Honesdale getting $450,000 from state to start Main Street revitalization

Peter Becker, Tri-County Independent

Honesdale Borough has been notified of a grant award of $450,000 to begin the revitalization of Main Street beginning with the 1200 block. The Greater Honesdale Partnership (GHP) is coordinating the streetscape project, working closely with the borough.

State Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) made the announcement Tuesday, March 26, as part of over $2.5 million in grants awarded for local transportation improvement projects across Monroe, Wayne and Lackawanna counties.

The grants, awarded through Commonwealth Finance Agency’s Multimodal Transportation Fund, "are to encourage economic development and ensure that a safe and reliable system of transportation is available to the residents of the commonwealth," the press release stated.

Funds for Honesdale are for streetscape improvements along Main Street, benefiting aesthetics and pedestrian access.

This is the latest preliminary rendering by Woodland Design Associates of the proposed design of the Main Street Streetscape plan. GHP is still in the process of having these designs reviewed by stakeholders, the borough council and the public. Details may change. This view looking south on Main Street at the corner with 9th Street, shows a pedestrian "bump out" at left, newly designed streetlamps posts and bicycle route markings. Bump outs are proposed at each intersection.

Sandi Levens, executive director of GHP, stated that the grant is specifically for improvements to both sides of Main Street between 12th and 11th streets. Contingent on funding, the vision is to continue the streetscape down the commercial district on Main Street.

The plan includes pedestrian improvements with "bump outs" at the crosswalks, that allow someone crossing the street to be more readily seen by oncoming motorists.

New sidewalks with planters and benches are planned.

PPL lamp posts are to be replaced with a design, she said, which is more in harmony with the historic aesthetics of downtown. The black lamp posts each will have two lights; an upper arm will illuminate the street and a lower arm will point the other way, lighting the sidewalk. Lamps will use LED technology and will be properly shielded to direct light down rather than shine on upper story windows, some which are for residential apartments, Levens said.

Levens stated that the borough, which served as the applicant, and GHP had requested $1.3 million for this phase of the project, but stressed, "We are still very happy... this is a good start." She said that they will continue to search for more grants and conduct fundraising.

This July 2023 photo shows a section of the 1200 block of Main Street, Honesdale. The borough, in coordination with Greater Honesdale Partnership, has received $450,000 in state grant funding to begin the process of streetscape upgrades on Main with this block.
This July 2023 photo shows a section of the 1200 block of Main Street, Honesdale. The borough, in coordination with Greater Honesdale Partnership, has received $450,000 in state grant funding to begin the process of streetscape upgrades on Main with this block.

“I am pleased to have assisted in securing the necessary funding for important projects and upgrades within our region,” Brown said in the press release. “Investing in our infrastructure is essential for the safety, growth and prosperity of our communities. These grants are a significant step toward our ongoing efforts to ensure our roads, sidewalks and public spaces are safe and accessible. I look forward to seeing the positive impact these projects will have in the district.”

James Hamill, Honesdale borough councilor, commented about the funding, "I think it's a validation of the fundability and common-sense approach of the community, borough council and other funding sources have taken for the quality of life in downtown."

He noted this funding is just one step in the process, in which trust must be given as the project goes forward. "It can only benefit everyone in the long run as we continue to get more input and more funding," Hamill said.

On Feb. 16, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger visited Honesdale, promoting the governor's proposed state budget. While here, he made the surprise announcement that the application for a $100,000 Keystone Partnership grant had been approved, benefiting the streetscape project.

More: Shapiro touts budget proposal, cites benefits to Honesdale's downtown upgrade plans

Of that, $50,000 is for a second round of business facade improvements. The other $50,000 will be for a new program GHP will run, where businesses can apply for funds to help sustain or grow their business. Examples include marketing, training, large equipment purchases or interior renovations.

There will be a 50% match needed for the sustainability grants, Levens said. If they cannot afford it, GHP will offer a low-interest revolving loan. On top of the $50,000 from the state for this program, Levens said that a private donor has contributed another $50,000.

A July 2023 view of the 1200 block of Main Street in Honesdale, looking west.
A July 2023 view of the 1200 block of Main Street in Honesdale, looking west.

Woodland Design Associates of Honesdale was contracted by GHP to do the design work and serve as project consultant for the upgrades.

Other components of the revitalization plan include public safety and aesthetic improvements to 12th Street, to facilitate pedestrian access to the riverside trail that is also being planned; and a side street pedestrian plaza.

The borough and GHP obtained funding of $311,000 for the 12th Street improvement plan's design and construction. The funding sources are the DCED and a Local Share Account state grant.

Peter Becker has worked at the Tri-County Independent or its predecessor publications since 1994. Reach him at pbecker@tricountyindependent.com or 570-253-3055 ext. 1588.

This article originally appeared on Tri-County Independent: State funding announced to begin upgrading Honesdale's Main Street

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