Four years from now, local leaders hope Hamburg will provide a thriving, growing community to residents and guests.
To that end, the Our Town Foundation partnered with the Borough of Hamburg and other organizations in a strategic planning process, Community Vision 2020, and has asked residents to participate.
An initial meeting was held Tuesday, Jan. 26, in the auditorium of the Hamburg Strand Theater.
“There’s going to be a lot of change, there’s no doubt about that,” said OTF President Steve Keifer, who moderated the event. “As a group we have the chance to [decide] what kind of change we want.”
Keifer invited Steve MacBeth, past OTF president and the theater’s property manager, to review changes made to the Strand since it was purchased by OTF in 2013. Completed projects include replacing the roof, repairing the marquee and upgrading to a digital system. The latter allowed the theater to show first-run movies, which MacBeth said was crucial in positively changing the Strand’s image.
Future goals are installing bistro seating in the back of the auditorium, adding dressing rooms and improving the stage. Pointing to a stack of boards behind him on the platform, MacBeth said, “Ultimately our goal for the theater is to go with live performances, comedy shows, things of that nature. We want to make a real, true type theater environment.”
Movies will remain part of the Strand’s offerings, as well. Both Macbeth and Keifer commended Strand Coordinator Stephanie Adam and Manager Bethany Sholl for their work in drawing in customers to Hamburg.
“It’s nice to see families downtown with their kids, watching movies,” Keifer said. “We’re actually turning a bit of a profit.”
OTF Executive Director Deena Kershner outlined changes effected by the foundation since its inception in 2002. “Blue Mountain Wildlife and the Historical Society were formed about the same time as the Our Town Foundation,” she said, and all have worked together to improve Hamburg.
Work included securing substantial grants, creating senior housing, improving existing homes and parks, and creating an art alliance and gallery. Many residents are familiar with an event created by OTF, the Taste of Hamburg-er Festival, which now draws an estimated 30,000 people to downtown.
“We’re going into our 13th year of the festival and we know how that has blossomed,” Kershner said.
Projects in the works by OTF include creating a parking space at Third and Grant streets and the development of the lot next to the Hamburg Diner on State Street. Kershner said they have applied for a grant to put “a pavilion in the area. It’s going to stay a recreation area, an open area for the town. A member artist has a sculpture to donate.”
Keifer commended OTF and other groups for working together but cautioned that work remains to be done. Businesses are needed for empty store fronts on Fourth Street, jobs are needed to attract workers and retain high school graduates, and the town’s overall look needs improvement to attract visitors.
Those present broke into groups and debated Hamburg’s strengths. Lively discussion points included talented population, a strong school system and theater and art programs. Groups also considered weaknesses: parking, safety and drug concerns and better quality restaurants were mentioned.
During an open-question session, residents expressed concern over lots which are not properly mowed in the summer. John Leonforte, enforcement officer for the borough, responded, “If you see tall grass, call me or email me. You don’t even have to tell me who you are. Just tell me and we’ll deal with it.”
Linda King asked about ways to improve the landscaping and signage around town.
“We’re known for being not-friendly, little Dutch folks, and I’m one of them,” King said, and the crowd laughed with her. But, she added, “We have to soften our image, I believe.”
Kershner shared results of a study conducted by Jim Shenkweiler of Penn State, which concluded more attractive approaches to Hamburg are needed.
Sandy Caston, a member of the design committee, said she had presented landscaping plans to the borough, which needs to vote on the proposal.
Kershner said a good plan would involve finding funding and incorporating suggestions by native-wildlife planting groups and Hamburg’s resident artists.
Kathy Maberry of the Hamburg Historical Society mentioned plans to move the society across the street from its current location on State Street. The idea is currently under negotiation.
“When we get on the other side, we want to take parts of our building [with us],” Maberry said. “It’s going to be facing the bridge, so when you come into town that way, you’ll see the historical society, more like a front porch and an inviting way to come to town.”
Stanley Snyder stated a need to improve the south entrance into town, as well. He asked if the town could add an attractive, electronic billboard to announce upcoming events and be changed regularly.
“At this point, the sky’s the limit and we’re brainstorming.,” Keifer said. “At our next meeting, we’re really going to get into it.”
He invited all present to return for the second vision meeting, which will be held Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. In order to accommodate the large group, this meeting will be moved to the cafeteria of Hamburg Area High School, 701 Windsor Street, Hamburg.
In addition to meeting participants, OTF hopes to get community-wide input. A survey has been prepared allowing all residents of Hamburg and its surrounding townships to have their say. Copies of the survey are available at the Our Town Foundation office, 335 State Street; and online at www.surveymonkey.com/r/MYZY2FR.
Those completing the survey are asked to do so by Monday, Feb. 15, as results will be tabulated and discussed at the Feb. 23 meeting. The public is invited to attend and participate in this meeting at the high school. Those interested should contact the Our Town Foundation at 610-562-3106 to RSVP.