YOUNGSVILLE — Efforts to revitalize downtown Youngsville are still in the planning stages, but starting to gain some concrete direction.

At the Monday meeting of Youngsville Borough Council, a draft of final downtown master plan recommendations was presented by consulting firm Downtown Redevelopment Services, LLC. While council did not make a final adoption of the recommendations in the absence of three members, they will be revisited at the September meeting.

Council was presented with full recommendations; highlighted recommendations, or those deemed most important by the consulting firm; and suggestions on an initial one-to-two year implementation plan. Recommendations were broken down into categories of land use, built environment, parks and civic spaces, urban design, transportation, green infrastructure, housing and economic development. A targeted development space recommendation was also presented.

In the area of land use, development of a vacant property ordinance was highlighted. Downtown Redevelopment recommended an ordinance include building use requirements limiting less impactful uses, thresholds for vacancy possession, a clear definition of what a “used” building is as opposed to a vacant one and incentives and penalties to encourage compliance.

In the area of built environment, essentially street-front appearance, a facade improvement program was suggested. Consultants recommended utilizing grant funds through the state’s Keystone Communities program for facade work. Grants typically match dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000, according to the Downtown Redevelopment. The firm recommended Youngsville Borough create an approval committee to work with building and business owners to prepare grant applications; rank applicant properties based on factors including project readiness, funding and impact; and to oversee te grant and project process.

In the area of economic development, creating and promoting “clustered business sectors” was highlighted. A clustered business sector is one in which multiple businesses that compliment each other are located in close proximity and form a symbiotic relationship. The traditional book store beside a coffee shop was used as an example. Downtown Redevelopment stated this could improve generation of tax revenue, increase the time individuals spend downtown, improve amenities availability for those utilizing the downtown and increase opportunities for local employment.

In the area of civic spaces, integrating bike trails through the downtown, or more clearly integrating them, was recommended. The consulting firm noted this could promote access, attract visitors and foster connectivity and sense of community. The company suggested better signage along the U.S. route 36 trail through town and utilizing social media and coordinated events to spread awareness of the trail.

In the area of transportation, intersection crossings signage were both highlighted.

The consulting firm recommended increasing accessibility and visibility of crosswalks, and increasing crossing time at intersections with stop lights. It was noted the borough is currently in the process of having intersection work completed in conjunction with PennDOT.

The firm suggested improving signage to help visitors navigate through town and find parking. It was recommended such signage have a unique look coordinated with the overall aesthetic chosen for the downtown to differentiate it from other markers.

Downtown Redevelopment also presented an example of a catalyst site to show the potential of revitalization development. The firm showcased an example of a mixed-use development building on a corner lot.with downstairs retail spaces and upstairs residences. The site could potentially serve to show potential investors the benefits of coming to Youngsville.

Consultants also outlined a proposed one-to-two year plan to start implementing recommendations and spur the revitalization process to council.

In addition to formulating a vacant property ordinance and integrating bike trails, Downtown Redevelopment Services recommended requiring first-floors in downtown commercial buildings be used for retail and service space, promoting pop-up businesses to attract permanent tenants, implementing downtown design guidelines and implementing non-commercially developed “soft spaces” into the area, such as greenspace.

OTHER RECOMMENDATIONS

Other recommendations presented by Downtown Redevelopment services included:

¯ Land Use– craft and adopt ordinances requiring retail or service industries in the downtown; create maximum setbacks for new development in the downtown matching existing buildings to create a unified feel to the area; and reduce parking space requirements for downtown businesses.

¯ Built Environment — create downtown design guidelines; incentivize building usage in-line with revitalization efforts; and provide pop-up use opportunities in vacant spaces and lots.

¯ Urban Design — integrate vegetation and softening elements into the streetscape; increase the frequency of amenities; and create and maintain public gathering spaces.

¯ Transportation — identify opportunities for shared parking facilities and add additional cycling infrastructure.

¯ Parks and Civic Space — provide more “soft” spaces along downtown corridors, such as parks and green spaces; locate a strategically placed plaza with recreational amenities in te downtown and Integrate kid-friendly spaces into the downtown.