"Small Town...Huge Possibilities" was the theme for a public forum held last Thursday in Wilson Borough at the Strasser Community Center. The evening was headed up by Mark Hartney of the Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, who explained that the purpose of the meeting was to highlight plans of the Wilson Borough Business Revitalization Program.

This was detailed as being a collaborative effort between Lehigh County, Northampton County, Commonwealth of Pa., Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and nine Lehigh/Northampton County boroughs. Residents and business owners alike were invited to attend. About 24 people braved the rainy weather to hear the vision of the Revitalization Committee: "Engage all elements of the community in creating a more vibrant environment for residents to live, for businesses to thrive and for property values to increase."

Freeman, a native resident of Easton, stood to give his endorsement to the program. "This is a great community. I hope you all get involved."

"It takes a community to build a community" was the call for involvement from Hartney. He told residents, "I'm here to help you with the process but I can't do it alone."

State Representative Robert Freeman, Northampton County Council Member Michael Doud, Wilson Borough Council Member James McGowan and Borough Manager, Karen Lohrman were in attendance to show their support and involvement in the project.

Many of the existing positive aspects of Wilson Borough were highlighted in the presentation. However, Hartney pointed out "a bit of decline in the business climate in the borough necessitates a new plan."

There was talk about involvement and the need for volunteers.

Doug Kidd owner of Cottman Transmission appealed to the audience saying, "We need your help. Sign up for one of the committees that you're interested in."

Others who have a stake in the borough that were in attendance at the forum were Daniel Redington of Meuser Library and Robert Scheirer of Scheirer Carpet and Clocks.

During the presentation, a four-point approach was defined by Hartney. The "conceptual framework for downtown revitalization" was outlined by four general concepts: Organization, Promotion, Design and Economic Restructuring.

Those four points were then broken down by definite responsibilities of the proposed committees.

Hartney affirmed that the Steering Committee is filled with already dedicated individuals, but the need is there for others to fill remaining committees.
Robert Pitera, member of the Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce and a Wilson resident, took the opportunity that evening to become involved by stepping up to the position of Chairman of the Promotions Committee.

Comparisons to Bethlehem were referred to as an example of successful revitalization. Hartney said the framework is there, it just needs to be customized to the community, also confirming that the plan is in place to grow with the downtown Easton revitalization efforts.

Another point of discussion was the fact that there is no single central downtown shopping area in Wilson, but rather separate shopping districts. Many thought this could be developed as a positive character of the borough.

Those that attended the informal forum enjoyed refreshments provided by Easton Hospital and left with the overall message being summarized by Hartney "It's up to the community to lead the effort. You have the power to make the change."

For more information regarding the meeting or the Wilson Borough Business Revitalization Program please contact: Mark Hartney, Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce, (610)841-5861 This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or Karen Lohrman, Wilson Borough Manager (610)258-6142, This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it