Purpose: To discuss reactions of local students to downtown and begin to focus on important business and downtown related issues.

1.  The planning team began by reviewing some of the economic news from the previous day as well as comments that were heard from the high school and college students.

1. On the economic front, there is very good news about how well the manufacturing sector is doing. But there is only 50% of the retail that one would expect compared to other areas.
2. The high school students (from different classes and municipalities) generally had negative comments about the area. They would really like a local mall, but they wouldn’t want one to the detriment of downtown. Some spend as much as $15-20 per day, so clearly they have money to spend. It seems like they primarily want a vibrant hang-out space and they like the atmosphere of the coffee shop. Locally, they mostly shop at Walmart. Their main concerns include drugs and vandalism, both in and out of school.
3. The college students (from different classes and with different hometowns) are looking for a gathering place, too. They would like a place to get off campus and relax. They find the bars to be too dirty and would like a place with music. A downtown student union and/or bookstore would be nice. There were also concerns expressed about the shuttle service to and from town (specifically the one to the Seneca building and its lack of reliability). It sounded like the time constraints of college life makes using the amenities downtown more difficult.
4. Both groups are interested in dance opportunities and a greater variety of restaurants, but neither group thinks that the downtown stores are really for them. Both also think that safety is an issue downtown – both lighting and policing are a factor in this perception.
5. The high school students mentioned that the YMCA does not have as many programs for them as they used to. Now their programs are primarily for younger kids.

2.  The issues brought up by the students led the committee to a discussion of downtown.

1. Ms. Cahill used to own a store downtown and she doesn’t think parking is a problem. If people want something in the store, they will walk from a parking space to get there. Maybe the people being audible are business owners with products that aren't drawing people and blaming parking on their problems.
2. The lack of police staff to walk the downtown beat is a concern. There is perception that there is a lack of safety, but the kids 'hanging out' downtown at night are not necessarily dangerous. On the other hand drugs are definitely an issue.
3. It is difficult to determine the right mix of businesses for downtown. For clothing, maybe a department store model, with smaller segments of popular brands would work. It was suggested that popular retailers could be approached with this idea - some of these stores are reaching capacity and may need a new model. Maybe something like The Mercantile would work for them. But others pointed out that popular stores have been approached in the past to a poor response. Residents are already driving to their stores, so what is the benefit to them of having a store here? The benefit of the mall for busy, working people is the ability to go to many stores at once.
4. The idea of a Borders or Barnes and Noble type store seems appealing to a lot of people. Part of the attraction is the atmosphere, which is important to students.
5. Mr. Filoni doesn’t think the issue is as much about cost of items available as it is about quality and atmosphere. Consider how much people pay for food at a nice coffee shop.
6. A good example is Miss Maggie's. It has bad parking and it is not downtown, but she has desirable products and service. She is popular with the younger crowd without even being a brand.
7. There is also the issue of how merchants interact with shoppers. Some of them are not welcoming.
8. Ms. Dewalt commented that the two new shops in town that graduated from The Mercantile are doing really well. Both are specialized, not inexpensive, well-managed and welcoming, and they are both are drawing people in. She thinks that management is key to each store’s success. And also, there are only a few empty storefronts downtown. It seems like retail shops are clustering by movie theater end, maybe service storefronts could cluster toward the other end? She would love to help bring in a retailer that could bring clothes that younger residents and students are interested in buying.

3. This led to a discussion of gathering spaces and local assets.

1. Maybe the Bradford Mall could be used as an indoor entertainment area. It could provide indoor winter entertainment, dancing, gathering space, a bookstore, etc. Ms Andrews commented that there were actually investors interested in this idea, but the mall owners wouldn't budge.
2. The library has become a fallback gathering space. It would be nice to spruce up the lobby so it is no longer just a pass through.
3. Both insurance and security are factors for rehabilitating buildings downtown.
4. There is also an attitude problem throughout the town. There is a lot of negativity and resident blaming problems on a small portion of the population.
5. Bradford is not going to be another Ellicottville. It isn’t a resort town.
6. The University is a big asset, but what can the students and their families do in Bradford?

4.  The committee discussed the assets that Bradford has that could be a part of its "niche"

1. The University
2. The area as an active retirement community for younger retirees. (Currently lacking condos or maintenance free housing for this.)
3. Outdoor recreation - have biking, hiking, boating, parks, trails, etc.
4. Glendorn (they advertise in DC, Buffalo, Pittsburgh, and internationally) - When their clientele is traveling through Bradford, what do they see?

5.  Mr. Fesenmyer commented that the problems created by welfare dependent and mentally challenged population in town is a big issue. He would like the planning team to tell the committee what Bradford needs – what stores should be opened and what should be done. Someone else commented that a way needs to be found for Bradford to integrate those with mental challenges and welfare dependence into this process, into the community and engage them as human capitol. Also, maybe the geography of the area funnels people together into town and makes the problems of the population seem worse?

1. Mr. Filoni responded that there are a multitude of issues that need to be addressed at once. It isn’t as simple as just building a building or opening a shop. Building maintenance and a variety of incentives downtown are both needed.

6.  Mr. Glesk commented that economically, the loss of the middle class is a big issue, which is not atypical for other towns in the area. The Penn Hills Club has trouble maintaining their membership. The jobs that are available have changed. There are more jobs with lower pay. It is important that the strategies that result from this effort are structured to consider this new economic structure. Also, people’s perceptions are a big obstacle. The plan should address how Bradford’s atmosphere can be redefined to draw people here.

7.  Both the HARB board and the business district authority are strong right now. But the downtown area has lost walking traffic with the closure of upstairs offices. There is a desire for downtown to be cleaned up and improved. Most people seem to understand that downtown won't be like it used to, but cleanliness is definitely something to aim for. Coming up with solutions will have to involve dealing with multiple challenges simultaneously.

8.  Before the next meeting, committee members are asked to come up with some strategies and priorities, especially for property issues. Realistically, what can be accomplished with the money that is available? Can we come up with plans for downtown that all three municipalities will be willing to contribute to for the betterment of the whole valley?

9.  Somehow during this process we need to make contact with the owners of the Bradford Mall, too.

10.  It was mentioned that Bradford needs a mayor that is really visible and active. But the planning team commented that instead of an elected official, that role could be filled by members of this committee.

11.  Every member of this committee should look at the website, post in the forums and get the discussion started. Meeting minutes and other planning team information will be posted there for review as well. Also, take some time to walk around downtown and consider our options and opportunities. People notice things when they are walking around that they don’t see from their cars.

12.  The planning team asked what the three biggest assets of Bradford are, and the reply was the PA Wilds, The architecture and The University. Committee members should think about this and decide if there are any other big assets that should be on this list instead of or in addition to these items.

13.  Prior to the next round of meetings the planning team will be look at entrances and gateways into town. Someone mentioned South Avenue at Congress Street as their favorite entrance into town. If this is a priority location to consider should something be added there? a memorial? an obelisk? Committee members should let the planning team know (via email or the website) if there are any other ideas about gateways and entrances into Bradford.

With no further items for discussion, the meeting was adjourned. The foregoing constitutes the major items accepted by the attendees. If there are any additions or corrections to these minutes, please notify the Architect.

Respectfully submitted,

MacLachlan, Cornelius & Filoni, Inc.

Amy P. Maceyko, AIA, LEED AP