Parking

Bradford-Online — Thu, 20 Dec 2007 18:48:26 GMT

Parking is critical to development of the downtown area. Referring to the parking map of Bradford, it looks like there is a lot of parking, but most of it is either private, or too far from downtown.

A centrally located parking garage would be the best solution in my opinion. It might be worth an effort between the City and OECD. Construct it on City property and lease it to a private operator.

Historic Character

Brian J MacNamara ND — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 15:01:02 GMT

I believe it is vital to preserve and restore the historic character that is Bradford. I feel we have an obligation to act with the nation in mind, as well as, ourselves. Historic buildings are vanishing at an alarming rate. Bradford contributed a great deal to the nation during the civil war, industrial revolution, world wars and now, its surrounding wilds and "sleepy town" can offer yet more. An old marketing technique is to re-package a product to make it appealing to a modern consumer. Lets "re-package" Bradford's past to preserve and develop its future!

What is Bradford's niche? Its History.

Bucks County was "economically developed" as well. Farm lands were lost, monster malls were built, gas stations, endless fast food and sky rocketing real estate taxes followed. Pennsbury Manor, the home of William Penn of Penn sylvania fame sits amidst a land fill and a sea of eyesores.

Bradfordians need to make a decision whether to preserve or sacrifice the very character that makes this town unique, its architecture. Newtown, swallowed up in out of control housing developments marketed as "Townhouses" which were nothing more than crowded row houses built by out-of-state developers, caught on fast that they needed to protect the borough from being consumed. Now, Newtown proper is booming because of its one time "run down" buildings. The formula of promotion and restorative development of Historic Districts and its affect on economy cannot be denied. It has happened across the Nation.

Bradford has a Historic District which is under utilized as a source of economic growth and doesn't live up to the standards set forth in the Bradford Historic District Preservation Ordinance. Zoning goals can help stimulate growth and development while protecting the city's features which may not be appreciated by all.

It is my hope that the Master Plan will address public and commercial promotion of the economic necessity of Bradford's Historic District. Why? The development of 219 will foster the same "loss" as experienced in Bucks County, but Bradford will endure due to its foresightedness. It is important to protect natural resources, heritage and culture while we strive for a better bottom line.

Planning and Zoning

Parking

Historic Character