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Officials move forward with demoltion of Central Hotel

Borough awarded $300,000 grant for destruction of building

LEWISTOWN — In an effort to remediate blight downtown Lewistown officials are moving forward with the demolition of the former Central Hotel — located at the corner of East Third and Valley streets.

Lewistown Borough was awarded a $300,000 state grant to demolish the building — a 10 percent matching grant which was met by Lewistown Borough and Mifflin County.

“Hopefully the contract will be signed and we will be able to begin working on that soon,” Jim Zubler, executive director of Downtown Lewistown Inc. told the board during its quarterly meeting on Wednesday.

“It is unfortunate that we have to take action like this, but it is necessary. I think we all recognize the importance of that,” Zubler said.

The director also announced that there are still grants available for facade improvements. Funding will no longer be available in April 2022, he said.

Mark Colussy, Mifflin County planning director and DLI board member also provided an update on projects that would attract more people to downtown merchants in Lewistown.

He said PennDOT will begin work on a transportation study in the county that could help provide input into county projects like the Downtown Connector Project, and a project that would connect Victory Park to the Stone Arch Bridge and another project which would connect Rec Park to Kish Park.

“If you can encourage people to walk and ride their bike in town, it will get them ever closer to our downtown merchants and other commerce centers of the community. So not only people outside of the area will come visit our area, but even our own residents will get out either on their lunch breaks or out of their homes and visit our merchants. Hopefully it will improve property values and encourage businesses to be successful,” Colussy said.

Regarding other issues, Zubler announced that DLI has again been accredited by Main Streets America.

Downtown Lewistown Inc. is among 28 Pennsylvania downtowns earning a national accreditation designation.

In 2020, Main Street America programs in Pennsylvania generated more than $41.1 million in local reinvestment, helped open 167 net new businesses, generated 243 net new full time and 152 net part time jobs, catalyzed the rehabilitation of 118 historic buildings, and clocked over 18,000 volunteer hours.

“We are thrilled to acknowledge this year’s Accredited and Affiliate programs and their dedication to advancing economic opportunity and quality of life in their downtowns,” Patrice Frey, President & CEO of Main Street America said in a news release. “During an incredibly challenging year, these programs have demonstrated the power of the Main Street movement to champion small businesses, drive recovery efforts, and lift up their communities. I am inspired by their efforts and know that these Main Street programs will continue to help their districts flourish in the next stages of recovery.

Jon Zimmerman, president of DLI, announced his intention to step down from his seat as chair, but said he still wanted to serve on the board in an official capacity.

Zubler said DLI bylaws do not allow a chair and a president to serve separately.

“We will be working on the bylaws and bringing that to you in September, then voted on at the next board member (in December),” said Zubler.

Board members thanked Zimmerman for serving on the board.

“There aren’t words to express my gratitude for all you’ve done over all these years. It’s been amazing,” said Lewistown Mayor Deborah Bargo.

In other news, the board elected board members: Dave Boreland, Jerry Hummel, Rob Postal, Mike Buffington, Eric Sherman will serve another 3-year term to expire 2023, while Mary Lee Shaffer will serve a one-year term.

The following will serve on the executive committee: David Fry, Ron Napakoski Terry Foster.

The board also approved a salary increase for Zubler.

“When we hired him in 2000ish, he was with the Danville Chamber of Commerce,” said Zimmerman. “We are extremely lucky to get this guy. It is unusual to have somebody hang around for that long.

Zimmerman said Zubler took a pay cut in to help operations at DLI and that the pay increase does not yet take him back to his starting salary.

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