes as summarized below:
From 2004 to 2008, while national park attendance was relatively flat and state park attendance throughout the Commonwealth declined attendance at state parks within the Pennsylvania Wilds region increased by 3.3 percent per year. The Pennsylvania Wilds region enjoyed a sharp increase in overnight leisure travel (+5.3 percent per year, versus +1.9 percent per year for the Commonwealth as a whole) and leisure overnight trip length (+4.6 percent per year, vs. +0.0 percent per year for the Commonwealth as a whole) from 2003 to 2007, while from 2002 to 2006, visitor spending within the Pennsylvania Wilds region grew by 6.3 percent per year (versus +4.9 percent per year for visitor spending within the Commonwealth as a whole).
11 From 2002 to 2007, tourism employment within the Pennsylvania Wilds region grew by +0.5 percent per year (versus 2.2 percent per year for tourism employment within the Commonwealth as a whole), and tourism earnings within the Pennsylvania Wilds region grew by +5.4 percent per year (versus 2.8 percent per year for tourism earnings within the Commonwealth as a whole). From 2005 to 2008, state sales tax revenue from tourism categories within the Pennsylvania Wilds grew by 2.7 percent per year (versus +0.6 percent per year for state sales tax revenue from tourism categories within the Commonwealth as a whole), while from 2004 to 2007, hotel tax revenues within the Pennsylvania Wilds grew by 13.1 percent per year (versus +8.0 percent per year for hotel tax revenues within the Commonwealth as a whole). From 2003 to 2008, the Pennsylvania Wilds region experienced a net change in chain hotel establishments of +12, or an almost 40 percent increase.
Lumber Heritage Region All of Warren County is included in the Lumber Heritage Region, a Pennsylvania State Heritage Area embracing all or parts of fifteen (15) counties that share a timbering/wood products industrial heritage. Warren figures prominently in several itineraries outlined in the Lumber Heritage Region Interpretive Plan that provide visitor interaction with lumber heritage themes, including the following:
Old Growth Forests Rediscovered: A 2 day itinerary looking at the remnants of the virgin forest, with a Primary Gateway in Warren and primary experience sites at Heart’s Content, Anders’s Run, Tionesta and Cook Forest. Early Days in the Lumber Industry: A 2 day tour focusing on the wood related industry and its workers, with Gateways in Warren and S.B. Elliot State Park and local primary experience sites involving in Sheffield, the Holgate Toy Company, Heart’s Content and several wood products sites. Sugar Grove: A 1 day itinerary with a Gateway in Warren focusing on Sugar Grove’s role in the Underground Railroad experience. Taming the Floods: A 1 2 day itinerary with a Gateway in Warren focusing on flood control projects, with primary experience sites at the Kinzua Dam, East Branch Clarion River Lake, Kinzua Town, Cornplanter’s Grave, Jakes Rocks and the Kiasutha Recreation Area.
12 Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes
This subsection lists the heritage resources of the City of Warren and adjacent sections of the Townships of Conewango and Glade Township in Warren County, Pennsylvania.
The National Register of Historic Places
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:
a. It must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the broad patterns of our history; or b. It must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or c. 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 d. 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 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 are ten (10) resources in the Warren area are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, summarized in Table 3, including several public/semi public buildings such as the Struthers Library Theater and the Court House, and several more private buildings and residences as well as historic districts. Most reflect some aspect of Warren’s economic heritage.
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TABLE 3 Properties Listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Description Location Address Resource Date Built Category Warren County Warren 204 4 th Building 1877 Courthouse Avenue Warren Historic Warren Various District 1823 District Wetmore House Warren 210 4th Ave Building 1873 Struthers Library Warren Building 1883 John P. Jefferson Warren 119 Market St Building 1890 House Myron Waters Warren 310 Market St Building 1872 House, Women’s Club of Warren Warren Armory Warren 330 Hickory St Building 1909 A. J. Hazeltine Warren 710 Building 1907 House Pennsylvania Ave West Philadelphia & Erie Warren, Regional District Railroad Conewango Township Western New York Warren, Glade Regional District & Pennsylvania Township Railway Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission, CR GIS; 2012.
The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC) records indicated that four buildings and one bridge in Warren, one building in Conewango Township and one district in Glade and Conewango Township (Warren State Hospital) have been determined to be eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The PHMC lists other properties in their database that have historical value. They were recorded but have not yet been evaluated or are ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. These resources are summarized in Tables 4 and 5 and include numerous prehistoric sites.
14 TABLE 4 Known Historic Properties Warren, Conewango Township, Glade Township - Warren County, PA
Address Historic name Municipality NR status Resource Date built or category age of site Gatehouse (Building No. 24) Conewango Township Eligible Building 1909 1 Railroad St Dunkirk, Allegheny Valley & Conewango Township Ineligible Building 1870 Pittsburgh Railroad Station SR 1030 Bridge Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 1918 SR 6 Bridge Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 1950 SR 62 Bridge Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 1941 SR 69 Bridge Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 1922 SR 69 Bridge Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 1952 SR 7204 Bridge Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 1925 Fire Department Land Glade Township Undetermined Management Plan Warren State Hospital; Hospital Glade Township; Eligible District 1873 for the Insane of the Conewango Township Northwestern District Bridge Warren Undetermined Structure 1907 Penn Warren Area Warren Ineligible District Struthers Library Warren Listed Building 1883 Warren County Courthouse Warren Listed Building 1877 Warren Historic District Warren Listed District 1823 Warren Municipal Building Warren Eligible Building 1937 Firehouse Livery Warren Ineligible Building 1910 Bridge Warren Undetermined Structure 1904 Warren US Post Office Warren Ineligible Building 1932 119 Market St John P. Jefferson House Warren Listed Building 1890 15 Bradley St United Refinery Warren Eligible Building 1927 1801 Pennsylvania Bjorkquist Residence Warren Ineligible Building 1941 Ave East 201 5 th Ave Dr. R. B. Stewart House Warren Undetermined Building 1908 203 Market St Newmaker House Warren Ineligible Object 1887 205 Market St Warren Public Library Warren Eligible Building 1916
15 TABLE 4 Known Historic Properties
Address Historic name Municipality NR status Resource Date built or category age of site 208 3 rd Ave Warren Undetermined Building 210 4 th Ave Wetmore House Warren Listed Building 1873 2101 Pennsylvania Allegheny River Hotel Warren Undetermined Building 1885 Ave 219 223 2 nd Ave Woodard Building; Columbia Warren Contributing Building 1912 Theater 231 Liberty St Warren Undetermined Building 1890 236 244 Sal Dicembre Building; Diamond Warren Contributing Building 1885 Pennsylvania Ave Block 310 Market St Myron Waters House, Women’s Warren Listed Building 1872 Club of Warren 314 2 nd St Printz Carnahan Building Warren Undetermined Building 1890 316 Chestnut St Pennsylvania Railroad Warren Demolished Building 1870 Passenger Station 330 Hickory St Warren Armory Warren Listed Building 1909 5th Ave Bridge Warren Eligible Structure 1884 710 Pennsylvania A. J. Hazeltine House Warren Listed Building 1907 Ave West 816 Lexington Ave Agway Building; Osram Sylvania Warren Ineligible Building 1910 Old Warehouse Hickory St Bridge Warren Ineligible Structure 1917 Pennsylvania Ave Pennmetal Plant Warren Undetermined Building Pennsylvania Ave Struthers Wells Corporation Warren Eligible Building SR 6006 Bridge Warren Ineligible Structure 1931 SR 6006 Bridge Warren Demolished Structure 1927 Philadelphia & Erie Railroad Warren, Conewango Listed District Township Western New York & Warren, Glade Township Listed District Pennsylvania Railway Briggs Site (36WA0352) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Bluff Site (36WA0161) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Peterson Site (36WA0353) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric
16 TABLE 4 Known Historic Properties
Address Historic name Municipality NR status Resource Date built or category age of site Warren State Hospital Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (36WA0389) 36WA0383 Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0185 Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric G. G. Green Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Riverview Park (36WA0387) Riverview Trailer Camp Site Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (36WA0327) Lower Mead Island (36WA0110) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric South Mead Island (36WA0186) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Upper Mead Island (36WA0111) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Warren Generating (36WA0337) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Penelec Coal Stockpile Conewango Township Undetermined Site Historic Site(36WA0336) (cemetery) Penelec (36WA0112) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (cemetery) Irvine House A Site (36WA0392) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Historic New Bridge Site (36WA0172) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Stone House Site (36WA0260) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Big 4 Road (36WA0340) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Penelec (36WA0152) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Hospital Bridge Site (36WA0118) Conewango Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0057 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Erie Chap No. 2 (36WA0037) Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (rockshelter) Oak View Site (36WA0332) Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0153 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (rockshelter) Rattle Snake Shelter Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (36WA0176) (rockshelter) Hatch Run Conservation Site Glade Township Ineligible Site Prehistoric (36WA0388)
17 TABLE 4 Known Historic Properties
Address Historic name Municipality NR status Resource Date built or category age of site Erie Chapter No 8 (36WA0046) Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric J. R. Berkabile Site (36WA0015 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0064 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Jackson Run Site (36WA0179) Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0063 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (rockshelter) Stage Coach Stop Site Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (36WA0174) (rockshelter) Erie Chapter Site No 30 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (36WA0050) 36WA0324 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric Goose Heaven Road Site Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (36WA0173) (rockshelter) Cataldo No 2 Site (36WA0023) Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0058 Glade Township Undetermined Site Prehistoric (rockshelter) Sixth Ave Site (36WA0360) Warren Undetermined Site Prehistoric 36WA0216 Warren Undetermined Site Prehistoric Ekey Florist Site (36WA0339) Warren Undetermined Site Prehistoric and historic Hospital Site (36WA0338) Warren Undetermined Site Prehistoric and historic Sylvania Plant (36WA0236) Warren Undetermined Site Prehistoric Conewango (36WA0091) Warren Undetermined Site Prehistoric Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; 2012 Addresses/lack thereof as per PHMC records
18
TABLE 5 National Register Status Summary Warren Area
National Municipality Register Status Category Number District 1 Listed Building 7 Building 4 Eligible Structure 1 District 1 Building 4 Ineligible Structure 2 Warren City Object 1 Site 6 Undetermined Building 6 Structure 2 Contributing Building 2 Building 1 Demolished Structure 1 Subtotal 39 Eligible Building 1 Building 1 Conewango Township Ineligible Structure 6 Undetermined Site 20 Subtotal 28 Ineligible Site 1 Glade Township Site 16 Undetermined Unknown 1 Subtotal 18 Warren/Conewango Township Listed District 1 Warren/Glade Township Listed District 1 Glade Township/Conewango Eligible Township District 1 Subtotal 3 TOTAL 88
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. Table 6 summarizes the PHMC markers found to be especially critical for the immediate Warren Area.
TABLE 6 Historical Markers Warren Area
Name Location Categories Text
Buckaloons Buckaloons Park, Native American A famous Indian village at the junction of Brokenstraw near U.S. 62 E of Creek and the Allegheny, visited by Celoron in 1749 Irvine and destroyed by Brodhead in 1779. Burial mounds excavated here indicate the antiquity of this site. Celoron's Pennsylvania Ave. Exploration, In 1749 a French force under Celoron de Blainville Expedition (Business U.S. 6) at Government & Politics, entered the Ohio valley by way of Chautauqua Lake Hickory St., Warren Government & Politics and Conewango Creek. A lead plate was buried at the 18th Century mouth of the Conewango claiming the area for France. Conewango Pennsylvania Ave. Early Settlement, Mid 18th century Seneca village located on site of (Business U.S. 6), Native American present Warren. First mentioned by Bonnecamps, in Conewango Creek 1749, as composed of 12 or 13 cabins. Name in Bridge, Warren Iroquois means "below the riffles." Indian Paint U.S. 62, 3 miles NE Native American Across the river from here deposits of red ochre and Hill of Tidioute adjacent petroleum springs provided the Indians with raw materials for face and body paint. Robert Spring Creek (Rt. Government & Politics Lawyer & jurist. Chief U.S. prosecutor, Nuremberg Houghwout 426) 20th Century war crimes trials in Germany after World War II. Associate Justice, U.S. Supreme Court, 1941 54; Jackson noted for his defense of civil liberties. Served in President Franklin D. Roosevelt's administration starting in 1934; U.S. Solicitor General, 1938 39, & Attorney General, 1940 41. Jackson was born on the family farm here in Spring Creek. Seneca Intersection of American Revolution, Native Americans, French explorers, and Crossing Scandia Road Exploration, Native Revolutionary War soldiers all used this 8 mile cross (SR 1013) & Eqypt American, Paths & country portage to access the upper reaches of the Hollow Rd., Glade Trails, Transportation Allegheny River from Conewango Creek. This historic Twp. trail provided travelers with a preferable alternative to the arduous 26 mile upriver trip to the heart of the Seneca Nation. Several lower branches of Seneca Crossing converged near here, the trail's mid point. The route continued to Kinzua. Warren Courthouse, 4th Government & Politics Formed March 12, 1800 from Allegheny and County Ave. at Market St., 19th Century Lycoming counties. Named for Gen. Joseph Warren, Warren killed at Bunker Hill. Warren, the county seat, was laid out in 1795. Long known for its oil and timber operations, and site of the Cornplanter Indian Grant. Gen. Old U.S. 6 (SR Professions & Surveyed Donation Lands in this area in 1785. Later William 3022) W of U.S. 62, Vocations bought a large tract of land, developed by his son Irvine Callender and grandson, Dr. William Irvine. One of the Irvine tenant houses of the estate stands opposite. Source: PHMC website (phmc.state.pa.us); 2012
20 Community Inventories - Significant Historical and Heritage Resources
The county, 902 square miles in area, was created out of Lycoming and Allegheny Counties by an act of legislature in 1800. In 1805, it was attached to Venango for judicial purposes; but in 1819, after a sufficient increase in population, it was organized as a full fledged county. Most of the land in the eastern and southern parts of the county is broken and hilly; the northwestern section is mostly glacial territory. Altitude ranges from 1,200 to over 2,000 feet above sea level. Originally, hardwood forest covered much of the western portion, while large stands of pine and hemlock grew in the creek alleys and southeast of the Allegheny River. The river and its three major tributaries in Warren County the Conewango, Brokenstraw and Kinzua Creeks were natural waterways for the rafting of lumber, which was the county's main industry for many years. Sawing and rafting of lumber continued to be a major activity late in the 1800s.
Early Settlement
The Buckaloons at the confluence of Allegheny River and Brokenstraw Creek, between present day Warren and Youngsville, was once the site of a Seneca Indian Village and previously a Hopewell culture village which has been documented to be at least 10,000 years old. The area is surrounded by water on three sides: The Allegheny River, the Brokenstraw Creek, and Irvine Run. This location was important as a "crossroads" of the "highways" of that time period: rivers and streams. Buckaloons translated in Seneca language means Brokenstraw. The Buckaloons Seneca Interpretive Trail, named for the Seneca Indian tribe that once lived here, circles the entire recreation area.
The early history of Warren County was often conflict as the Seneca, French, English and later, American struggled for control of the land. In short, some say the Battle for a Continent Started Here . In the nineteenth century with the arrival of "settlers" from the new United States came the creation of new communities. But the cultural history of what would become Warren County pre dates white settlement. By the sixteenth century the Seneca, members of the Iroquois Indian Nation, controlled the area which is now Warren County. In the eighteenth century, the most noted Seneca was the famous Cornplanter, the son of a Dutch trader from Albany and a Seneca mother. Cornplanter (Kaiiontwa'kon, "By What One Plants") was born at Canawagus on the Genesee River in present day New York State around 1740. His father was an Albany trader named John Abeel or O'Bail, and Cornplanter was known to the English as John O'Bail or Captain O'Bail. His half brother Handsome Lake was an Iroquois Confederacy chief, as was a nephew who was known as Blacksnake or Governor Blacksnake. After fighting for the British during the American Revolution, Cornplanter switched his allegiance and became a defender of the new American government, and an instrument in establishing treaties between with the American government and the Iroquois Nation. Despite the opposition of some of
21 his contemporaries, Cornplanter warded off Native American incursions from the West. He was rewarded for hi s efforts with an outright gift by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania of several parcels of land, one of which the Cornplanter Grant, where he resided the rest of his life. Cornplanter was living on this "Cornplanter Grant" in June of 1799 when his half br other Handsome Lake, who was living in the same house, arose from a coma and announced he had experienced a vision. The two men continued to live there until 1803 when a dispute with Handsome Lake sent the latter to Coldspring on the Allegany Reservation, where he embarked on his lifelong mission to revive the ancient ways and values while adapting to the new world of the reservation. Cornplanter died on February 18, 1836, and was buried at the Cornplanter Grant. In 1964 the cemetery where he was buried w as moved to higher ground to make way for the reservoir that would be created by construction of the nearby Kinzua Dam. Until the waters of the Allegheny Reservoir flooded all but the highest portion of the Grant area, Cornplanter heirs lived on their anc estral land.
The French, the first European Americans to deal with the Native Americans of the area, had traded annually with them prior to 1749. In that year, Cel oron de Blainville led an expedition sent by the government of New France to establish Fren ch sovereignty over the Ohio Valley which was being threatened by increasing British incursions. Near the mouth of the Conewango Creek, on the south bank of the Allegheny, he buried a lead plate signifying this sovereignty.
European Settlement
During t he ensuing years, after the French influence ended and the Revolution established American independence, people began to recognize the suitability of the land for permanent settlement. The fine bottomland at the confluence of the Conewango and the Alleghen y was natural location for a town, and extensive pine forest offered a seemingly inexhaustible supply of timber.
After the Revolutionary War, General William Irvine and Andrew Ellicott were sent to the area to lay out a town in 1795. It was named after Major General Joseph Warren, a distinguished patriot who was killed in the battle of Bunker or Breed's Hill. Dr. Joseph Warren (June 11, 1741 – June 17, 1775) was an American doctor who played a leading role in American Patriot organizations in Boston in early days of the American Revolution, eventually serving as president of the revolutionary Massachusetts Provincial Congress. Warren was instrumental in warning Paul Revere to British movements late on April 18, 1775, that prompted his ride to alert the countryside. Warren participated in the Battles of Lexington and Concord the next day, marking the start of the American Revolutionary War. He fought
22 valiantly during the aforementioned famous battle. Reportedly he was recognized by a British officer, who snatched a musket from a soldier and shot him. The enemy buried him where he fell. Nine months after, when the British finally retreated from New England, his body, recognized by two false teeth, was disinterred and honorably buried. He left four children, of whom the eldest was a girl six years of age.
The first permanent structure in Warren, a storehouse built by the Holland Land Company, was completed in 1796 and stood until 1840 was a log building that was used as a supply depot. In about 1806 the first settlers began to locate in Warren, and the town was incorporated as a borough in 1832. With few exceptions, the earliest inhabitants of Warren were Scotch Irish, from southeastern Pennsylvania, and New Englanders. Successive waves of immigrants arrived from Germany, Sweden, and Italy during the remaining years of the century. Daniel McQuay of Ireland is noted as the first permanent inhabitant of European descent.
Dan McQuay, whose name was known to every Warren County settler from Tidioute to Sugar Grove, was keeper of the Holland Land Company's store house at Warren. McQuay was a real Irish wit; a bit of the "ould sod" if ever there was one. He smoked a blackened clay pipe and would have carried a blackthorn shillelagh if such a thing could have been cut in the neighboring thickets. The Jolly Boatsman
Economic Heritage
Lumber was the main industry from 1810–1840, as the abundance of wood and access to water made it profitable to float lumber down the Allegheny River to Pittsburgh. As the rafting of lumber declined, and as the arable land was cleared of its timber, farming began to flourish, particularly in the northwest section of the county. In addition, the manufacture of furniture and other wood products expanded; the availability of hemlock bark led to the establishment of a large tanning operation in the Sheffield area and the fabrication of products from iron also began.
Concurrent with the arrival of the railroad in Warren, oil was discovered at Titusville and an oil boom developed in Warren County. It added yet another major industry, and by the early 1900s there were 13 refineries within a six mile radius of Warren. Sensational oil finds occurred in numerous locations, including Tidioute, Cherry Grove, and Clarendon. Oil production and refining still hold an important position in the county. David Beaty discovered oil in Warren in 1875 while drilling for natural gas in his wife's flower garden. Oil came to dominate the city's economy. Many of the town's large Victorian homes were built with revenue generated by the local oil and timber industry. After this discovery, Warren's economy became almost completely geared toward the production of oil, and later to the refining of oil, an industry that remains present in Warren today.
23 Prior to 1830, only the keelboat provided two way river transportation from Pittsburgh, but beginning with the arrival of the steamer "Allegheny" in 1830, a succession of steamboats from Pittsburgh served as transportation until the early 1860s, just a few years after the Sunbury and Erie Railroad was completed from Erie to Warren. By 1883, Warren had the hub of a network of railroads leading in all directions.
Historically, Warren has sustained a diversified industry, thereby suffering less than many other localities in time of depression. This diversity continues to the present time. However, Warren has always maintained its relationship with nature and the environment. Heart's Content and Tionesta Scenic Area are the only appreciable stands of virgin timber remaining in Pennsylvania. With their 300 year old trees, they are evidence of the splendor that greeted the settlers as they moved westward. Likewise, there are State Parks and a multi use National Forest that provide vistas of scenic beauty, active and passive recreation. The construction of the Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir, a flood control project twelve miles above Warren, has been the impetus for new and far reaching outdoor recreation opportunities. Campgrounds, boat launching ramps, swimming areas and scenic overlooks have been incorporated into the overall development of the reservoir shoreline, which extends into New York State nearly to the town of Salamanca. Gradually, the natural environment became a part of Warren’s diverse economic base.
Other Historic Resources and Themes
There are a number of notable historic themes and resources in and around Warren:
Boy Scouts of America
In 1910, members of the community of Warren first explored Scouting activities. In 1913, the Boy Scouts of America gave a charter to an organization known as the Warren County Council. Then in 1954 the council's official name was changed to Chief Cornplanter Council to honor a famous Seneca Iroquois Indian and is still in operation. It is currently the oldest existing, continuously registered council in America. The other preceding 16 councils either went out of business or merged with another Council at some point in their history. Among the resources offered by this Council is Camp Olmstead, which numerous outdoor recreational opportunities.
Warren State Hospital
Warren State Hospital was one of the first large mental hospitals to be built exactly following the "Kirkbride Model." The Kirkbride Model was named after Dr. Thomas Kirkbride, who in the middle of the 19th century designed mental hospital buildings in a manner that permitted natural sunlight to enter in each room sometime each day. Another feature of a Kirkbride
24 building is that it had its own natural air conditioning, using venting towers to pull air up and through each room in the building. Furthermore, Kirkbride paid much attention to the grounds surrounding his buildings. This often included landscaping with shrubbery and trees in a park like setting with fountains and tree lined drives. Center Building at Warren State Hospital was designed by Kirkbride and originally built to accommodate 650 patients. It has all of the features listed above, i.e. rooms open to sunlight each day, natural air conditioning, fountains at the main entrance, a tree lined entrance and pleasant landscaping. The cornerstone for Center Building was laid on Sept 10, 1874. The State Hospital for the Insane at Warren, PA, as it was named, admitted its first patient on Dec 5, 1880. Dr. John Curwen was the first full time superintendent.
From the beginning, the State Hospital was at the forefront of treatment for persons with mental illness. It opened an outpatient clinic in 1885 for people who did not need to be hospitalized and a free clinic was offered two times a month for people who could not pay. At about the same time, a patients' library was established, recreation therapy was instituted and an art teacher was hired. The hospital was self sustaining in that it raised its beef cattle, managed a prize winning dairy herd, grew and packed its own vegetables. It also had a laundry, bakery and large kitchen. In fact, money from oil, which was discovered on the land, was used to enlarge the farmland. Patients were involved in "Industrial Therapy" and in doing so, provided much of the labor for the farm operations, laundry, cannery, grounds keeping, and cleaning.
Many changes have taken place at Warren State Hospital over the past 127 years, but throughout its history, it has been committed to providing the best care possible to the individuals served and to being a leader in treatment of persons with serious mental illness. Today, the hospital has the ability to serve 225 patients and remains an integral and important component in the continuum of care for persons with serious mental illness who reside in northwestern Pennsylvania. The hospital's service area encompasses the following counties: Cameron, Clarion, Clearfield, Crawford, Elk, Erie, Forest, Jefferson, McKean, Mercer, Potter, Venango and Warren.
Johnny Appleseed
Johnny Appleseed began his life as John Chapman in Leominster, Massachusetts on September 26, 1774. His father Nathan was a farmer, carpenter, and veteran of the Revolutionary War. Little is known about Chapman’s life until 1797 when his name appears in records in Northwestern Pennsylvania. Although the majority of his work occurred in Ohio and Indiana, it was in the wilds of this portion of Pennsylvania that Chapman began his horticultural career. His first recorded nursery was planted on the shore of Broken Straw Creek, south of Warren in Warren County. Most of his Pennsylvania experience occurred further south, near Franklin in Venango County in an area known as French Creek. Here, around 1798 1804, Chapman planted a nursery and attempted to procure land. However, tradition holds that these attempts were foiled several times by claim jumpers and difficult land laws. From Franklin, it is likely that he moved on to central Ohio, in accordance with his style of nomadic living. The area of Mansfield, Ohio is particularly rich with stories of his local activities. Chapman's fame as a national icon began in 1871 with a richly descriptive, romantic account of his life by W. D. Haley
25 in Harper's New Monthly Magazine. Since that time Johnny Appleseed has been characterized as a victim of unrequited love, the patron saint of American horticulture, and many other fantastic personages in innumerable biographies, novels, musical scores, motion pictures, and works of poetry and children's fiction. There are also memorials dedicated to him in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. And, needless to say, his fame as a symbol of compassion and pioneering skill and courage endures in popular folk lore and tradition.
Justice Robert Jackson
Robert Houghwout Jackson was born in Spring Creek, Pennsylvania in 1892, but his family moved to Frewsburg, New York, a nearby village to Jamestown, New York. He graduated from Frewsburg High School in 1910 and spent a post graduate year at Jamestown High School. He did not attend college, but apprenticed in a law office and attended Albany Law School for one year. He took the New York State Bar exam at age 21, and became a prominent trial lawyer in Jamestown. He went on to become Solicitor General, Attorney General and an Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. He represented the United States at the London Conference that set up the International Military Tribunal, and served as Chief of Counsel for the United States at the first Nuremberg Trial in 1945 and 1946. Shortly after participating in the unanimous decision in the famous desegregation case of 1954, Brown vs. Board of Education, Jackson suffered a fatal heart attack and died on October 9, 1954. He is buried in the Maple Grove Cemetery in Frewsburg.
Roscoe Hall
Opening on February 3, 1869, Roscoe Hall, located on the upper floors of 414 and 416 Pennsylvania Avenue West in Warren, was utilized for some 16 years as a lecture and performance hall for the area, boasting an array of musical, theatrical, educational and political performances and lectures. It was named in memory of entrepreneur Orris Hall’s son Roscoe who was killed at second Bull Run on August 30, 1862. The Hall hosted performances as varied as the May 1, 1869 performance of “Blind Tom” to a lecture by Mrs. Ann Eliza Young, the nineteenth wife of Brigham Young on May 1, 1877, and the January 28, 1878 “Telephone Concert” in which inventor Thomas Edison introduced his new invention, the phonograph, during a telephone concert in which singers and musicians in Jamestown, NY were heard in the hall through the use the new telephone lines. Other speakers of note included author Bret Hart, anti slavery author and orator Frederick Douglass, Women’s Rights leaders Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Susan B. Anthony.
St. Louis Arch
Warren boasts as one of the places where sections of the famous St. Louis Gateway Arch were fabricated. The outer and inner walls were fabricated in sections and bolted together at the Pittsburgh and Warren, Pennsylvania, plants of the Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel Company, steel fabricators and erectors for the Arch. In a cross section, each Arch leg is a double walled equilateral triangle with a hollow core 40 feet wide at the base, tapering to 15 1/2 feet at the top. The inner skin is of A 7 carbon steel, 3/8 inches thick,
26 except at the corners where it is 1 3/4 inches thick to provide greater stiffness. The outside surface was fabricated from 900 tons of polished stainless steel in panels 1/4 inch thick, varying in size from 6 x 18 feet to 6 x 5 1/2 feet.
The Blair Company
John Edwin Blair, son of an Irish immigrant, settled in Warren, Pennsylvania in the late 1800s to raise his family and maintain a successful grocery business. His son John L. Blair picked up on his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and when a fellow law student at the University of Pennsylvania approached him with a sales opportunity, John was ready. His friend had just inherited a raincoat factory and hoped that John would become a sales manager for him. On a train ride home, John had a suitcase of raincoats and he approached clothing store owners along his way. While in one of the shops, he ran into a local undertaker who was looking for a warmer wool coat that was waterproof. John didn't have any such product at the time, but he worked with his friend to create a new process of putting a layer of rubber in between layers of wool. The result was a unique new raincoat. And John knew that the best way to reach this new market was by mail. So with just $500 borrowed capital and the help of his brothers and sister, John mailed an advertisement detailing this "new process" raincoat, a product which became known as the "Keep Dry". Thus, the "New Process" Company was created. It truly was a family company, with John's father, brothers and sister working with him from the beginning to send advertising and fill orders. Through the past 100 plus years, the company has grown and the product line has evolved. The Blair Company is still in Warren and now offers apparel and accessories for women and men, items for the home and more, augmenting their iconic catalogues with a modern website and connections via social networking sites.
Other Businesses
Business and the entrepreneur are part a parcel of Warren’s cultural history, with a number of notable businesses in operation in the community: o Whirley Drinkworks is located on 4th Avenue in Warren in operation since 1960, designing and manufacturing products for the food and beverage industry. Products can be found in many convenience stores, amusement parks, zoos and restaurants around the world. Sometimes they come in familiar shapes, like plastic insulated travel mugs or stainless steel bottles, as well as take out containers.
o Betts Industries was triggered by the oil industry and has been in Warren since 1901. Betts has grown from its beginnings as an iron foundry producing oil field equipment to its role today as a leading producer of components for highway cargo tanks and various other industrial applications. Principal products today are valves, safety lamps, manlids and pressure/vacuum relief valves for highway cargo tanks transporting petroleum, chemicals and other materials.
27 o Pennsylvania General Energy (PGE) was founded in 1978 in the city of Warren by four businessmen who began building their energy business by buying wells in Northwestern Pennsylvania and drilling 15 to 20 wells a year to build up production and capital needed to expand their operations. In 1988, PGE acquired 80,000 acres of Quaker State’s oil, natural gas and mineral rights in New York and Pennsylvania, along with 6,000 acres of timberland and the equipment to manage it. Then in 1995 PGE purchased 1,200 producing oil wells and a smaller number of natural gas wells from Pennzoil Corporation, as that company moved its operations out of Pennsylvania. PGE currently operates more than 1,100 oil and natural gas wells, contributing to the Warren area economy while maintaining the environment and Pennsylvania’s continuing heritage in oil and gas production. o Northwest savings Bank started out as a community bank in Warren 115 years ago, and has grown to 167 branch locations in Pennsylvania and three other states. Northwest is an active corporate citizen in Warren, as well as in many of the communities it serves, and is a major employer in anchor in Downtown Warren.
The above summarizes not only the economic heritage of the Warren Area through some of the major businesses, but also testifies to economic stability and diversification. Along the way, several other types of businesses or other economic vestiges once prospered but now are gone, including a brewery, a cheese manufacturer, a furniture and piano industry, an interurban railroad and several tank car manufacturers. During the Charrette, locals noted with some jest the former “Piso Consumptive Cure” that was once manufactured by the Hazeltine Company in Warren from approximately 1880 1910. Antique bottles found presently make the bold claim of “ ridding its users of Consumption ” (i.e. Tuberculosis). Actually it contained cannabis, chloroform and sulfate of morphia and is considered a classic quack cure or “snake oil” from a bygone era.
Sources: http://www.warrenhistory.org/Warren%20County%20history.html http://www.sni.org/Culture/Leaders.aspx http://www.pa roots.com/warren/oldtimetales/oldsongs.html http://www.dpw.state.pa.us/foradults/statehospitals/warrenstatehospital/index.htm http://pabook.libraries.psu.edu/palitmap/bios/Chapman__John.html http://www.roberthjackson.org/the man/timeline http://stlouisarch.blogspot.com/ http://www.blair.com/content.jsp?pageName=blair_story http://www.whirleydrinkworks.com/about.php http://www.bettsind.com http://www.penngeneralenergy.com/history.html https://www.northwestsavingsbank.com/aboutus.htm http://www.petroleumhistory.org/OilHistory/pages/TankCars/Builders.html
28 Community Inventories - Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Inventories of events are available for most activities in the Warren area and the larger region on the following websites.
http://www.wccbi.org the website of the Warren County Chamber of Business & Industry which was formed in 2003 through the merger of the Warren County Chamber of Commerce and the Warren County Development Association. This merger was developed to ensure that a cohesive and effective delivery mechanism for business, community and economic development was provided for Warren County and eliminate service redundancy and increase efficiencies. http://www.wcvb.net . the website of the Warren County Visitors Bureau http://www.warrenpamainstreet.org – the website of the Warren Main Street Program
A review of information from the listings and input during Community Charrette in February 2012 yields 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 with dates as available for 2012
th July 4 Celebration Warren Ribfest – 7/18/12 – 7/21/12 County Fair (8/7/12 – 8/11/12), also on Fairgrounds o Pleasures and Treasures Folk Art Faire (7/14/12) o Wild Wind Folk Art and Craft Festival (9/8/12 & 9/9/12) Johnny Appleseed Festival (Sheffield 10/5/12 10/7/12) USCA Canoe and Kayak races (8/7/12 – 8/12/12; rotating locations nationally) Kinzua Arts and Music Heritage Festival (Russell 8/24/12 8/26/12) WWII Bridge at Remagen Reenactment (Tidioute 8/3/12 8/5/12) Summer in the Park – Warren (Friday/Saturday) nd Warren County Great Race (2 Saturday in September) Gus Macker 3 on 3 Basketball (5/19/12 5/20/12) rd Grass Roots Racing (3 Sunday in September) Wild Woods Seneca Native American Festival (Labor Day Weekend) st Kinzua Country Tango Annual Adventure Race (1 Saturday in August) nd Kinzua Country Classic Bike Race – 2 weekend in August st High 5 Cinco de Mayo races – 1 Saturday in May nd Gran Fondo of the Alleghenies 2012 Bike Race (2 Saturday in October) Sikx Gun Choppers – Home Town Heroes Fund o "Thank A Vet" Dam Run (Warren Dam – July) o Snowmobile Poker Run (February)
29 A few of the above activities are functions of more local interest, however, most are in fact the types of activities that can be destinations for travelers, regular and casual as well as those visiting the Allegheny National Forest and/or other nearby Nature Tourism areas. Not all are publicized in one place or on one website. The number and variety of events in Warren as well as those located in areas surrounding the City are noteworthy. A review of the timing of the activities in the City reinforces an “April October” schedule, with the Summer months especially busy. There were relatively few events identified in the Warren between November and March suggesting where gaps exist for future programming ideas. During the Heritage Communities Program planning activities, a number of ideas were floated on potential events/festivals, including storytelling, Native American, sustainability and folk music. During a Charrette session, plans were announced for an autumn/harvest festival and a New Year’s event as well.
30 Community Inventories – Regional Attractions and Resources
There is a considerable amount and diversity of public recreation lands in proximity to Warren including a National Forest, a State Forest, State Parks and Gamelands, Natural Areas, Scenic Byways, a National Scenic Trail, Recreation Areas, Major Water bodies, an Engineering Marvel and local recreation resources.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources The Allegheny National Forest (ANF) The 513,000 acre ANF is a major multi purpose area administered by the United States Forest Service. The ANF is located to the east and south of Warren, offering a rich variety of outdoor recreation activities including over 600 campsites, over 100 miles of shoreline along the Allegheny Reservoir/Kinzua Dam, 6 boat launches, 6 canoe access sites, 2 nationally designated wilderness areas, swimming, hiking, fishing, motorized and non motorized boating, wild life viewing, bird watching, hunting, horseback riding, and cross country skiing. In addition, there are over 600 miles of trails in the ANF, including more than 100 miles of ATV trails and hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails which are opened mid December through April 1, conditions permitting. The Major recreation opportunities in the ANF are summarized below:
Camping & Cabins : Over 600 campsites within sixteen (16) campgrounds classified as Reservoir Campgrounds which offer Boat Launch Lake front camping, seven (7) Non Reservoir Campgrounds and four (4) Primitive Campgrounds which are accessible by boat and hiking only. Picnic Areas: Areas in the ANF include the Beaver Meadows, Buckaloons, Heart's Content, Loleta, Twin Lakes, Tidioute Overlook picnic areas. Picnic areas near the Allegheny Reservoir include Rimrock Overlook, Willow Bay, Kinzua Beach, Kiasutha, Jake's Rocks Overlook areas. Hiking: The North Country National Scenic Trail (NRT) has 96.3 miles of completed trail within the ANF. There are 16 additional hiking trails that provide over 201 additional miles of hiking opportunities and 10 trails that provide 18 miles of interpretive opportunities. Biking and Motorized Trails : Motorized trails are opened from the Friday before Memorial Day to the last Sunday of September. The Winter Season is December 20 to April 1. Permits are required in the ANF for motorized riding. Motorized Trails include: • Marienville ATV Trail 14.2 miles • Marienville Bike Trail 23.1 miles • Rock Gap ATV/Bike Trail 21.9 • Timberline ATV/Bike Trail 37.8 miles • Willow Creek ATV/Bike Trail 10 miles: Water: The 12,080 acre Allegheny Reservoir provides outstanding recreational and fishing opportunities. The Kinzua Wolf Run Marina is located west of Bradford along Rt. 59 along the eastern shore of the Allegheny Reservoir. Beaches at the Allegheny Reservoir include the Kinzua Beach, accessed from Rt. 59, 12 miles west from Bradford and the Kiasutha Beach, accessed from Rt. 321, north of Warren. Fishing: Fishing is abundant in the Allegheny Reservoir, with an incredible variety of fish, including walleye, small mouth bass, northern pike, yellow perch, channel catfish, brown trout and muskellunge. A Pennsylvania license is required for fishing in the PA portion of the Allegheny Reservoir and In New York, most of the Allegheny Reservoir is under jurisdiction of the Seneca Nation, which requires its own fishing license. The ANF also
31 abounds with over 700 miles of stream trout fishing from the large tailwater fishery at the base of the Kinzua Dam to tiny brook trout streams on the Allegheny Plateau. Kinzua Creek is a local favorite. Boating & Swimming The Kinzua Wolf Run Marina and six boat launches located within the ANF provide ready access to the Allegheny Reservoir and its tributary rivers. There are also two swim beaches located around the Reservoir Hunting : The ANF offers top notch black bear, white tailed deer and wild turkey hunting. There are also excellent opportunities to hunt ruffled grouse, squirrels, coyotes and snowshoe hares. Good waterfowl hunting can also be found on and around the Allegheny River. Winter Activities: • Snowmobiling – snowmobiling in the ANF is allowed on designated routes only. The Allegheny Snowmobile Loop is a designated route that provides over 360 miles of groomed trails that wind through ANF. • Cross Country Skiing – There are 8 trails within the ANF that provide 53 miles of cross country skiing opportunities.
Of special note is the Buckaloons Recreation Area, which is a designated recreation area within the ANF, located approximately seven (7) miles west of Warren. The Buckaloons Recreation Area is located on the site of a former Native American village on the west bank of the Allegheny River. Activities offered include boating, camping, fishing and hiking. The campground has restroom and shower facilities, and is located directly adjacent to the Allegheny Wild and Scenic River and Historic Site. The campground is open for reservations from early May to end of October, and first come first serve sites are also available. The Seneca Interpretive Trail begins at the boat launch in the recreation area. The Trail is a one mile loop trail around the picnic area and campground. On the trail, one can learn to identify tree species, observe the inter relationship between wildlife and the trees of the forest, and become aware of the life and death struggle among different tree species. A PHMC Marker notes the Native American village heritage.
Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir Area The Allegheny Reservoir was created in 1965 after construction of Kinzua Dam by the Corps of Engineers. The Reservoir which spans the border between Pennsylvania and New York is approximately 27 miles long, covers approximately 12,080 acres of water and has 90 miles of undeveloped shoreline. The portion of the Reservoir in Pennsylvania is completely surrounded by the Allegheny National Forest and features a variety of developed and dispersed recreation opportunities including campgrounds, a full service marina, several boat launches, beaches, picnic areas, hiking trails, accessible fishing piers, and scenic overlooks along the National Longhouse Scenic Byway. Big Bend Overlook Visitor Center is a visitor center maintained by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers just downstream of the Kinzua Dam. The visitor's center, which is open daily from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and weekends in September and October, contains exhibits, displays and brochures which illustrate the purpose of the Kinzua Dam, and
32 highlight recreational and sightseeing opportunities in the area. Several overlooks provide great views of the Kinzua Dam and Allegheny Reservoir.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Scenic/Nature Areas:
Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas The Tionesta Scenic and Research Natural Areas comprise approximately 4,131 acres of "virgin" hemlock beech forest in the Allegheny National Forest in northwestern Pennsylvania. The areas are actually two tracts: the Tionesta Scenic Area 2,018 acres (northern portion); and the Tionesta Research Natural Area 2,113 acres (southern portion). This area was designated in 1940 to protect and study one of the last remnant old growth forests in Pennsylvania. Trees have never been harvested here with some being over 300 years old. The purpose of research natural areas is to permanently protect and maintain areas in natural conditions for conserving biological diversity, conducting non manipulative research and monitoring, and fostering education. There are no recreation development facilities or trails. The area is available for educational use by university and school groups, native plant societies, and other organizations interested in pursuing natural history and educational field trips. Hearts Content Scenic Area This 120 acre area was begun by a 20 acre old growth donation to the Forest Service by the lumber company that owned in the early 1920s. The remainder was purchased in small lots to add to the original parcel. Hearts Content is a National Natural Landmark. An excellent nature trail leads you through a stand of towering white pines about 400 years old and hemlock some 50 years younger. Of note to heritage, Civilian Conservation Corps workers constructed the nearby campground, picnic area, and pavilion in 1936. Hickory Creek Wilderness Area – Designated by Congress 1984, this area now has a total of 8,630 acres, managed by the Forest Service. Hickory Creek is one of only two designated wilderness areas in Pennsylvania. Densely forested, this wilderness contains mostly northern hardwoods and hemlock, with an understory of abundant flowers, ferns, shrubs, and mosses. Hickory Creek Trail, the only designated trail within the wilderness, is managed for foot travel only. The rolling 12 mile loop provides for easy day hikes as well overnight backpacking opportunities along flat to moderately steep terrain. Access to the trail is from a dedicated parking area just off State Route 2002. The trail may be difficult to follow after snowfall in winter. Anders Run Natural Area; The Anders Run Natural area consists of 96 acres, containing many old growth white pines, some over 4 feet DBH. (Note: the term "diameter at breast height" or DBH is used by foresters to define tree size, along with height. DBH is the tree diameter measured about four feet off the ground.). Like other accessible timber stands in the upper Allegheny River watershed, the original forest cover was logged sometime in the first two decades of the 1800s. Growth ring counts of wind thrown trees indicated an age between 200 and 225 years. There is a walking trail system almost two miles long through the area, a native trout stream and several fine stands of wildflowers. There is an historic residence on the property built in 1841, known as the "Little Stone House”. The area is just off of Routes 62 and 6 west of Warren.
33 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources Longhouse National Scenic Byway - The 29 mile loop Longhouse National Scenic Byway was designated in 1990 by the Chief of the Forest Service There are three main legs that form a loop around the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir. State Route 59 is the northern section, State Route 321 is the eastern section and the Longhouse Scenic Drive is the western section. State Route 321 becomes part of the Scenic Byway. The Longhouse Scenic Drive and is not maintained for public travel in the winter as it serves as a part of the Allegheny snowmobile trail in the winter. The Byway offers fantastic foliage year round including white blossomed Mountain
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Chapman State Park – Located off of Route 6 near the town of Clarendon, the 805 acre Chapman State Park includes the 68 acre Chapman Lake on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. The Chapman State Park is an oasis of recreational facilities in a vast area of wilderness. Major recreational opportunities in the Forest are summarized below: Swimming : A sand beach is open from late May to mid September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Picnicking: The main picnic area is by the beach and overlooks the lake. Hiking and Backpacking: There are 12 miles of trails in the Park and in addition, the Park serves as the trailhead for backpacking trails on adjoining public lands. Fishing: The 68 acre Chapman Lake has fishing for cold water and warm water fish, including brook and brown trout, largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, yellow perch and sucker. Bicycling: Although most hiking trails are not open to bicycles, all roads in the park and in the adjacent state game land and Allegheny National Forest are open to bicycles. Boating: The 68 acre Chapman Lake is designated for electric motors only and has a boat launch and 41 seasonal mooring spaces on the western side, and mooring for registered campers on the eastern shoreline. A boat rental concession is in the beach area. Hunting and Firearms: Over 400 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, bear and small game. Allegheny National Forest and State Game Land 29 adjacent to the park are open to hunting. Camping: the Park has 82 campsites and three cottages many with electricity and restrooms with hot water, flush toilets and showers. Interpretive Programs: An environmental interpreter is on staff for the summer season and offers movies, slide programs, guided walks, stream studies, children’s programs and other educational programs. Winter Activities: • Snowmobiling: Chapman is a trailhead to over 300 miles of trails in Allegheny National Forest. • Ice Fishing: The 68 acre Chapman Lake is stocked during the winter. • Ice Skating: Many people enjoy ice skating on Chapman Lake in the maintained area near the boat launch on the western shore. • Cross country Skiing: At least 4.4 miles of groomed ski trails connect with numerous trails in the adjoining national forest and state game land. • Sledding and Tobogganing: A seven acre groomed slope on the western side of the park is lighted until 10 p.m., daily.
34 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources The North Country National Scenic Trail (NRT) National Scenic Trails of which there are only eleven (11) in the United States are designated by an act of Congress and represent protected areas in the United States that consist of trails of particular natural beauty. The NRT stretches approximately 4,600 miles, including approximately 180 miles in Pennsylvania of which 96.3 miles are within the Allegheny National Forest. The NRT links scenic, natural, historic, and cultural areas in seven states including Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin. Trailheads are located just north of Warren along Rt. 321 and just west of Warren along Route 6.
Trails Bicycle/Hiking/Water/Other
US Route 6 is Bicycle Route Y in northern Pennsylvania. In recent years PennDOT has widened and paved shoulders along Route 6 in a number of the eleven counties that form the corridor. State tourism information identifies the corridor, attractions and even supportive businesses. Other trails in proximity to Warren include: Middle Allegheny River Water Trail The Middle Allegheny River Water Trail is 107 river miles long, starting at Kinzua Dam and ending at the community of Emlenton, just upstream of the I 80 bridge, with a portion of the river in the Warren area classified as a Wild and Scenic River, which locals claim sustain at least five species of game fish. Warren to North Warren Bike Trail Located along the banks of Conewango Creek, the open 3 mile segment of this proposed 11 mile trail follows an old New York Central branch north from the City of Warren. The trail is a safe, off road route for cyclists and commuters from the downtown to the North Warren business district along US 62, and preserves scenic vistas of the Conewango Creek and its tributary, Jackson Run. Conewango Creek Water Trail – This 13.5 mile water trail links to the north with the Marden E. Cobb Waterway in New York State, and the Middle Allegheny River Water Trail, part of a 174 mile accessible waterway trail system. North Country Trail – Extends 4,600 miles across seven states and is described above. Youngsville to Warren Trail This proposed trail is intended to extend from Warren towards Youngsville, along the Allegheny River and Brokenstraw Creek, following an active Allegheny and Eastern Railroad line. This trail is partial and does not fully connect Youngsville to Warren. Tidioute Trail – The proposed Tidioute Trail runs adjacent to the Allegheny River between Tidioute and Buckaloons Recreation Area. This trail is part of the regional Warren Trail, linking the City of Warren with Oil City in Venango County. Allegheny National Forest Trails There is an extensive trail system existing within the ANF. There are over 1,000 miles of hiking, biking, ATV riding, and horseback riding trails. Among the former is the Rocky Gap ATV Trail, located approximately 5 miles southeast of Warren. o This ATV Trail is a 20.8 mile loop located along the Warren to Tidioute Road, traversing the forested hills of the ANF, tailored for use by ATV and motorbike riders of intermediate and expert skill level. o Trail is open from Memorial Day weekend through last Sunday of September, then again from December 20 th – April 1 st .
35 Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – State Game Lands
The Pennsylvania State Game Lands (SGL) 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 three (3) identified State Game Lands south (SGL #29) and southwest (SGL #86) and west (SGL #143) of Warren.
Warren County Visitors Bureau – Visitors Center
The Warren County Visitors Bureau maintains a Visitors Center on Route 6 just west of Warren between Warren and Youngsville, east of the US Route 62 split. The Center is open weekdays between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM and on Saturday from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, offering information on the area and its attractions and comfort facilities.
The Allegheny River
While it may have been neglected somewhat in the past, the Allegheny River has gained prominence and recognition as being a unique resource of Warren, an Historic, Wild, and Scenic River. In this regard, 87 miles of the Allegheny River have been designated a National Wild and Scenic River by Congress. As of July 2011, the National System protects 12,598 miles of 203 rivers in 38 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; comprising just a little more than one quarter of one percent of the nation's rivers. Locally, there are more than 100 islands from the Kinzua Dam to Oil City and seven of them constitute the Allegheny Islands Wilderness. The segment of the River from Kinzua Dam to Warren has become a favorite for canoe racers, regularly hosting USCA National Canoe and Kayak Races. There are numerous canoe outfitters and transporters in a region that includes the river towns of Warren, Tidioute, Youngsville, Tionesta, and Franklin. Residents involved in the Planning Charrette point out to a “peaceful coexistence” between the River and the refinery.
Wildcat Park
The Park is located approximately east of Warren near the village of Ludlow on Route 6. This historic community park was established in 1925 and created through the generosity and efforts of G. W. Olmsted and other prominent members of the Ludlow community. The scenic, wooded setting of the park offers quiet solitude, a trout stream, hemlock groves, walking trails, large open space and a multitude of flora and fauna. Outdoor recreational facilities include environmental educational opportunities, a baseball diamond and 1928 stadium, playground and tennis, volleyball and horseshoe courts. The park is a popular place for family reunions and
36 group picnics throughout the summer. Rustic picnic facilities available include three outdoor covered pavilions with running water and electric and an enclosed heated pavilion with kitchen, fireplace and modern restrooms. In addition, there are approximately 210 geo caches hidden within a 10 mile radius of Wildcat Park.
Olmstead Manor
Olmstead Manor Retreat Center is also located approximately east Warren near Ludlow on Route 6, and is surrounded by the ANF. It has been operating since 1969, when the family of George W. Olmsted donated their family estate to the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church. The buildings that make up the retreat center include the original Olmsted estate and more recent lodging facilities including the Manor House, Groves Lodge, and the Carriage House and Hickman Hall which serves as a meeting and conference area. The grounds of the retreat center consist of 300 total acres of which only 30 acres are developed and a Labyrinth. In the spring and summer, the grounds are graced with wildflowers and greenery, while in the fall leaves from the many trees create a colorful autumn atmosphere. In the winter, a thick blanket of snow turns Olmsted Manor into a winter wonderland. The grounds are meant to be toured, and guests are encouraged to enjoy them.
Golfing Opportunities
There are a number of golf courses and/or country clubs in the general area, including the Conewango Valley Country Club and the Jackson Valley Golf Club as well as courses in nearby Corry and Jamestown, NY.
Wild Woods Animal Park
The Park is located southeast of Warren near Clarendon and provides a biological park and zoo and educational opportunities about wildlife. The Park seeks to maintain the natural habitat of the area for the wild life and wild flowers in an effort to preserve the ecosystem and open woodlands, and has hosted a Seneca Native American Festival
Local Recreation Parks
There are a number of City recreational areas that afford active and passive recreational opportunities for resident and visitor. In addition to several smaller neighborhood oriented playgrounds, the major facilities are as follows:
Clifford R. Betts Memorial Park: 50 acre Betts Park, offers venues for various active recreational uses, including softball fields, a baseball field, tennis courts, bocce courts, concession stand playgrounds, restrooms and boat access to the Allegheny River. It also has a walking trail, pavilions and a garden, and is the home of the popular Ribfest.
37 Beaty Park: This six acre park is located at the corner of Fifth Avenue and Conewango Avenue and offers a pavilion, ballfield with bleachers, tennis courts, a basketball court, a skate park, and playground equipment including ADA compliant apparatus. The Park also is a sled riding location in the winter months.
Crescent Park: This park is located on the southern bank of the Allegheny River and is dedicated in memory of soldiers and sailors who lost their lives in service to the United States. The World War II Monument is located near the center of the park. In addition, Heritage Point is located at the eastern end of the park and is comprised of the Birdstone Monument and Four Flags United States, British, French, and Seneca Nation commemorating the region's heritage.
Breeze Point Landing: This is a largely passive open space area adjacent to the Allegheny River with major facilities being a pavilion, walkway and comfort facilities. The landing affords a scenic and memorable view of the River and is connected with Downtown Warren via a walkway and steps that also traverse adjacent Soldiers and Sailors Park, another passive open area.
Akeley Swamp
Akeley Swamp consists of 365 acres of mostly level wetlands along Conewango Creek, just south of the New York Pennsylvania border in Pine Grove Township, Warren County just off of Rt. 62. The site has three ponds interspersed with open fields and oak hickory forest. Two abandoned railroad grades are maintained as good walking trails. Akeley Swamp adjoins the Mahaffey Wetlands Conservation Area, a 40 acre parcel owned by the Northern Allegheny Conservation Association. Conewango Creek, which flows south from northern Chautauqua County to its confluence with the Allegheny River in Warren flows through this area, which provides habitat for Spiny Soft shell Turtle. The primary swamp is a scrub shrub wetland that includes species such as Swamp White Oak, Buttonbush, and Water pennywort. The swamp is bordered by seasonally flooded forested wetlands containing mature oak and hickory trees which provide important acorn and nut crops for deer, Wild Turkey, Ruffed Grouse and other wildlife. Waterfowl that can be observed during spring migration include Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, Gadwall, and American Wigeon. 147 species of birds have been recorded in Akeley wetlands since 1994. Beaver and Muskrat may be sighted frequently, particularly at dusk. Wildflowers along trails include Canadian Burnet and Closed Gentian. The main swamp serves as an important nursery water for Northern Pike.
38 Cultural Facilities
During the Planning Charrette local residents spoke with pride over Warren’s long and rich cultural heritage including a music college and conservatory early in its history, one of the oldest continuing operating theaters in the Country, an art gallery, houses of worship with notable organs and stained glass windows, an international film festival, continuing music education/summer camp, a museum and historical society, allied arts groups and a library. Taken together, this heritage augments and diversifies an industrial and recreational heritage.
Struthers Library Theatre
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the historic Struthers Library Theatre is the 18th oldest continuously operating legitimate theatre in the United States, since it was built in 1883. Patrons can enjoy live theatre, films, concerts and lectures at the 977 seat Struthers Library Theatre. The Theatre hosts the Warren Players, musical theatre educational training for young people via the Youth Connection and Allegheny Regional Theatre Experience, arts and education shows during the school day, a Festival of the Arts, shows and movies and more performing arts. Struthers attracts an audience from northwestern Pennsylvania and southwestern New York State. http://strutherslibrarytheatre.com and Charrette discussion
The Crary Art Gallery
The gallery structure is located on Market Street (Rt. 62) in Warren was built in 1962 as a family home following the general plan of a Roman villa. The Myers home was purchased in the early 1970s by the photographer Clare J. Crary and his painter wife Gene Alden Walker Crary. They intended this interesting structure to be an art gallery. Unfortunately Clare passed away in 1975 before the dream could be realized, but his wife opened The Crary Art Gallery two years later with a memorial exhibition of his works. After Gene's death in 1988, the Board of Directors opened further galleries in the building: the Oriental room, the Crary Dunham Room and the Fountain Room. In 1997, following a series of exhibits by guest artists, the gallery blossomed further. The grand re opening in 2000 featured works by sculptor Marion Sanford, Gene's friend and fellow alumna of the Pratt Institute. These pieces remain at the gallery on extended loan from the Warren County Historical Society and Warren General Hospital. In addition to these sculptures and the permanent collection (including photographs by Clare Crary and Edward S. Curtis, paintings by Gene Walker Crary, and paintings and prints they collected), visitors today can see temporary exhibitions by contemporary artists, mounted for the pleasure and education of the community. http://www.crarygallery.org/join.html
39 Warren Public Library
The Warren Library Association was founded in 1873 as a free public library. Through the generous contribution of Thomas Struthers in 1882, the library was able to locate in the Struthers Library Theatre building, where it provided service to the citizens of Warren for 33 years. In 1915 the library moved to its present location on Market Street. In 1962, Warren was designated as the district library center for 17 public libraries in five counties in northwestern PA and is county library for Warren County. The Library offers over 165,000 books, videos and CD’s on the premises, more through Interlibrary Loan, e books, and over 200 magazines and newspapers. There is a collection of historic photographs and newspapers of Warren County, a children’s department, and The Allegheny Chronicles , a digital project launched in 2006 to preserve and provide public access to collected materials documenting history and economic growth along western Pennsylvania’s Allegheny Watershed. Charrette discussion noted that anywhere from 600 900 people visit the Library daily and it has a large and well known genealogical and historical collection. http://www.warrenlibrary.org
Warren County Historical Society (WCHS)
The WCHS office is in a former mansion located on Fourth Avenue in Warren and is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM and Saturday from 9 AM to noon. The Historical Society office houses collections, genealogical resources, references and images related to the heritage of the County and City. It also sponsors numerous events such as tours, lectures, a Christmas Open House and other events and has a gift shop in the Mansion and on line.
The Clinton E. Wilder Museum of the WCHS is located in the village of Irvine, just west of Warren near Youngsville. The Wilder Museum offers exhibits and artifacts including Bentwood furniture, a Seneca exhibit, Native American artifacts spanning 8000 years, one handed clock invented in Warren, women in World War II, furnishings from the Irvine Newbold Estate including a two person vacuum, turn of the century transportation and fashion, and the Joe DeFrees firearms collection. There are a number of events and tours offered as well. WCHS notes the museum hours for 2012 as Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, May 22 nd to September 29 th . http://www.warrenhistory.org
40 Boonies International Film Festival
The Boonies International Festival is an Independent Film Festival hosted its inaugural festival in August 2011 using a number of venues in the community, including the Struthers Library Theatre and the Public Library. Films were attracted from various independent film makers and the Festival sponsor advertises the target audience to include filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, producers, musicians, “Tech Heads”, the curious and the dedicated film enthusiast. The 2 nd festival is scheduled for August 22nd 25th, 2012. http://thebooniesinternational.com
Allegheny Community Center
The Center is located on the second floor of the renovated Transit Authority of Warren County (TAWC) transit center on Clark Street in Warren. This space provides 15,000 square feet of space as a multi use area for all Warren County residents, both seniors and non seniors. This facility provides activities for seniors, baby boomers, students and everyone in between. Primarily a center for anyone age 50 and older, local organizations and individuals will be able to utilize the center’s facilities before and after senior activity hours. A parking area and park area are being developed behind the TAWC building, adjacent to the Allegheny River. TAWC’s Fixed Route and Shared Ride bus services emanate at the street level affording multi modal access to this Center. http://www.experienceinc.org/index.php?page=Allegheny Community Center
Allegheny Center for the Arts
The Allegheny Center for the Arts (ACA) was formed by a community minded group who felt artists, writers, performers, and culture lovers needed the means to connect and a venue to share their art in Warren County. The ACA offers an array of classes in art, music, movement, writing, and acting at the Watt Building (Liberty Street) in Downtown Warren and at the YMCA. Classes include most visual arts, photography, jewelry, dance, film making and music. www.alleghenycenterforthearts.com
Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways (PKP)
The mission of PKP is to attract visitors to the area surrounding the Allegheny Reservoir, educate them on the rich history of its past, provide facilities to enjoy the present, and enhance wilderness access and stewardship for the future. This history will start with the glacier era and take visitors all the way through to the days of the Kinzua Valley and construction of the Kinzua Dam. PKP focuses on geo tourism principles that emphasize sustainability and conservation. PKP planning efforts
41 identified a number of recommendations including the revitalization of Kinzua Point, a 2.8 mile walking trail connecting Kinzua Point and the dam, various walking/biking paths (e.g. Wolf Run Marina to Kinzua Beach, Kinzua Beach to Rimrock, etc.) and revitalization of Kinzua Beach, just to name a few. www.pennsylvaniakinzuapathways.com and PKP Findings Report (August 2009)
Walkable Warren
The City’s efforts in developing greenways and bike/pedestrian trails have enabled it to be successfully identified as a bike friendly and livable community. In addition, an aggressive rebuilding of the commercial core of the city has made use of state of the art geothermal technology to provide an environmentally friendly way of providing energy and conserving resources. Walkable Warren proposes to conduct a voluntary inventorying of the private real property assets of senior citizens; prioritizing those assets of seniors living alone within the core community. In addition, the project will inventory senior centers, Adult Day Care facilities, Nursing Homes, Personal Care Homes, Retail/Service sector establishment, Health Care and related establishment/facilities, schools, playgrounds, and existing/potential greenways and trails. The existing data base is being enhanced with information pertaining to those seniors currently living alone and will to consider tenants.
The updated data is being obtained through casework visitation, intake processing as well as survey forms at Senior Centers and special senior events. While initially being acquired to enable the agency to better track potential high risk in relation to winter heating costs, the data can be of significant value to this as well as other projects. This information will be entered into a database to generate GIS map layers, which can be graphically superimposed over the Warren City and County transportation maps. The priority sustainable streets and greenways identified through the process will be incorporated into the comprehensive planning documents of both the City and County of Warren and will become the “signature” development guide for future growth and development. The City of Warren will be petitioned to convert all priorities sustainable streets into multi modal passageways, eliminating parking along at least one side of the street and/or placing signage designating its inter modal use for pedestrian, bicycle, and electrified cart traffic. Further, while the streets within the city generally are tree lined, the City will be encouraged to insure that all sustainable multi modal passageways are required to maintain healthy shading trees as a part of their design and utilization. Additionally, all outlying areas of the City sustainable passageways, which are adjacent to major entryways into the City, will by design, provide for motor vehicle parking as well as bicycle rental. In addition, this effort includes a role for TAWC, as a further reflection of the multi modal nature of the effort. Excerpted from program materials made available to planning team
42 Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative
This was noted by several charrette participants as a part of the area’s unique resources associated with Route 6 themes. The Kinzua Quality Area is 74,000 acres of public hunting in Northwest Pennsylvania where science guided management is producing quality deer and quality habitat. The website notes that in just seven years of liberal hunting seasons, deer body weights and antler characteristics have increased greatly. Habitat for deer and other wildlife is returning to once great levels, and foresters are able to harvest trees without fencing areas to promote reforestation. This wildlife and forestry success story is the work of the Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative, formed in 2000 by a group of forestland managers, hunters, biologists and foresters with support and guidance from The Sand County Foundation, The goals were to restore quality habitat and quality deer, improve hunter satisfaction, and reduce the need for fencing to protect seedlings, shrubs, and other understory vegetation such as wildflowers from excessive deer browsing. Lands from the ANF, the Bradford Watershed and private timber companies (Forest Investment Associates, RAM Forest Products, and Collins Pine Company) were pooled into a solid block of 74,000 acres and managed to achieve the goals. Hunting on the Kinzua Quality Area is free and open to the public. http://www.kqdc.com/
43 Community Inventories - Inventory of Businesses
The City of Warren’s “business district” identified by the EADs Group actually consists of two general areas, the historic and architecturally significant CBD and the linear areas along Business Route 6. The Downtown Business Inventory made available to the planning team shows 164 businesses. Of this number, 31 (24%) were retail establishments, 18 (9%) were eating/drinking/accommodation establishments, 21 (12%) were non profits/semi public/cultural, and the remaining 94 (42%) were professional, financial, business or other services/offices. There are also a number of on street parking spaces and off street parking lots and a garage.
Numerous businesses and industries are also located along Pennsylvania Avenue (east and west) and Ludlow Street, and Route 62 north of the City of Warren sustains a substantial highway commercial business district that hosts a shopping mall, restaurants, accommodations and various retail and service establishments. Taken together, the Warren business areas offer some retailing opportunities essentially for local residents and casual tourists. .
44 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 Warren are narratively described and all are described in this section. In this case, “major roads” are defined as being either Principal or Minor Arterials, as per the Federal Functional Classification System
The principal arterial system carries the major portion of trips entering and leaving the urban area, as well as the majority of through movements desiring to bypass the central city. In addition, significant intra area travel, such as between central business districts and outlying residential areas, between major inner city communities or between major suburban centers should be served by this system. The minor arterial street system interconnects and augments with the urban principal arterial system. They provide service to trips of moderate length at a somewhat lower level of travel mobility than principal arterials. This system also distributes travel to geographic areas smaller than those identified with the higher system.
Pennsylvania U.S. Route 6
The alignment of US Route 6 changed over the years, as generally depicted on the historic PennDOT Highway Maps to the right. The 1971 Map shows a two lane Route 6 entering the western side of Warren and following 1971 Pennsylvania Avenue West through the Central Business District (CBD) thence along Pennsylvania Avenue East and exiting across the Bridge near the refinery. The 1986 Map essentially show the present alignment 1986 bypassing much of Warren and the CBD. Today, US Route 6 remains a major east/west arterial highway in the County and region and carries a high volume of traffic through
45 Warren, with the volumes higher west of Warren. Route 6 actually exists on two alignments, both being principal arterial highways with US Route 6 essentially bypassing much of the City, and US Business Route 6 essentially bisecting the City and the Central Business District (CBD) following much of the pre-bypass era Route 6, except entering Warren at the west on Ludlow Street.
US Route 6: This is a 4-lane divided roadway west of Warren from Youngsville to a point just east of Mohawk Avenue (SR 2003) where it reverts to 2-lane. Annual Average Daily Traffic (AADT) volumes from Warren west range from 8,100 vehicles per day west of the Route 62 split near Youngsville to 12,200 between the Ludlow Street and Main Avenue exits, then drops significantly to 6,200 AADT between there and Mohawk Avenue. Route 6 east of Mohawk Avenue increases to just over 7,700 AADT. Main Avenue appears to draw off a significant volume of traffic. Business US Route 6: AADT along Ludlow Street is just over 5,000 vehicles, increasing to 6,600 along Pennsylvania Avenue West to Laurel Street. The AADT through the CBD increases to 9,300 vehicles decreasing slightly along Pennsylvania Avenue East to 8,400 before increasing to 9,400 near the refinery entrance.
US Route 62
This is also a principal arterial linking Warren with Oil City and Franklin to the southwest and t I-86 and the Jamestown area to the north. Traffic volumes on the segment from Warren north through a highway commercial area and Warren State Hospital exceed 17,300 vehicles per day , by far the highest volumes in the Warren Area, but drop of to 10,000-12,000 vehicles north of the commercial area and to 6,200 north of PA Rt. 457. Route 62, south of Route 6 has an AADT of just over 2,100 vehicles.
PA Route 69
This is a classified as a minor arterial beginning along Rt. 62 in Conewango Township and proceeding northwesterly through Sugar Grove and into New York State. The AADT in Conewango Township segment is just under 3,400 vehicles. The 2005 County Plan Update notes that volumes along this road are only slightly less than that on Route 6 west of Pittsfield most likely due to its use as a convenient path to Erie via I-86 and I-90.
PA Route 59
This is a minor arterial that connects Warren with the Kinzua Dam area, and ultimately with the Bradford area via US Rt. 219. Traffic volume on the segment between Warren and the Dam is just over 2,000 AADT. It also serves as a shortcut for some Route 6 travelers between Smethport and Warren since it provides an alternative to the more winding southern routing of Route 6 in this area.
46
47 SR 1011
This is a minor arterial and also known as Conewango Avenue in Warren and north of Warren in Glade Township east of Conewango Creek, with a substantial AADT of 6,700 vehicles.
SR 1017
This is a principal arterial and also known as 4 th Street in Warren, with numerous signalized and unsignalized intersections with cross streets. This street also has a relatively substantial AADT on 8,800.
Air
Warren area residents rely on commercial air service in nearby including the Bradford Regional Airport (approximately 35 miles northeast), the Chautauqua County/Jamestown Airport (approximately 23 miles north), the Erie International Airport Tom Ridge Field (approximately 68 miles northwest) and the Venango Regional Airport in Franklin (approximately 60 miles southwest). Several small private air strips are located in the general vicinity.
Public Transportation
The Transit Authority of Warren County provides fixed route, shared ride, paratransit and medical assistance transit service for the area. Fixed route service is offered on a north south route along Route 62 to the Mall and VA Clinic, a Youngsville Warren route and a Sheffield Warren route.
Rail
Freight transportation is available into Warren businesses by the Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad, Inc. The Buffalo & Pittsburgh Railroad is a 368 mile regional freight railroad that interchanges with the Allegheny Valley Railroad, Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian National, CSX Transportation, Nittany & Bald Eagle Railroad, Norfolk Southern, Rochester & Southern Railroad, and Western New York & Pennsylvania Railway.
There is no Intercity Amtrak Passenger Rail service to Warren. Amtrak’s Lake Shore Limited serves the Boston New York Chicago route. The closest station for this route would be in Erie, PA which is 52 miles from Warren. Amtrak’s Empire Service serves the Niagara Falls New York City corridor with the closest station in Buffalo, approximately 90 miles from Warren.
48 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. Warren was one of the communities visited by PDC and was found to have 23 of the 28 characteristics or features inventoried and one of only 3 of the communities meeting the definition of a “hub” having the array of goods, services and facilities deemed necessary to serve the Route 6 traveler. Specifically, PDC found:
Appearance: Sidewalks appear mostly clean and safe Visible welcome sign Wayfinding signage inside and outside of town, and to tourist destinations
Public Space: Visible public spaces/grassy patches by Blair Park Visible benches by Blair Park No visible public restrooms No visible public phones Visible public areas to have a picnic near Blair Park Visible public areas to walk a dog near Blair Park Well maintained and wide sidewalks; lovely street trees throughout the business district Crosswalks marked; with pedestrian signals Reasonable posted speed limit Well marked bicycle routes, questionably wide shoulders for a bicycle No visible bicycle racks Visible street signs Additional street lighting Easy to find parking: free parking, some parking lots behind businesses; easily accessible No visible parking for tour buses or RV’s; parking may be available on side streets or by municipal building
Visitor Impression: This is a location where Route 6 bypasses most of a Route 6 community, although a well marked Business Route 6 traverses the central business district and adjacent sections of the community. When visitors enter Warren from the east on Route 6, they are welcomed by the bridge and a refinery complex, which leads them into the eastern part of the city, on the way to the central business district. Visitors entering Warren from the west on Route 6 have to exit off of the highway to access the business district. Traffic is heavy, but manageable due to the reasonable speed limit and marked crosswalks. There is easily accessible free parking on either side of the streets. Parking is also available in lots behind the businesses or in the parking garage.
49 Overview
As noted earlier, Route 6 in Warren is divided between US Route 6 and US Business Route 6, with the former bypassing much of Warren and the Central Business District (CBD) and the latter essentially following the historic routing. In this way, Warren shares this Route 6 duality with the City of Carbondale in Lackawanna County and Tunkhannock Borough in Wyoming County. All of the Business Routes of Route 6 were signed with the iconic Route 6 Mile Markers sponsored by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance. In effect, this subtly tells the Route 6 traveler to follow the Business Routing, and in the case of the three communities noted, through the respective CBD’s. In effect, stop and smell the roses rather than breezing through.
Business Route 6 treats the traveler to a great sample of Warren – along the Allegheny River and bridges, by well maintained mansions and new condos, through a walkable and vibrant business area passing The Point, by homes, cultural facilities and even by an operating refinery – all within a few miles of “traffic calmed” City streets. The CBD boasts recent and attractive streetscape enhancements, restored facades and buildings, fountains and parklets and striking river views. The urban scale is a marked contrast to nearby stretches of Route 6 that traverse rural sections of northwestern and northcentral Pennsylvania, yet the mountains and rivers remind one that nature is all around.
50 One of the planning team’s stock questions during workshops in Route 6 Heritage Communities is to identify the “best kept secrets” of the respective community. To the outsider, this juxtaposition of the urban and rural amenities may well comprise Warren’s best kept secret, although local residents seem to recognize and embrace this.
Warren has many examples of historic and architecturally significant structures, most within the National Register Historic District. Warren also is characterized by various types of residential areas, ranging from quiet residential neighborhoods with mid and upper scale housing to more densely settled mixed residential/commercial areas in the eastern section of the City, where the refinery is a dominant land use.
51 Gateways
Warren is bypassed by US Route 6 but bisected by US Business Route 6. Gateways on the Bypass were reviewed during the planning process since these may be the first (or last) visual reference by the regional traveler. As a whole, the various gateways Ludlow St are defined by the intersections or exits, and vary considerably. As one would expect, the “interchange” gateways – Ludlow Street and Main Avenue are rather generic but not unattractive. Main Ave Neither really provides the traveler with any “glimpse” of Warren.
The two intersections east of the limited access segment give a little more community context, with Eastern Gateway the juxtaposition of the River, a wilderness island and the refinery visible from the easternmost gateway near the Rt. 6 Business Rt. 6 junction and a combination of the urban environment and historic Oakland Cemetery at the Mohawk Avenue intersection.
Mohawk Ave
While segments of the Bypass Corridor have trees and other landscaping or traverse a bridge over the Allegheny River, there are some rather non descript sections as well, such as that pictured at the right.
52 Signage
There are examples of good, acceptable and inappropriate signage among businesses in Warren. 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 in a pedestrian scale business district 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. The City of Warren presently has signage regulations in a free standing ordinance. For future reference, 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, with the latter sometimes indexed to lineal frontage; Location of signs – on buildings, setbacks, etc.; and Special requirements – flashing, neon, sandwich boards, etc.
The sign regulations reviewed provide for a range of signs defined by form (e.g. address, development, business, etc.) and by purpose (e.g. awning, canopy, freestanding, etc.), and differentiate permitted signage type and square footage by zoning district. Signage area for all signs is capped within the lineal footage
53 context for individual buildings and projecting signs are permitted (i.e. both important for pedestrian scale commercial districts). “Attraction signage” is not specifically mentioned as such, and this signage is critical especially in areas with numerous tourism and attractions such as Warren and other communities in and around ANF and the Kinzua area. A number of these attractions are already signed. For other ones, present tourism signage regulations are found in PennDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (Pub. 46; November 2011), Chapter 2 Tourist Oriented Directional Sign (TODS) Policy . Attractions that qualify for TODS that meet other PennDOT operational, distance (5 miles), access, parking and other general requirements include:
Airport Amusement park Arena (with a seating capacity of at least 5,000) Bed and Breakfast (10 or fewer rooms) and Country (25 or fewer rooms) Inns Boat Launch Brewery Business district (area within a city/borough officially designated as a business district by local officials) Campground (area reserved for at least 20 overnight sites) Canoeing and Rafting. Caverns/Other Unique Natural Areas College or university Commerce Park (at least 25 acres and recognized/signed as a commerce park by local authorities) Courthouse/Government Buildings Drive In Theater Facility, tour location (plant, factory or institution conducting daily or weekly public tours on a regularly scheduled basis year round) Fairground Golf course Heritage Roads, Historic Routes, Byways or Trails Hiking and Biking Trails/Routes Historical site Historic District Historic Hotel Horseback Riding Areas Hospital Hunting and Fishing Areas (designated and under jurisdiction of PGC or PF&BC) Library Military base Museum Observatory Off track betting facility (as authorized by Act 1988 127) Race Tracks/Speedways Railroad/Bus Stations (passenger) Railroad Trips (scenic/historic) Regional Restaurant (rural eating/drinking establishment with 80 seat min.) Religious site (i.e. shrine, grotto, or similar type facility) Resort (minimum of 75 rooms and recreational/vacation amenities
54 Shopping Districts – Antique/Craft/Flea Market (1 5 stores; 2,400 sf min.); Shopping Center (30+ stores); Specialty Shops (5+ serving tourists or architectural style of interest to tourists) and Town Shopping Areas (5+ retail shops and public facilities) Scenic Overlook Ski area Snowmobile Trails and Winter Sports Areas Sports Facilities State and National park, recreation area, forest or cemetery Theatre and Performing Arts Centers (minimum occupancy of 150) Visitor information (i.e. approved PADCED) Water Skiing Water Tours Waterfronts Winery (licensed site which produces a maximum of 200,000 gallons of wine per year; maintain a minimum of 3,000 vines or 5 acres of vineyard in Commonwealth; be open for public for tours, tasting and sales a minimum of 1,500 hours per year and provide an educational format for informing visitors) Zoos, Zoological Gardens and Animal Parks
PennDOT regulations limit TODS to roads having an average daily volume of at least 2,000 vehicles, a maximum of five (5) miles from attraction and note that TODS shall not be installed when prohibited by local ordinance.
Zoning
Information made available to the planning team shows that the City of Warren consists of seven (7) zoning districts (see map on following page), of which sections of six (6) abut some part of the winding Business Route 6 corridor. The largest stretches along Pennsylvania Avenue include frontage within the C 2 (General Commercial) and C 1 (Central Commercial) districts, with the Allegheny River frontage protected in the Preservation District. Relatively little industrially or residentially zoned land abuts Business Route 6. Portions of the eastern and western gateways on the Bypass are in the City, with the former in commercial and industrial districts and the latter in the C 2 and Preservation districts. Overall, Zoning appears to be conventional and reflect existing land uses but not provide any special requirements for the Historical District or address design considerations.
55 56 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 a Stakeholders meeting, a 2 day Planning Charrette and a Community Workshop, then proceeds to the determination of issues and opportunities.
First Stakeholder Meeting
Representatives from the community actively participated in an initial Stakeholders meeting designed to solicit ideas on community assets and interest in the Heritage Communities Program, held on April 13, 2011. A total of eight (8) persons signed attendance sheets. There appeared to be great interest in the program and the following community assets were noted:
Famous People/Accomplishments • Birthplace of Robert H. Jackson – Supreme Court Justice and chief prosecutor for the United States in the Nuremburg trials of Nazi war criminals (born in Spring Creek (between Corry & Youngsville) and practiced in Jamestown, NY • St. Louis arch designed & manufactured in Warren The outer and inner walls were fabricated in sections and bolted together at the Pittsburgh and Warren, Pennsylvania, plants of the Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel Company, steel fabricators and erectors for the Arch. • 18th oldest continually operating theatre in the US – 129 years – Struthers Library Theatre • Oldest amateur continually operating Theater group • One of the oldest, surviving Main Street programs • Aaron Burr visited here • Silver Coins mystery • Victorian Architecture • Lt. Governor Stone • Tannery – John Brown connection? John Brown Farm Museum & Tannery (New Richmond between Meadville & Spartanburg) • Thomas Edison – Roscoe Hall and intro of phonograph/telephone lines • Presidential and Vice Presidential Visits Warrior’s Road • Revolutionary War battle • Civil War regiments – 111th & 83rd • War of 1812 • General Joseph Warren – Revolutionary War and midnight ride Native American • Chief Cornplanter • Seneca Nation • 4 Flags Ceremony
57 Activities • Geowoodstock 9 • Dog sled races • Arts, culture, events, heritage working towards economic development • Walking tour, ghost tour, garden tour • Elementary student sculpture project (7) Nature/Outdoor Opportunities • Kinzua Area and Kinzua Dam – natural beauty • Fishing • “Trail Town” • Buckaloons • Chapman Dam State Park • ANF • Outdoor sports • Allegheny River connection Industrial Heritage • Long term Oil Heritage • Second oil well in the country • United Refinery – over 1 century and still in operation • Assembling of lumber rafts • Home to Whirley Industries • Blair – mail order pioneer and museum • Lumber heritage Firsts • Oldest, continuous Boy Scout Council • 1st judge shot – while sitting on the bench • 1st all woman jury • John Chapman’s first nursery 1797 • First federal monument to a native American – Chief Cornplanter • Second best county for rural community living listing Community Life • Geo thermal? • “Look Up Warren” • 21 to 27 city parks • Crary Gallery • Arts Community – music, performing arts • Beauty of the greater community • Warren County Fair • Public Library – listed in 100 best • Street car – unique electrical • PHMC markers & “waiting” list • Mushroom design stained glass • List of performers on local stage • Athletes • Friendly people • Cemetery (picnics) • Wood & brick streets
58 Planning Charrette
A second set of Community Workshops was held in conjunction with a two day planning charrette during February 1 2, 2012 for the purpose of refocusing 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 66 people participated in the Charrette. The following summarizes each of these sessions.
Government/Economic Development/Industry Session 2/1/12 Attendees: 13 Presentation: Overview of mapping, localized themes and concepts
Comments • Consider incorporating the religious heritage/houses of worship as potential resources: o Stained Glass Tours possible o Pipe Organ Tours/Concerts possible o Russian Orthodox Church in Sheffield (established by/for tannery workers) o Reuse of one former house of worship on east side of town (presently on the market) • USFS has forest history available on line • Carl Sorensen poster collection – Circus 1890 1990 • Struthers Library Theatre – major resource o Potential packaging for overnighters o 18 th oldest in country – 129 years o Costume Tour • Crary Gallery – another major resource o Collections o Continuous Programs • Native American heritage o Burial of Plates o Cornplanter’s Grave – Kinzua area • Russell area resources – fossil bed and relocated block house • CCC Camps • Tanning Industry was historically important o Attracted Eastern European immigrants o Austin Hill/Bull Hill and Sheffield o Sheffield Container Corp on site of former tannery • Musical heritage – music college and conservatory • Kinzua area reflects natural resource base/respect • Industrial heritage includes one time furniture manufacturing o Phoenix perhaps most notable o Piano manufacturing also • Some “best kept secrets”
59 o Lack of location identification to outside world assumes o Not enough is made of self help accomplishments o No industrial tourism among notable existing businesses o St. Louis Arch made in Warren (replica at WCCBI, 1401 Lexington) o Long volunteer/community service heritage – also Community Foundation of Warren County • Agricultural heritage in northern Warren County – Future of Ag Task Force o Warren made products being marketed o Fall Farm Tour o Farmers Market o WCCD owns former WSH farm – used as conservation demonstration area • Geocaching is important tourism attraction – GeoWoodstock 2011 • Warren State Hospital o Agriculturally self sufficient o Early Alzheimer’s research o Early air circulation/geo thermal o Classic old buildings and tunnels • Oakland Cemetery – right on Rt. 6 Bypass • “Walkable Warren” – hopes to develop bike racks and interpretive panels along river and downtown (County Planning/Transit Authority) Post-Charrette Discussion – Longer term rail trail concept involving Bike/Bus/Walking; eastern end of Warren Youngsville Trail (also noted in Youngsville WorkPlan) o Warren segment Connecting recreation sites, transit center, downtown and Betts Park along River; bike lanes needed if streets are used o Options are under study for connection to Ludlow Street (i.e. trail between Pennsylvania Avenue and River, along Business Rt. 6, 4 th Avenue and side streets)
Historic/Heritage and Architecture/Art Session 2/1/12 Attendees: 16 Reviewed mapping, localized themes and concepts, as well as some prior input from earlier session
Comments • More mention of “classic” outdoor tourism – very important o Hunting o Fishing, including fly fishing • Unique heritage still intact o Banking heritage – alive in Northwest Savings Bank o United Refining – 2nd Oldest Refinery in operation o Historic District – walking tour in past o Very early (1900’s) and active historical society o Civil War heritage – “Servant in the Wind” focused on Warren County families; staged at Library Theatre in 2011 o Warren State Hospital – research and innovation
60 o Green Group – GG Greene o Church – organ & stained glass o A number of golf and tennis opportunities • Native American o Mary Jemison rumored to have been taken through Warren by Seneca o Cornplanter • Famous People o Charles Stone (Lt. Gov.) o Charles Whetmore o Roy Stone o William Greaves • Central Themes – River Confluence and Architectural Heritage o River as “unifying force” o Arts and cultural heritage – a gift from the “barons” of early industry – bringing culture to the wilderness o Wilderness Mecca • Tourism needs to span the generations o Attractions for all ages, especially children o Revisit amphitheatre concept at Rimrock • Some “best kept secrets” o Locals supplied manpower for War of 1812 o Underground Railroad heritage – “forgotten again” o Crary Gallery o Kinzua area – more activity and development in 1970’s than now o 1st Fracked Well – on Rt. 6 (joint effort between Pennzoil & Quaker State) o More use for “Big Blue” – water slide (half facetious) o Breeze Point Park – beautiful river view/access perceived as not “public” (Post-Charrette Discussion: Noted as being private – not just a perception) o Camp Olmstead – On Kinzua Sponsored by the Chief Cornplanter Council, the oldest existing, continuously registered Scout Council Part of Cornplanter land grant • Emerging tourism resources o Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways – major plans in Kinzua area linking town and natural resource base (Post-Charrette Discussion: PKP seen as focusing on Kinzua area rather than linking Kinzua to town) o Greater emphasis on arts in general o Boonies International Film Festival – also 2 independent films shot in area recently o Warren Facebook Page – “You know you grew up in Warren if ” • “Music Town” Heritage o Music education important – sends music students out into the world o 3 week summer music school o Early music schools – college/conservatory
61 • “Long Gone” industries/heritage o “Piso” (“Snake Oil”) – early use of medical marijuana (i.e. cannabis) o Brewery o Cheese o Furniture & Piano o Interurban/Streetcar • Other festivals/events o July 4 th – very big o County Fair (8/7/12 – 8/11/12) Artesian Fest Site too (Post charrette found Pleasures and Treasures Folk Art Faire 7/14/12 and Wild Wind Folk Art and Craft Festival 9//8/12 & 9/9/12) o Johnny Appleseed Festival (Sheffield 10/5/12 10/7/12) o Canoe races o Kinzua Arts and Music Heritage Festival (Russell 8/24/12 8/26/12) o WWII Bridge at Remagen Reenactment Tidioute (8/3/12 8/5/12) o Summer in the Park (Friday/Saturday) o Warren County Great Race (2 nd Saturday in September) o Grass Roots Racing (3 rd Sunday in September) o Wild Woods Seneca Native American Festival (Labor Day Weekend) o Kinzua Country Tango Annual Adventure Race (1 st Saturday in August) o Kinzua Country Classic Bike Race – 2nd weekend in August o High 5 Cinco de Mayo races – 1st Saturday in May o Gran Fondo of the Alleghenies 2012 Bike Race (2 nd Saturday in October) o Sikx Gun Choppers – Home Town Heroes Fund "Thank A Vet" Dam Run (Warren Dam – July) Snowmobile Poker Run (February) • Ideas for Additional Festivals o Storytelling o Native American Festival o Sustainability Conference/Festival o Folk Music – plenty of area talent
Tourism, ANF, Sports & Recreation Session 2/1/12 Attendees: 13 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Comments: • River is a key resource and marketing opportunity o Pristine, clean and pure with many species o Wilderness islands in Allegheny o Trophy trout fishing in River and Creek o Relaying and publicizing the meaning of “Wild and Scenic River” o River and Creek are and should be marketed as paddling destinations o Warren is and should be marketed as a River Town o Co existence with refinery – noted as a “good citizen”
62 • Nature/Outdoors resources – draws many visitors o Eagle Watch – 1st weekend of February in ANF/Kinzua o Plans and activities of PA Kinzua Pathways noted o Jakes Rocks o Climbing opportunities at ANF o Horseback riding o Bird Viewing, including: Local participation in the Annual Christmas Bird Count Public bird banding (Allegheny Outdoor Club) o Akeley Swamp – numerous species and hiking trail o Hunting is quite strong Coyote Hunt Kinzua Quality Deer Cooperative o Chapman Dam/State Park Long sledding hill Winterfest – 3rd weekend in January (draws 6,000 in mild winter to 12,000 in regular winter o Busy events calendar – need to better coordinate and publicize
Other ideas and needs o Coordinated wayfinding signage o Welcome Basket for new residents o “Warren County App” for smart phones o Hospitality training has been tried – questions on the manner of providing it (i.e. DVD’s vs. business day sessions) o Perception that stringent and advertised DUI enforcement may scare hunters and other recreational tourists from venturing into town o Closer coordination between Warren County Visitors Bureau/WCCBI websites on calendar of events/links with event partners o ATV/Snowmobile trails in ANF – inconsistent information Roads are often gated No connection with services in town o Better trail connections to town • Wildwoods Animal Park offers zoo and education o May October o Groups and schools • Warren is a unique blend of outdoor recreation and arts/culture • Judge Robert H. Jackson connection o Nuremburg involvement o Brown Vs. Board of Education involvement
63 Public Session #1 2/1/12
Attendees: 2 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Comments: • Library should be noted as being a resource o Large historical and genealogical collection o 600 900 people visit the Library daily o Complementary relationship with Historical Society • There is a rich Native American heritage • Warren Area – attractions plus “space” • Numerous Artists in the region • Needs o A “signature” element/attraction downtown o Multi cultural restaurants o Reconsideration of a resort at Kinzua Dam
Student/Youth/Civic Session 2/2/12 Attendees: 9 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Comments: • Focus on events that keep people overnight • National Canoe Race • Geocaching • Tango Adventure Race – 450+ participants plus support o ½ Marathon, Bike, Swim, Orienteer, Canoe o Music • Kinzua Country Classic Bike Race • Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball – May 19 20, 2012 • Johnny Appleseed Festival • Sponsor/co promote complementary events for other family members of participants in above activities • Allegheny Center for the Arts – addressing image/viability perceptions o Operating in Watt Building (Post-Charrette Discussion: perception issue may be complicated by being housed on 2 nd floor of an operating business) o Offers lessons for Guitar, Tai Chi, Art for children and adults; hopes to offer writing classes • Marketing challenge – reaching people within a few hour drive (i.e. Pittsburgh, Buffalo, Cleveland) o Updated information on web, social media and billboards o Missing connection with young adults – reinforces need to be on social media – i.e. Facebook page in Timeline format o Connect with the bus tour operators
64 • Needs o More hike/bike trails o Reintroduce speedboats at the Dam o Cluster events – Dam and Town o Renovations to Skate Park o Ethnic festivals reflecting local ethnicity o Cabins (non primitive) or lodge in ANF – now one needs tents/RV’s • Refocusing on downtown – some festivals “outgrew” downtown o Need for boat access in downtown – pull out dock noted o Public walkway at Breeze Point Landing o Festivals in Downtown YMCA considering a fall Pumpkin Festival YMCA sponsors New Years Eve festival o Shuttle may be re tried to better connect outlying events and downtown (NOTE: Local transit operates Monday Friday and part of Saturday) • Communication/Coordination of events – needs a common forum o Common link appears to be WCVB/WCCBI o Need for at least monthly scheduling/coordination meetings noted
Business Session 2/2/12 Attendees: 7 Presentation: Key Concepts noted earlier and input from earlier sessions
Comments • Some discussion on perceived positive/negative impacts of bypass, with comparisons with other communities • Getting word out via a radio system with signage alerting motorists to tune in to a certain frequency to hear about Warren area attraction, events, etc. • Perception that Visitors Center may be underutilized • City has an industrial base but no real centralized display of items perhaps can be incorporated into Visitors Center and/or a satellite in downtown o Disney related items manufactured by Whirley is an example o Warren souvenir sales are needed • Reintroduce a welcome package formerly offered by newspaper • Needs o Wayfinding signage (Post-Charrette Discussion: Should address the whole issue of making people aware of events) o River access – location near Allegheny Outfitters suggested o Better connect hotels on outskirts with events o Complementary events during signature events o Post 6:00 PM activities o Events in Spring o Better connection with Fall Foliage (NOTE: Two October events being planned as noted is several sessions)
65 o Better promotion of fishing – 5 species of game fish in River o Better promotion of hunting o Active sports – zipline and sledding/tubing hill (Hatch Run Rd. mentioned) o Interpretive panels/signs on Conewango o Better information sharing with US Forest Service/ANF (Post-Charrette Discussion: Concept of Downtown events – either as primary or complementary events complicated by balancing needs/benefits of retail businesses [who may benefit from added foot traffic] and service businesses [who do not need the added traffic and whose business may be negatively affected by the added foot traffic/congestion]; overall it is a question of “scale” for any future downtown events)
Public Session #2 2/2/12
Attendees: 6 Brief recap of charrette process and its role was carried out. Discussion then focused on recommendations noted above, especially as they may have changed or become refocused during the charrette.
Warren – Balanced Resources Nature: • Kinzua Resources • ANF • Allegheny and Conewango Water Trail • Chapman State Park • Recreation, Scenic and Wilderness areas • Signature events – Tango, Canoe races, etc. • Nature related businesses – zoo, outfitters, campgrounds, etc. • Collectors/Antiquers • Weekenders/Get Away
Cultural: • Performing and Visual Arts • Music and Theatre Heritage • Historic Society/Museums • Crary Gallery • Library • Historic District • International Film Festival
Industrial and Cultural Heritage: • Oil • Timber/Furniture/Tanning • Existing Industries • Native American • Agricultural
66
“Best Kept Secrets” • Promotion, Coordination and Scheduling is perhaps greatest need (Post- Charrette Discussion seems to reinforce this as a major need) • Warren State Hospital stories • Links between town/Kinzua events • Linking Arts, Culture and Nature • Native American Heritage
Gaps • Boat access near downtown • Festivals in Downtown o Linkage (i.e. businesses involved, publicity) o Complementary activities during other events • Wayfinding signage – especially given distances between attractions/events • Extending the season – requires recruiting new volunteers o Spring o Autumn o Winter (sledding/tubing/snowmobiles) o Web Based and accessible information • Trails and Trail Connections – land and water • Industrial tours and/or Products • Church Tours – stained glass/pipe organ
Getting the Word Out • Coordinated and user friendly marketing/promotion • Single or coordinated website(s) • Warren County App • Radio capacity for regional traveler • Social networking • Better metropolitan penetration (i.e. Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh)
Questions/Comments • Community WorkPlan concept explained in response to question • Rt 6 Alliance promotions reviewed o WCVB events get to Rt. 6 website in response to question o Facebook links to website o Brochure listing procedures reviewed • Need to keep events on website current • Various perceived issues with organization/coordination were discussed o Little feedback on event draw o Perceived recognition/lack of recognition of events by WCCBI discussed • Desire to see a Chili Cook off event continue • Hope for closer coordination between accommodations in town and at Kinzua • Hope for greater use of Memorial Field for other events o Fees may limit other uses
67 Third Workshop – Context, Recommendations and Feedback A total of 12 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 the Warren Community Center on April 2, 2012.
A summary/recap PowerPoint Presentation provided the following information: Heritage Communities Background Tourism – Factoids & Overview Theme Overview Business Survey Overview Recommendations Comments/Input Future Steps
Recommendations Summary Major Issue – better connections, coordination and publicizing of events, resources and activities “Trail Town” enhancements – water and land based trails Better focused message linking the “balance of resources” (nature, cultural, recreational, educational, etc.) Build on the Walkable and Sustainable attributes Continue Main Street Program – build on successes and resolve recent difficulties in downtown revitalization Enhance the accessibility of the River Eastern and western Gateway and refined wayfinding enhancements Refocus on existing and past industrial heritage
A summary of public comments is as follows: Brochures – effectiveness of brochures – blend is required electronic & printed Events can be placed on PA Rt. 6 Alliance website Allegheny Center for the Arts notes non profit and visibility issues, and need for partnerships Breeze Point issue – landing is public; appearance is private (canoe issue) – may be an issue with the Corps of Engineers Walkable Warren includes plans for fishing North side River access is complicated due to topography o South side is easier – near band stand at hospital o Other north side access may be limited to TAWC area o Other closest at Betts Park Numerous local actors involved with their projects, events, etc. – coordination is needed “Identity” in message Need for trail associations – land & water; there is a watershed association – Leadership Warren function? Theatre is building program, acts, etc. for larger reach
68 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
Somewhat isolated from major population Strategic transportation location in relation centers; some disconnect among to major federal/state recreational communities and state/federal agencies resources – ANF, Kinzua Region, State and resources Parks, Other recreational resources, etc. Relatively heavy traffic volumes on Rt. 6 Business Route 6 routing through City Bypass with little interface with Warren achieves “traffic calming” due to circuitous Experience” for the traveler route, signals, etc., but route benefits from Rt. 6 Alliance Mile Marker Program Minimal interactive interpretive Unique heritage – oil industry, wood opportunities for past and even present products, arts, rail, numerous instances of industries and products creative entrepreneurship Challenges in getting the word out Numerous tourism and recreational especially in terms of connecting events destinations and signature local and and regional resources and in regional events that attract participants, coordinating numerous local sponsoring spectators and other visitors groups Recent challenges with some components Warren has a defined, vibrant and historic of downtown revitalization pedestrian oriented commercial district with much of the urban fabric intact and an active Main Street Program Location creates challenges for attracting Wide recognition and appreciation of visitors from the larger region and performing and visual arts within the metropolitan areas community A number of proposed but not completed Long heritage and present interest in land based trails Warren as a walkable community with a quality of life Severely limited public access points Strategic location in relation to the close to the commercial area Allegheny River and Conewango Creek and recent attraction of recreation related businesses
69 IMPLEMENTATION
The planning process has identified a number of localized implementation measures aimed to enhancing the Warren area as a better tourism destination and as a community. It is often easy to overlook the latter, but one major goal of heritage tourism is to stabilize and enhance the community’s economy.
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Heritage PA sponsored a study of the economic impact of State Heritage Areas (SHA) in Pennsylvania. The study analyzed the economic impact of heritage areas and in Pennsylvania six SHA’s including PA Route 6 participated. Surveys were conducted at several sites in August through October 2008. Survey data was paired with visitation statistics for specific sites within each heritage area and fed into an economic impact model developed by the National Park Service called Money Generation Model (MGM2). The results released in 2010 revealed that visitors to participating SHA’s in Pennsylvania spent a total of $300.9 million in 2008, generating an estimated $255.8 million in direct sales, which supported over $95 million in salary and wages for Pennsylvania residents. Approximately 56% of the spending ($168 million) was generated by overnight visitors staying in hotels, motels, B&B’s, inns and other lodging, 29% ($88 million) by those either staying with friends/family or in campgrounds and 15% ($45 million) by out of town day visitors.
According to the Route 6 SHA portion, released by the PA Route 6 Alliance, Route 6 attracts 3.5 million travelers a year, who spend approximately $91.1 million dollars, supporting over 2,000 jobs. The study also revealed the following: 55% of the visitors to Route 6 were first time visitors to the SHA; Over 67% of the 407 respondents, or 274 persons, were staying overnight with the following major characteristics: o 118 (43.1%) in hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts or inns o 95 (34.7%) in campgrounds o 40 (14.6%) with family/friends in area o 21 (7.7%) staying overnight outside the area. The average stay along Route 6 was 2.9 nights. The typical Route 6 travel party is one to four adults traveling without children, in fact 84% of the travel parties are without children under 18 years of age. Approximately 32% of the visitors reside in a different state, 17% reside in a county within the Route 6 SHA and 51% in a county outside of the SHA. The average number of facilities or attractions visited along Route 6 is 2.8.
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Tourism and Economics
A recognized source for economic/tourism thought and strategies is The 25 Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism (Roger A. Brooks and Maury Forman; Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2003), which coincides very well with the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program. This referenced work begins with a simple statement that earning money in a given town and spending it elsewhere is “leakage”. Tourism as a part of an economic development strategy that seeks to avoid leakage, since it should accomplish the following:
Diversifies local economy helping avoid over dependence on a few businesses; Creates multipliers on all local businesses; Brings in “new money” to the community; Helps tax base that in turn pays for community services and facilities; Creates jobs and opportunities at the entry level; Promotes business development especially when a visitor becomes an investor or future business person; and Enhances community aesthetics.
Successful tourism is premised on getting visitors to stop and keep them in town longer, especially overnight. “Visitors” may include tourist and business travelers. A few “rules of thumb” help understand the tourist visitor a little better:
State estimates suggest that 44% of all visitors stay with relatives, thus a large part of tourism occurs literally at the “kitchen table” (earlier Rt. 6 SHA data suggest this percentage is much lower within the SHA);
The visitor experience is shaped by destinations or “lures” that in turn create a potential visitor market for attractions or “diversions” (i.e. those amenities that may depend on the lure);
There are a number of shifts occurring in the tourism industry due in large part to the maturization of the “baby boomer” generation: o the prime season is expanding from the June August period to a longer April – October period (something pointed out for Warren); o “boomers” generally do not prefer motor coach/packaged tours but prefer to be in greater control; and o high gasoline prices notwithstanding, the RV industry appears to be healthy (RV’s are premised on “control” not necessarily costs)
Visitors spend only a portion of their time at “typical” tourist lures: o nationally, people spend 20 40 minutes in a museum o the typical lure captures people for no more than 4 6 hours per day, leaving 8 10 hours for other attractions and diversions, and 80% of tourist spending occurs at these attractions and diversions o the “scenic vista” experience usually lasts no more than 15 minutes
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Brooks and Forman often cite the “4 Times Rule” in their discussion on tourism, in that travelers subconsciously must be kept busy at a destination for a period 4 times the travel time to get there. Simply stated, one would probably not travel to Europe or Hawaii for a weekend stay, due to the travel time involved. To localize this to Warren, driving time suggests that a visitor from Erie could justify a trip to Warren with 6 hours of activities; while the visitor from the Buffalo would require 8 hours of activities, while a visitor from Pittsburgh would require 12 hours of activities as well as overnight accommodations. Simply stated, the oft noted desire to attract visitors from these larger metro areas requires activities to justify the trip. Warren’s relative isolation from major metropolitan areas may be offset by its proximity to the many resources and attractions of the ANF, Kinzua, PA Wilds, etc., as long as Warren can attract primary and diversionary travel.
Obviously, experiences from an area larger than the Warren (i.e., ANF, Kinzua, New York State, etc.) can be “bundled” into the visitor experiences. Finally, this latter bundling issue is reflected in the fact that people generally travel for experiences and not geography. An edited summary of their following 25 rules help assure success and are critical in the Route 6 tourism effort (with local relevant notations in parenthesis): o A good plan that takes into account local resources and likely visitors who may be attracted by various features, such as natural resources [i.e. forests, recreation, etc.], cultural resources [i.e. history, ethnic heritage, etc.], human resources [i.e. performing arts, crafts, etc.] and capital resources [transportation, hotels, etc.]. (This is 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 Warren Stakeholders Group (existing partnership in Warren may need to be formalized);
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. (Warren may want to address this especially at gateways on the Bypass);
Adequate, clean and conveniently located comfort facilities that may include a visitor information kiosk. On the commercial side, national chains have found that restrooms actually attract customers, with approximately one half of those purchasing something there doing it out of convenience and the other half out of guilt. In short, since everybody “has to go” why not take advantage of it as business decision;
Take community design into account especially at entranceways focused on places that will make the best first impressions, keeping signage uncluttered and professionally done. (Again, Warren’s gateways are in need of attention);
As a corollary, communities need adequate and user friendly wayfinding signage. (e.g. examples in Warren are for the ANF resources and other major attractions);
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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. (Signage adequately addressed in Warren);
Address parking issues with special “forgiveness” for parkers/shoppers, providing facilities with signage for RV parking and other local incentives. By the way, studies show that most visitors need up to 4 hours of parking at a given location. (May be an issue in Warren);
Make the “frontline” employees such as retail clerks, waiters/waitresses, etc. part of the sales and attraction effort. This requires hospitality training, “adoption” of resources [“while you’re in town you need to see .], cross promotions or other local efforts;
Visitor information availability 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with informational kiosks augmenting staffed visitor centers, all of which should be conveniently located and well maintained. (Presently available at the Warren County Visitors Bureau during daytime hours except for Sundays);
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. (Vehicular connectivity among western, northern and downtown shopping areas in Warren);
Creatively convert any negative characteristics into positives, [i.e. pointing out parking and walking to avoid periodic congestion, peace and quiet not isolation];
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 are close to outdoor recreation;
Gather third party endorsements that reinforce the local pitch to visitors. This can be as simple as welcoming comments at visitor’s register at a Visitor’s Center;
Pursue business attraction and retention that complements the local tourism resources and helps attract visitors and keep them longer. Simply stated, focus on businesses that fit in with community image, goals and context and avoid those that may disrupt the setting or context;
The most successful museums and the ones most remembered tell stories and give a context and do not merely show artifacts (Several museums in area but no central showcase for Warren’s goods);
Keep people interested and occupied so that they are busy four times longer than it took them to get there as noted earlier, so that they can say that “ it was worth the drive”. This requires an understanding of the potential visitor market, the concept of bundling and the relationship between accommodations and other hospitality resources. (Warren is relatively isolated but close to popular tourism resources); 73
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;
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, kiosks, etc. (several local websites promote as well as individual websites of sponsors – need for improved coordination and linkages are noted);
Promote the community in terms of what is that sets it apart or is unique. Again, the uniqueness sells the community. When one hears of Salem, MA or Williamsburg, VA one has an image. While these communities may be the extreme, they do illustrate the need to have a recognizable theme or perception;
Photographs should show the activities not just the resources or attractions. Again, sell the experience and not the location. (Some of this on local websites);
Promotional items should create a positive image and provide a simple way to respond or call for more information (many possibilities exist here due to local business and product base);
Carry out a public relations effort in various types of media, since it is usually more effective than advertising alone;
Use the Internet to attract visitors with a quality and user friendly website [i.e. coordinated and recognizes the value of search engine optimization] (appears to be recognition of this in Warren); 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 Warren and how does the community setting (i.e. visual quality, retailing, attractions, diversions, etc.) interface with the area as a destination.
Tourism Factoids
The following factors have been identified by Destination Development International and premise this Heritage Community planning effort: #1 tourism activity worldwide – shopping, dining and entertainment in pedestrian friendly setting having a critical mass of food, specialty retail and stores open after 6:00 (when 70% of spending occurs) Tourists are active 14 hrs/day – 6 hours in the primary activity that brought them to a place and 8 hours in secondary/diversionary activities Secondary or diversionary activities account for 80% of visitor spending Curb appeal accounts for 70% of most recreation and accommodations and food services sales
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Overnight visitors spend three times more per day than day trippers
Building on the above the keys for success include getting visitors and passersby to stop and create and maintain ways to keep them here longer. In other words, the community needs to enhance its role as an overnight destination. Thus, the WorkPlan should: Develop, revitalize and maintain – things to do and keeping people busy, especially in the evening Inform and direct – personal contact not just signs, websites and brochures Become a destination Sell the experience not just the place – answer the question “why come?” A good first impression – aesthetics and community design – from gateway signage to attractive storefronts and lake views
Implementation Matrix
The various recommendations are interrelated and all oriented towards addressing and reinforcing those two critical elements underlying this planning effort, namely focusing on unique qualities and enhancing the community setting. The matrix on pages 80 85 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 Warren Stakeholders Group that became involved the process. Pragmatics should rule here, in that as is the case with many communities, there are only so many people to go around. At the same time there are several inter related organizations in Warren 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 Warren in relation to Route 6 and other regional themes.
Administrative Framework/Institutional Issues
A central recommendation critical for follow up and implementation of the Heritage Communities Program concept is the institutionalization of a steering committee or task force that will be the central focal point for localized tourism activities recommended in this Plan. This group can bring together various elements of diverse community, and in bringing together a potential funding mechanism. The steering committee or task force is recommended to meet the following:
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It should be representative and focused, embracing the community, area tourism resources and focused on furthering the recommendations of this Plan; It may include various existing groups and committees, especially the groups represented in the Warren Stakeholders Group; 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. Warren enacted and enforces a land use ordinance. Pages 55 56 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 US Route 6 and US Business Route 6. 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 Warren to revisit and revise land use, land development regulations in the interest of tourism considerations. There are a number of specific recommendations in relation to the local zoning regulatory framework:
Revisions related to Design: Consider the enactment of design standards for in fill (replacing buildings torn down, damaged, etc.) to keep the “façade wall” in effect, which can be as simple as a maximum front setback or requiring the average setbacks for buildings in the block or multi layered using the Pennsylvania Wilds Design Guide that deals with surface materials, signage, commercial centers and more. There are other forms of design standards that may be incorporated into a local zoning ordinance. For example, new development on vacant land or in fill development in a City between developed parcels may be guided by architectural design standard illustrations, as conceptually depicted below, 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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National Register Borough Historic District: Certainly the historic district and other historic resources are recognized among critical and defining characteristics of the City of Warren. The regulations reviewed show some controls related to the Historic District but little related to zoning. Consideration of one or both of the following protective measures is suggested when the City reviews the regulatory framework:
o Consideration of a Historic Overlay District that embraces the historic district within the City, which in turn spans several zoning districts. The overlay concept is rather simple in that whatever resource is to receive special attention (i.e. some communities have conservation overlays encompassing floodplains, steeply sloping areas, critical viewsheds, etc.), a certain subset of requirements, especially Permitted, Special Exception or Condition Uses, apply to that overlay over and above what may be called for in the underlying conventional district or districts. In this way the historic districts receive further protection from certain potentially undesirable uses or uses that would dilute the historic district. In addition, certain design standards and demolition standards/approvals may also be incorporated.
o Alternatively, specific design standards can also be incorporated into a Historic District Ordinance or into an Historic Overlay District, which may also address design and architectural features in terms of spacing and rhythm of buildings/features, proportion of facades and windows/doors, relationship of exterior materials and textures, relationship of roof shapes and architectural details, continuity and scale. Design illustrations may be shown that serve to put a firmer meaning into this role.
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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.
Alternative Highway Commercial Layout (outside of the CBD) – 15% of total building frontage at/near front setback line, reinforcing streetscape and screening parking.
Parking and circulation standards that illustrate written requirements, depicting a hierarchy for driveways, landscaping and other site planning considerations,
Illustration of design and site amenities for entry driveways.
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Alternative methods of achieving the screening of parking areas via perimeter buffering
Addressing the often overlooked concept of screening utility and mechanical equipment.
Such standards are in fact written in narrative form with the graphic depictions as a means of providing examples that transcend some of the more subjective design statements found in the local ordinances.
Attraction Signage: Pages 54 55 discuss the concept of Attraction Signage, which does not appear to be addressed in the existing regulatory framework reviewed. It is suggested that future updates of zoning and signage requirements consider some variation of enabling regulations.
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Short-term (first 12 months after adoption)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Determination of proper implementation vehicle and Building on the Stakeholders Group membership, the framework expanded group needs to decide the form and format of the Creation of new steering committee or task force implementation vehicle. The possibility of forming a new Expansion of role of existing steering committee or task steering committee/task force or adapting an existing force committee or agency for a new purpose must be determined. The chosen vehicle reviews the Other new agency/committee recommendations, suggested priorities and involved Continuation/Transformation Administrative Expansion of role of existing agency agencies, organizations and individuals and makes of Warren Heritage Heritage Resource necessary revisions and refinements. Suggested invited Community Program (HCP) Development An expanded formal group building on the activities of the Stakeholders Group charged with the review, agencies may include (subject to local consensus): Stakeholders and other Marketing Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry revisions and refinement of recommendations Early-Action Activities Council on Tourism Will also convene and coordinate various agencies Warren County Visitors Bureau Maintain a Facebook and/or other social networking Warren Main Street Program presence focusing on local HCP activities Warren City Council Institutionalize connections among area resources, Warren City Planning Commission attractions, reflecting the “balance of resources” Warren County Historical Society concept Warren County Commissioners Warren County Planning Commission Encourage business owners in Warren to adopt and maintain consistent operational hours and at least one Transit Authority of Warren County Community Foundation of Warren County common day for late openings US Forest Service/Allegheny National Forest Encourage planning of Fall and New Year’s events PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources discussed during Planning Charrette US Department of Public Welfare/Warren State Hospital Confirm/refine priorities among projects suggested in Northwestern Pennsylvania Commission WorkPlan Allegheny Center for the Arts Identify new possible future events/festivals (e.g. Warren County YMCA ethnic, Native American, harvest, etc.) and enhanced Warren Library Association coordination/clustering of existing events/festivals (e.g. Struthers Library Theatre town and dam) Residents at large with an interest in heritage and tourism
Enlist houses of worship to participate in stained glass and pipe organ tours Will improve coordination among local groups/committees and formulate a direction – perhaps one of the most critical Support the continuation and maintenance of the Main Street Program issues identified as a need during this planning process focusing on local resources, feedback and a continuous forum for enlisting volunteers
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Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - continued
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Consider participation in the America in Bloom with a America in Bloom provides a framework for continuous multi faceted approach of (1) enhancing the aesthetics improvements in communities via a municipal and volunteer Short-term Visual Quality Physical especially of critical gateways and the Route 6 self improvement program that brings the community Enhancements Enhancements corridors, (2) receiving advice/evaluation from outside together. While the program is a competition, it also Marketing judges, and (3) engaging varied elements of the addresses the natural landscape and self image of the community and brings in expert technical advice. The community in a positive low cost program application fee for a community the size of Warren in 2012 was $899 (Symposium, signs, banners, etc. extra) Physical Initiate planning for welcoming signage at the gateways Augment existing Route 6 gateway signage. Gateway and Wayfinding Enhancements identified in the Background section of this WorkPlan Develop the concept of welcoming signage that gives a sense of Signage Enhancements Heritage Resource (See page 52) “arrival” in a special place that showcases the downtown amenities, the River and the community Development Conceptually try to lure the traveler on the Route 6 Bypass Steering Committee/Task Force dealing with The www.wcvb.net , http://wccbi.org , and administrative and marketing components central to the www.warrenpamainstreet.org websites list events but not all WorkPlan keyed to building on the central concept of signature events are listed by each Coordination, Identity Marketing the balance of resources offered in Warren: Coordination meetings among event/activity sponsors – consider during annual (Nov.) Visitors Bureau or new and Clear Message Administrative Strategic location in relation to nature tourism monthly/quarterly coordination meetings Interpretive resources Consider better links among these sites or planning for a Urban shopping, hospitality and cultural amenities shared tourism tab and/or a Warren County App that Past and present industrial/economic heritage and augments existing information addressing tourism diverse cultural heritage resources, itineraries and things to do among the websites Consider links with regional tourism websites – such as Warren’s identity must get out on line in a more ANF and DCNR, as well as local tourism attractions’ coordinated manner, along with improved coordination websites, etc. of the many events and activities that characterize Develop a regional resources that connects resources in a Warren. This coordination and focus is probably the relatively large area (using regional resources Map in this most critical need identified in the planning process. WorkPlan as starting point) Maintain social networking presence and welcome and incorporate user submitted photos, reviews, stories, etc.
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Mid-term (1-5 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category
Complete wayfinding signage for attractions and Follow up to signage planning in Short term period above as resources not presently signed adequately highlighted on later in this WorkPlan WorkPlan identifies resources for consideration Wayfinding/Attraction signage at various locations with fabrication and installation costs likely in the range of $650 Visual/Wayfinding Marketing Encourage City to revise signage regulations to Signage Enhancements Heritage Resource specifically permit Attraction Signage as noted in $800 per site Welcoming signage/landscaping in the range of $2,000 Development this WorkPlan $3,000 and will likely require acquisition/sharing of an Planning and phased implementation for Gateway easement outside of the highway right of way signage/landscaping on in three (3) Gateways Transportation Enhancements Programs typically have been identified in WorkPlan periodically available but future long term funding is not certain as of this writing. Initiate and maintain a coordinated approach that Planning and implementation of “River Town” enhancements, Physical focuses of Warren as a sustainable “River Town” and including increased access to the Allegheny River and Trail and River Town Enhancements “Trail Town” Conewango Creek Water Trails Continued implementation of “Walkable Warren”, a combined Enhancements Heritage Resource Offering the amenities and attractions that reinforce community, social and tourism resource Warren as a destination for water and land trail users, Development Address convenient river access issue (See Downtown Interpretive while enhancing the concept of connectivity Enhancement below) Prominently publicizing Warren as a River & Trail Town Connectivity and clustering with Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways Implement the array of approaches/products used to Consensus during the Planning Charrette is condensed in the relay the message and the experience as initiated in concept of Warren as offering a wide array (“balance”) of Coordination, Identity Marketing Short-term Phase resources and attractions (e.g. natural, cultural & heritage) Develop a message of why visit Warren (i.e. “Warren and Clear Message Administrative Conduct/maintain coordinating meeting format Experience”) and unique experiences Implement links/website/app/brochures approach Interpretive Promotional & marketing efforts need to be inclusive of all of the reflecting consensus various attractions, businesses & resources that create this Develop itineraries and place on media chosen experience Maintain/monitor social networking presence and user Encourage better penetration into nearby metro areas of submitted material Pittsburgh, Cleveland & Buffalo
Planning initiation for appropriate venue for Warren Considerable interest was expressed during the Charrette on Industrial/Business display and interpretation a focal point to display Warren’s past present industrial heritage and products; Discussion focused on Warren County Visitors Bureau Center or a satellite location in Downtown
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Mid-term (1-5 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category
Encourage City to update and refine local zoning WorkPlan suggests certain changes into future ordinance. regulations to reflect suggested changes on pages 75 Design standards may be based on Pennsylvania Wilds Administrative 79 in the WorkPlan, which: Design Guide , which reinforces Warren’s connection with Regulatory Revisions Heritage Resource Suggests consideration of design standards and related nature and nature based industries
Development Suggests consideration of Historic Overlay District or Historic District Ordinance State funding (50%) via Municipal Assistance Program (MAP); Suggests addressing attraction signage Costs for revisions are difficult to estimate depending on the scope of changes/approach, but may range $5,000 $15,000. Initiate planning and implementation for enhanced Boat and canoe access near Downtown is not easily or Physical access between River and Central Business District inexpensively achieved, due to existing topography and river Enhancements Enhanced public access “feeling” at Breeze Point walls in certain areas. River access at Betts Park and near Downtown Heritage Resource Feasibility analysis of access/boat slips at alternative the junction of the Allegheny River and Conewango Creek Enhancements Development locations already exists; however, both are some distance from the Downtown. Marketing Maintain/expand mix of specialty retail, office, cultural, Area across River from Hospital is close to Downtown but Interpretive entertainment and residential uses Sustainable developmental focusing and featuring hampered by topography, requiring considerable structural geothermal use, walkability and connected open space improvements such as docking facilities, ramps, etc. The above coordinated with continued focus on multi Breeze Point provides structural obstacles and Charrette use riverfront redevelopment & revitalization participants noted potential regulatory issues. Consideration of changes to existing events that There is a plethora of events and activities presently, with enhance coordination among sponsors & participants, potential gaps (some planning to be filled as per the Better connect and publicize the events of the larger Charrette) in the Fall, New Years, and celebrating Ethnic and Heritage Resource region and Warren Native American Heritage Events and Activities Development Better connect local events in Betts Park and other Better connections with events at ANF, Kinzua & State facilities and the Downtown, with local ideas ranging from Marketing locations with the Downtown Sponsor “right sized” events in the Downtown that (1) changeable message signage, and a radio transmitter, to attract people (2) without unduly hampering non tourism non structural measures such as more coordinated business operations planning and marketing Incorporate the unique history, inventiveness and Charrette discussion noted that some events either contributions of Warren State Hospital “outgrew” the Downtown or may create congestion for routine business, thus, reconsideration of TAWC transit links with Betts Park, Kinzua area and other venues is suggested. 83
Long-Term (6-10 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category
Continue/complete implementation for enhanced Warren is vibrant presently, offering an array of urban and Physical access between Water/Land Trails and Central open space resources and attractions that complement the Enhancements Business District multitude of nature tourism resources – land and water in Downtown Enhancements Heritage Resource Development of docking/slips at location near the larger region. Continued Downtown revitalization and Development downtown or remote docking/slip with provision for refocusing on the River and only adds to this unique role.
Marketing transit/conveyance/connection to Downtown Physical enhancements fundable via the Keystone Interpretive Maintain/expand mix of specialty retail, office, cultural, entertainment and residential uses Communities Program, upcoming Transportation Sustainable developmental focusing and featuring Enhancement Programs, foundations, HOME/CDBG and geothermal use, walkability and connected open space local funding ; involves City Administration, Main Street Continued implementation on multi use riverfront Program, City of Warren Redevelopment Authority, Street redevelopment & revitalization Landscape Committee; City Parks and Recreation Interface with implementation of land trail connections Commission identified in this WorkPlan and noted below Maintain/enhance landscape and open space along Route 6 corridors Encourage and support regional initiatives in the Incorporating descriptions and mapping on tourism tab on Physical implementation of the trail connections noted in the the chosen website(s), under a heading that reinforces Trail and Related Enhancements Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways Plan including: image of Warren as a “Trail Town” Warren to North Warren Bike Trail – expansion from Interpretation Heritage Resource Warren to North Warren Bike Trail present 3 miles to 11 miles paralleling Conewango Enhancements Development Youngsville to Warren Trail Creek and serving commuters and nature tourists Tidioute Trail Proposed Youngsville Warren Trail connects two Route 6 Heritage Communities roughly along the Allegheny River and Brokenstraw Creek, a portion following an active railroad line. Proposed Tidioute Trail is adjacent to the Allegheny River between Tidioute and Buckaloons Recreation Area.
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Long- term (6-10 years)
Recommendation/Action Implementation Description Comments Category Continuation, maintenance and refinement of the array Essentially this maintains the central message and focus of approaches/products used to relay the message determined to be a critical need during the development of Coordination, Identity and Marketing and the experience this WorkPlan, and adds a dimension of showcasing the Clear Message Administrative Conduct/maintain coordinating meeting format local industrial heritage that was also seen as a need Showcased/interpreted industries include products and Interpretive Maintain/refine links/website/app/brochures approach reflecting consensus stories about major industries such as United Refinery, Maintain itineraries and place on media chosen Blair, Whirley DrinkWorks!, Blair, Northwest Savings Maintain/monitor social networking presence and user Bank, Warren State Hospital, Pittsburgh Des Moines submitted material Steel Company and others; Past industries that Implement a venue showcasing Warren’s many manufactured oil tank cars, pianos, furniture, and even economic/industrial contributions – past and present – the “Piso Consumptive Cure” – all in one location at Warren County Visitors Bureau Center or a satellite Centralized message and promotion focused on Warren location in Downtown offering a balance of resources (nature, cultural, hospitality, retail, recreational, etc.) and its role as a “River Town” and a “Trail Town”
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Summary of Recommendations
The graphics in this subsection help depict the existing resources and recommendations that are appropriately graphically illustrated, cutting across the categories included in the Implementation Matrix on the previous pages.
Regional Resources Map
The graphic on the following page summarizes existing tourism resources as well as suggested resources. As is seen, there is a wealth of and diversity among existing resources in the Warren area , including the following:
The numerous and well known regional attractions and resources associated with the Allegheny National Forest, including trails, boating/canoeing and other Kinzua Dam related recreational opportunities, other recreation and reflecting the forestry management heritage of the area;
The river and creek system that forms comprises the Allegheny River trail, a portion of which is a Wild and Scenic river, and the Conewango Creek Water Trail/Greenway Corridor;
Numerous Scenic and Wilderness areas, a State Park, State Gamelands, existing and proposed trails, a Scenic Byway, the proximity of the Oil and Lumber Heritage Regions and the PA Wilds resources;
Regional tourism resources in the nearby agricultural area, Sugar Grove and southern New York State areas; and
Diverse complimentary resources in and around the immediate Warren area, including its rich cultural and performance heritage and opportunities, existing diverse economic base and heritage, rich past industrial heritage, retail shopping and hospitality opportunities, and a role as a “River Town”.
The types of visitors the planning process feels that may be attracted cuts across numerous interest and age groups, embracing travellers with interest in land and water recreational amenities, arts enthusiasts, cultural tourists fro nearby metropolitan areas, cyclists, hunting and fishing enthusiastspersons interested in timber/wood products and rail industrial heritage, regional travelers seeking some “urban amenities” in an otherwise rural portion of Pennsylvania, and current seasonal residents and regular viiisitors to ANF/Kinzua resources, This is a large and diverse mix of people with varying interests.
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b
5
1 ! b 0
1 New York State Resources Agriculture S
SUGAR GROVE TOWNSHIP R R
S 1 0 S 1 2 R
SR 1 100 PINE GROVE TOWNSHIP 0 4 S 0 FARMINGTON TOWNSHIP Sugar Grove and S ! R 5 R 1 Backup Corners 0 3 1 1 0 1 0
New York State0 Resources 0 ! 4 3 Conewango Creek Water Trail/Greenway Corridor 3 ELK TOWNSHIP R 01 S 1 Scandia ! R ! S Jackson Run 62 Allegheny National Recreation Area
69 1011 SR 7
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9 9 - Water Recreation 01 1 CONEWANGO TOWNSHIP SR - Dining 27 North Warren ! - Camping Warren - North Warren Trail GLADE TOWNSHIP - Marina Youngsville
! ! SR 5 1 2 Kinzua (historical) 0 ! 0 0 Heritage Community 2 1 Allegheny River/ 2 1 S Kinzua Dam/ R 0 R 1 1 0 S Reservoir Water Trail/ YOUNGSVILLE BOROUGH 0 US Rt 6 R Allegheny Reservoir ! 1 S Warren County S Greenway Corridor X R Kinzua Beach mp088 Business Rt 6 and Scenic Overlooks ! 260 6 0 0 X 01 X 1030 SR 3 mp086 X R 2 6 SX mp091 ! SR 004 Visitors Center 6 8 4 SR X ! X S S ! Hemlock R mp089 WARREN! R 30 mp092 22 X 1 ! mp095 0 ! X 59 Jackson Crossing mp093 X S 2 Big Bend Buckaloons Recreation Area X R 3 ! X 0 Warren - Kinzua Dam Trail 12 ! Starbrick 2 7 0 6 2 mp094 6 Anders1 Run Natural Area SR 0 X
3 SR 3005 R Warren ! S Allegheny Springs Youngsville - Warren Trail 6 0 ! ! X 10 - Commercial mp098! SR Shipmans Eddy
- Accommodations ! mp099 SR BROKENSTRAW TOWNSHIP X 20 Allegheny River Water Trail 62 - Cultural/Arts 10 Longhouse Allegheny National Forest - "Trail Town" Wild & Scenic River Scenic
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Tidioute Trail 20 mp100 5 Species of Game Fish - "RiverSR Town" X Byway PLEASANT TOWNSHIP 6 b Allegheny River Water Trail Various Rt 6 Resources mp101 ! MEAD TOWNSHIP - Shopping X Wild & Scenic River Stoneham 5 Species of Game Fish State Gameland - WineryClarendon Heights North ! Allegheny National Forest - Dining Country mp102 S - Trails (hiking, motorized, R - Nature Tourism X Trail
2 0 x-country) Allegheny National Recreation Area 0 CLARENDON BOROUGH ! 3 - Canoe/Kayaking/Boats SR 2006 mp103 DEERFIELD TOWNSHIP ! X - Forestry Management Old Clarendon - Recreation/Open Space PA Wilds Oil Heritage Region WATSON TOWNSHIP Lumber SR Buchers Mills 20 mp104
! 01 X Heritage Hearts Content Scenic Area ! Althom Chapman State Park Weldbank Kane Heritage Community b Region b ! Hickory Creek Wilderness Area City of Warren Regional Resources 0 2.5 5 Miles Rt 6 Corridor HCP Warren Area Local Resources Map
Tourism resources and concepts on the following page are premised on enhancing the local resources of Warren, an urban oasis of sorts offering varied shopping, dining, accomodations and cultural resources yet close to scenic and natural amenities. Key among them are the following:
A key of the community is the preservation and enhancement of the pedestrian scale downtown as a focal point of an intimte shopping and residential environment while further enhancing the access to the Allegheny River and Conewango Creek.
The circuitous routing of US Business Route 6 already “calms” traffic. One priority is to get the regional bypass traffic to stop and discover Warren.
There are numerous and varied signature events that regularly attract throngs of visitors;
The community offers a varied cultural and industrial heritage that embraces everything from Native American and french settlement to oil and wood products to a long history of developing and nurturing the arts;
Warren is and always has been a very walkable community, afactor that is even more recognized and prized today; and
Warren retains much of its diverse business and industrial heritage, offering a “working example” of the Pennsylvania oil heritage, stable and continuously operating signature businesses, regional health care and shopping opportunities, an example of an innovative and adapting institution in the form of Warren State Hospital, historic and architecturally significant homes and commercial buildings, and an abundance of pride and community spirit.
Gaps identified during the planning process include, the lack of convenient river access, the lack of a focused message detailing “the Warren experience”, little opportunity to recognize “what Warren makes” or “what Warren does” today, and better communication and coordination among kay area tourism stakeholders.
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Interpretive Planning Statement – What Makes the Area Unique?
The final step of the Heritage Communities Planning effort is the development of Planning Statements that (1) embody the local heritage tourism effort and (2) relate this heritage to any of the identified six themes of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Corridor, which include The Warrior’s Road, Natural Opportunities, The Engineer’s Challenge, New Beginnings and Safe Havens, Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs and Outdoor Enthusiast’s Para dise. Popular engagement and discussions during the planning process included many of the Route 6 themes , some summarized below
Warriors Road: The area has both a long and distinguished heritage in this realm, embracing the early struggle for the New Wor ld among the Native Americans, French, English and new settlers, visitors and surveyors of the “Donation Lands” after the American Revolution, and the very namesake of the community. The Warriors Road connection did not stop there with the involvement of the region in the American Revolution, the War of 1812 and its contribution of regiments of local me n during the Civil War.
Natural Opportunities: Warren has a long and continuing relationship with the oil industry, and earlier with the timbering and wood products industries. The captains of these industries in particular became community leaders and were instrumental in building a sense of community, embracing local businesses, a cultural infrastructure, fine houses and a financial hub for a large region.
The Engineers Challenge: The nearby Kinzua Dam was an engineering marvel when constructed and even today. Parts of the St. Louis Arch were fabricated in Warren and locals suggest that an early hydraulic fractured (i.e. fracked ) we ll, a joint effort between Pennzoil and Quaker State , was drilled just off of Route 6 near Warren
New Beginnings and Safe Havens: The region hosted a diverse assortment of people struggling to control the area and their respective destinies, including the first settlers, the Native Americans. Celoron de Blainville led an expedition sent by the government of New France to establish French sovereignty over the Ohio Valley which was being threatened b y increasing British incursions, speaking of whom, the British did in
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fact exert its influence on the area. Many former African American slaves found their way through the region in what was known as the Underground Railroad, and even an annual convention of former slaves was held in nearby Sugar Grove.
Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs: The area offered many examples of these famous people ranging from Justice Robert Jackson who had a critical role in the post WWII Nuremburg Trails and in landmark desegregation case, Brown vs. Board of Education . It served as an “early audience” hearing Edison’s phonograph invention, it also heard many important speakers and performers, it was the home of a State facility for the mentally ill that embodied the "Kirkbride Model" and was an early proponent of sustainability and self sufficiency, and it was the home of John L. Blair, a true visionary and pioneer in the mail order business.
Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: This is a very visible present day Route 6 theme as reflected in the ANF, Kinzua Dam and Allegheny reservoir, a nearby State Park, the Allegheny River and Conewango Creek, State Gamelands, numerous nature and wilderness areas and trails, but is rooted in history too with the long association with outdoors in general embracing hunting and fishing, boating, canoeing, kayaking and auto tours.
In relating the Study Area to these Route 6 themes and/or in general promotions as a whole, Destination Development International, Inc. has developed a listing of “phrases to avoid”, and includes such words as “explore”, “discover”, “unlike anywhere else”, “so much to see and do”, “best kept secret”, “gateway” (to somewhere), “close to everywhere/everything”, “purely natural” (or other play on the word natural), “fun for the whole family”, “retire here”, and the apparent grand- daddy of them all “a great place to live, work and play” (reportedly used by 3,500 +/ communities). The message here is simple, stay away from the generic and focus on what makes Warren special and answer the question “ what can I get in the Warren area that I can’t get somewhere else?”
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Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
The Warren Area should focus its respective uniqueness to attract the traveling public and strengthen itself as a destination . While the location among various natural and environmental features, the cultural heritage and the small city urban amenities are all realities, the question still begs, “What can a traveler get in the Warren Area that they cannot find in their own backyard?” This WorkPlan identifies these unique qualities and the community and regional attractions and resources should be on the tips of every townsperson’s tongue. Identified early on in the planning process was the need to provide information on local and regional attractions in a consistent location. Information should be easily available on how to get to a given attraction or activity, the best way to experience it, and the history or story related to the attraction.
Wayfinding signage should be incorporated into the plan and be part of the informational system; it should be easy to read and congruent throughout community. The theme and its coordinated message should be center to a localized marketing and promotion effort that is at the same time coordinated with other regional efforts. In this case, a decision is required on the whether this coordinated message (1) is located on one of the identified agencies/websites, or (b) is shared among agencies and linked websites. A single point of contact and website is preferable for a “coordinated website” but this may raise a certain amount of controversy as well. Regardless, information should be readily shared with the PA Route 6 Alliance. Cross promotion of events and attractions should be both community wide and regionally based.
Recognizing the relationship between Warren and the larger region is important in marketing. The Warren Area is a part of a region rich in outdoor opportunities as well as an assortment of cultural, hospitality and shopping resources. The Implementation Matrix (pp. 80 85) includes a number of recommendations on getting these messages out. Identified in the planning project was the need to provide consistent and coordinated information on local and regional attractions. Throughout the implementation period, the WorkPlan identifies the need for participate in local and regional marketing and promotional efforts.
Regional and Local Promotions
The WorkPlan suggests a combined effort that both ties in with those of the suggested tourism promotion partners and further develops local promotional efforts. Websites continue to grow in importance in tourism promotions, and the recommendations in the Implementation Matrix reflect this.
A quick Google search for “Warren” finds most Warren, PA websites rather “lost” among Warren, MI, Warren, OH and Warren, NJ, as well as “non town” Warren’s, such as a small oil distributer in southwestern PA with that name and a Warren Township High School in Illinois. The only local website on the first page of the search is that of the Times-Observer. Warren County, PA’s website appears on the
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second page of the search, along with those of Counties in New York , Virginia and Ohio with the same name and the website of the City of Warren, PA . None of the websites with local tourism content turns up. Bottom line – there are a number of Warren’s and perhaps a need for improved search engine optimization . When searching “Warren, PA ”, the City website is first and that of the Warren County Visitors Bureau (WCVB) is sixth while that of the Main Street Program is ninth , all still on the first page of this modified search . The websites of the WCCBI and the Main Street Program are linked on the WCVB website, while the opposite is not true. The WCVB website has tabs for Events (by date), Outdoor Activities and Visit (i.e. accommodations) , but had an inoperable calendar that was inoperable during research associated with the WorkPlan. The WCCBI website lists events, a calendar and provides a c ommunity profile publication, and offers “Visit for a Day” (e.g. Cycling, Mountain Biking , Hiking, Camping, Hunting, Golf, etc) while the Main Street Program primarily focuses on downtown events and promotions. There is limited “cross walk” among them. Discussion and consensus during the planning process suggested that greater coordinating and shared marketing of events and activities should occur. The local website s have different orientations, with the Visitors Bureau focusing essentially on events, types of outdoor activities available, accommodations and some tourism attractions, while the WCCBI website shows activities (some repeating those WCVB but some others as well), a calendar and a pop down menu showing area business by generalized category ( e.g. accommodations, retail services , etc.) and some specific categories (e.g. restaurants, video s tore. wineries, etc.) Some local events, attractions and other tourism resources appear on three (3) area websites, al though several events and sponsoring organizations have individual websites as well. Closer consistency , cross promotion and coordination in identifying events among these websites are suggested. Local tourism efforts should be active in the efforts of the WCVB , affording the community the op portunity to participate in other state, regional and local efforts and yield the benefits of cross promotion. Creation of a multi day itinerary option interweaving visits among the many diverse resources and attractions that essentially reinforces the balance of resources concept, in short making a pragmatic reality out of the consensus that an array of attractions exist. In all cases, the experience not necessarily the locations/towns should be emphasized. The itinerary options can be posted on the local website, in QR Codes and as apps, and provided to all local and regional marketing affiliates. Incorporate National Tourism Week (1st full week of May) into the school curriculum by inviting business owners, WCVB, WCCBI and other local tourism offici als to speak about the importance of tourism to high school students , and maintain curriculum for a local history course with the Warren County School District. Highlight successful businesses through an awards and recognition program. Eliciting and using user submitted photos and stories via Warren focused social networking sites.
As a starting point to facilitate coordination among events, activities and sponsoring agencies, participants suggested coordination meetings among event/activity sponsors, rang ing from an annual meeting in November coinciding with a WCVB meeting , to new monthly/quarterly coordination meetings. The most workable solution, approach and frequency should be determined locally. 93
Cross Promotions
Businesses should be encouraged to cross promote their products, services and offerings. Local accommodations and attractions are recommended to agree on joint packaging, even cooperatively advertising their product. Attractions should not be limited to physical places. For example, guide services, artisans and other specialists can offer their services or learning experiences to lodging guests. Promotions are recommended to reflect the themes noted in the Implementation Matrix. Certain signature events and attractions (i.e. Rib Fest, Kinzua Country Tango, Canoe and Kayak races, etc.) draw sizable crowds, giving the opportunity to connect to those events and attractions and offer something downtown to attract the visitor. Special sales and activities coinciding with these signature events already exist and are recommended to continue. Remember, the shopping experience and the signature events help define Warren’s uniqueness.
Web Presence
Study Area businesses and attractions appear to have a varied web presence range, with some having exceptionally well planned and user friendly sites but some having no presence at all. A number of local businesses and organizations are linked via the local WCVB and WCCBI websites via an inventory of businesses for navigation by the user. The websites of some businesses are given as links once the user navigates to one of the categories within the sites, however, the search can be circuitous for the visitor. The 2008 PA Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan identified the following within Warren County, with those in each category in the vicinity of Warren City in parenthesis: 63 accommodations/food services (38 – including 4 inns, 4 motels, 4 campgrounds & 9 restaurants, and 14 fast food establishments) 27 arts, entertainment and recreation providers (18 – including a 3 art galleries, 4 fitness centers, 1 golf course, 4 historical sites, and a museum) 108 tourism oriented retail establishments (69 – including 16 chain retail, 10 convenience stores, and 6 gift/novelty stores) Given their importance to the traveling public, web presence or at least web based information on these businesses should be a priority.
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Planning by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s notes the importance of installing tourist friendly signage as part of a tourism development and promotion effort. A relatively new approach has been developed that replaces the Tourism Oriented Directional Signage on State highways. The State signage can let people know where they are (i.e. identify regions, local communities and attractions). Wayfinding signing at a local level is a way to provide a systematic
94 network of directional signs to guide the traveling public from major highway gateways to key civic, cultural, regional and commercial destinations using the minimum number of signs. It is designed to coincide with regional tourism marketing. A common approach to signage regulation for the Warren Area is suggested in this WorkPlan. A few guiding principles for wayfinding are summarized below: Wayfinding needs are best resolved during initial planning stages through a collaborative effort by all design professionals, architects, designers and sign makers, to address a project's total environmental communication. Graphics, such as signs, color coding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites, provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information. Provide standardized "you are here" maps of the project that include an overall map of the complex and more detailed maps of specific areas. Local tourism resources should be designated by directional signage that includes a common logo, directional arrow and distance.
The challenges to current resource signing in general include lack of uniformity, message overload, sign redundancy, poor image for tourists, lack of effectiveness/prioritization, lack of background context and lack of maintenance.
Signage System
Color/symbol coded resource signage is suggested for resources, keyed to the following groups: Natural/Environmental resources– public and private sites, river access, etc. Sporting resources – fishing, cycling, ATV, hiking, swimming, boating, etc. Community Life resources – churches, library, performing arts, etc. Industrial/Commercial resources – past/present businesses and sites Historic Sites – museums, architecturally significant buildings, etc. Tourism Services resources – visitors centers, accommodations and food services, tourism oriented retail/services, etc.
Locally eligible attractions typically included in wayfinding efforts are summarized as follows and depicted on the map on pages 87 and 89, some of which are already signed locally commercial attractions such as local signature downtown businesses, eating/drinking establishments, the North Warren highway commercial area and other signature/specialty shopping; cultural/historical attractions such as the Struthers Library Theatre, Historical Society, Crary Art Gallery, etc.; historical/architectural resources such as the various associated with Warren such as the Historic District, Roscoe Hall, houses of worship, State Hospital, etc.; and recreational/open space attractions such as Breeze Point and other Allegheny River frontage, Betts Park, Conewango Creek Greenway/Water Trail, North Warren Trail, etc. Typically, signed attractions shall be open to all persons regardless of race, color, religion, ancestry, sex, age or handicap; be clean and pleasing in appearance, maintained in good repair; and comply with all applicable code 95 regulations and statutes for public accommodations; be open to the general public a minimum of 30 days per calendar year; and provide sufficient parking and an on premise sign readily visible from the highway. Signage efforts should consider a signage partnership with attractions benefiting to meet installation, design and maintenance costs. The types of attractions eligible for signing under PennDOT regulations are identified on pages 54 55 of this WorkPlan. An adjunct to wayfinding signage that several of Route 6 Heritage Communities are exploring is the “smart kiosk” that not only dispenses information 24/7 on attractions, shopping and accommodations choices, sites of interest, etc., but provides cultural/heritage information on local stories in an interactive format. This approach has upfront hardware and software costs that can vary, but can provide information literally around the clock, at strategic locations (e.g. WCVB, Downtown site, Dam area, etc.).
Welcoming Signage
Welcoming signage was discussed at the time of this planning effort, given the rather generic ambiance of the identified gateways and segments of the Route 6 Bypass corridor (see page 52). While the aforementioned are not unattractive, they give no real indication to the traveler that she or he has “arrived” anywhere special. It appears that the visitor is assumed to know all the great things Warren has to offer, and that he or she will get off of the Bypass and travel into town along Business Route 6. Physical enhancements to the gateways and corridor will not in and of themselves make Warren a better destination, but they will reinforce the concept that Warren is in fact a destination. Welcoming signage and landscaping can be expensive, but interim measures such as plantings by local groups, committees, etc. can be effective as well.
Aesthetics and Nature Relationship
Participation in America in Bloom (AIB) is suggested, as a means of further enhancing aesthetics and linking the urban community with the natural resources so important to Warren as a destination. AIB is a multi faceted approach of (1) enhancing the aesthetics especially of critical gateways and the Route 6 corridors, (2) receiving advice/evaluation from outside judges, and (3) engaging varied elements of the community in a positive low cost program. While AIB is a competition, it also addresses the natural landscape and self image of the community and brings in expert technical advice. AIB judges review and evaluate each community in six categories.
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Floral Displays Flower beds, containers, baskets, window boxes o Arrangement, originality, distribution, location, diversity, balance, harmony, quality of maintenance. o Use and integration of annuals, perennials, ornamental grasses, bulbs, and seasonal flowers.
Landscaped Areas Community gardens, children’s gardens, public gardens and zoos. o Overall design and suitability of landscape, turf and ground covers. o Use of native plants. o Overall design and suitability for location/use; good use of design principles. Sustainability and integration of hardscapes, lighting, site features, sculpture. o Efforts in strategic planning.
Urban Forestry – Urban tree program o Distribution, variety and suitability of trees. o Qualified personnel or access to trained individual(s). o Inventory or database, written policies, by laws and regulations, long and short term plans. o Frequency of tree surveys, scheduled succession plantings, care and maintenance programs, and efforts in management, planning, maintenance, improvement, and innovation. o Preservation of heritage trees and woodlot.
Environmental Efforts Sustainability practices o Recycling, policies and by laws, sustainable development strategies, such as reducing carbon footprint, environmentally friendly transportation, LEED certification, air, noise and light pollution, rain gardens and rain barrels, composting, energy efficiency, youth programs, etc. o Waste reduction, hazardous waste minimization and collection (oil, paint, chemicals, used batteries, etc.). o Water quality and conservation, energy conservation, environmental cleanup activities. o Events such as Earth Day, Recycling Days, Bike to Work Days, etc.
Heritage Preservation Historical, natural, agricultural, and cultural heritage o Preservation and restoration of buildings, homes, churches, cemeteries, heritage sites and/or monument. o Heritage parks, historical gardens and heritage trees. o Historical society; heritage advisory committee, museums, archives, history books, and interpretative programs; ordinances and policies. o Farmers markets, festivals and parades.
Overall Impression Cleanliness, lack of litter and graffiti o Maintenance of public open spaces, medians and boulevard strips, streets, sidewalks, walking and biking trails, curbs, ditches, road shoulders, unattended and vacant lots, buildings, garbage receptacles. o Lack of weeds, dog waste policies and receptacles, notices/posters appropriately displayed and vandalism not evident. o Maintenance of the hardscape: sidewalks, walls, lamp posts, benches, playgrounds, etc. o Appropriate use and placement of graphic elements such as banners, signs and murals.
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Adherence to and implementation of number of the above categories is already in evidence in Warren. AIB participation would bring a certain focus and identity to an effort that includes some elements already underway, albeit perhaps without coordination and an identity, and require attention to some elements that may not have yet made it to the community agenda. While this is a competition it requires a minimal financial investment but a major self help effort, where winning communities are recognized and where all communities receive advice.
Heritage Resource Development/Physical Enhancement Planning Statement
Physical and non physical improvements are necessary for Warren to develop its role as either a primary or secondary destination, as a place with a varied array of resources. Input gained from community workshops, the Charrette, and Stakeholder Group meetings all suggested that that Warren’s visual quality varies but is seen as being fairly good overall, and comparatively few physical improvements are needed. Conversely, a number of activities must be addressed if warren is to fulfill two related roles of being a “River Town” and a “Trail Town”. Building on strengths and resolving weaknesses underlie the enhancements noted in this WorkPlan, which proposes a number of downtown, community and developmental initiatives that reinforce Warren as a place to visit given the multiplicity of natural and cultural attractions and resources it offers. These strategic enhancements attempt to improve Warren’s connection with these diverse attractions and resources. Based on the review of input, discussion and field conditions, the development and community recommendations focus on the following:
Downtown Enhancements
The Central Business District (CBD) provides an overall good and vibrant appearance, especially for the “land traveler” although access to/from the waterways is more of a challenge. There are unmistakable positive results due to recent streetscape enhancements and recruitment of businesses, but even though literally a “river runs through it” it is hard to reap all of the advantages of this distinct location advantage.
The issues with river and creek access are not surprises to locals involved in the Planning Charrette in early 2012, who seemed to agree that enhanced access between River and CBD had to be addressed in the form of a continued focus on multi use riverfront redevelopment and revitalization. Boat and canoe access near Downtown is not easily or inexpensively achieved, due to existing topography and river walls in certain areas.
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River access at Betts Park and near the junction of the Allegheny River and Conewango Creek already exists; however, both are some distance from the CBD. The river bank area across the River from Hospital is close to Downtown but hampered by topography, requiring considerable structural improvements such as docking facilities, ramps, etc. At the same time locals agree that an enhanced public access “feeling” at Breeze Point is needed since they note that some in the community do not perceive it as welcoming. In essence the following are suggested in this WorkPlan:
Feasibility analysis of access and boat slips at alternative locations near the CBD, or develop remote docking and slip area with provision for transit/conveyance/connection to Downtown Maintain/expand mix of specialty retail, office, cultural, entertainment and residential uses, coupled with sustainable developmental focusing and featuring geothermal use, walkability and connected open space Continue/complete implementation for enhanced access between water/land trails and CBD, and continued interface with implementation of land trail connections as identified in this WorkPlan Maintain/enhance landscape and open space along Route 6 corridors Alternative location of an exhibit that displays and interprets “what Warren makes”, focusing on products and services made by present or past businesses
Overall, Warren is vibrant presently, offering an array of urban and open space resources and attractions that complement the multitude of nature tourism resources in the larger region, consisting of land and water resources, with the latter probably the most unique of Warren’s natural setting. Continued Downtown revitalization and refocusing on the River and only adds to this unique role.
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Trail Town and River Town Enhancements
It is a part of the i nterpretive plan that numerous of Warren’s many and diverse resources and attractions are promoted by a coordinated approach that focuses of Warren as a sustainable “River Town” and “Trail Town” . This is accomplished by Warren offering the amenities and attractions that reinforce Warren as a destination for water and land trail users, while enhancing the concept of connectivity for visitors and residents alike. For the latter, the worker in and/or resident of Warren may have been attracted or retained by a quality of life that is closely related to it being an important node on land or eater trails, and everything (e.g. shopping, entertainment, dining, etc.) that goes along with its role as a “node”. This includes short and mid term implementing activities p rominently publicizing Warren as a River and Trail Town and longer term implementation of enhancements, including increased access to the Allegheny River and Conewango Creek water trails and development of regional land trails and extensions. In the shorter/mid term, c ontinued implementation of “Walkable Warren”, a combined community, social and tourism resource , begin to plan for and address convenient river access issue (See Downtown section above) and better connectivity between Warren and Dam and clustering of events with Pennsylvania Kinzua Pathways .
In the longer term, a number of t rail and related interpretation enhancements are suggested in addition to the resolution of the river access issues, including encourage and support regional initiatives in the implementation of the trail connections noted in the Northwest Pennsylvania Greenways Plan including the following: Warren to North Warren Bike Trail extension– expansion from present 3 miles to 11 miles paralleling Conewango Creek and serving commuters and nature tourists Youngsville to Warren Trail proposed trail connects two Route 6 Heritage Communities roughly along the Allegheny River and Broken straw Creek, a portion following an active railroad line Tidioute Trail proposed Tidioute Trail a regional trail, adjacent to the Allegheny River between Tidioute and Buckaloons Recreation Area, thereby linking several regional nature tourism areas and l inking two trail towns.
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As these trail enhancements are implemented, descriptions and mapping must be incorporated on the tourism website(s) chosen (i.e. WCVB and/or WCCBI) under a heading that reinforces image of Warren as a “Trail Town”
Interpretive Events, Venues and Activities
The dynamics of the charrette concept – discussion and feedback by an engaged audience concentrated during a few days – lend itself to an open assessment of conditions and trends and measures needed to resolve issues and gaps while building on strengths. In essence, a major line of thought emerging from the Warren Charrette can be summed up in the thought that while Warren has much to offer the visitor and resident alike, it may just need to coordinate and cross promote attractions, events and resources just a little better, one part of focusing the message. In fact, unlike some other Route 6 Heritage Communities, Warren charrette participants seemed to reflect the feeling that these largely non structural considerations are needs rather than structural projects. Consensus emerged on changes to existing events that enhance coordination among sponsors and participants: Better connections, linkages and cross promotions between the events of the larger region and the attractions, events and amenities of Warren o Non structural connections including better coordination and more cross promotions: o Better physical connections with events at ANF, the Kinzua Dam area and State facilities and the CBD, with local ideas ranging from changeable message signage, informational kiosks at strategic locations, a radio transmitter with informational signage (such as that seen along certain major highways) and/or a transit link Better connection of local events in Betts Park and other locations with the CBD via revisiting a transit link and/or a local trail link; Sponsor “right sized” events in the CBD that (1) attract people (2) without unduly hampering non tourism business operations; Incorporate the unique history, inventiveness and contributions of Warren State Hospital not only interpreting the evolving field of treating mental illness, but in sustainability and creativity as well; and While there is a plethora of events and activities presently, there are potential gaps in the Fall, at New Years, celebrating ethnic heritage and celebrating Native American Heritage: o Planning for an autumn harvest festival and a New Year’s event underway as per the Charrette discussion o Ethnic group identification research revealed the common identities (2010 percentages in parenthesis as per US Census) in Warren County to be
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German (30%), English (16%), Irish (14%), Swedish (13%) and Italian (10%)
Charrette discussion noted that some events either “outgrew” the CBD or may create congestion for routine business, thus, reconsideration of TAWC transit links with Betts Park, Kinzua area and other venues is suggested.
Finally, while locals and Route 6 Alliance planners marveled at the plethora of goods and services offered by existing corporate residents (e.g. United Refining, Blair, Whirley DrinkWorks!, Northwestern Savings Bank) and past industries that made everything from furniture and railroad tank cars to “snake oil”, there is no central place where these goods and services are showcased and interpreted. Simply stated, a “What Warren Makes (or Made)” interpretive exhibit was seen as a need, either at the present WCVB or in a satellite location within the CBD. There is a unique business and industrial history and present diverse economic base in Warren, and frankly the world needs to know about it and the people who made it. An exhibit avoids the liability issue that may occur in showcasing existing industries/businesses in a “plant tour”, while centralizing attention on Warren as a hub of varied products and activities in a focused setting.
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Community WorkPlan Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance 2012