COMMUNITYWORKPLAN - Pennsylvania Route 6

Transcription

COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Carbondale Heritage Communities Program
2011
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance
CARBONDALE HERITAGE COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CHAPTER/Subsection
Page
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
ii
COMMUNITY WORKPLAN SUMMARY
1
BACKGROUND AND CONTEXT
3
3
COMMUNITY INVENTORIES
Community and Area Overview
Location Map
Demographics
Economics
Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites
and Themes
Cultural History
Museums
Events and Activities
Regional Attractions and Resources
Local Recreation related Resources
Inventory and Survey of Businesses
Business Survey
Physical and Non-Physical Conditions
Transportation System
Community Visual Conditions and Design Analysis
4
4
5
6
8
SYNTHESIS OF INFORMATION
Public Input
First Workshop – The Wish List
Second Workshop – Planning Charrette
Third Workshop – Draft Presentation and Comments
Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
IMPLEMENTATION
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Tourism and Economics
Implementation Matrix
Summary of Recommendations
Interpretive Planning Statement
Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Heritage Resource Development/Physical Enhancement
Planning Statement
15
21
24
26
28
34
38
40
50
53
61
71
71
74
81
82
85
85
86
90
101
107
111
114
119
i
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
This planning effort represents a relatively new approach to heritage planning
being implemented by the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance. The concept was
locally developed during early Route 6 heritage planning and refined with the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) who
insisted that the Heritage Communities Program be premised on the engagement
of the community. In short, DCNR wanted this to be “grass roots” and not “top
down” planning requiring the establishment of the Heritage Community
Stakeholders Groups in each Heritage Community. This was envisioned to be a
group of area residents who met throughout this process and even spearheaded
several early action implementation actions. Members of the Carbondale
Stakeholders Group represented a cross-section of the community and met on
numerous occasions between February 2010 and February 2011, and also
helped during this period in conducting Community Workshops and a Planning
Charrette. In addition, many other residents participated in various public forums
such as during the focus group meetings during the Planning Charrette and at
the various Community Workshops. The coordination provided by the staff of the
Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance was invaluable as the local liaison and point
of contact on behalf of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance planning team.
Major project funding for the Heritage Communities Program is provided through
the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation through the Safe, Accountable,
Flexible and Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, through the
Heritage Areas Program under the PA Department of Conservation and Natural
Resources and a local contribution from Carbondale.
Last but not least, a special thanks to the residents, business community and
especially the City staff of Carbondale who not only embraced this program and
participated, but more importantly showed a genuine love for their community,
respect for its heritage and even came up with its characterization as
“everybody’s home town”.
ii
CARBONDALE HERITAGE COMMUNITIES PROGRAM
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Corridor
COMMUNITY WORKPLAN
Background
A Community WorkPlan is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage
Communities Program. It is intended to establish an action-oriented framework
for local heritage and community planning and implementation in Heritage
Communities along Route 6. This is a WorkPlan for the Carbondale area that is
focused on the City, Carbondale Township, Fell Township and the immediate
surrounding region. While the document is important in itself the process gone
through to prepare it is probably more important. In this regard local engagement
is not only important but is required.
The process involved the engagement and discussion with a local Stakeholders
Group that was involved throughout the planning period. The document attempts
to aggregate and synthesize the input and recommendations of this Group, also
taking into account public input received at Community Workshops and a
planning charrette. The document and process also involves original and
secondary research gathered by the Route 6 planning team. The WorkPlan is
organized as follows:
BACKGROUND ACTIVITIES – DESCRIPTION
Community Inventories - Themes and Sites, Heritage, Community
Events, Businesses, Physical and Non-Physical Needs and Visual
Conditions and Design Analysis
Public Input review and Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
Issues and Opportunities Statement
IMPLEMENTATION - Planning Statements and Implementation Strategy
Overview
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program recognizes that the
action-oriented framework requires attention to both physical and non-physical
needs that address the Visitor’s Experience and the Community Context. Each
has an impact on the other, and the latter frames and directly affects the former.
Thus the Community WorkPlan must enhance the Carbondale area as a
destination and a stopover, without negatively affecting the quality of life and
community characteristics that make it a great place to reside. In essence then,
this entire process is an attempt to address tourism in a context-sensitive
manner. In this regard, we recommend a number of enhancements:
1
Visitor Experience Enhancement – “things to see and do”
Interactive interpretive enhancements – interconnected “smart kiosks”
focused on major themes and corresponding local sites, and/or a
centralized discovery center
Local promotional effort – brochures, itineraries, apps and web-based
efforts relaying a clear and focused message
Several Loop Tours as a means of both bringing in regional resources and
“slowing” people down
Wayfinding Signage – at critical attractions and intersections
Coordination with the local Museum and other visitor venues in the larger
region
Historic Route 6 signage
Completion of trail segments
Additional festival and event opportunities – for visitors
The Community Context – addressing local needs
Gateway Enhancements building on existing signage
Continued downtown revitalization efforts focused on specialty retail,
hospitality, arts and related – reuse, rehabilitation and in-fill
Continuation and expansion of streetscape enhancements
Relatively minor revisions to local regulatory framework
Additional festival and event opportunities – for residents
2
BACKGROUND ACTIVITIES – DESCRIPTION
The Heritage Communities Program is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Route 6
Heritage Corporation, focused on strengthening the many vibrant communities
along the Route 6 Corridor in Pennsylvania. The Program was developed by
local stakeholders involved in the development of the Pennsylvania Route 6: Our
Heritage and a Destination for the Future – Framework for Action during 200103. These stakeholders have developed the Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage
Communities Program that requires communities – their leaders, business
community and residents – to buy into the heritage tourism concept and process.
The program provides assistance to Route 6 communities in first identifying and
localizing heritage tourism sites, resources and themes; then developing ways to
enhance and refine these resources; and finally a way to sustain local heritage
tourism. This assumes a very inclusive grass-roots process involving local
residents, which will have an important side-benefit of making the community a
better place in which to live as well as visit.
The key to the Program is to identify and capitalize on the unique qualities of
select communities on the Corridor that reflect the themes of Route 6. These
themes are as follows:
Warrior’s Road honoring the epic stories of the warriors of many races,
genders and times fought or lived along the Corridor;
The many Natural Opportunities utilized and enjoyed by hunters,
fishermen, oilmen, tanners and miners of the region, and the changes in
the view of natural resources;
The rough terrain required Engineer’s Challenge to be met by spectacular
feats of civil engineering that made Northern Pennsylvania and its
resources more accessible;
The region has provided New Beginnings and Safe Havens for a diverse
group including Connecticut Yankees, French Aristocrats and escaping
slaves;
Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs of the region whose
ideas and achievements inspired and transformed the region and the
country; and
The region’s recognized position as an Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise
offering active and passive recreational opportunities year-round.
The Program is premised on providing technical assistance to the communities in
interpreting and localizing these themes.
The unique qualities of the Pennsylvania US Route 6 Corridor are created and
affected by the communities along its length. Descriptions of the Corridor often
tout the unhurried, small-town ambiance that has not been traded for a “brand
3
name drive-through identity”. The Route 6 Community identity is authentic and
individual and is not contrived. Route 6 heritage planning recognizes that this
“community identity” must be maintained and strengthened if heritage tourism is
to prosper along the Corridor.
A request on behalf of City of Carbondale was a successful applicant in the fifth
round of the Heritage Communities Program, joining the following:
1st Round:
2nd Round:
3rd Round:
4th Round:
Smethport
Corry/Union City
Potter County (Austin, Coudersport and Galeton)
Conneaut Lake, Youngsville, Waymart and Wyalusing
A local visioning and participation process was carried out to establish the
elements of a local heritage tourism effort meeting the orientation of the
Pennsylvania Route 6 tourism effort while addressing local issues, themes and
resources. This approach is identified in this planning document – referred to as
a Community WorkPlan. As such, it is an action-oriented document that builds
on past tourism planning, as well as regional and local efforts.
Community Inventories - Community and Area Overview
There is a very strong identity and attachment to Carbondale and a core of highly
motivated and engaged people who want to improve it. The concept of
“Carbondale” appears to transcend the City itself and includes portions of
Carbondale and Fell Townships as well. The relative location and approximate
distance between Carbondale and other nearby communities is below:
Community
Waymart
Honesdale
Scranton (near I-81/I-476)
Hawley
Tunkhannock
Wilkes-Barre (near I-81)
Milford
Binghamton, NY (near I-81 & I-86)
White Haven (near I-80/I-476)
Wyalusing
Allentown (near I-78/I-476)
Mansfield
New York City, NY
Philadelphia
Smethport
Conneaut Lake
Approximate
Distance
6 miles
14 miles
16 miles
24 miles
29 miles
36 miles
46 miles
51 miles
52 miles
54 miles
89 miles
106 miles
131 miles
141 miles
190 miles
330 miles
4
E
E
E
E
E
E
VANDLING
!
81
BENTON TWP
FELL TWP
Spencers Corners
106
&W
O
l
ai
Tr
H
D&
247
107
il
Tra
Mills
171
GREENFIELD TWP
!
Simpson
!
Tompkinsville
mp346 !Whites Crossing
438
X
!
6
X
East Benton
!Carbondale
X
CARBONDALE
X
!
mp344
Scott
524
mp343
524
438
NORTH ABINGTON TWP
X
247
Bus
6
!
Craig
mp342
!
X
107
Chapman Lake
E
E
E
mp351
X
mp350 WAYMART
X
!
X
X
mp347
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
mp349
mp348
mp345
296
TOWNSHIP
Wind
107
E
E
E
CLINTON
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
Waymart
CANAAN TOWNSHIP
!
Childs
CARBONDALE TWP
SCOTT TWP
mp341 MAYFIELD
X
!
Mayfield
!
Montdale
mp340
632
632
!Jermyn
X
JERMYN
!
ABINGTON TWP
!
East Jermyn
!
Green Grove
Powell
!
Nebraska
mp339
81
X
347
SOUTH CANAAN TOWNSHIP
!
Edella
296
mp338
CLARKS GREEN
South Canaan
Justus
ARCHBALD
mp337
Bus X
6
mp336
X
BLAKELY
SOUTH ABINGTON TWP
X
CLARKS SUMMIT
mp330
!
mp335
X
!
!
eritage
River H
wanna
Lacka
Archbald
Trail
!
Riverside
!
!
247
!
6
Peckville
mp334
mp331
!
X
X
307
!
Dickson City
DICKSON CITY
Grassy Island
!
!
Jessup
Olyphant
!
mp333
!Morgan
Cortez
X
NEWTON TWP
JESSUP
mp332
Manor
X
RANSOM TWP
SCRANTON
Varden
JEFFERSON TWP
Winton
Blakely
X
Chinchilla
!
Eynon
Sturges
!
476
!
X
!
347
81
LAKE TOWNSHIP
OLYPHANT
!
Tresslarville
!Throop
THROOP
DUNMORE
Red Oak
!
0
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
Miles
City of Carbondale - Region
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Demographics
The 2010 Census population for Lackawanna County, City of Carbondale,
Carbondale and Fell Townships and the combined area of Carbondale and the
two Townships are identified on Table 1 in addition to the actual Census figures
for 1990 and 2000.
Lackawanna County experienced a population decline of 2.6% between 1990
and 2000, but did have a slight increase of 0.5% between 2000 and 2010.
Lackawanna and its neighboring Counties including Wyoming, Monroe,
Susquehanna, Luzerne and Wayne all experienced population increases
between 2000 and 2010. In fact, Monroe County and its neighbor Pike County
were the two fastest growing counties in eastern Pennsylvania during this period.
The City of Carbondale experienced an 8.1% decrease in population between
1990 and 2000 and between 2000 and 2010 the City continued to lose
population declining 9.3% in that period. Overall, the City’s population has
decreased by 16.6% since 1990.
Carbondale Township experienced a population increase of 11.1% between
1990 and 2000 and an increase of 10.6% between 2000 and 2010. Overall, the
Township’s population has increased by 22.9% population since 1990.
Fell Township experienced a population decrease of 3.9% between 1990 and
2000 and a continued decrease of 6.6% between 2000 and 2010. Overall, the
Township’s population has decreased by 10.2% between 1990 and 2010.
Taken together, the combined area had a 2000 population of 13,143 and a 2010
population of 12,184, resulting in an overall decline of 7.3%.
TABLE 1
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE – 1990-2010
Carbondale Heritage Communities Program Area
Area
Lackawanna
County
City of
Carbondale
Carbondale
Township
Fell Township
Combined
Area
%
%
%
1990
2000
Change
2010
Change Change
Population Population 1990- Population 200019902000
2010
2010
219,039
213,295
-2.6%
214,437
0.5%
-2.1%
10,664
9,804
-8.1%
8,891
-9.3%
-16.6%
907
1,008
11.1%
1,115
10.6%
22.9%
2,426
2,331
-3.9%
2,178
-6.6%
-10.2%
13,997
13,143
-6.1%
12,184
-7.3%
-13.0%
Source: US Census Bureau
Overall, the data shows that since 2000 the City of Carbondale and Fell
Township have lost population at a time when Carbondale Township and
Lackawanna County have gained population.
6
Larger Region
According to the US Census Lackawanna County is part of the Scranton-WilkesBarre Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). The Scranton--Wilkes-Barre, Pa.
Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) includes Lackawanna, Luzerne and Wyoming
Counties. The population of this larger region in 2000 was 560,625 and in 2010
the population had increased by 0.54% to 563,631.
Population Projections
Projecting populations at a local level is a challenge given the many variables
that affect population (i.e. migration patterns, mortality, age profile, household
size/profile, market forces, etc.) and the general lack of verifiable information.
Projections for places experiencing spikes in growth or decline are especially
challenging. In the former case then, it is not surprising that relatively recent
population projections for Lackawanna County for 2010 were somewhat off, with
projections indicating a population decrease rather than the actual 0.5% increase
between 2000-2010.
Population projections are available through 2030 on a county basis through the
Pennsylvania State Data Center. The 2010 projected population for Lackawanna
County was 204,673 or approximately 5% lower than the 2010 population as per
the US Census. Thus, the projected 0.4% average annual decrease by PDC
was not met.
Population projections were also made in the 2008 Lackawanna County Lines
Plan. The 2010 projected population reported in this Plan was 205,774 or
approximately 4% lower than the actual 2010 population as per the US Census.
The above description is not a criticism but a notation since most published
projections underestimated the 2010 population, the projections for subsequent
years would likely be off as well. Instead of replicating these projections, it
appears safe to say that population declines are likely to continue for the City of
Carbondale and Fell Township and increases are likely to continue for
Carbondale Township.
7
Economics
Employment and Number of Establishments
The economic base of Lackawanna County has undergone change throughout
the recent and distant history. Economists look at employment bases in several
ways, including by place of residence (where employees reside) and by place of
work (where people work regardless of where they live). The decennial Census is
the place where information by place of residence is available on a municipal
basis. Given the age of available Census data (i.e. 2000) this data is not
meaningful at the time of this writing in 2011. Given the fact that detailed 2010
Census data is not anticipated for awhile, this study uses more recent place of
work data even though it is available only on the County basis. Overall, place of
work data has been found to be a better barometer of local economic activity in
Route 6 economic analyses anyway.
Before reviewing this data for Lackawanna County descriptive background
information is reviewed. Table 2 reviews and compares information from two
recent County Business Patterns reports. County Business Patterns is an annual
series that provides sub-national economic data by industry. The series is useful
for studying the economic activity of small areas; analyzing economic changes
over time; and as a benchmark for statistical series, surveys, and databases
between economic censuses. Businesses use the data for analyzing market
potential, measuring the effectiveness of sales and advertising programs, setting
sales quotas, and developing budgets. Government agencies use the data for
administration and planning.
County Business Patterns covers most of the country's economic activity. The
series excludes data on self-employed individuals, employees of private
households, railroad employees, agricultural production employees, and most
government employees.
The information is establishment based. An establishment is a single physical
location at which business is conducted or services or industrial operations are
performed. It is not necessarily identical with a company or enterprise, which may
consist of one or more establishments. When two or more activities are carried
on at a single location under a single ownership, all activities generally are
grouped together as a single establishment. The entire establishment is
classified on the basis of its major activity and all data are included in that
classification. Table 2 identifies them as firms in the respective years compared.
Paid employment consists of full- and part-time employees, including salaried
officers and executives of corporations, who are on the payroll in the pay period
including March 12. Included are employees on paid sick leave, holidays, and
vacations; not included are proprietors and partners of unincorporated
businesses.
8
TABLE 2
ECONOMIC PROFILE AND CHANGE
Lackawanna County 1999-2008
Economic Sector
Forestry, fishing, hunting, and agriculture
support
Mining
Utilities
Construction
Manufacturing
Wholesale trade
Retail trade
Transportation & warehousing
Information
Finance & insurance
Real estate & rental & leasing
Professional,
scientific & technical
services
Management of companies & enterprises
Admin, support, waste mgt, remediation
services
Educational services
Health care and social assistance
Arts, entertainment & recreation
Accommodation & food services
Other
services
(except
public
administration)
Unclassified establishments
Total
1999
2008
Employees Employees
%
Change
1999
Firms
2008
Firms
%
Change
0-19
20-99
231
2,930
15,753
3,359
12,891
2,108
2,600
4,236
862
5
20-99
500-999
2,858
12,209
4,682
14,235
4,249
2,444
6,752
867
NA
NA
NA
-2%
-22%
39%
10%
102%
-6%
59%
1%
2
9
10
515
303
278
1,007
131
68
320
143
3
9
14
509
254
286
957
161
75
352
154
50%
0%
40%
-1%
-16%
3%
-5%
23%
10%
10%
8%
2,683
1,914
3,763
1,765
40%
-8%
391
25
486
32
24%
28%
4,657
5,316
16,231
712
7,240
4,818
6,004
21,905
1,261
8,731
3%
13%
35%
77%
21%
205
53
666
72
511
236
50
707
76
571
15%
-6%
6%
6%
12%
4,307
3,674
-15%
606
596
-2%
63
0-19
NA
68
2
-97%
89,771
100,817
12%
5,393
5,530
3%
Source: US Census Bureau; County Business Patterns
Note:
Ranges in italics are all that are available for certain sectors, precluding determination of exact percentages
9
Data presented on Table 2 above suggests the following trends as reflected in
employment and/or number of establishments:
Employment in manufacturing is very important even though employee levels
(22%) and number of firms (16%) has declined during the 1999-2008 period.
Another local anchor retailing experienced growth with employee numbers but a
decline on the number of firms (10% and -5% respectively).
On the positive side, educational services as well as health care and social
services have both sustained strong increases in employment. Health care and
social services also saw an increase in the number of establishments although
education services saw a decline in the number of establishments. Taken
together, these two sectors added 6,362 employees and 38 establishments in the
period reviewed.
The transportation and warehousing, arts/entertainment/recreation and
professional/technical sectors also sustained notable employment increases
during this period.
Two sectors classically associated with tourism (in addition to retail) are the
arts/entertainment/recreation and accommodations/food services. As noted
above, the arts/entertainment/recreation saw an increase in the number of
employees (77%) and number of establishments (6%). In addition, the
accommodations/food services also experienced increases in both employment
(21%) and number of establishments (12%) during the 1999-2008 period.
Unfortunately, reliable information on a small municipal basis is only available via
the US Census, reflects data by place of residence and more recent data is not
anticipated until 2012.
Other relevant economic figures and trends are
summarized below:
Place of residence data shows that the total civilian labor force (not seasonally
adjusted) in Lackawanna County for December 2009 was 105,400 of which
96,500 were employed and 8,900 were unemployed. The unemployment rate
was 8.5% at the time the statewide rate was also 8.5%.
The average weekly wage for Lackawanna County in 1st Quarter 2009 was
$646, 75% the statewide weekly wage of $861. This would be equivalent to
$16.15 per hour or $33,592 per year, assuming a 40-hour week worked the year
around.
Average weekly wages varied considerable among the County’s economic
segments in 2009 (most recent annual figures available by segment)
o Accommodation and Food Services $252
o Health Care and Social Assistance $742
o Manufacturing
$790
o Retailing
$424
10
Market Segmentation
Econometrics is a field always showing sophistication and even localization. One
approach in understanding economic markets is the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM
segmentation system that brings together household and geographic level data.
PRIZM attempts to capture demographic and lifestyle data to help companies
target their customers. It also provides those not marketing a good or service
with a “snapshot” view, perhaps oversimplified, of how small areas (i.e. Zip Code
level) may be profiled. The PRIZM model contains 66 segments consistent at
both the household and geodemographic levels. The 66-segment model resulted
from standard demographic measures – Age, Income, Presence of Children,
Marital Status, Homeownership and Urban/city. The most common PRIZM
segments and larger social groups identified for the City of Carbondale and the
surrounding 18407 zip code area are as follows:
Traditional Times (Upper-Middle income, Older w/o Kids) - Traditional Times is
the kind of lifestyle where small-town couples nearing retirement are beginning to
enjoy their first empty-nest years. Typically in their fifties and sixties, these uppermiddle-class Americans pursue a kind of granola-and-grits lifestyle. On their
coffee tables are magazines with titles like Country Living and Country Home.
But they're big travelers, especially in recreational vehicles and campers.
The above segment is within the larger Country Comfort social group, which is
categorized as predominantly white, upper-middle-class homeowners. In their
placid towns and scenic bedroom communities, these Americans tend to be
married, mostly between the ages of 25 and 54, with or without children. They
enjoy comfortable upscale lifestyles, exhibiting high indices for barbecuing, barhopping, and playing golf as well as home-based activities such as gardening,
woodworking, and crafts. Reflecting their rural, family environment, they prefer
trucks, SUVs, and minivans to cars.
Golden Ponds (Downscale, Mature Mostly w/o Kids) - Golden Ponds is mostly a
retirement lifestyle, dominated by downscale singles and couples over 65 years
old. Found in small bucolic towns around the country, these high schooleducated seniors live in small apartments on less than $35,000 a year; one in
five resides in a nursing home. For these elderly residents, daily life is often a
succession of sedentary activities such as reading, watching TV, playing bingo,
and doing craft projects.
Old Milltowns (Downscale, Mature, Mostly w/o Kids) - America's once-thriving
mining and manufacturing towns have aged--as have the residents in Old
Milltowns communities. Today, the majority of residents are retired singles and
couples, living on downscale incomes in pre-1960 homes and apartments. For
leisure, they enjoy gardening, sewing, socializing at veterans clubs, or eating out
at casual restaurants.
The above two segments are within the larger Rustic Living social group, which is
categorized as including the nation's rural towns and villages, having relatively
modest incomes, low education levels, aging houses and blue-collar
11
occupations. Many of the residents, a mix of young singles and seniors, are
unmarried. Typically, these consumers spend their leisure time in such
traditional small-town activities as fishing and hunting, attending social activities
at the local church and veterans club, and enjoying country music and car racing.
Heartlanders (Lower-Middle income, Older Mostly w/o Kids) - America was once
a land of small middle-class towns, which can still be found today among
Heartlanders. This widespread segment consists of older couples with whitecollar jobs living in sturdy, unpretentious homes. In these communities of small
families and empty-nesting couples, Heartlanders residents pursue a rustic
lifestyle where hunting and fishing remain prime leisure activities along with
cooking, sewing, camping, and boating.
Simple Pleasures (Lower-Mid income, Mature, Mostly w/o Kids) - With more than
two-thirds of its residents over 65 years old, Simple Pleasures is mostly a
retirement lifestyle: a neighborhood of lower-middle-class singles and couples
living in modestly priced homes. Many are high school-educated seniors who
held blue-collar jobs before their retirement. And a disproportionate number
served in the military, so many residents are members of veterans clubs.
The above two segments are within the larger Middle America social group,
which is categorized as including lower-middle-class homeowners living in small
towns and remote exurbs. Typically found in scenic settings throughout the
nation's heartland, Middle Americans tend to be white, high school educated,
living as couples or larger families, and ranging in age from under 25 to over 65.
Like many residents of remote communities, these conservative consumers tend
to prefer traditional rural pursuits: fishing, hunting, making crafts, antique
collecting, watching television, and meeting at civic and veterans clubs for
recreation and companionship.
The above segments and social groups may be an oversimplification, but the
demographic data taken into consideration by the Nielsen Claritas PRIZM system
suggest the existence of both upper-middle and lower income segments of the
Carbondale area community.
Tourism Spending Patterns
General spending and related economic impacts for tourism are included in a
series of reports entitled The Economic Impact of Travel and Tourism in
Pennsylvania (Global Insight), which tracts spending patterns at the County level.
Between 2004-07 visitor spending in Lackawanna County increased by a modest
0.08%, from $518.68 million to $519.10 million. However the percentage share
of the total county economy from visitor spending fell from 3.3% in 2004 to 2.8%
in 2007. The following summarizes visitor spending by category (dollars in
Millions):
12
Category
2004
2007
% Change
Transportation
Food & Beverage
Lodging
Shopping
Entertainment
Other
TOTAL
$127.79
$150.70
$ 37.19
$114.81
$ 63.32
$ 24.88
$518.68
$119.17
$152.56
$ 39.10
$131.29
$ 47.96
$ 29.01
$519.10
- 6.75%
+ 1.23%
+ 5.14%
+14.35%
- 24.26%
+16.60%
+ 0.08%
The largest individual segments are retail shopping and food and beverage, each
showing increases. All segments with the exception of transportation and
entertainment showed increases during this period. The decline in entertainment
also was seen in the other Northeast Pennsylvania Mountains region counties
(i.e. Bradford, Carbon, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Wayne
and Wyoming) and with the exception of Sullivan County, the decline in
transportation also was seen in the other Pennsylvania Northeast Mountains
region counties during this period
Tourism Employment Impacts
The same report noted above reveals that in 2007, 7,434 people in Lackawanna
County were directly employed in tourism-based businesses, approximately 6%
below the figure for 2004. When adding those persons indirectly benefiting from
tourism (i.e. suppliers of tourism businesses, impacts of buying power from those
directly employed in tourism, and other secondary beneficiaries), a total of
11,396 persons are affected by tourism employment, representing nearly 11% of
the County’s economy. Wages from those directly employed in tourism
businesses amounted to just over $200 million in 2007, approximately even with
the 2004 figure. Again, when considering those directly and indirectly benefitting
from tourism, the 2007 figure is just under $354 million.
Localized Information
The Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan (2008) helps localize the
direct impacts alluded to above. In 2008 the following summarizes the tourism
infrastructure in the Carbondale area:
There were 9 establishments categorized as offering accommodations and food
services, including motels/inns, diners, restaurants, fast food and campgrounds;
There were 7 arts, recreation and entertainment establishments, including golf
courses, marinas, galleries and museums; and
There were 23 tourism-oriented retail/service establishments ranging from boat,
RV and motor cycle dealers, gift stores, convenience stores, a winery and
various retail stores.
13
Finally, the Pennsylvania Travel Profile presents an overview of overnight leisure
travel for the Endless Mountains & Coal Region (2007), summarized as follows:
Median Age:
Median Household Income:
Traveling Party:
Primary Purpose of Stay:
Average length of Stay:
Primary Accommodations:
Top Activities:
Secondary Activities:
Average Per Diem Expenditures:
Average Per Trip Expenditures:
48
$55,900
Adults Traveling Alone
Visiting family/friends
3.5 days
Private Home
Dining, Shopping, Sightseeing
Nature-based Activities and Outdoor Sports
$97.90/person/per day
$592 per travel party/per day
Generally the age profile of the traveler to the Region is higher than that
statewide (43) but on par with the nearby Valleys of the Susquehanna (central
PA), Dutch Country (Berks and Lancaster) and the Pocono Mountain Region
(eastern PA). The median income is lower than the statewide median ($71,700),
the primary purpose of travel is consistent with that seen statewide and the
length of stay is slightly longer than statewide figures (3.39). The top activities
reflect a varied assortment of attractions and opportunities and together present
a more varied set of tourism resources than most other regions or the state as a
whole. Expenditures per person per day in the Endless Mountains & Coal
Region is higher than for the state as a whole ($90) although expenditures per
travel party per trip is lower than statewide figures ($797).
14
Historical and Architecturally Significant Buildings, Sites, and Themes
This subsection outlines existing and demolished structures and sites having
some role in the heritage of Carbondale and Carbondale Township in
Lackawanna County, Pennsylvania.
National Register Sites and Properties
The National Register of Historic Places was established by the National Historic
Preservation Act of 1966 as the standard for preservation efforts (Section 101).
It is the “hall of fame” of places that are important to the American people. To be
eligible for listing on the National Register, a property must pass a rigorous
review at the state and federal level. It is not easy to list a property on the
National Register, so the properties that are listed are truly worthy of
preservation.
The National Register recognizes several categories of resources including
single objects, structures, or buildings and groups of resources within a site or
district. Regardless of category, the resource must possess integrity of location,
design, setting, materials, workmanship, feeling, and association. The property
must also be significant, as determined by these criteria:
It must be associated with events that have made a significant contribution to the
broad patterns of our history; or
It must be associated with the lives of persons significant in our past; or
It must embody distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of
construction, or
o Represent the work of a master, or
o Possess high artistic values, or
o Represent a significant and distinguishable entity whose components
may lack individual distinction, or
It must have yielded, or be likely to yield, information important in prehistory or
history (abstracted from 36 CFR Part 60.4).
In Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission (PHMC)
maintains an inventory of historic properties. It includes not only those that have
been listed on the National Register but also those that have been determined to
be eligible for listing. It also lists resources that have been reported by
professional and amateur archaeologists and historians that have not been fully
evaluated regarding the National Register criteria but which appear to meet those
criteria or are important to a local community.
There is one resource in Carbondale that has been listed on the National
Register: the City Hall/Courthouse. The Pennsylvania Historic and Museum
Commission (PHMC) records indicate that there are nineteen (19) other
properties in Carbondale have been determined to be eligible for listing on the
National Register of Historic Places. These are summarized in Table 3.
15
TABLE 3
Properties Determined to be Eligible for Listing on the
National Register of Historic Places
Description
Location
Carbondale U.S. Post Office
Miners & Merchants Bank Building
Carbondale YMCA
Coggins Property
13 N Main St.
82 N. Main St.
81-83 L.Powderly
Rd.
146 U. Powderly Rd.
141-143 Dundaff St.
189 Brooklyn St.
3 Gordon Ave.
Dzielak Property
Locus 43
Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church
Skorira Property
Villa Street Church/Store
Hart Property
Automobile Service Station
No. 3 Shaft (Locus 83)
Marci Property
Klots Throwing Company; Gentex
Corporation
PA National Guard 109th Armory;
Evancho, Robert
First United Methodist Church;
Methodist Episcopal Church
Trinity Episcopal Church
Drift Mine Entrance
Delaware & Hudson Canal
Company Gravity Railroad
Resource
Category
Comments
Building
Building
Building
Building
Brick; built 1911
Granite, built 1871
Brick, built 1912
Built 1900
207 Belmont St.
16-20 8th Ave.
Building
Building
Building
Building
Building
Building
Building
Site
Building
Building
Shingle, built 1880
Built 1925
Built 1925
Weatherboarding, built 1865
Stucco, 1923; on historic Rt. 6
Concrete, 1870
Brick, built 1917; on Bus. Rt. 6
22-28 8th Ave.
Building
Brick, built 1924; on Bus. Rt. 6
20 N Church St.
Building
56 River St
Building
-
Site
District
Sandstone/brownstone, built
1903
Sandstone/brownstone, built
1841
Concrete; 1890
District 1830;
Honesdale to Scranton
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission, CR GIS; accessed June 23, 2010.
Examples:
3 Gordon Ave.
146 Upper Powderly Rd.
th
22-28 8 Ave.
th
16-20 8 Ave.
81-3 Lower Powderly Rd
16
The PHMC lists other properties in their database that have historical
value. They were recorded but have not yet been evaluated or are
ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. Also
included are bridges near Carbondale that were submitted by PennDOT,
several of which have been determined to be ineligible for listing on the
National Register. These resources are summarized in Tables 4 and 5.
TABLE 4
Known Historic Properties
Address
Historic Name
National
Register
Status
Resource
Category
Date
Built
10 S Church St.
14 S Church St.
26 S Church St.
38-40 Church St.
121 Church St.
8 Hendrick Ln.
Dundaff St.
Hendrick House
Carbondale Industrial Historic
District
Schweppenheiser Property
(Locus 45)
Delpalma Property (Locus 59)
Collins Property (Locus 54)
Moosic Mountain Tunnel
Former Dime Bank
-
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Ineligible
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Building
District
1940
1852
1872
Undetermined
Building
1865
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Building
Building
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Building
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
1865
1865
1820
1880
Delaware & Hudson Gravity
Railroad: Shops
Irving Theatre
Dearie, James & Beverly;
Hallowell-Evans Store
Misko, John; Patrick Moran
Saloon
Bridge
-
Undetermined
Demolished
Structure
Site
Demolished
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Ineligible
Site
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Building
1874
Ineligible
Building
1874
Ineligible
Undetermined
Undetermined
Structure
Structure
Structure
121 Dundaff St.
144 Dundaff St.
158 Dundaff St.
Main St.
15-17 Main St.
14 N Main St.
22 N. Main St.
25 N. Main St.
27 N. Main St.
30 N. Main St.
32 N. Main St.
36 N. Main St.
51-55 N. Main
St.
57 N. Main St.
91 N. Main St.
25 S. Main St.
33 S. Main St.
34 S. Main St.
35 S. Main St.
48 S. Main St.
70-74 S Main St.
76-78 S. Main
St.
th
6 Ave.
th
55 7 Ave.
th
59 7 Ave.
1880
1903
1900
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed June 23, 2010.
17
TABLE 4 (continued)
Known Historic Properties
Address
th
8 Ave.
th
8 Ave.
th
30 8 Ave.
212 Belmont St
126 Erie St.
127 Erie St.
224 Pike St.
88 Upper
Powderly Rd.
20 Railroad St.
River St.
River St.
46 River St.
42 S River St.
52 S River St.
Salem Ave.
15 Salem Ave.
54 Lincoln Ave.
100 Lincoln Ave
SR 106
SR 1033
SR 7301
SR 7203
121 Madison St.
172 Madison St.
81 Lower
Powderly
208 Gordan Ave.
131 Gordan Ave.
344 Carbondale
Highway
-
Historic Name
National
Register
Status
Resource
Category
Date
Built
Bridge
General Textile Mills, Inc.
Mary A. Malone House; Lena
Mendicino
K-Line Building Supply (Locus 62)
Lopes Property (Locus 30)
Platzer Property (Locus 117)
Cardamone Property (Locus 102)
Ineligible
Undetermined
Ineligible
Structure
Building
Building
1936
1921
1886
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Building
Structure
Building
Building
Building
1896
1940
1900
1900
1900
Lee Property (Locus 81)
Red Barn Restaurant
Lackawanna River Retaining
Walls
Delaware & Hudson Railroad:
Roundhouse/Power House
Trinity Episcopal Church Rectory
Salem Ave. Bridge 35 10 0174 0
00376
Galati Barbershop
Benjamin Franklin High School
Marian Community Hospital
Bridge
Bridge
Bridge
Bridge
-
Undetermined
Ineligible
Ineligible
Building
Building
Structure
1850
1910
Ineligible
Building
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Building
Building
Structure
1930
1899
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Building
Building
Building
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
Structure
1920
1916
1925
1925
1995
1930
1999
1940
1940
1940
-
Undetermined
Undetermined
Undetermined
Structure
Structure
Structure
1940
Carbondale Commercial Historic
District; Central Business District
Chellino Hotel
McDonnell’s Restaurant
Mill Street/River Street District
New York, Ontario & Western
Railway: Scranton Branch
Erie Railroad: Jefferson Branch
Delaware & Hudson Canal
Company Gravity Railroad
Delaware & Hudson Railroad
(steam): Honesdale Branch
Ineligible
District
Ineligible
Ineligible
Ineligible
Undetermined
Building
Building
District
District
1909
1910
1870
1890
Undetermined
Undetermined
District
District
1872
1892
Undetermined
District
1899
1940
Source: PA Historic and Museum Commission CRGIS; accessed June 23, 2010.
18
TABLE 5
National Register Status Summary
Downtown Carbondale
Number of
Resources
Category
National Register
Status
1
Building
Listed
(City Hall and Courthouse)
16
2
1
Building
Site
District
Eligible
10
29
4
Building
Structure
District
Undetermined
12
8
3
Building
Structure
District
Ineligible
2
89
Site
Demolished building
Downtown Carbondale has been extensively
documented, with at least 89 resources on the
state’s inventory. These resources date exclusively
to the town’s development; no evidence of people in
the vicinity prior to European settlement has been
recorded.
19
Historical Markers
The iconic blue and yellow PHMC Historic Markers identify important historic sites, events, and resources and are readily
recognizable by heritage tourists, residents and the casual traveler. There are 31 historical markers located in
Lackawanna County. Table 6 summarizes the two (2) PHMC markers found to be especially critical for the Study Area.
TABLE 6
Historical Markers - Carbondale Vicinity, Lackawanna County
Name
Carbondale
Gravity
Railroad
Location
60 S Main St. (Bus. 6), at Housing Authority,
Carbondale
6th Ave., at City Hall (6th Ave. side),
Carbondale
208 Fallbrook St. (PA 106), next to guard
rail, N end of Carbondale
97 N Main St. (Rt. 6), at entrance to Gravity
Park, Carbondale
Categories
Text
Cities &
Towns, Coal
Founded by the Wurts brothers, pioneers in developing
anthracite resources of the region, in 1822. Here the
first underground mine was opened in June, 1831, near
Seventh Ave. Chartered as a city in 1851.
Coal,
Railroads,
Transportation
Gravity Railroad here began one of the first railroads in
the Western Hemisphere, built 1828-1829. The line had
its eastern terminus at Honesdale; its southwestern
terminus was later extended to Archbald & ultimately to
Valley Junction near Olyphant. Built by the Delaware &
Hudson to move coal to the D & H Canal, this line
eventually provided passenger service and operated
until the beginning of 1899.
Source: PHMC website (phmc.state.pa.us); accessed September 8, 2010
In addition, there are a number of local historical markers scattered
throughout the community identifying especially significant local historical
resources that helped define the Carbondale area. Examples pictured to the
right include markers depicting the first underground coal mine and the site of
the D&H Railroad passenger station.
20
Community Inventories - Cultural History
The area we know today as Pennsylvania has been inhabited since the end of
the last “Ice Age.” As the continental ice sheets retreated across northern
Pennsylvania, the ancestors of today’s American Indians soon arrived on this
tundra-like landscape across northern Pennsylvania. No evidence of these early
people has yet been recorded near Carbondale. It is likely that they lived here,
but subsequent coal mining and other landscape altering developments may
have destroyed any evidence of their settlements and activities.
Historical Events
Table 7 lists some important events in Carbondale history.
TABLE 7
Carbondale Select Historical Events
Date
1812
1822
1823
1829
1831
1850
1851
1853
1859
1876
1892
Event
The outbreak of the War of 1812 brings restrictions on trade between
the United States and Great Britain, creating an American market for
American coal just as the Industrial Revolution gets underway.
Carbondale is founded by brothers William, Charles and Maurice
Wurts.
The Wurts brothers charter the Delaware & Hudson Canal Company in
both New York and Pennsylvania.
Construction begins on the Gravity Railroad by the Delaware & Hudson
Canal Company to move coal from the mines near Carbondale to the
canal at Honesdale. Operated between Honesdale and Archbald and
was eventually extended to Olyphant.
America’s first deep anthracite mine opened.
The first eisteddfod (a Welsh musical and literary festival) in America
was celebrated in Carbondale on Christmas Day.*
Carbondale chartered as a city.
The first lodge in America of the ancient Welsh fraternal order of
Ivorites was opened in Carbondale.*
The Racket Brook Breaker, the first anthracite coal breaker in America,
was erected by the D&H.*
The Hendrick Manufacturing Company is founded by Eli E. Hendricks
to make screens for the mining industry.
Construction begins on the Carbondale City Hall, designed by local
architect Truman I. Lacey; the brick and Pennsylvania bluestone
building was built in the Romanesque Revival style
21
TABLE 7
Carbondale Select Historical Events (cont)
Date
1894
1898
1901
1932
1946
1950
1958
1968
1970
1974
1987
1991
Event
After a fire destroyed their mill in New York, the Klots Throwing
Company opens a mill in Carbondale, employing the wives and
daughters of the anthracite miners. The company became a major
importer of silk from China; at its peak, it operated fourteen mills, had
6,000 employees, and annual sales of $50 million.
The Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad closes; by the following year,
the canal closed and the D & H changed its name to the D & H
Railroad.
The United Mine Workers of America join the silk workers in a strike.
UMWA leader John Mitchell brings Mother Jones to area to protest
child labor at the silk mill.
Unable to compete with the development of rayon, the Klots Throwing
Company reorganizes under the name General Textile Mills, Inc.
A fire at the dump spreads to underground coal mine workings near
Carbondale.
An attempt was made to extinguish the mine fire which had been
burning since 1946. Water was flushed through the mine.
As the textile industry migrated to the South, General Textile Mills
acquired the Hendrick Manufacturing Company and is renamed Gentex
Corporation. The company produces perforated screens and filters.
A portion of the Delaware & Hudson Canal in Orange County, New
York, is recognized as a National Historic Landmark by the National
Park Service.
D & H Railroad passenger station destroyed by fire.
Another attempt is made to extinguish the mine fire, burning since
1946. An extensive excavation is done to stop the fire in the coal seam.
On November 9, three teenagers (and others) report seeing a “fireball”
plunge into a pond near the high school football field. The next day, the
UFO was retrieved from the pond and was determined to be a
flashlight.
Unusual snow melt observed near the site of the original 1946 mine fire
suggest that the fire is still burning.
D & H becomes a subsidiary of the Canadian Pacific Railway
Sources:
website
of
the
Carbondale
Historical
Society,
http://www.carbondalehistorical.org;
Kim, Ann G., Thomas R. Justin and John F. Miller. 1992. Mine fire diagnostics
applied to the Carbondale, PA, mine fire site. Report of Investigations 9421. US
Department of Interior, Bureau of Mines.
22
Carbondale, Pennsylvania - The Pioneer City
The City of Carbondale certainly holds a significant place in our country's history.
The fourth oldest city in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Carbondale was
home to the first million dollar corporation in America, The Delaware & Hudson
Canal Company which revolutionized the energy and transportation industry. The
first settlers arrived in 1802. In 1814, the true pioneers of the upper Lackawanna
River Valley, William and Maurice Wurts, traveled to the area from Philadelphia,
where they discovered the "Black Gold" which was Anthracite Coal. The brothers
formed the Delaware and Hudson Canal Company, the first million-dollar
privately financed enterprise in the United States, and built the historic Gravity
Railroad to transport the coal from Carbondale over the Moosic Mountains to
Honesdale and onto the New York market. When the railroad and the canal was
complete it was looked upon as a marvel in civil engineering, and even now in
these days of great achievement, it is referred to as one of the wonders of
engineering skill.
In 1822, the Wurts Brothers sent a shipment of coal to Philadelphia with the
name of their location of operation as "Carbondale Coal Fields." In June 1831,
the first underground Anthracite Coal mine in the United States was opened near
the base of Seventh Avenue. Washington Irving, a famous author, and Philip
Hone, founder of Honesdale, Pennsylvania have been credited by many with
choosing the name of Carbondale. This area was first known as "Ragged Island",
later as Barrendale, and finally as Carbondale. "Carbon" meaning coal
discovered here and "dale" meaning valley. The City of Carbondale received its
Charter on March 15, 1851 with 5,004 inhabitants, fifteen years before Scranton,
and twenty years before Wilkes-Barre.
Carbondale grew and prospered from
the mining industry. Many Europeans
from different backgrounds traveled to
the New World in search of great
opportunities
and
found
it
in
Carbondale, bringing many of their
traditions and folklore with them.
Mining remained the chief economic
source in the city until the late 1940's
and early 1950's when light manufacturing became the new economic lifeblood of
the community. However, it was mining that dominated Carbondale's early days
and carried it to grow from a small settlement to the fourth oldest chartered city in
the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Philadelphia is the oldest, followed by
Lancaster as the second, York as the third, and Carbondale as the fourth.
Source: Adapted from City of Carbondale www.carbondale-pa.gov/
23
Community Inventories - Museums
There are two important entities organized in Carbondale to preserve and tell the
historic story of Carbondale, as summarized below:
Carbondale Historical Society and
Museum – The Historical Society and
Museum is located at One North Main
Street on the third floor of the
Carbondale City Hall building. The first
public meeting of the Historical Society
was held in January of 1975. On
November 6, 1982, the Historical
Society and the Committee to Restore Carbondale City Hall merged to
form the Carbondale Historical Society and Museum, which
was incorporated on March 15, 1983.
The Carbondale Historical Society and Museum is
an educational and historical membership
organization whose mission is to record, gather,
and preserve the history of the city of Carbondale
and the surrounding area. Through its
genealogical and local history research center and
exhibition galleries on the third floor of Carbondale
City hall (listed in the National Register of Historic
Places on January 6, 1983, through the efforts of
the Society) and through an annual series of
public lectures, programs, exhibitions, and
commemorative ceremonies, in the community
and in the public schools, the Society, at the same time, interprets and
makes accessible to the public the City's rich, diverse, and unique history
and heritage. The Carbondale Historical Society and Museum is
committed to the central values of (1) maintaining the highest possible
standards in all its endeavors, (2) providing excellent service to the public
at all times, and (3) demonstrating leadership and innovation in the field of
local history.
Anthracite Historical Discovery Center - The
Discovery Center, located in Carbondale at the
site of the first underground Anthracite Mine in
America, is an educational organization dedicated
to recreating and restoring the pride the rich
heritage of Carbondale’s forefathers.
The
organization provides learning opportunities,
impacting all ages, through its resources and
programs at the center throughout regional
24
venues. The Discovery Center currently owns a building donated by the
Stanley Russin Family with the wishes that it be used to educate families
of the rich heritage in the Carbondale area. Engineering studies to date
indicate the building should be demolished in order for the planned
facilities to be constructed. A future goal of the Anthracite Historical
Discovery Center is to have a hands-on learning center for children with a
focus on the history in the Carbondale area.
In addition to the local resources described above, there are a number of
organizations located in areas surrounding Carbondale that help to present the
historic and heritage resources of the larger region. These include:
PA Anthracite Heritage Museum - located in McDade Park in Scranton, the
Museum tells the story of the people who came from Europe to work in the
anthracite mining and textiles industries.
Electric City Trolley Museum – The museum, located in a recently restored late
19th century mill building in Scranton, focuses on the time of the trolleys.
Through interactive exhibits and displays - including vintage trolleys, the museum
tells the story of the electric traction systems and the impact they had on the
development of the Lackawanna Valley.
Everhart Museum – The Everhart Museum, located in Scranton, is a not-for-profit
institution dedicated to the collection, care and display of a diverse array of
artifacts, including natural history, science and fine arts. The museum also
contains a library with books pertaining to themes covered by the collection.
Lackawanna County Historical Society
The Lackawanna Historical Society is located in Scranton and has a mission to
collect, preserve and interpret the artifacts, archives and bibliographic materials
of the social, cultural and economic history of Lackawanna County and
northeastern Pennsylvania. The Society's specific responsibilities include
fostering the knowledge and appreciation of the history and culture of
Lackawanna County and associated areas through educational programs, public
accessibility to library materials and the artifact/archive collections, and alliances
with like-minded organizations.
The D & H Gravity Depot Museum – located east of Carbondale in nearby
Waymart, this museum tells the story of the D&H Gravity railroad and the role it
played in the region’s history.
Sources for Museums subsection include:
www.carbondalehistorical.org
www.thehdc.com
www.anthracitemuseum.org/
www.ectma.org/
www.everhart-museum.org/
www.waymartpa.us/id17.html
www.lackawannahistory.org
25
Community Inventories - Inventory of Community Events/Activities
Inventories of activities and events are available for most activities in the
Carbondale and the larger surrounding region. Inventories of events and
activities can be found of the following websites:
www.carbondale-pa.gov/events.php - the website for the City of Carbondale
focuses on local events and activities offered by local organizations.
www.carbondale-pa-coc.com - the website for the Greater Carbondale Chamber
of Commerce provides information on networking mixers, wellness workshops,
business seminars and community events.
In addition, three other tourism/visitor orientated websites have information on
the region:
www.visitnepa.org – the website for the Lackawanna County Convention and
Visitors Bureau
www.lhva.org - The Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) website
serves as an information clearinghouse, informing the public about the activities
of its partners
www.visitpa.com/upstatepa - the official tourism website site for Pennsylvania
provides a range of visitor related information for the entire UpstatePA region.
A review of information from the listings and input from the Community
Workshops yield a varied assortment of events and activities for both the visitor
and the resident. The events recognized as of tourism interest have been sorted
by topic or provider and are summarized below:
Carbondale Community Events
Art Walk – Summer/Fall
Music, Art and Wine Festival - June
Pioneer Nights Block Party - August
Oktoberfest Fall – early-October
Taste of the Town – Fall
Christmas in a Small Town – late-fall
Santa Train Festivities – late-fall
Lighted Christmas Parade - late-fall
Scranton Area Community Events
Riverfest - Lackawanna River Spring
St Patrick’s Day Parade - Spring
St. Ann’s Solemn Novena -Summer
Jazz Festival - Summer
La Festa Italiana - Summer
Bocce Invitational Tournament - McDade Park - Summer
Race for the Cure - Fall
Polkafest - Fall
Steamtown Marathon – Fall
Santa Parade, Festival of Trees, Nutcracker, North Pole Express, Holiday Light
Spectacular, Santa Train, Holiday Train at Steamtown NHS, First Nights - Winter
26
Other Carbondale Area Events
The Race of the Saints - St. Ubaldo Day or known in Italian as "La Festa dei
Ceri" - Jessup - Spring
Queen City Nights - Olyphant - Summer
Northeast PA Classic Golf Tournament – Moscow - Summer
Pocono/Pennsylvania 500 NASCAR Race Pocono Mountains Race Track near
Tunkhannock - Summer
Philharmonic & Fireworks - Lackawanna County Stadium - Moosic -Summer
Heritage Valley Station Stops - Lackawanna Valley - Fall
“Christmas In A Small Town” Train Stops in Carbondale, Jessup, Olyphant,
Dickson City - Winter
Some activities are functions of more local than of tourism interest. However,
most are in fact the types of activities that can be destinations for travelers –
regular and casual – as well as of interest to residents. Not all are publicized in
one place or on one website. A review of the timing of the activities in
Carbondale and surrounding areas reinforces a Summer through late-Fall
schedule of events and activities. Although a few events in the surroundings
areas do take place in spring and winter, a gap does exist during these seasons
suggesting an opportunity for future programming ideas.
The Main Street Experience is a local initiative facilitated through a partnership
with the City of Carbondale, the Carbondale Business Association and the
Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce. The Main Street Experience’s
mission is to focus on economic development, event and marketing initiatives
designed to enhance the vitality of shops, restaurants and services in the
business district, as well as increase foot traffic along our historic Main Street
corridor. This includes a mix of events noted above and revitalization activities
that have the goal of bringing new energy, enthusiasm and economic growth to
the region.
27
Community Inventories – Regional Attractions and Resources
Carbondale is within the Upstate PA Region as identified by the PA Department
of Community and Economic Development (www.visitpa.com). The Upstate PA
Region is described as having some of the most dramatic scenery and
landscapes in Pennsylvania with mountainous areas covered with forests and
steep peaks interspersed with tranquil communities with unmatched natural
beauty. Carbondale is also within the Lackawanna Valley State Heritage Region
as identified by the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The
Lackawanna Heritage Valley addresses the historic and natural assets along 40
miles of the Lackawanna River in northeastern Pennsylvania. Within this Heritage
Region, the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority seeks to interpret the area’s national
significance for residents and visitors while encouraging environmentally sound
economic development and recreational opportunities. The general area in and
around Carbondale reflects these branding efforts.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawanna Heritage Valley
The Lackawanna Valley embodies the
regions anthracite coal, railroad and iron
works heritage.
The Lackawanna
Heritage Valley Authority (LHVA) is the
managing entity of the Lackawanna
Heritage Valley, a National and State
Heritage Area that encompasses
Carbondale and Lackawanna River
Watershed
in
Lackawanna,
Susquehanna, Wayne, and Luzerne
counties.
The Lackawanna Heritage
Valley Authority is a partnership of
government,
business,
civic
organizations, and individuals dedicated
to the development of the region’s
historic, cultural, economic, and natural
resources
through
preservation,
education, and promotion of our
heritage. The LHVA works to tell the
story of the Lackawanna Heritage Valley, facilitate partnerships, preserve and
enhance the physical character and economic vitality of the communities in the
Lackawanna Valley, Improve the visitor experience and reconnect people and
communities to the Lackawanna River.
28
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawanna State Forest
The Lackawanna State
Forest totals 27,345
acres of state-owned
forest
land
in
Lackawanna
and
Luzerne
Counties.
The Forest consists of
multiple tracts located
to the south, southwest
and southeast of the
Carbondale
area
including
the
Thornhurst Tract which
is located south of
Carbondale
in
Lackawanna County.
Lackawanna
State
Forest is named after
the Native American phrase, "a place where the river forks." Portions of the
Forest are located on many of the mountains near the confluence of
the Susquehanna and Lackawanna rivers. The Bureau of Forestry within the
Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)
manages state forests for their long-term health and productivity while conserving
native wild plants. These forests are “working forests” and provide for a whole
range of uses while maintaining the forest’s wild character, embracing pure
water, recreation, scenic beauty, plant and animal habitat, sustainable timber and
natural gas, and many other uses and values. Recreational opportunities include
the following:
Hiking: The 26-mile Pinchot Trail and the 5 mile Watres Loop offers hikers easy
to moderate hiking options.
Picnicking: The Thornhurst Tract features the Manny Gordon picnic area with two
pavilions and several picnic tables as well as charcoal grills at each location. This
is a popular picnic spot with snowmobiling enthusiasts.
Camping: Primitive camping is permitted along the Pinchot Trail. Organized
camping is available only at the Manny Gordon Picnic Area with a permit.
Hunting: Hunting and trapping of deer, turkey, grouse, squirrels, rabbits, the
occasional black bear and snowshoe hare in the Lackawanna State Forest many
visitors each year.
Fishing: Trout fishing is available during designated seasons in several creeks,
streams and water bodies located throughout the forest including portions of the
Lehigh River, Ceasetown Reservoir, Harvey’s Creek, Pine Creek and Choke
Creek. Choke Creek attracts anglers who appreciate the challenge of fishing for
the elusive native brook trout. Wild trout are also found in Butler Run, Spring
Run, Painter Creek, Panther Creek, and Sand Spring Creek.
Boating: Boating opportunities are located on the upper Lehigh River and on
Pond Creek, a local tributary to the Lehigh River.
29
Sightseeing: There are many opportunities to see wildlife including turkey,
grouse, white-tailed deer, black bears, and a wide variety of song birds and fall
foliage. There is an observation deck at Pine Hill on the Thornhurst tract that
provides a sweeping panoramic view of the Pocono plateau and the start of the
ridge and valley system.
Horseback Riding: Horses may be ridden on all state forest roads and most trails,
including the Snowmobile Trail.
Mountain Biking: Mountain bikes may be used on most roads and trails not
including the Spruce Swamp Natural Area, Pinchot Trail and Watres Loop.
Winter Activities: An extensive 24-mile snowmobile and cross-country ski trail is
well marked and opens following deer season. Snowmobile off loading areas are
located at the Manny Gordon Picnic area and near the intersection of Pittston
Road and Bear Lake Road.
Pennsylvania’s state forest system includes special wild and natural areas set
aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic and historical
features or to showcase outstanding examples of the state’s major forest
communities. Natural areas are “managed” by nature and direct human
intervention is limited. They provide places for scenic observation, protect special
plant and animal communities and conserve outstanding examples of natural
beauty. Wild areas are generally extensive tracts managed to protect the forest’s
wild character and to provide back country recreational opportunities. There is
one of these areas in the Forest:
Spruce Swamp Natural Area: This 87-acre site located on the Thornhurst Tract
south of Carbondale is noted for its glacial bog where native spruce, balsam fir,
and tamarack are found. Labrador Tea and Bog Roseary, not commonly found in
Pennsylvania, also grow here. Surrounding the bog and acting as a buffer is a
typical hardwood forest interspersed with hemlock and assorted pines.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Archbald Pothole State Park
This 150-acre park is located in Lackawanna County,
approximately 5 miles south of Carbondale. The park
is named for Archbald Pothole, a geologic feature that
formed during the Wisconsin Glacial Period, around
15,000 years ago. The pothole is 38 feet deep and has
an elliptical shape. The diameter of the pothole
decreases downward. The largest diameter is 42 feet
by 24 feet. At the bottom it is 17 feet by 14 feet. The
pothole has a volume of about 18,600 cubic feet, so
could hold about 140,000 gallons. It would take 35 fire
truck tankers to fill the pothole.
Major recreational opportunities in the Park are
summarized below:
30
The interior lands of the park are undergoing strip mine reclamation. This
reclaimed land will be used for outdoor recreation and will also include athletic
fields.
Hiking: A small loop trail starting at the wayside follows an old coal mine tram
road passed rock ledges and through forested areas.
Hunting: Over 100 acres are open to limited hunting, trapping and the training of
dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, squirrel and
turkey. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited.
Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31
in designated hunting areas.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Lackawanna State Park
This 1,445 acre park is located in Lackawanna County, approximately 10 miles
west of Carbondale. The centerpiece of the park is the 198-acre Lackawanna
Lake. The Lake is surrounded by picnic areas and multi-use trails winding
through forest. Boating, camping, fishing, biking and swimming are popular
recreation activities. Major recreational opportunities in the Park are summarized
below:
Boating: The 198-acre Lake Lackawanna allows electric motors only and is
popular for sailing, canoeing, kayaking and rowing. There are three boat
launches around the lake.
Fishing: Lackawanna Lake has 7.5 miles of shoreline and features an ADA
accessible fishing pier. Common fish species including trout, muskellunge,
walleye, channel catfish, bullhead, pickerel and largemouth bass. . The 3-acre
Trostle Pond, in the northern end of the park, is open to youth fishing only (ages
12 and under) and hosts a variety of warm-water species.
Swimming: a 160-foot diameter pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Hiking: 18 miles of trails are available and includes a series of looping trails
limited to foot traffic. Additional multi-use trails explore forests, fields, lakeshore
areas and woodland streams.
Horseback Riding: The multi-use hiking trails can be used by horseback riders.
Mountain Biking: About 15 miles of multi-use trails wind through the park,
traversing hills, lakeshore, forests and fields. Trailheads are at the States Creek
Mooring Area and on Rowlands, Wallsville and Austin roads.
Picnicking: Much of the main picnic area overlooks the lake. Grills and modern
restrooms are throughout the area. Additional, smaller picnic areas can be found
at the Bullhead Bay Boat Launch and States Creek Mooring Area on the northern
and southern ends of the lake.
Hunting and Firearms: Over 900 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the
training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer,
turkey, rabbit, pheasant and grouse. Additional areas in and around the
campground are open for specific hunting seasons only. Contact the park office
for details.
Camping: modern sites, some with elec. The campground is within walking
distance of the lake and swimming pool. The campground offers campsites for
tents and trailers: 61 sites with 40-50 amp. electric hookups, washhouses with
hot showers and restrooms, and a sanitary dump station.
Winter Activities: consist of Cross-country Skiing, Sledding and Tobogganing, Ice
Fishing and Ice Skating:
31
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Eales Preserve at Moosic Mountain
The Dick & Nancy Eales Preserve at Moosic
Mountain located approximately 12 miles south of
Carbondale is a 2,250-acre property with miles of
hiking and bicycling trails. The Preserve provides
sweeping views of Pennsylvania’s northeastern
corner and represents one of the best locations in
the northeastern U.S. for ridge-top heath barrens.
The Moosic Mountain “barrens” comprise a
healthy mosaic of stunted pine and oak forest
dominated by huckleberry, blueberry, rhodora and
other low-lying shrubs that attract a broad array of
birds, butterflies and moths including the globally rare sallow moth and barrens
buckmoth.
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – State Gamelands
The Pennsylvania State Game Lands are lands
managed
by
the
Pennsylvania
Game
Commission (PGC) for hunting, trapping and
fishing. Typically these lands are either acquired
by or donated to the PGC. There are four
identified State Gamelands with areas in
Lackawanna County and one located in close
proximity to Carbondale in Wayne County
encompassing a total of 27,009 acres, as
summarized below:
SGL
General Location
Acreage
#300 – Carbondale Twp – near City of Carbondale
#307 – Scott Twp - Jermyn
#310 – Wayne County – Lake Twp – near Lake Henry
#135 – Clifton Twp and Lehigh Twp #91 – Lackawanna/Luzerne County – Spring Brook Twp
5,506
1,053
1,120
3,430
15,900
Source: PGC website
32
Regional State Nature Tourism Resources – Nay Aug Park Gorge and Waterfall
National Natural Landmark
The National Park Service administers
the National Natural Landmarks (NNL)
Program
which
recognizes
and
encourages the conservation of sites that
contain outstanding biological and
geological resources.
Nay Aug Park
Gorge and Waterfall located just south of
Carbondale in Scranton illustrates active
landscape-forming
processes
from
erosion of differentially resistant rocks.
The sedimentary rock units are important
secondary features that demonstrate
sedimentary processes, environments,
and events in the history of the earth.
The park also includes walking trails,
picnic areas, kid-friendly rides, two (2)
playgrounds, two (2) Olympic-sized
swimming pools and waterslide complex. Nay Aug Park’s David Wenzel Tree
house is the first of its kind in Pennsylvania, It overlooks the gorge, rising some
150 feet above.
33
Community Inventories – Local Recreation Related Resources
Local Recreation Areas
Information
provided
on
the
Lackawanna
County
web
site
(http://www.lackawannacounty.org/attractions_parks.aspx) and in the County
Lines report (2008), highlights that Carbondale is home to many designated
playgrounds, park areas and green spaces that provide a range of recreation
activities for visitors and residents including:
Russell Park - baseball field, little league baseball field, football field, playground,
softball fields, tennis courts
Cerra-Leo Memorial Park - basketball court, handball court, playground, softball
field.
East Side Park/E. Garfield Avenue Playground - basketball court, playground
Belmont Street Playground - playground
Whitebridge Park/ Hemlock Street Playground – green space and basketball
court and playground
Memorial Park – green space
McCauley Park– green space
Gravity Park – green space
Needle Park – green space
Regional Recreation Areas
In addition to the recreation areas available in the City, regional parks areas are
available to all area residents, as are the Nature Tourism resources described
previously.
Lackawanna Valley River Trail - Mellow Park: The Park is located just south of
Carbondale in Blakely Borough and serves as a trail head to the Lackawanna
Valley River Trail. The park also offers baseball, football and soccer field fields,
basketball courts, comfort station, horse shoe pits, ice skating pond, 5 mile
jogging trail, playground and a volleyball court.
Lackawanna Valley River Trail - Maslyar Park:
The Park is located just south of Carbondale in
Archbald Borough and serves as a trail head
to the Lackawanna Valley River Trail. The
Park is located at a point where the Delaware
& Hudson Gravity Railroad crossed the O&W
and the Lackawanna River. The Park also
offers baseball and soccer fields, playground,
picnic area, river access and walking trails.
Lackawanna County Park System: Lackawanna County is home to four
county parks including one in close proximity of Carbondale (Merli-Sarnoski
Park) that provide a range of activities including swimming, playgrounds,
fishing, hiking and more. The four county parks include:
34
Merli-Sarnoski Park: Merli-Sarnoski Park
located just outside of Carbondale in Fell
Township features a lake for swimming and
fishing, as well as numerous trails for hiking,
and pavilions and picnic tables for picnicking
wide expanses of untouched natural beauty.
Merli-Sarnoski Park, dedicated in 1978, is
named
after
Lackawanna
County
Congressional Medal of Honor recipients
Gino Merli and Joseph Sarnoski. The 840acre park features lake swimming, fishing
and sports facilities, including:
o 35-acre lake that is regularly stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat
Commission
o Two pavilions
o Large handicapped accessible fishing pier
o Eight-mile cross country mountain bike trail
o Beautiful sandy beach area with bath houses
o Ice fishing
o Boat launch (electrical motors only)
o Approximately 15 miles of hiking, mountain bike and nature trails
o Picnic areas with tables and charcoal grills
o Two playground areas with basketball and volleyball courts
o Regulation soccer field
o Overnight camping for non-profit organizations with parks department
approval
Aylesworth Park: Aylesworth Park is located south of Carbondale in nearby
Archbald Borough also offers swimming in a 4-acre lake and hiking trails as well
as a multipurpose field, softball field, volleyball court and bocce court.
McDade Park: McDade Park is located approximately 16 miles from Carbondale
in Scranton is home to the recently completed Boundless Playground, a large
inclusive play structure that serves children of all abilities and needs. The
playgrounds are fully wheelchair accessible with ramps and specially designed
swings and slides. Other facilities at McDade Park include a pool, fishing pond,
playing field, pavilions and picnic tables, trails and a bocce court. The Coal Mine
Tour and the Anthracite Museum are also on the property.
Covington Park: Located further away in the southern portion of the County in
Covington Township has multiple play fields, playgrounds, trails, a basketball
court, increased parking and a park office.
35
Ski Areas
Elk Mountain – Elk Mountain located
approximately 16 miles north of
Carbondale in Union Dale, PA, was one
of Pennsylvania's first commercial ski
areas, opening in 1959. Elk Mountain is
still a leading skiing destination in
Pennsylvania and offering 27 trails and
slopes that include beginner and black
diamond runs. The Resort also offers, snowboarding, ski and snowboard
rentals, adaptive rental equipment, snowboard only terrain park, ski
school, snowboard lessons, and USSA racing. The skiing area is the
most northerly of Pennsylvania’s ski resorts.
SNÖ Mountain – Formerly known as Montage Mountain, SNÖ Mountain is
located approximately 24 miles south of Carbondale on Montage Mountain
Road just outside of Scranton. This skiing destination overlooks the
Wyoming Valley of northeast Pennsylvania and has been a centerpiece of
winter recreation for the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre, PA metro areas since
1984. Offers 21 slopes, snowboarding, snow tubing, ski and snowboard
rentals, ski and snowboard classes, PSIA instructors and ice skating.
Bicycle/Hiking and Water Trails
Bicycle Route Y, one of six long-distance bicycle touring routes in the state,
generally follows Route 6 in an east-west alignment across the state. Bicycle
Route L, another one of the long-distance bicycle touring routes in the state,
generally follows various routes in north-south alignment across the state. US
Business Route 6 is Bicycle Route Y and L through downtown Carbondale.
Specifically, in the Carbondale area Route Y overlaps with Route L through
downtown Carbondale before taking up it again its east-west route just south of
Carbondale.
In addition, as described by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources, there are number of trails in proximity to Carbondale. The
trails include:
D&H Rail Trail – Located in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and Wayne counties,
this 32.4 mile trail is comprised of cinder, original ballast, and hard-packed dirt, a
hybrid or mountain bike is needed to comfortably ride this intermittently rugged
trail. The trail parallels the Lackawanna River for several miles.
O&W Rail Trail – 32.9 mile trail is located in Lackawanna, Susquehanna and
Wayne counties and follows the route of the rail line built in the 1880s to
transport coal mined from the Lackawanna Valley’s rich anthracite deposits. The
36
O&W Trail parallels the D&H Trial for much of its distance and plans are in the
works to create loop trails between the two.
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail – Located in Lackawanna, Luzerne,
Susquehanna and Wayne counties this 8.5 mile trail is comprised of many
sections and begins south of Scranton just north of the intersection of North Main
Street and Union Street, under the railroad trestle. The last completed 1-mile
section of the trail runs from just north of Carbondale to the town of Simpson.
The trail can be accessed from PA Route 171 (Belmont Street) and Chestnut
Avenue north of Carbondale, or from Belmont Street and Harrison Street just
south of the town of Simpson.
North Branch Susquehanna River Water Trail - The 185.2 mile North Branch
Susquehanna River Trail located to the east of Carbondale has a north-south
alignment as if flows through Northumberland, Bradford, Susquehanna, Luzerne,
Columbia, Montour and Wyoming Counties from New York through Pennsylvania
to Sunbury where it joins the West Branch and forms the river's main stem.
37
Community Inventories - Inventory and Survey of Businesses
A major concentration of tourism related resources are located in Lackawanna
County including everything from specialty and chain retail, cultural facilities and
a wide assortment of hospitality resources. In the
Carbondale area, many of these resources are located off
of Rt. 6 and are located on or near Business Route 6
which directly links Carbondale with the Scranton area.
Some segments of Business Route 6 traverse heavily
developed and developing commercial areas between the
cities and can be characterized as vehicle oriented.
The City of Carbondale “business district” identified by the
EADS team is centered around the Main Street (north
and south) and Church Street (north and south) and the
cross streets including Salem Ave, Lincoln Ave, Park
Place, 6th Ave and 7th Ave. The following summarizes the types of businesses in
these areas as identified in a windshield survey in May 2010:
Downtown: Along S/N Main Street
Retail - Department Store
Restaurant – Family Style
Restaurant – Fine Dining
Real Estate Sales
Bank
Insurance Agency
Auto Parts Store
Funeral Home
Hair Salon
Daycare
Floral Shoppe
Gas Station/Convenience Store
Cultural/Government Offices
Downtown: Along S/N Church Street
Photography
Professional Offices
Beauty Salon
Dance School
Drug Store
Downtown: Cross streets between Main and Church Streets
Bank
Insurance
Professional Offices
Tobacco Shop
Floral Shop
Hair Salon
Bakery
Auto Parts
Cleaners
38
Perceptions – Views from an Outside Visitor
Planning staff believe that the Carbondale Central Business
District (CBD) is compact and walkable. In fact, in an earlier
Route 6 planning activity, the PA Downtown Center rated
Carbondale as among the most pedestrian oriented CBD’s
in the corridor. An on-going streetscape project has
enhanced the visual quality of the CBD and sidewalks are
relatively wide. There are numerous defined and marked
crosswalks and traffic signals and alignment of Main Street
tends to calm through traffic. West of the CBD is a largely
highway oriented business area, but access to it from the
CBD is relatively close.
Within the Borough, business hours vary
considerably and there appear to be
limited choice after 5:00 PM. In addition,
staff saw instances of no posted hours on
certain stores.
There were several vacant retail spaces in
the CBD as well as some underutilized
and/or vacant lots.
Overall, businesses are in a compact area and the newcomer or casual
visitor probably would not have difficulty just figuring out what is available.
Business offerings in the larger region
include everything from department
stores, shopping centers, convenience
stores, fast-food to high-end dining and
other retail.
A major redevelopment project in the
form of a hotel was under development
in the CBD during the planning
associated
with
the
Heritage
Communities Program.
On-going streetscape enhancements have improved the appearance of a
number of segments of the CBD, although so far have not included
benches (except on Memorial Park), bike racks or similar amenities that
reinforce the “pedestrian orientation” noted earlier.
39
Business Survey
A survey of businesses was conducted during mid-2010. The questionnaire was
developed in consultation with the local Stakeholders Committee. The
stakeholders helped develop a listing of commercial and services businesses
most closely associated with tourism and addresses and personally dropped off
questionnaires, with completed questionnaires returned to the Consultant.
Overview of Responses:
A total of twenty-two (22) responses were received
representing an overall return of 37%, which exceeded our internal 25% target. The
detailed returns are as follows, with a good response from retailers and eating and
drinking establishments. Numbers reflect some respondents noting more than one type
of business.
TYPE
Lodging: Motel, hotel, B&B, etc.
Retailing: Gifts, convenience goods,
hardware, etc.
Eating/Drinking Establishments:
Restaurants, taverns, etc.
Food Products/Services: Food products,
snacks, groceries, etc.
Recreation services: Guide, outfitter,
sporting equipment, etc.
Attraction: Amusement, museum,
entertainment establishment, etc.
Medical/Dental Goods/Services
Other Professional Services: Legal,
accounting, etc.
Automotive Goods/Services: Fuel, service,
automobile parts, sales, etc.
Financial Services: Banking, real estate,
insurance, etc.
Personal/Household Services: Plumbing,
contracting, hairstyling, repair, etc.
Rental
Business Services: Data processing,
copying, etc.
Storage/Wholesaling
Non-profit agency/organization
Other
No Response
TOTAL
City of Carbondale
#
%
1
4.0
25
6
24.0
7
28.0
1
4.0
1
4.0
1
4.0
1
1
4.0
4.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0
0.0
0.0
0
3
3
0
0.0
12.0
12.0
0.0
100%
40
Business Operations: Overall, the responses are generally from middle to longterm (11 to 20+ years) with 50% in business over 20 years and 27% between 1120 years full-time operations (100%) together employing 249 persons, with most
being part-time employees.
a. Number of operational years for responding businesses: Long-term orientation
with 77% in business for more than 11 years including 50% in business more
than 20 years and only 4.5% in business under 5 years.
RANGE
1 year or less
2-5 years
6-10 years
11-20 years
More than 20 years
No Response
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
0
0.0
1
4.5
4
18.2
6
27.3
11
50.0
0
0.0
22
100%
b. Business a full-time/part-time operation: Full-time orientation for 100% of the
businesses responding.
TYPE
Full Time
Part-time
No Response
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
22
100.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
22
100%
c. Number of people employed in businesses: Part-time employment is
important for local businesses as reflected in the fact that approximately 72% of
employees were part-time.
TYPE
Full Time employees
Part-time employees
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
69
27.7
180
72.3
249
100%
41
d. Business hours varied greatly among the respondents. The “typical business day” is
difficult to generalize, due to the special needs and markets of the businesses. As an
illustration, businesses generally open before 8:00 AM and noon, with before 8:00 AM
being the most common. While most businesses close between 4:00 PM and 8:00 PM,
a number of businesses do stay open after 8:00 PM. Although difficult to characterize,
the later closings are typically at eating/drinking establishments likely serving mainly
local residents and the visiting public. Approximately 86% of the responding businesses
note Saturday hours including one noting 24/7 operations, one noting Saturday hours by
appointment only and one noting a Saturday opening without designating hours.
Similarly, approximately 55% note Sunday hours as well, when including the same three
types of respondents.
Carbondale Business Hours Summary
Weekdays
Open
Before 8:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
After 10:00 AM
Close
7
1
4
1
4
1
Before 4:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:45 PM
7:00 & 8:00 PM
After 8:00 PM
1
1
4
1
1
3
7
NOTE: Two (2) respondents noted being closed on Mondays, Two (2) respondents noting closing later
on Thursday & Fridays, One (1) respondent noting being opened only on Thursdays during the week,
One (1) respondent noted closing earlier on Friday, One (1) respondent noted 24 hour operations/seven
days a week, One (1) respondent did not respond to the question and one (1) respondent did not
provide their Weekday hours
Saturday
Open
Before 8:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:00 AM
After 10:00 AM
Close
7
1
4
1
2
1
Before 4:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
6:30 & 6:45 PM
7:00 & 8:00 PM
After 8:00 PM
3
2
2
2
1
6
NOTE: One (1) respondent noted 24 hour operations/seven days a week, One (1) respondent noted
Saturday hours by appointment only and one (1) respondent did not provide their Saturday hours
Sunday
Open
Before 8:00 AM
8:00 AM
9:00 AM
10:00 AM
After 10:00 AM
Close
6
1
2
Before 4:00 PM
4:00 PM
5:00 PM
6:00 PM
7:00 & 8:00 PM
After 8:00 PM
3
1
2
1
2
NOTE: One (1) respondent noted 24 hour operations/seven days a week, One (1) respondent noted
Sunday hours by appointment only and one (1) respondent did not provide their Sunday hours
42
Perceived Busy Days/Seasons:
a. Most designate Saturday (41%) as the “busiest day” with Friday (27%) also
being noted as a busy day. No difference also received a number of responses.
DAY
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
No Difference
No Answer
City of
Carbondale
#
%
1
4.5
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
9.1
6
27.3
9
40.9
0
0.0
4
18.2
0
0.0
b. Summer (45.5%) and Christmas (32%) are by far busiest for businesses a
busy season. Winter, Autumn, Spring and no difference among seasons were
also indicated to a much lesser extent. Multiple Answers were allowed per
respondent explaining percentage totals exceeding 100%, with percentages
reflecting percent of 22 respondents answering this item.
SEASON
Summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day)
Autumn (September through November)
Christmas Season (Thanksgiving through
New Year’s Day)
Winter (January through March)
Spring (April through May)
Other
None; all seasons are generally the same
City of
Carbondale
#
%
10
45.5
1
4.5
7
31.8
3
2
0
3
13.6
9.1
0.0
13.6
43
Ownership: The business community generally reflects a local and regional year
round orientation with 54.5% of owners being full-time local residents.
LOCATION
A year-round resident of Carbondale
A part-time resident of Carbondale
A year-round resident of another
Lackawanna County Community
A part-time resident of another Lackawanna
County Community
A resident of an adjacent County
Other; none of the above applies
No Answer
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
12
54.5
1
4.5
6
27.3
0
0.0
2
1
0
22
9.1
4.5
0.0
100%
Route 6 Location: The relative importance of US Route 6 for business at the
present time is strong as approximately 77% rate it as either very or somewhat
important while only approximately 23% indicated that it is minimally or not
important to their business.
IMPORTANCE
Very Important
Somewhat Important
Minimally Important
Not Important
Other
No Answer
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
9
40.9
8
36.4
1
4.5
4
18.2
0
0.0
0
0.0
22
100%
44
Sales and Trends:
communities
Overall positive characteristics and trends among the
a. The estimate of business’ annual gross sales or revenues volume suggests a
relatively high level of business success in the Community. A relatively high
number of businesses (59%) reported sales/revenues earning in excess of
$100,000 and approximately 46% indicated a high volume (+$250,000) of
business. On the hand, approximately 32% of the businesses reported sales or
revenues less than $100,000 with only approximately 14% reporting
sales/revenues under $25,000/year.
RANGE
Under $25,000 per year
$25,000 - $50,000 per year
$50,001 - $100,000 per year
$100,001 - $250,000 per year
Over $250,000 per year
No Answer
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
3
13.6
1
4.5
3
13.6
3
13.6
10
45.5
2
9.1
22 100.0%
b. Sales/revenue volume trend in the prior 12 months, among those providing an
answer, are stable, perhaps not reflecting recessionary impacts in the larger
economy, with 32% experiencing stability, 14% experiencing increases and only
9% having decreases. However, identification of a true trend is somewhat
restricted as approximately 46% of respondents did not provide an answer to this
question.
TREND
Increased
Decreased
Stayed about the Same
No Answer
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
3
13.6
2
9.1
7
31.8
10
45.5
22 100.0%
45
Customer Base/Characteristics
a. There is somewhat of a variation in the “typical” daily customer/client base, with
approximately 45% reporting having over 100 customers/clients per day while
approximately 41% reported having 50 or less customers/clients per day, suggesting a
mix of large and small businesses.
RANGE - # of customers/clients per day
Under 5
5-10
11-25
26-50
51-75
76-100
101-200
Over 200
Clients/Customers do not come to business
No response
TOTAL
City of Carbondale
#
%
1
4.5
2
9.1
2
9.1
4
18.2
1
4.5
1
4.5
3
13.6
7
31.8
0
0.0
1
4.5
22
100.0%
b. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “local” residents (i.e. people
who live in and around Carbondale): Respondents indicate they do rely heavily on local
residents. Approximately 64% of those offering a response suggest that locals account
for more than 70% of their customer base, a relatively high number when compared to
only approximately 18% reporting that locals account for less than 30% of their business.
c. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “regular” visitors and tourists
(i.e. visiting local families, hunters/fishermen, seasonal residents, etc. who you may be
seen a number of times over the years): The “regular” visitors appear not to be
important to a substantial number of businesses as approximately 91% indicated that
regular visitors account for less than 30% of their business and approximately 50%
indicated they account for under 10% of their base.
RANGE – estimated customer base
91 – 100%
81 – 90%
71 – 80%
61 – 70%
51 – 60%
41 – 50%
31 – 40%
21 – 30%
10 - 20%
Under 10%
No Answer
TOTAL
“Local”
#
%
9
40.9
3
13.6
2
9.1
1
4.5
0
0.0
2
9.1
0
0.0
1
4.5
2
9.1
1
4.5
1
4.5
22
100%
“Regular”
#
%
1
4.5
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
2
9.1
7
31.8
11
50.0
1
4.5
22 100%
“Casual”
#
%
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
0
0.0
4
18.2
13
59.1
5
22.7
22 100%
46
d. Percentage of customer/client base that is comprised of “casual” visitors and
tourists (i.e. people “passing through” who you see only once): Similar to
“regular” visitors, “casual” visitors comprise a very low percentage of the
customer base among the businesses responding. In fact, 100% of those who
gave an answered response suggest “casual” visitors account for under 20% of
their base.
e. Overall summary: Relatively high dependence on local residents with low
dependence on regular and casual visitors.
Tourism and Business in General:
a. Overall, businesses have either seen continuity in tourism traffic (46%) or
sustained an increase in tourism traffic (9%) in their business in recent years.
Only one (1) business reported a decrease in tourism traffic. Interestingly, six
(6) respondents indicated their business did not receive tourism traffic.
TYPE
Tourist traffic has increased
Tourist traffic has decreased
No change in tourist traffic
No tourist traffic in this business
No Answer
TOTAL
City of
Carbondale
#
%
2
9.1
1
4.5
10
45.5
6
27.3
3
13.6
22 100.0%
b. Factors that describe present business planning, (multiple responses with
percentages reflecting percent of responding businesses). Planned expansions
are more in the way of offering more goods and services (23%) than physical
expansions (14%). There were two (2) responses indicating considering closing
or selling and 59% were not considering any changes presently.
CURRENT PLANNING
Considering a physical expansion of my business’ physical plant
Considering expanding my offering of goods or services
Considering hiring new employees
Considering selling or closing my business
Not considering any changes at the present time
No response
City of
Carbondale
#
%
3
13.6
5
22.7
2
9.1
2
9.1
13
59.1
0
0.0
47
Future Enhancements: Respondents were asked to identify no more than the
three (3) top improvements they think would improve the community as a
business or tourism destination. Multiple responses were encouraged with
percentages reflecting percent of the total respondents favoring each type of
improvement.
a. Results suggest a mix of structural and non-structural improvements. The
most popular improvements that are seen as enhancing the community as a
business or tourist destination are:
68% of the respondents identified seeing new types of businesses among the top
improvements.
46% of the respondents identified additional tourist destinations/activities among
the top improvements.
41% of the respondents identified storefront/façade improvements among the top
improvements;
TYPE
New types of businesses
Additional Tourist destinations/activities
Storefront/façade improvements
Better signage to businesses/destinations
Improved property maintenance
Improved street maintenance
More events and festivals
Other
City of
Carbondale
#
%
15
68.2
10
45.5
9
40.9
4
18.2
3
13.6
3
13.6
3
13.6
- Money for Business Start-Ups
- New High Paying Plant
- Don’t Put Down New Ideas
3
13.6
Streetscape (i.e. benches, landscaping)
Coordinated advertising/promotion
A local visitors information center
Streamlining ordinances/regulations
Rehabilitating and maintaining the large older homes
Hospitality training for business employees
2
2
1
0
0
0
9.1
9.1
4.5
0.0
0.0
0.0
48
b. New business development is a popular enhancement as noted above. The
following types of new businesses were noted as being needed and could be
sustained in the community (NOTE: due to multiple answers; percentages reflect
the total respondents for each type of business): There is a small specialty retail
and a larger retail orientation prevalent among respondents with notable need for
recreation and entertainment service establishments.
TYPE
Smaller specialty stores (i.e. antique, gifts, crafts, etc.
Larger retail stores (i.e. appliance, auto, etc)
Recreation and entertainment services
Eating and drinking establishments
Professional services
Personal services
Convenience stores
Other
- Any type of business that brings employment
City of
Carbondale
#
%
11
50.0
10
45.5
8
36.4
3
13.6
1
4.5
1
4.5
0
0.0
2
9.1
49
Community Inventories - Physical and Non-Physical Conditions
This subsection provides an overview of various physical characteristics, facilities
and services available in the Carbondale Area, with attention emphasized on
those most affecting the traveling public. The source of the information is the
County Lines (2008), City of Carbondale www.carbondale-pa.gov/ and local
input.
Public Works Department
The City of Carbondale Department of Public Works (DPW) is tasked with
maintaining and enhancing the infrastructure within the City's 3.2 square miles. In
addition, they are solely in charge of the City-owned 52 Miles of roads and
streets. DPW is responsible for the bi-weekly collection of recycling, sanitary &
storm sewer maintenance, snow removal, and road resurfacing and patching.
Public Safety Services
Fire Protection - The City of Carbondale provides full time fire protection services to
its residents through a combination career/volunteer structure. The department
operates with 7 full-time, unionized civil servants and 4 volunteer hose companies
located in the City including Mitchell Hose Co. # 1, Cottage Hose Co. # 2, Columbia
Hose Co. # 5, and West Side Hose Co. # 7. The Fire Department Headquarters are
located at the intersection of S. Main Street and 6th Avenue. Surrounding areas to
the northwest of Carbondale are served by the Greenfield Township Fire
Department, to the northeast by the White’s Crossing Fire Department and to the
south by the Meredith Hose Company.
Police Protection – Police protection within the City of Carbondale is provided by the
Carbondale Police Department located at 1 North Main Street. The Carbondale
Township Police Department located at 729 Morse Ave is a part-time municipal
police agency that provides police services to a population of over 1,000 residents
surrounding the City.
Ambulance – The Cottage Hose Ambulance Station 51 Rescue, located at 2
Greenfield Road in Carbondale, provides Basic Life Support and Rescue services to
the City of Carbondale, Carbondale Township and Fell Township. They also provide
Advanced Life Support to over 20 surrounding communities with their Paramedic
Services.
Educational/Cultural
Carbondale Area School District – The 18.6 Square Mile District serves the City of
Carbondale and Fell Township. The District operates the Carbondale Area Jr/Sr
High School (grades 7th-12th) located on Business Rt 6 at 101 Brooklyn St and the
Carbondale Area Elementary School also located along Business Rt 6 at 103
Brooklyn St. The District enrolls approximately 1,500 students with enrollment at the
Jr/Sr High School being approximately 628 and at the Elementary School being
approximately 933. The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the
50
enrollment to increase to over 1,600 students by 2014-15 and over 1,800 students by
2019. Because the Department of Education does not account for immigration in its
projections, these numbers may be low.
Lakeland School District – The 66.3 Square Mile District serves Carbondale
Township along with Greenfield and Scott Township and the Boroughs of Jermyn
and Mayfield. The District operates the Lakeland Jr./Sr. High School (grades 7-12)
located on PA Route 247 near Chapman Lake. The Districts also operates two
elementary schools including the Lakeland Elementary School which is located on
part of the Jr./Sr. High School campus and houses grade levels K-6 and serves
residents of Scott and Greenfield townships and the Mayfield Elementary School
located at 501 Linden Street in Mayfield which houses grade levels K-6 and serves
students from Carbondale Township and Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs. The
District enrolls approximately 1,600 students with enrollment at the Jr/Sr High School
being approximately 767 and at the Lakeland Elementary School being
approximately 516 and at the Mayfield Elementary School being approximately 336.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education projects the District enrollment to remain
at current levels with total enrollment projected to be just over 1,600 by 2014-15 and
just under 1,600 by 2019-20.
Lackawanna County Public Library System (LCLS) - Residents of Carbondale and
Lackawanna County have access to the resources of seven libraries in the LCLS
including a branch in the City of Carbondale. The Carbondale Public Library is
located at 5 North Main Street in Carbondale and is opened from Monday –
Thursday from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Friday - Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. The
LCLC also maintains a Children’s Library in Scranton. The Lackawanna County
Children’s Library is located at 520 Vine Street in Scranton and is opened Monday Thursday from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fridays from 9 a.m. - 5:50 p.m., Saturdays from 9
a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sundays from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Additional branches of the LCLS
are located in the following communities:
o
o
o
o
o
o
Albright Memorial Library - Scranton, PA
Nancy Kay Holmes Branch Library – Scranton, PA
Dalton Community Library – Dalton, PA
North Pocono Public Library – Moscow, PA
Taylor Community Library – Taylor, PA
Valley Community Library – Peckville, PA
The Lackawanna County Office of Education and Cultural Affairs - brings together
the resources of three of Lackawanna County's most significant institutions including
the Lackawanna County Library System, the Scranton Cultural Center and the
Everhart Museum in Scranton for the benefit of residents of Lackawanna County to
learn, to grow, and to be entertained at three of the area's most valuable institutions.
Patrons of the Lackawanna County Library System receive free admission to
nationally-known lectures, writers, discounts to Scranton Cultural Center shows and
access to special events at the Everhart Museum.
51
Water Systems
The Brownell and Fallbrook Systems of the PA American Water Company provides
public water service to the City of Carbondale and surrounding areas including
Carbondale, Fell and Scott Townships and Archbald, Jermyn and Mayfield Boroughs
Source water for these two systems comes from the Brownell Reservoir, Fallbrook
Reservoir and Carbondale #4 Reservoir.
Water Quality testing completed in 2010 indicated that all state and federal drinking
water requirements were met.
Sewer Services
The collection and treatment of sewage in the City of Carbondale is provided by the
Lackawanna River Basin Sewer Authority (LRBSA). In total, the LRBSA serves the
following the fifteen (15) municipalities:
o
o
o
o
o
Carbondale City
Carbondale Township
Fell Township
Forest City Borough
Vandling Borough
o
o
o
o
o
Clinton Township
Mayfield Borough
Jermyn Borough
Archbald Borough
Blakely Borough
o
o
o
o
o
Jessup Borough
Olyphant Borough
Throop Borough
Dickson City Borough
Moosic Borough
The wastewater from these fifteen (15) municipalities is conveyed to the LRBSA's
three (3) Sewage Treatment Plants by over twenty (20) miles of interceptor lines
located for the most part along the Lackawanna River. Many of the municipal sewer
collection systems connected to the LRBSA's interceptors are of the Combined
Sewer type meaning they collect both storm water runoff as well as sanitary sewage
generated by homes and businesses. These combined sewers existed prior to the
inception of the Sewer Authority.
52
Transportation System
Area highways carry a significant amount of traffic and provide key north/south
and east/west connections. The major roads in and around the City of
Carbondale are narratively described and all are described on Table 8 in terms of
traffic volumes by segment.
Pennsylvania U.S. Route 6 (Robert P. Casey Highway)
In Lackawanna County, Route 6 exists as both US Route 6 and a separate
Business Route 6. Both are major arterial highways in the County and region.
Route 6 carries a significant number of vehicles a day as noted on Table 8.
From the west, Route 6 enters the county near Mile Post 322 between
Factoryville (Wyoming County) and La Plume and continues through the
Carbondale Area and into Wayne County just past Mile Post 347 near Waymart a
distance of approximately 25 miles. The route is hardly “straight” taking more of
a “V” shape alignment as it winds to/from the northwestern and northeastern
sections of Lackawanna County.
Route 6 joins with Interstate 81 in the County for several miles before it splits off
and heads northeastward towards the Carbondale area. For the most part Route
6 by-passes the more heavily populated areas in the County and provides a
53
more direct route from the Carbondale area to the major east/west Interstates
located to the south including Interstate 81. Combined traffic volumes on Route
6 steadily decline from over 20,000 vehicles a day near Interstate 81 to under
10,000 vehicles per day nearer to Carbondale. In the Carbondale area, Route 6
carries over 9,200 vehicles each day (4,674 westbound & 4,618 eastbound)
around the City of Carbondale, with 4% of that being trucks. Route 6 merges
with Business Rt. 6 just northeast of Carbondale near Mile Post 347. Traffic
volumes between this point and Waymart in Wayne County increase to over
10,000 vehicles per day with truck traffic staying at 4%.
Pennsylvania U.S. Business Route 6
Business Route 6 is just as important as Route 6 in Lackawanna County as a
transportation corridor. Economic development, tourism, connectivity, and local
and regional heritage in the County are all impacted by Business Route 6.
Business Route 6 is orientated in more of a north/south direction in the County as
it extends for approximately 15-miles from its intersection with Interstate 81 south
of Carbondale to the point where it reconnects to Route 6 just northeast of the
City. Business Route 6 carries a significant amount of traffic through downtown
Carbondale and through other populated commercial areas including Dickson
City, Blakely, Eynon and Mayfield. In fact, Business Route 6 has the highest
traffic volumes in the area as noted on Table 8.
The Salem Ave/N Church St intersection in downtown Carbondale is the
confluence of Business Rt 6 (Church St), PA 106 (Salem Ave) and SR 1019
(Salem Ave). Traffic volumes to the south of this intersection and towards
Mayfield are approximately 13,000-16,500 vehicles per day, with 3-7% of that
being trucks. Just to the north of this intersection to Belmont St (PA 171)
volumes decrease slightly and are in 10,000 – 15,000 range. Further beyond
Belmont St (PA 171) towards the mergence point with Route 6. volumes
decrease significantly and range between 3,500-5,500 vehicles per day (4-5%
truck).
PA Route 106
This east/west highway is located in both Lackawanna and Susquehanna
Counties. PA Route 106 heads northwest out of Carbondale and connects with
US 247, Interstate 81 near Lenoxville (Susquehanna County) and with US Route
11 near Kingsley (Susquehanna County). Traffic volumes on PA 106 near
downtown Carbondale approach 8,000 vehicles per day and then decrease to
just over 3,000 further away from the downtown area.
PA Route 171
This north/south highway extends northward out of the City in an alignment that
is generally parallel to Interstate 81 west of Carbondale. PA 171 provides a
connection with Interstate 81 and US Route 11 near Great Bend near the PA/NY
border. Traffic volumes near Carbondale are just over 8,000 vehicles per day
with around 5% of that traffic being trucks.
54
SR 1019 – Wayne St
Although volumes on this state road are only 633 vehicles a day, it provides the
only southwestern route from Carbondale and connects the City with US Route
296 below Waymart in Wayne County.
SR 1004 – Greenfield Rd
Vehicle traffic on this state road is only 398 vehicles a day, however 9% are
trucks. It provides a direct western route from Carbondale and connects the City
with US Route 247.
SR 1007 – Dundaff St
Vehicle traffic on this state road is approximately 1,200 vehicles a day with very
little truck traffic and like PA 106, extends to the northwest and connects the City
with US Route 247 although at a point north of where PA 106 connects.
SR 1041 – Pike St
SR 1041 carries approximately 2,900 vehicles a day and provides a strategic
connection for vehicles traveling in southern Carbondale towards its downtown
area to by-pass a higher traffic section of Business Route 6.
RTE K194 – Gordon Ave
RTE K194 carries approximately 1,100 vehicles a day and parallels Business Rt.
6 between the City and Mayfield. It also provides an alternate route from a
residential area into the downtown area.
55
TABLE 8
Major Highway Profile/Traffic Volumes
Route
Location
Business Rt 6
North
City of Carbondale &
Carbondale Twp.
Business Rt 6
Central
City of Carbondale
Business Rt 6
South
Mayfield Borough
Route 6
North
Route 6
Central
Route 6
South
PA 106
Carbondale Twp &
Canaan Twp (Wayne
County)
Carbondale Twp between Business Rt
6/Rt 6 junction and
Mayfield Borough
Lackawanna County
Between Carbondale
Twp and I-81
Carbondale Twp
AADT
Truck
Volume
3,652 – 4,575
4-5%
12,700
7%
16,515
3%
9,113 - 10,092
4%-9%
Eastbound
4,608
4%
Westbound
4,663
4%
Eastbound
5,867-11,615
7-11%
Westbound
Dundaff St – between
Main St and SR 1007
Fallbrook St
6,255-11,708
7-9%
7,908
6%
3,296
4%
8,211
5%
398
9%
2,951
5%
1,258
4%
633
1%
1,149
5%
Segment
Canaan St - between PA
171 and PA Rt 6
North Main St - between
PA 106 and PA 171 in
Downtown Carbondale
th
South Main St and 8
Ave – between Downtown
Carbondale and Mayfield
Borough
PA Business Rt 6/Rt 6
junction and Waymart
Belmont St
PA 171
Fell Twp
Greenfield Rd
SR 1004
Carbondale Twp
Pike St
SR 1041
City of Carbondale
Dundaff St
SR 1007
Fell Twp
Salem Mtn Rd
SR 1019
Carbondale Twp
Gordon Ave
RTE K194
Carbondale Twp
Source: PennDOT, (counts from 2007-10)
NOTE: AADT= Annual Average Daily Traffic
56
Average Daily Volume
SR
03
10
CLINTON TOWNSHIP
SR 1007
15,000 plus
10,000 - 15,000
FELL TWP
&W
O
6,000 - 10,000
3,000 - 6,000
106
Ra
il
a
Tr
il
171
206
SR K
1,000 - 3,000
Bus
6
Less than 1,000
Xmp346
mp345
X
SR
1
1
SR
019
Rt 6 East - 5,037
Rt 6 West - 5,037
CANAAN TOWNSHIP
SR K199
SR K 1 9 7
mp344
X
mp347
X
041
6
mp343
X
Bus
6
Rt 6 East - 4,584
Rt 6 West - 4,640
CARBONDALE TWP
mp342
X
SR
SR
2
10
10
3
SR
K
19
4
SR 8
036
08
0
0.5
1
Miles
City of Carbondale
Traffic Volumes
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Air
Carbondale area residents and visitors rely on the Wilkes-Barre/Scranton
International Airport for commercial air service.
The airport, located
approximately 25 miles south of Carbondale, is the hub of commercial air
transportation for northeastern Pennsylvania. The Airport is served by American
Airlines/American Eagle, Continental Connection, Delta Connection, United
Express and US Airways/Us Airways Express which collectively offers
approximately 40 daily Arrivals and Departures to Five Destinations including
Chicago, Newark, Philadelphia, Charlotte and Detroit with One Stop Service to
Over 450 Destinations Worldwide. Public use and general aviation air service in
Lackawanna County is provided at the Seamans Airport located near Factoryville
approximately 17 miles west of Carbondale.
Public Transportation
The County of Lackawanna Transit Authority
(COLTS), located in Scranton, provides
safe, affordable and convenient public
transportation
for
the
residents
of
Lackawanna County. COLTS runs 26 direct
service routes including a Carbondale route
that runs from to/from Carbondale and
Scranton Monday –Saturday. COLTS also
provides additional shuttle services including
a Chinchilla/Clarks Green/Justus and
Newton Ransom route and a Simpson/Carbondale/Route 6 Shuttle; and a
second Route 6 Shuttle – through a private sub-contractor. Lackawanna County
Coordinated Transportation provides cost efficient para-transit service, which
addresses the recognized needs of the “transportation disadvantaged” population
of Lackawanna County.
In addition to the services provided by COLTS, Martz Trailways provides daily
scheduled departures from its Scranton and Wilkes-Barre terminals to regional
destinations including various points in New York City and Philadelphia and
locally to the Mt. Airy Casino & Resort. Greyhound Bus Lines also provides
intercity bus transportation out of their Scranton and Wilkes-Barre locations.
Rail
The Pennsylvania Northeast Regional Railroad Authority (PNRRA) is the result of
the merger in 2006 of the former Monroe County Railroad Authority and the
Lackawanna County Railroad Authority. The PNRRA is a regional entity that
operates a 100 mile regional rail freight system in northeast Pennsylvania and
includes stretches from Carbondale to Scranton through the Pocono region all
the way to East Stroudsburg and the Delaware Water Gap. Rail freight services
58
are provided by the Delaware-Lackawanna Railroad Co., Inc. (DLRR) under
contract with the PNRRA who owns the rail assets and properties.
Short train rides and excursions are available seasonally (there are no train rides
during the winter months) at the Steamtown National Historic Site located in
Scranton. The "Scranton Limited" short train excursions begin around April of
each year and are offered on a first-come basis; except for tour and school
groups, reservations are not available. This excursion train gives visitors a
chance to experience riding in an historic commuter car (the cars were built
between 1915 and 1935) behind either a vintage steam locomotive or an historic
diesel-electric locomotive. The trip gives a good overall view of the railroad
yards, includes a ride across Bridge 60 (built 1912) and a short trip along the
former main line.
There is currently no Intercity Passenger Rail service to Carbondale. Amtrak’s
Pennsylvanian line does travel daily between New York City and Pittsburgh. The
closest stations to Carbondale would be in Harrisburg, PA and Downingtown, PA
which are both approximately a two and a half hour drive south from Carbondale.
Amtrak’s Empire Service provides daily service between New York City and
Niagara Falls and the Lake Shore Limited serves the Boston-New York-Chicago
route.
The closest station for these latter two routes is in Syracuse,
approximately a two hour drive to the north. A long term goal of the PNRRA is to
successfully complete the restoration of rail passenger commuter service
between Scranton, the Pocono Region, New Jersey and New York City. The
PNRRA in partnership with New Jersey Transit are advancing this Bi State
Project.
Bicycle PA Routes
Bicycle Routes Y and L are two of the six
long-distance bicycle touring routes in the
state. Bicycle Route Y generally follows
Route 6 in an east-west alignment across the
state and Bicycle Route L generally follows
various routes in north-south alignment
across the state US Business Route 6 is
Bicycle Route Y and L through downtown
Carbondale. Specifically, in the Carbondale
area Route Y overlaps with Route L through
downtown Carbondale before taking up again
its east-west route just south of Carbondale.
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Historic Route 6
There are two former segments of US Route 6 within the Carbondale area, as
per historic mapping from PennDOT:
North End – According to mapping from the 1920’s
(insert to the left), Route 6 is routed through Whites
Crossing then via a winding and hilly route eastward
towards Waymart.
By the
1950’s (see below), Rt 6
routing
misses
Whites
Crossing with a new Township
Rt. 491 shown on former Rt 6 ROW while the “new” Rt.
6 ROW cutting the diagonal. Present day SR 1003,
pictured at the left appears to be the route of historic
Route 6 as it existed between the 1920’s and 1950’s.
South End – In the 1920’s, Route 6 appeared to follow what would later become
a County Road entering Carbondale over present day Gordon Ave (also
identified in non-PennDOT sources as SRK194) connecting with present day
Pike St (SR 1041). By the 1950’s County Road is shown and is now distinct and
parallel with Rt. 6. Rt 6 appears to follow present day Business Rt 6 ROW to
Pike Street (present day SR 1041) and South Main St through Salem Ave
intersection (LR 35037 now SR 1019). The former LR 35046 (later SR 1033 in
mine fire impacted area) is now where Business Rt. 6 Highway Commercial area
is located.
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Community Inventories - Community Visual Conditions and Design
Analysis
During the preparation of the Pennsylvania Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan
(PA Rt. 6 Heritage Corporation; 2008), nineteen (19) Route 6 communities
underwent a visitor readiness study that was carried out by the Pennsylvania
Downtown Center (PDC) staff, rating and ranking each community in terms of 28
facilities or characteristics especially important to likely tourists, embracing
appearance, wayfinding, public space, safety and parking. Carbondale was one
of the communities visited by PDC and was found to have 21 of the 28
characteristics or features inventoried, lacking only a clean appearance,
wayfinding to tourist destinations, maintained sidewalks, parking garages and
bicycle racks. In fact, Carbondale was among the communities having the most
features or characteristics associated with visitor readiness. Specifically, PDC
found:
Appearance:
Streets and Sidewalks appear to be safe but not clean
Visible welcome sign
Visible wayfinding signage, inside and outside of town, but not to historic or
tourist destinations
Public Space:
Visible public spaces downtown
Visible benches
Visible public restrooms at community library building
Visible public phones
Visible public areas to have a picnic
Visible public areas to walk a dog
Sidewalks throughout the business district & the rest of town need repaired
Marked, but fading crosswalks with signals; traffic did not seem to yield to
pedestrians during site visit
Reasonable posted speed limit, but heavy traffic
Visibly marked bicycle routes
Questionably wide shoulders for bicycles
No visible bicycle racks
Well-marked street signs
Additional street lighting
Easy to find parking: metered; free for specific businesses; easily accessible
Some parking for tour buses/RV’s; parking may be available on side streets
Visitor Impression: Carbondale is in some ways a surprising town. There are
certain obvious exterior property maintenance issues but there is a nice town
park in the center of the business district surrounded by free 2-hour parking and
many of the businesses seem to be open some evenings and on the weekends.
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Overview
The City of Carbondale is enhancing its visual quality but some obvious property
maintenance issues exist in and around the CBD, but it has free and accessible
parking, is rather pedestrian-friendly and has some businesses that are open
evenings and weekends. It is also a developmental “counterpoint” to the
highway-oriented and higher density commercial development on Business
Route 6 between Carbondale and Scranton. Some interesting and unique food
establishments, such as Vita Bella, Barbour’s Bakery and Carwanna’s Lunch,
reinforce Carbondale as a stopover destination of the region.
Gateways
The major western gateway into the
community is rather generic to the
traveler
with
basic
highway
commercial land uses on both sides
of the road. A streetscape project
does extend near the western
entrance but a gap does exist
between where a traveler first
experiences Carbondale and where
the streetscape project begins.
Moderate density residential and some scattered
cottage/home businesses greet visitors on the
eastern entrance into Carbondale.
Those traveling into Carbondale from Exit 6 off of
Rt. 6 Casey Highway from the Childs area
experience
rather
unappealing
mine
refuse piles, vacant
parcels
and
a
generic “T” intersection with Business Rt. 6. In
general, the area between Childs and western
Carbondale is not visually appealing with older
homes and businesses and some linear
commercial stretches.
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The Community
Carbondale exudes “traditional neighborhood development”,
with a mix of residential styles and densities, pedestrian and
highway oriented commercial, industrial, office and
institutional land uses in a rather confined area. Perhaps
among the most recognizable features of the community are
the
numerous
church
steeples,
most
on
the
appropriately named Church
Street. There is a certain retro
and “hometown” feel to the place, even to the
planning team. As a case in point, planning team
members engaged in field
work were stopped several
times by residents who merely were friendly and curious
about what they were doing, photographing, etc. One
gets the feeling, that residents are closely attached to the
town, care about it and keep tabs on who is in the
neighborhood.
As alluded to earlier, there are some property management
issues in the community, perhaps most noticeable being
vacant schools, hotels and large commercial buildings. At the
same time, renewal efforts are underway as seen in the
expanded/renovated YMCA, the hotel under development,
and streetscape enhancements
especially along Main Street and
River Street. However, there were
few benches in the areas that
experienced
streetscape
enhancements. This is a notable gap in an otherwise
pedestrian-friendly community.
There are a number of significant newer economic focal
points in the community, including the Business Park @
Carbondale Yards and the newer highway commercial
area, as well as a number of long-established
businesses with historic ties to Carbondale, such as
Gentex Corporation, Hendricks Manufacturing and
Schoenberg Salt Company and of course the CBD.
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Signage
There are signs of many types, styles and purpose in Carbondale,
including business signs, traffic signs, historical markers and
more. There are some instances of exceptionally attractive and
unique signs and other rather standard or generic business signs.
Business signage is rather diverse in the forms of wall, hanging,
marquee and free-standing, signing everything from national or
regional chains to local “mom & pop” and specialty retail
establishments.
In essence, there are examples of good,
acceptable and inappropriate signage among businesses in Carbondale. While
signage is an intensely personal matter to most businesses they have a role in
the overall visual attractiveness of the business district and
the general shopping experience, factors which should
temper the “individual” concept. Several key factors should
be kept in mind when discussing signage.
Past studies and theory has shown that on-site signage
is the most cost-effective means of advertising, costing
as low as $0.06 per thousand readers (and potential
customers), when compared to other media;
Perpendicular signage (i.e. projecting signs over a sidewalk) attract both
vehicular and pedestrian traffic, while front wall signage is more difficult to see by
both;
Signage should promote the product or experience offered
rather than just the name of the establishment or
organization for maximum curb appeal. In other words,
signage should answer the question “why stop” and must do
it in approximately four seconds to attract motorists.
Obviously, pedestrians have a longer time to study signage; and
Attractive, informative and professionally done
signage says something about a business, as does
hand written, uninformative, temporary and/or
unattractive signage.
Some communities have separate signage regulations apart from
zoning, while others address them in zoning. There are arguments on
both sides, but many communities like the enforcement flexibility
offered by a freestanding ordinance, while others like the coordination
afforded via addressing signage in zoning. Sign regulations, whether
in a zoning or other ordinance, generally addresses the following:
Type of signage permitted: wall, perpendicular, free standing,
awning, window, etc.;
Number of signs permitted and/or maximum square footage of signs;
64
Location of signs – on buildings, setbacks, etc.; and
Special requirements – flashing, neon, sandwich boards, etc.
Carbondale has been carefully crafting a thematic component to its on-going
revitalization efforts as it frames itself as “The Next Chapter in the American
Story”. This is a laudable effort in relation to tourism. Some communities
involved in this type of branding also provide a framework for signage in the form
of design standards, whether they are mandatory or just advisory. Typical
components of these standards may include:
Types of materials permitted
Maximum square footage per type of sign (i.e. wall, hanging, awning, canopy.
Freestanding, etc.)
Differentiation between “primary” and “secondary” signage/requirements
Illumination standards (typically externally rather than internally lit preferred in
traditional business districts)
Linking the façade and signage design
Encouraging and providing standards for hanging signs (generally in traditional
business districts)
Standards for portable and “sandwich board” signs
Location of signage on property and/or building
Generally, a municipality’s regulations do not directly deal with
“attraction signs”, which are critical especially in areas with
numerous tourism and attractions such as in most Northeastern
Pennsylvania. Present tourism signage regulations are found
in PennDOT Traffic Engineering Manual (Pub. 46; October
2010), Chapter 2 Tourist Oriented Directional Sign (TODS)
Policy. Attractions that qualify for TODS that meet other
PennDOT operational, distance (5 miles), access, parking and
other general requirements include:
Airport
Amusement park
Arena (with a seating capacity of at least 5,000)
Business district (area within a city/borough officially
designated as a business district by local officials)
Campground (area reserved for at least 20 tents/ RV’s with permit from DEP and
open at least 6 months/year.
College or university
Commerce Park (at least 25 acres and recognized/signed as a commerce park
by local authorities)
Cultural center (a minimum occupancy capacity of 250 people)
Facility, tour location (plant, factory or institution conducting daily or weekly public
tours on a regularly scheduled basis year-round)
Fairground
Farmer’s Market (open at least 2 days per week throughout year or harvest
season)
Golf course
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Historical site (as recognized by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission)
Hospital or Institution
Library
Military base
Municipal buildings
Museum
Off-track betting facility (as authorized by Act 1988-127)
Park
Religious site (i.e. shrine, grotto, or similar type facility)
Resort (minimum of 75 rooms and recreational/vacation amenities
Roadside farm market (open at least 2 days/ week for year or harvest season)
School
Shopping center (30 or more stores with parking facilities)
Ski area
State and National park, recreation area, forest or cemetery (mileage
requirement may be extended a reasonable distance)
Transportation terminal (i.e. bus or railroad passenger).
Visitor information (i.e. approved by the Commonwealth and is open at least 6
months each year including 10 hours each day between Memorial Day and Labor
day and 8 hours each day during the balance of the open season, with attendant
on duty and provide free access to travel literature, rest rooms and drinking
water)
Winery (licensed site which produces a maximum of 200,000 gallons of wine per
year; maintain a minimum of 3,000 vines or 5 acres of vineyard in
Commonwealth; be open for public for tours, tasting and sales a minimum of
1,500 hours per year and provide an educational format for informing visitors)
PennDOT regulations limit TODS to roads having an average daily volume of at
least 2,000 vehicles and note that TODS shall not be installed when prohibited by
local ordinance. Consideration of these signs or even a citation to the PennDOT
regulations is suggested in future updates to relevant ordinances.
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Zoning
The City of Carbondale consists of nine (9) zoning districts (see map on following
page), of which sections of five (5) abut some part of the Business Route 6
corridor. The largest stretches include frontage within the C-2 (Central Business
District), C-3 (General Commercial), R-1 Low Density Residential), R-2 (Medium
Density Residential) and M-1 (Light Industrial), were this review is confined.
1. C-2 Central Business District: includes the traditional central business district
centered on North and South Main St. (Business Rt. 6)
Overall, the C-2 District generally conforms to
the concept of a pedestrian-friendly downtown,
but there are some exceptions. Overall in
terms of commercial use alone, there are
relatively few differences between the C-2 and
the C-3 General Commercial District, even
though the latter has a more “highway
commercial” orientation.
The major differences between these districts
are the dimensional requirements such as
minimum lot size (5,000 vs. 20,000 sq. ft.), and setbacks (wider in C-3). In
addition, there are a number of permitted uses in C-2 that appear to be better
placed in the C-3 District including car washes, major vehicle repairs,
convenience stores, drive-in/drive-through uses, golf driving range, motel (versus
hotel), lumber yard, mobile home sales and self-storage buildings
2. C-3 General Commercial District: includes the newer highway oriented
commercial area along Brooklyn St (Business Rt. 6) as well as some of the
business park area behind it west of North Scott St.
Overall, the C-3 District has the appearance of a highway-oriented commercial
area, even though permitted uses largely mirror
those in C-2. Specific uses permitted in C-3
but not C-2 include delivery/distribution center,
carpet/rug cleaning and heavy equipment
sales/storage. As noted above, drive-in/drivethrough uses are not confined to the C-3
District alone.
Dimensional requirements comprise the major
differences with the C-2 District, requiring larger minimum lot sizes and wider
setbacks. However, front setbacks may be still more appropriate for compact
settlement rather than that associated with a typical lower-density highway
commercial district. While this reflects a “city orientation”, the 25 foot minimum
front yard setback may be too narrow to permit a front parking area with
appropriate maneuvering room for safe traffic access/egress.
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3. R-1 Low Density Residential District: includes a residential area on the north
side bisected by Canaan St. (Business Rt. 6)
Overall, this is the classic single-family low density residential district in an
urbanized area, permitting home occupations and very few other non-residential
uses by Special Exception (Zoning Hearing Board review/action).
Dimensional requirements reflect the low density orientation requiring a relatively
wide minimum lot (90 ft.) and side yard setback (15 ft.).
4. R-2 Medium Density Residential District: includes areas on the south side
along Brooklyn St. (Business Rt. 6 in and behind school complex) and along
Canaan St. (between C-2 and R-1 above)
The R-2 District conforms with a moderate density residential area, allowing
single- and two-family dwellings and several higher density residential uses (town
houses, garden apartments, etc.) as well as a few non-residential uses via
Special Exception.
Dimensional requirements appear to encourage low- or moderate-density lots
and layout, varying with the actual number/type of dwellings provided.
5. M-1 Manufacturing District: includes area on the south side and between the
C-3 and C-2 Districts along Business Rt. 6
This District allows a limited array of processing and related light manufacturing,
railroad yard, intensive commercial uses and storage uses.
Dimensional requirements call for relatively large minimum lot sizes (40,000
square feet) and moderate setbacks (identical to C-3).
6. Signage:
Signage requirements are fairly basic dealing with size, location, types and
height of signs.
Signs projecting no more than three (3) feet in the direction of a public street or
public walkway area are permitted although subsection 5.964 c. notes such signs
shall not extend over a public street or walkway. The translation of this is
confusing since the term “walkway” is not defined. Literally, this can be taken to
mean no projecting signs over sidewalks in the downtown.
There is no distinction between maximum signage in the C-2 and C-3 Districts,
even though the pedestrian scale of the former and the highway orientation of the
latter suggest the need to address signage differently.
Signage illumination is somewhat covered, with flashing signs prohibited but
apparently both internally and externally illuminated signs are permitted in all
commercial districts.
Portable signs are not defined and are noted as permitted for no more than one
month, although it is not further described in terms of one month per year, an
accumulated period that equals one month, etc. In addition, no specific
permission or prohibition is given for the “A-Frame/Sandwich Board” signs, which
are temporary signs that are increasingly popular in pedestrian scale downtowns.
Billboards are permitted as a Special Exception in the C-3 District only.
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7. Other:
Subsection 4.860 deals with aesthetic design standards for commercial and
manufacturing uses, requiring new construction, additions and exterior alterations
shall be consistent with original construction or of comparable materials with
existing structures. A partial requirement for masonry and prohibition of
“woodface composition” is also noted. Overall, the requirements are wellintended but somewhat subjective relying on some undefined terms (i.e.
“original”, “comparable”, etc.), do not deal with urban site planning/layout
standards and techniques (i.e. maximum front setbacks, in-fill standards, offstreet parking in rear, etc.) and provide no graphic illustrations as a guide.
There are landscaping and screening requirements for parking lots and other
select uses, again with no graphic illustrations as a guide.
Off-street parking is required for uses in all but the C-2 District, reflecting the
supply of on-street and other parking and pedestrian scale in the traditional
central business district. Parking space requirements appear to be adequate for
the uses delineated.
Adult Entertainment is regulated under subsection 5.510 and incorporates
elements of a popular version of regulations adopted by many communities in
Pennsylvania, including clear definitions and spacing requirements. These uses
may only occur as a Special Exception in the M-2 District, which is located at the
southwestern edge of the City.
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70
Information from various sources was gathered and reviewed, summaries of
which appear in the inventories. The interpretation, application and use of this
information is critical in this localized heritage tourism planning effort. This phase
starts with a review at public comments at various Community Workshops and a
planning charrette, then proceeds to the determination of issues and
opportunities.
First Workshop – The “Wish List”
Representatives from the community
actively participated in a workshop designed
to solicit ideas on how to improve the
Carbondale Area as a tourist destination.
The Workshop was held on March 3, 2010
and focused on both activities and
resources available for residents and
visitors presently and the types of
attractions, improvements and events that
would enhance the area as a tourist
destination. The existing attractions and
things valued about the Study Area were reviewed earlier in this report while the
following represents a summary of enhancement items represented actual votes
by attendees that address the question “What is needed to make Carbondale a
more attractive destination?” A total of fifteen (15) persons signed attendance
sheets. As a part of the discussion highlighting “wish list” items that followed
group deliberations, a number of comments were identified and recorded. These
have been aggregated by general category in no special order:
Carbondale has an “activities orientation”
Several signature events, especially during June-August, October and
December
o Gaps during several periods (i.e. January – May and September)
o
Greater interest in and involvement with the visual arts in Carbondale
o
o
o
o
Art Walk
Central Gallery in Chamber Office
Active local group (i.e. “Crayons”)
Recognition of arts as part of community development by City
Downtown emphasis
o
o
o
o
Arts has a part to play
Renovated/expanded YMCA, proposed accommodations, etc.
Following strategic plan recommendations
Reemphasis on the Lackawanna River
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Strengths to build on
o
o
o
o
Ethnic and religious heritage
Arts – performing and visual
Anthracite/Industrial heritage
Specialty retail
The attendees broke up into two (2) discussion groups, with one focusing on
Stores/Attractions and the other on Events. The matrix on the following page
summarizes the outcome of the group deliberations and subsequent “voting”
process, on which attendees expressed a sense of priority. Votes were
synthesized afterwards with similar votes collapsed into overall categories, as
summarized below:
Overall Desired Enhancement
Ethnic/Cultural Food Events
Specialty retail
Performing Arts/Movie Theatre
AHDC Museum
Votes
3
14
9
8
While there was a range of responses there was consensus on needing more
Ethnic/Cultural Food Events. In addition, Specialty Retail, Performing Arts/Movie
Theatre and the AHDC Museum were the favored types of stores/attractions.
72
Carbondale Community Workshop Summary – Wish List to Enhance Area as Destination
Group 1 - Stores/Attractions
Proposed Improvement
AHDC
Movie Theatre
Bookstore
Confectionary/Candy Store
Coffee House/Desert
Pub/Sports Bar
Water Park
Visitors Center
Sporting Outfitter/Bike shop
Performing Arts Venue
Retail incubator
Clothing/Apparel store
Arts/Gifts
Seafood restaurant
Deli
Steak house
House Tours
Miniature Golf
Group 2 - Events
Votes
8
7
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
Proposed Improvement
AHDC
Movie Theatre
Bookstore
Confectionary/Candy Store
Coffee House/Desert
Pub/Sports Bar
Water Park
Visitors Center
Sporting Outfitter/Bike shop
Performing Arts Venue
Retail incubator
Clothing/Apparel store
Arts/Gifts
Seafood restaurant
Deli
Steak house
House Tours
Miniature Golf
Votes
8
7
4
4
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
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Second Workshop and Planning Charrette
A second set of Community Workshops was held in conjunction with a three-day
planning Charrette during May 24th – 26th 2010 for the purpose of reviewing the
planning process and findings to date, interactive field work, key person/focus
group meetings and receive local input on preliminary recommendations. A total
of 28 people participated in the Charrette
Stakeholders Review 5/24/10
Attendees: 4
Presentation: Overview of regional/local resources and preliminary concepts.
Discussion:
Review of significant heritage elements – coal, river, mine fire, silk, railroad, the
“City of 1sts” and the UFO folklore. Other traits noted include “hokey” [in a good
sense], foodie [people like and prepare various foods] and the “cured meat
capital”.
While heritage is important, locals point out certain changes and trends that
affect community as tourism destination:
• Art, Wine and Music Festival (6/26/10)
• Chamber of Commerce and Arts – art gallery, changing exhibits, juried
shows, Art Walk and involvement by the “Crayons” [local arts group]
• Riverfront Enhancements – in process on River Street (newly resurfaced)
between 6th and 8th Avenues; period lighting, sidewalks, benches and
proposed open space/plaza at River St./6th Ave. [demolition planning in
process]
• Pioneer Plaza [63 rooms; restaurant; conference/banquet facilities; 8,000
sf retail space] – planned completion in Fall 2011
Government Focus Group 5/24/10
Attendees: 6
Discussion:
• Riverfront enhancement project is a priority – opens up Lackawanna,
strolling district concept and open space for community events/passive
recreation
• Need to better exploit the “City of 1sts” with additional signage/monuments
at appropriate places
• Periodic tours via “rubber tired trolley”
• Area behind Ben-Mar (former D&H Office) is a key area – enhancements
to presently undeveloped area can reflect heritage themes
• Feeling that the mine fire is more of a “footnote” than a story
• Wurtz Brothers are more than a “coal story” – entrepreneurial and earlyindustrial revolution story
• While hunting and fishing are popular it is characterized as being more of
a “family & friends” thing than a regional destination per se
74
•
•
•
•
•
•
Arts resurgence as reflected in:
o Gallery exhibits change quarterly
o Interest in making Art Walks a regular event
Reinforcement of the arts resurgence affects the façade restoration
program in several ways
o the architectural appreciation concept
o the fact that a principal mover of the “Crayons” also has been
designing signs for businesses (retro/repro)
Carbondale is proclaimed to be a bit “quirky” (in a good sense)
While heritage is appreciated, there is a sentiment that the WorkPlan be
attraction-based and future-oriented to attract visitors
Visiting Carbondale needs to be viewed as a “journey” where visitor
discover things
Folklore is everywhere in Carbondale – the story of the “fairy bush” was
popular among Irish miners who equated the downturn in the community
with the destruction of the fairy bush (brought from Ireland and planted in
Carbondale) during the relocation associated with the mine fire [Note:
Post-charrette research shows some link between the “fairy” and UFO
stories in general folklore]
Public Session #1 5/24/10
Attendees: 7
Presentation: Rt. 6 and HCP Overview; Tourism Primer, “Uniqueness”
description and localization, Connection of resources, physical & non-physical
elements under consideration and potential markets
Linking heritage and stories yields the following central concepts:
• A river runs through it – embraces past D&H heritage, water power for
industrial revolution and present re-emphasis on opening up the river
• “Solutions and Survivors” synthesizes everything – entrepreneurs and
people with “can do” attitude figured out how to mine coal and transport it,
started businesses and industries, survived the economic downturns, mine
fire (400+ relocations) and other changes [Note: As per field work/later
discussion concept widened to “Solutions, Survivors and Steeples”]
• “Feels Like Your Hometown” because of friendliness, feeling of the
connection with the community and “open arms”
• “Discover Carbondale” - may be a bit generic but a starting point [Notes:
As per field work/later discussion concept revised as “Look Up
Carbondale”
o View of former Mining/Mine Fire area from vantage points in the
business district requires one to “look up”
o Iconic steeples require one to “look up”
o “Look up” figuratively reflects self image enhancement need]
• “Eclectic” (although locals don’t want to be perceived as being eccentric)
[Post Charrette Note – “eclectic”: made up of parts from various sources
choosing what is best or preferred from a variety of sources or styles]
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Public Input:
Conditions:
• Carbondale seen as a residential option for persons seeking to be away
from a big city; noted as a “magnet” due to the quality of life; most regional
attractions and resources within 15 minute drive
• Mine Fire lessons – caused dislocations but it triggered redevelopment
and the city grew out of the ashes (Note: Centralia essentially ceased to
exist but for a few hold-outs)
• The rear of the Ben-Mar is the junction of former rail and future trail;
critical focal point
• Streetscape – “grand” scheme is extended streetscape treatment along
Business Route 6 and Rt. 171 towards Simpson (Note: phased gateway
treatments discussed)
• Scenic Overlook on Business Route 6 intercepts westbound traffic and
shows “city in a park” due to wooded areas
• City is seeking to attract and retain the “creative class” – visual artists,
technically creative, performing arts, etc.
Planning Team – Review and Synthesis 5/25/10
Reconfiguration of Carbondale concepts/interface with Rt. 6 Themes:
• Engineers Challenge – Anthracite mining, D&H Gravity/Canal System and
complex railroad web/system
• Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs – the Wurtz Bros., the
D&H and the Industrial Revolution; Johnson & Johnson; Gov. Robert P.
Casey; development of the modern-day coal industry/technology; silk
industry and arts resurgence reflecting heritage of eisteddfod (1st Welsh
music and literary festival)
• New Beginnings and Safe Havens – the City of 1sts, coal mining created
jobs for migrants and ethnic diversity/heritage, post-mine fire “re-birth”,
everybody’s home town image and the churches
• Natural Opportunities – coal, river, wind power and Marcellus shale
• Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise – hunting, fishing, skiing (“Carbon-Vail”),
Steamtown Marathon through town (Columbus Day Weekend)
• Warriors Road – Gen. O’Malley, Joseph R. Sarnoski (CMH-WWII), First
Sergeant Patrick DeLacey (CMH-CW) and Gen. Alvin Ungerlider
Heritage Focus Group 5/25/10
Attendees: 4
Related Route 6 Themes above with local interface. Local reaction was in
agreement with the following additional thoughts.
• Carbondale is noted as the “perforated metals capital” with two of the
nation’s seven perforated metals manufacturers:
o Hendrick Manufacturing (in Carbondale since 1876)
o Quality Perforating, Inc.
• Silk Manufacturing – Klots Throwing Company and Empire Silk Co. (NJ
Headquarters) identified
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•
•
•
•
o NOTE: Post-Charrette research reveals child labor, UMWA
relationship due to family ties and Mother Jones involvement
o GENTEX is historic outgrowth of Klots (in Carbondale since 1890’s)
AGC Carbondale Plant (commercial glass fabricating plant) – reportedly
supplied glass for Statue of Liberty
Unlike a number of older communities, Carbondale has maintained its
manufacturing base
Interactive Railroad map would help visualize Carbondale’s rich but largely
gone complex railroad network
There are numerous attractions in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, many identified
on “Regional resources Map”, also add Mohegan Sun (gaming) and
numerous colleges and universities (students, parents, potential interns,
etc.)
Business Group 5/26/10
Attendees: 4
Even though the City invited the local business community, no business owner
showed up. The Chamber of Commerce Executive Director attended and joined
with City officials and the planning team in a recap brainstorming and review
session focused on economic considerations.
Ideas growing out of discussions:
• “The City of Firsts” may better be served by “First Sundays” for a number
of reasons
o Other nearby large First Fridays celebrations exist
o Small ethnic themed celebrations involving ethnic food and art
reflect the “Sunday Dinner” concept that is a part of Carbondale
o The Sunday theme reinforces the faith-based “steeples” concept
o The Sunday theme reinforces the family-oriented nature of the
community
o The Sunday theme reflects the “day of rest” concept that in turn is
part of the areas strong work ethic
• Various Festivals in the area
o Mt. Carmel Festival is held in July; includes procession through
Carbondale
o St. Ubaldo Day in Jessup includes spirited procession of three
saints by “teams” along with food/entertainment/religious
observances; Memorial Day weekend
• There is a perceived need for a “visitors center” augmenting printed and
on-line tourism information
o Visitors Center to be part of the retail incubator
o Expands the “Carbondale products” that can be sold (i.e. souvenirs,
knick-knacks, etc.)
• There is a need for a virtual site that can take people through the City –
“discovery and experience”
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•
•
•
o Interactive Map focusing on certain important but difficult to identify
elements – such as the railroad (especially D&H yard), mining and
mine fire
o Seek assistance via LHVA grants to help meet technical costs
o College/University students may be interns for the process
Recreating a mine tunnel/re-opening mine
o It was noted that a mine opening was reopened in the hill behind
the Salt Company on Business Rt. 6
o May be a part of the AHDC experience/”pods”
Dinner/Theatre may have a role in the arts resurgence
o Presently offers 4-5 shows/year
o Building is very visible at critical Business Rt. 6 intersection;
candidate for exterior rehab/façade improvement
Residential developments/incentives
o Proposal ($1.6 million noted during discussion) for converting
former Hotel American to condo/lofts but some local discussion on
alternative idea for low/moderate income housing
o City has a number of senior and public assisted units as well as
180+ Section 8 vouchers/units
o City Residential (LERTA) incentives for conversion of multiple units
to single-family (5 years/100% of City taxes) or replacement of
blighted structures with new units (10 years/100%)
Public Session #2 5/26/10
Attendees: 7
Brief recap of Charrette process and its role was carried out. Discussion then
focused on recommendations, especially as they may have changed or become
refocused during the Charrette.
Recommendations
•
Virtual tour (site TBD) – interactive tour of former D&H Yards, mining
facilities and mine fire area
o maps and period photographs interspersed and triggered by the
viewer
o clips of oral history and/or narration appropriately placed
•
“Creative Class” orientation - focus (in process) on artistic/technologically
oriented people
o Conscious relationships with nearby colleges/universities for
internships that can create “input” creative class persons while
providing technical capabilities
o Incentives include
The Art Gallery
Art Walk (regular and periodic)
An artist incubator in an historic structure (Hotel American
mentioned)
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Retail incubator (in process)
Enhanced dinner/theatre
•
1st Sundays
o Ethnic food/culture/art events during good weather months
o Concerts in churches
o Church tours
o Non-denomination services
•
“Museum without Walls” – Anthracite Heritage Discovery Center
o First phase is to maintain and increase AHDC visibility – affects
community perception and fund-raising potential; Incremental with
early-action for “presence”
o Mid- and Long-range alternative - Reformulating AHDC to be
implemented in phases in “pods” that are interactive
o Long-term – work towards larger/long-term facility building on the
incremental steps and successes
•
D&H (Ben-Mar Rear) Area
o Trail head with interpretive opportunities (potential area for a D&H
or railroad “pod”)
o Play/Discovery Area for children with play apparatus reflecting
locally identified themes/heritage (i.e. coal breaker, railroad facility,
coal “climbing wall, UFO, etc.)
•
Folklore – interpretive opportunities tied in with virtual tours/maps above
o Oral histories
o “Fairy Bush” legend
o UFO incident and alternative explanations
o Interactive Maplewood Cemetery Map focusing on community
leaders
•
Tours and Trails
o Completion of segments of Lackawanna River Heritage Trail
between Simpson and Mayfield with interpretive panels
o Signing of “Historic” Route 6 segments
Whites Crossing Area
Pike and Cottage Streets
o Auto/Bike Tour – Routes 106, 374 and 171 loop tour (Elk Mountain,
Forest City, Vandling, etc.)
o Scranton/Wilkes-Barre auto tour – Business Rt. 6/Route 6
o Waymart Tie in – via Historic Routes 6 on both sides of Moosic
Mountain
•
Downtown Enhancements
o Continuation of Streetscape enhancements – N. Main between
Lincoln and Salem Streets
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o Completion of Pioneer Plaza (Summer 2012 completion date) –
accommodations, hospitality and retail
o Continuation of façade enhancement program
o Incubators – retail (in process) and arts incubators (part of Creative
Class focus)
o Reuse – Hotel American and Sacred Heart High School structures
o River Street/Riverfront – strolling district and public open space
o Continued business recruitment focused on arts, entertainment,
dining and specialty retail
o Common business hours for tourism retail and select late opening
night(s)
o Establishment of a Visitors Center
o Winter season focus on ski industry (accommodations, changes of
pace, etc.)
•
Welcoming
o Welcoming signage (in place)
o Gateway enhancements – “Carbondale lighting”, landscaping, etc.
Canaan Street (eastern)
Scranton/Carbondale Road/Brooklyn Street (western)
“T” intersection with Route 6 ramp/Business Route 6 near
Mayfield
Additional interpretation at Scenic Overlook on Route 6
(Casey Highway westbound
•
Other comments
o Sister/Twin Cities Arrangements with communities in countries that
reflect ethnic make-up of Carbondale (i.e. Wales, Ireland, Italy,
Russia, etc.)
o Become “secondary” activities for skiers at Elk Mountain
o There are many area golf courses that are a component in tourism
o Encourage and participate in Route 6 sales/promotions
A total of 28 people participated in the Charrette
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Third Workshop – Context, Recommendations and Feedback
A total of 8 attendees actively participated in a final workshop designed to
provide a background and context for the planning efforts and to present a
recommendations overview. The Workshop was held in City Council Chambers
on February 28, 2011.
A summary/recap PowerPoint Presentation provided the following information:
Heritage Communities Background
Tourism – Factoids & Overview
Theme Overview
Business Survey Overview
Recommendations
Comments/Input
Future Steps
A summary of public comments are as follows:
HCP planning effort is appreciated since it is easier for an outsider to see
what is missing within the community, as well as being easier for outsider
to see all that the community has. As far as discussions during the HCP
planning the process, the following has occurred
o
o
o
Changes in the community must begin with a sense of pride.
o
o
o
o
Strong sense of family exists
Unity is needed within community
Keep going forward and don’t look back
How can we improve community pride and raise consciousness
There is a sense of negativity in the community
o
o
o
o
o
No restaurants open after 8pm
Redevelopment authority working very hard to rid the community of blight
Museum w/o walls 1st Thursday of every month
What are people not saying?
Resentment to things changing and resistance to change
Some community groups feel excluded
Better communication is needed between City and citizens; city and
groups, etc.
Respect needs to given to neighbors and community members
Near-term implementation considerations
o
o
o
Need to ask for assistance/funding
People need to commit to making the Community Work Plan
implementation a success by actively participating in the implementation
task force/committee
Community should use Facebook as a marketing tool to help instill pride
in the community
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Issues and Opportunities Statement Overview
The matrix below summarizes discussion items encountered during the Heritage
Communities planning process. Based on the inventories, the review of input,
the discussions involving the Stakeholders, a succinct statement of issues (i.e.
challenges) and opportunities (i.e. strengths to build on) is difficult to do and
subject to being general. Nonetheless, the following summarizes these:
Issues
Rt. 6 Bypass affects access and visibility.
Signage is minimal on the Bypass making
it easy for regional traffic to pass through.
Much of the rich Industrial Heritage is
gone, other than the Ben-Mar (D&H)
A number of vacant buildings, storefronts
and lots in the community
Retail challenges in CBD and few specialty
retail stores for travelling public. The
Downtown Strategic Plan identified many
eating places and service establishments
but a limited retail mix not really aimed to
the traveling public.
No local Visitors Center and minimal local
on-line presence
Financial challenges in the community
Relatively few activities during the
November – March period.
Local feeling that the community may be
overlooked due to the wealth of resources
in the region
The “D&H” and other railroad stories are
essentially regional stories.
Locals appear to have a negative or at
least a “detached” view of parts of the
community’s heritage.
Opportunities
Strategic location in relation to elements of the
regional transportation network and population
centers
Rich heritage – Coal, D&H Canal/Gravity RR,
Rail Center, Labor Heritage
Redevelopment can take the form of in-fill and
reuse rather than new construction
Development and reinvention energies evident
especially involving the City government,
accommodations and arts segments. A
Downtown Strategic Plan was prepared and is
being implemented.
Historical Society and Museum offers
numerous heritage resources, is well
respected and is intensely committed to
community
Arts, “Hometown” Feel, Creativity and
“Quirkiness” appear to be embraced as
intangible community assets
Numerous tourism and arts-oriented outdoor
activities May-Oct
Strategic location in relation to outdoor
recreation, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and
the Poconos creates the potential to become a
diversionary destination attracting people
already travelling to Northeastern
Pennsylvania
The “D&H” and other railroad stories provide
an opportunity for partnering with Waymart,
Honesdale and Scranton.
There are unique parts of the community
heritage, including the Mine Fire, the “UFO”
incident, labor heritage and ethnic folklore.
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Synthesis
The elements of a local heritage effort are premised on an approach that
provides understandable and interesting linkages with the community’s rich
social, cultural and economic past and the present, embracing such disparate
elements as the timber boom years and nature tourism opportunities. This
requires:
Physical improvements to the downtown is seen as part of the community
agenda to enhance Carbondale as a place to live and as a place to visit.
This reflects discussion at community workshops as well as per the
Business Survey results;
Building on the momentum created in two relatively large structural
projects – the expansion and revitalization of the YMCA and the
development of the Pioneer Plaza Complex - Hotel, Banquet Facility,
Condominiums and Parking;
Linking the above physical and downtown economic base enhancements
with other physical and economic improvements in the downtown such as
a River Street/Riverfront stroll district/public open space and reuse vacant
buildings for commercial and/or residential uses that together reinforce the
pedestrian scale and orientation of the downtown;
Non-physical improvements to the community including business
recruitment, common hours, promotions, attracting and building on the
arts, more signature events and festivals and the continuation of delivering
a clear and consistent message about Carbondale and its downtown in
particular;
The enhanced efforts to reuse of major large vacant buildings should be
augmented by similar efforts to improve exterior property maintenance in
general;
Linking all of the special stories of Carbondale’s unique and rich industrial,
cultural and community heritage in a visual, interesting and interactive
fashion;
Partnering with allied heritage organizations and tourism development and
promotion agencies, including local groups such as the Carbondale
Historical Society and Museum and the Anthracite Historical Discovery
Center in Carbondale, groups in nearby communities such as the D & H
Gravity Depot Museum in Waymart that tells a story intertwined with that
of Carbondale, other local heritage/tourism groups in the Scranton/WilkesBarre and Honesdale/Hawley areas, and regional groups and agencies
such as the Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority, the Lackawanna
County Historical Society, Steamtown National Historic Site, the
Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau and others;
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Connectivity and linkages among existing State, Federal and private
recreational resources including improved linkages with the varied outdoor
resources including Archbald Pothole and Lackawanna State Parks,
Lackawanna State Forest, Eales Preserve, Nay Aug Park Gorge and
Waterfall National Natural Landmark, the Lackawanna River, D&H and
O&W Trails, Elk Mountain and SNO Mountain Ski Areas and other outdoor
resources and attractions.
Continue engagement of the population in education and hospitality;
Continuation and maintenance of a localized marketing and promotion
effort, keyed to a coordinated and coherent message, highlighting unique
characteristics of the community while linking it within the larger
Northeastern Pennsylvania context;
Careful events and activities programming keyed to a coordinated and
coherent message that emphasizes the “small town/everybody’s
hometown” concept that resonated during the various Community
Workshops, which in turn attracts the resident and the visitor; and
Understanding the relationship among developmental regulations and
standards, the critical physical features and heritage of the community and
the image being projected by the community.
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IMPLEMENTATION
The planning process has identified a number of localized implementation
measures aimed to enhancing the Carbondale Area as a better tourism
destination and as a community. It is often easy to overlook the latter, but one
major goal of heritage-tourism is to stabilize and enhance the community’s
economy.
Heritage Route 6 Economic Impacts
Heritage PA sponsored a study of the economic impact of State Heritage Areas
(SHA) in Pennsylvania. The study analyzed the economic impact of heritage
areas and in Pennsylvania six SHA’s including PA Route 6 participated. Surveys
were conducted at several sites in August through October 2008. Survey data
was paired with visitation statistics for specific sites within each heritage area and
fed into an economic impact model developed by the National Park Service
called Money Generation Model (MGM2). The results released in 2010 revealed
that visitors to participating SHA’s in Pennsylvania spent a total of $300.9 million
in 2008, generating an estimated $255.8 million in direct sales, which supported
over $95 million in salary and wages for Pennsylvania residents. Approximately
56% of the spending ($168 million) was generated by overnight visitors staying in
hotels, motels, B&B’s, inns and other lodging, 29% ($88 million) by those either
staying with friends/family or in campgrounds and 15% ($45 million) by out-oftown day visitors.
According to the Route 6 SHA portion, released by the PA Route 6 Alliance,
Route 6 attracts 3.5 million travelers a year, who spend approximately $91.1
million dollars, supporting over 2,000 jobs. The study also revealed the following:
55% of the visitors to Route 6 were first-time visitors to the SHA;
Over 67% of the 407 respondents, or 274 persons, were staying overnight
with the following major characteristics:
o
o
o
o
118 (43.1%) in hotels, motels, bed & breakfasts or inns
95 (34.7%) in campgrounds
40 (14.6%) with family/friends in area
21 (7.7%) staying overnight outside the area.
The average stay along Route 6 was 2.9 nights.
The typical Route 6 travel party is one to four adults traveling without children,
in fact 84% of the travel parties are without children under 18 years of age.
Approximately 32% of the visitors reside in a different state, 17% reside in a
county within the Route 6 SHA and 51% in a county outside of the SHA.
The average number of facilities or attractions visited along Route 6 is 2.8.
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Tourism and Economics
A recognized source for economic/tourism thought and strategies is The 25
Immutable Rules of Successful Tourism (Roger A. Brooks and Maury Forman;
Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 2003), which coincides very well with the
Pennsylvania Route 6 Heritage Communities Program. This referenced work
begins with a simple statement that earning money in a given town and spending
it elsewhere is “leakage”. Tourism as a part of an economic development
strategy that seeks to avoid leakage, since it should accomplish the following:
Diversifies local economy helping avoid over dependence on a few businesses;
Creates multipliers on all local businesses;
Brings in “new money” to the community;
Helps tax base that in turn pays for community services and facilities;
Creates jobs and opportunities at the entry level;
Promotes business development especially when a visitor becomes an investor
or future business person; and
Enhances community aesthetics.
Successful tourism is premised on getting visitors to stop and keep them in town
longer, especially overnight. “Visitors” may include tourist and business
travelers. A few “rules of thumb” help understand the tourist-visitor a little better:
State estimates suggest that 44% of all visitors stay with relatives, thus a
large part of tourism occurs literally at the “kitchen table” (earlier Rt. 6 SHA
data suggest this percentage is much lower within the SHA);
The visitor experience is shaped by destinations or “lures” that in turn create a
potential visitor market for attractions or “diversions” (i.e. those amenities that
may depend on the lure);
There are a number of shifts occurring in the tourism industry due in large
part to the maturization of the “baby boomer” generation:
o
o
o
the prime season is expanding from the June-August period to a longer April
– October period;
“boomers” generally do not prefer motor coach/packaged tours but prefer to
be in greater control; and
High gasoline prices notwithstanding, the RV industry appears to be healthy
(RV’s are premised on “control” not necessarily costs)
86
Visitors spend only a portion of their time at “typical” tourist lures:
o
o
o
nationally, people spend 20-40 minutes in a museum
the typical lure captures people for no more than 4-6 hours per day, leaving
8-10 hours for other attractions and diversions, and 80% of tourist spending
occurs at these attractions and diversions
the “scenic vista” experience usually lasts no more than 15 minutes
Brooks and Forman often cite the “4-Times Rule” in their discussion on tourism,
in that travelers subconsciously must be kept busy at a destination for a period 4
times the travel time to get there. Simply stated, one would probably not travel to
Europe or Hawaii for a weekend stay, due to the travel time involved. To localize
this to Carbondale, driving time suggests that a visitor from nearby Scranton
could justify a trip to Carbondale with approximately 2 hours of activities; while
the visitor from the Allentown/Bethlehem area would require over 6 ½ hours of
activities and a visitor from Philadelphia would need 10 hours of activities (and
lodging).
Obviously, experiences from an area larger than the Carbondale area can be
“bundled” into the visitor experiences. Finally, this latter bundling issue is
reflected in the fact that people generally travel for experiences and not
geography. An edited summary of their following 25 rules help assure success
and are critical in the Route 6 tourism effort (with local relevant notations in
parenthesis):
o
A good plan that takes into account local resources and likely visitors who may be
attracted by various features, such as natural resources [i.e. forests, recreation, etc.],
cultural resources [i.e. history, ethnic heritage, etc.], human resources [i.e.
performing arts, crafts, etc.] and capital resources [transportation, hotels, etc.].
(These are the foundation of this Heritage Community Planning effort.)
Partnerships among visitor, development, business and other organizations,
representing the private and public sectors, much like the Carbondale Stakeholders
Group;
Billboards and signage that “tease” and tempt or give a reason for visitors to stop,
avoiding overused words and phrases [i.e. gateway, something for everyone, etc.].
Signage should use the right words, be brief, have a simple design and be
maintained. (Carbondale’s gateway signs are good examples of decent signage.)
Adequate, clean and conveniently located comfort facilities that may include a visitor
information kiosk. On the commercial side, national chains have found that
restrooms actually attract customers, with approximately one-half of those
purchasing something there doing it out of convenience and the other half out of
guilt. In short, since everybody “has to go” why not take advantage of it as business
decision?
Take community design into account especially at entranceways focused on places
that will make the best first impressions, keeping signage uncluttered and
87
professionally done. (Again, Carbondale’s gateway signs are good examples of an
appropriate welcoming linked to the community’s on-going revitalization efforts).
As a corollary, communities need adequate and user-friendly wayfinding signage.
(Few examples in Carbondale).
Consider perpendicular signage with appropriate sized letter fonts for ease of
reading by drivers and pedestrians, advertising the type of store not just the name
that may be unfamiliar and meaningless for visitors. (Appears to be permitted with
possible need for clarification).
Address parking issues with special “forgiveness” for parkers/shoppers, providing
facilities with signage for RV parking and other local incentives. (Does not appear to
be a concern in Carbondale.) By the way, studies show that most visitors need up to
4 hours of parking at a given location.
Make the “frontline” employees such as retail clerks, waiters/waitresses, etc. part of
the sales and attraction effort. This requires hospitality training, “adoption” of
resources [“while you’re in town you need to see L.”], cross-promotions or other
local efforts.
Visitor information availability 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, with informational
kiosks augmenting staffed visitor centers, all of which should be conveniently located
and well maintained. (Presently not available in Carbondale).
Create a conveniently located cluster of visitor oriented retail shopping opportunities
that in turn attract a critical mass of shoppers that benefit the clustered businesses.
(Presently there are some but much retail is not clustered and more oriented to the
convenience shopper “just passing through”).
Creatively convert any negative characteristics into positives, [i.e. pointing out
parking and walking to avoid periodic congestion].
Develop a unique idea or concept that sets the community apart and becomes
intrinsic in its theme (This is a basic component of the Heritage Communities
Program). This may be one of the most critical and difficult elements, since many
communities can claim to be a friendly small town that is close to outdoor recreation.
Gather third-party endorsements that reinforce the local pitch to visitors. This can be
as simple as welcoming comments at visitor’s register at a Visitor’s Center.
Pursue business attraction and retention that complements the local tourism
resources and helps attract visitors and keep them longer. Simply stated, focus on
businesses that fit in with community image, goals and context and avoid those that
may disrupt the setting or context.
The most successful museums and the ones most remembered tell stories and give
a context and do not merely show artifacts (There is a museum in Carbondale).
Keep people interested and occupied so that they are busy four times longer than it
took them to get there as noted earlier, so that they can say that “L it was worth the
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drive”. This requires an understanding of the potential visitor market, the concept of
bundling and the relationship between accommodations and other hospitality
resources. (Carbondale is relatively well located in relation to population centers and
tourism resources).
Understand the importance of “product development” not just marketing in terms of
the local economic impacts of tourism. This may require a community to address
certain issues such as attractions, business development, visual quality and the
development of other diversions. Visitors need “something to do”, especially after
5:00. (Carbondale seems to “get it” as evidenced in the many activities and
revitalization efforts in process, however, it may need to do more in terms of
attractions.)
Promote activities not just the place, perhaps in an “activities guide” where the
experience is addressed. This can be on the State tourism website, local websites,
niche markets, etc. (Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau [LCC&VB]
website identifies a number of attractions and resources, many in the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and three in Carbondale).
Promote the community in terms of what is that sets it apart or is unique. Again, the
uniqueness sells the community. When one hears of Salem, MA or Williamsburg,
VA one has an image. While these communities may be the extreme, they do
illustrate the need to have a recognizable theme or perception.
Photographs should show the activities not just the resources or attractions. Again,
sell the experience and not the location. (LCC&VB website shows some of this.)
Promotional items should create a positive image and provide a simple way to
respond or call for more information.
Carry out a public relations effort in various types of media, since it is usually more
effective than advertising alone. (City has produced several cleaver concepts and
activities.)
Use the Internet to attract visitors with a quality and user-friendly website [i.e.
coordinated and recognizes the value of search engine optimization] (LCC&VB site
adequately addressed this regionally although City website lacks some content); and
Advertising should be frequent and consistent. (Part of recommendations)
Taken together the above reinforce two critical components of any local heritage
community effort, simply stated what is unique about the Carbondale area and
how does the community setting (i.e. visual quality, retailing, attractions,
diversions, etc.) interface with the area as a destination.
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Tourism Factoids
The following factors have been identified by Destination Development
International and premise this Heritage Community planning effort:
#1 tourism activity worldwide – shopping, dining and entertainment in pedestrianfriendly setting having a critical mass of food, specialty retail and stores open after
6:00 (when 70% of spending occurs)
Tourists are active 14 hrs/day – 6 hours in the primary activity that brought them to a
place and 8 hours in secondary/diversionary activities
Secondary or diversionary activities account for 80% of visitor spending
Curb appeal accounts for 70% of most recreation and accommodations and food
services sales
Overnight visitors spend three times more per day than day-trippers
Building on the above the keys for success include getting visitors and passersby
to stop and create and maintain ways to keep them here longer. In other words,
the community needs to enhance its role as an overnight destination. Thus, the
WorkPlan should:
Develop, revitalize and maintain – things to do and keeping people busy
Inform and direct – personal contact not just signs, websites and brochures
Become a destination - Sell the experience not just the place
A good first impression – aesthetics and community design
Implementation Matrix
The various recommendations are interrelated and all oriented towards
addressing and reinforcing those two critical elements underlying this planning
effort, namely focusing on unique qualities and enhancing the community setting.
The matrix on pages 96-100 describes and relates the recommendations, and
places them into a suggested implementation timeframe.
Central to the implementation is a local responsible and coordinating party
assuming the role initiated by the Carbondale Stakeholders Group that
spearheaded the process. Pragmatics should rule here, in that as is the case
with smaller communities, there are only so many people to go around. At the
same time there are several organizations in Carbondale that play critical civic
roles and carry out important betterment projects. A local decision, and a critical
one at that, is if this role is to be by a separate individual body or a part of
another.
The implementation process is complex and interrelated, and depends on
applying for and receiving a certain amount of public and private funding. The
final plan will be placed before a State Oversight Committee in an effort to see
that this occurs. Central themes are carried forward as an attempt to reinforce
Carbondale in relation to Route 6 and other regional themes.
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Administrative - Framework/Institutional Issues
A central recommendation critical for follow-up and implementation of the
Heritage Communities Program concept is the institutionalization of a steering
committee or task force that will be the central focal point for localized tourism
activities recommended in this Plan. This group can bring together various
elements of a small but diverse community, and in bringing together a potential
funding mechanism. The steering committee or task force is recommended to
meet the following:
It should be representative and focused, embracing the community, area tourism
resources and focused on furthering the recommendations of this Plan;
It may include various existing groups and committees;
It may also include County and regional planning and development agencies; and
It should be officially sanctioned by municipal governing body as in charge of Plan
implementation.
The steering committee or task force is seen as a facilitator and coordinator
focused on the implementation of WorkPlan recommendations. The steering
committee or task force essentially “keeps things moving”, carries out activities
and monitors the community agenda and encourages actions. In either case, the
steering committee or task force also has annual reporting responsibilities to the
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance, so that the Alliance is kept abreast of progress
towards carrying out the WorkPlan.
Administrative – Regulatory Issues
The Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (MPC) is the framework for locallevel land use and land development plans and ordinances within the
Commonwealth, and clearly recognizes municipal governments as the land
use/land development regulator. Simply stated, MPC allows communities to
exert as much or as little of a regulatory framework, within some rather general
guidelines. Both Carbondale City has enacted and enforces individual land use
regulations. Pages 67-70 of this WorkPlan review present zoning and land use
regulations, as well as comments on these regulations especially as they relate
to recognized and localized Route 6 heritage resources in relation to Route 6
themes. The steering committee/task force or other variation of a Heritage
Community Program implementation vehicle, while having no formal role in such
regulations, may serve as a point of coordination and advocacy with Carbondale
in a coordinated approach to revisit and revise land use, land development and
signage regulations in the interest of tourism considerations. There are a number
of specific recommendations in relation to the local regulatory framework:
91
Greater differentiation between commercial districts: As the review notes,
existing zoning provides for nearly all of the same uses in the C-2 (Downtown)
and C-3 (General) Districts. The major distinctions are within dimensional
requirements. In essence, the former district is best suited for pedestrian-scale
businesses while the latter for highway-oriented. This makes each district unique
and internally non-competitive. Similarly, there is no differentiation in signage
requirements (i.e. maximum square footage, types, locations, etc.) between the
districts, even though smaller signs, projecting signs over sidewalks, sandwich
board signs and externally lit signs may be more appropriate in the C-2 District
and larger signs, free-standing signs, wall signs and internally lit signs may be
more appropriate in the C-3 District. The combined rethinking of the use and
signage requirements for the two different commercial districts allows
Carbondale to reinforce the relative strengths of each of the areas so that the
City can continue encourage well-planned context-sensitive growth and
development.
Consideration of design
standards and/or guidance
in land use and other local
regulations: Simply stated,
design
standards
are
defined
procedures,
dimensions, materials, or
other
components
that
directly affect the design of
a facility. In essence in land
development they deal with
layout and appearance. The
existing Subsection 4.860
local
of
the
zoning
ordinance peripherally deals
with
standards
for
commercial and industrial
development at least conceptually. In some communities, such regulations tend
to outline specific and graphically depicted design standards in terms of
landscaping and buffering requirements or massing and layout, certainly prudent
considerations in defining and retaining the community’s sense of place. There
are other forms of design standards that may be incorporated into local zoning
ordinances. For example, new development on vacant land or in-fill development
in the City or between developed parcels may be guided by architectural design
standard illustrations, as conceptually depicted above, in an attempt encourage
buildings to relate in scale and design features to other surrounding buildings,
showing respect for local context.
92
Consideration of sign design standards:
Similarly, design guidelines may be
considered for signs in the traditional
downtown, the C-2 District.
Such
guidelines can address various signage
design matters, such as:
Maximum square footage for signs
Appropriate signage categories and
types in historic commercial areas
Preferred sign locations and sizes,
including use of the sign band for
primary
signage,
projecting
sign
standards, proportionality of flush
mounted wall signs, etc.
Preferred sign materials, colors and
illumination
Preferred content for signage
Overall, design guidelines strive to link
signage context and building façade,
with signage not obscuring or competing
with architectural details of the façade.
A number of communities provide guidance on the other design considerations,
such as the City of Sparks, Nevada, which outlines guidance on everything from
building site layout to light standards as depicted below and on the following
page.
Alternative
Highway
Commercial Layout – 15% of
total
building
frontage
at/near front setback line,
reinforcing streetscape and
screening parking.
93
Parking
and
circulation
standards that illustrate written
requirements, depicting a
hierarchy
for
driveways,
landscaping and other site
planning considerations,
Illustration of design and site
amenities for entry driveways.
Alternative methods of
achieving the screening of
parking areas via perimeter
buffering
Addressing the often overlooked
concept of screening utility and
mechanical equipment.
94
Such standards are in fact written in narrative form with the graphic depictions as
a means of providing examples that transcend some of the more subjective
design statements found in numerous local ordinances.
Other Regulatory Considerations: A review of the existing regulatory framework
as it affects the tourism orientation of this WorkPlan is as follows:
Attraction Signage: The Carbondale Zoning ordinance makes no mention of this
signage. Consideration of these signs or even a citation to the PennDOT regulations
is suggested in future updates of this ordinance. This is an area where a regional
approach may benefit the communities and the attractions that help define the
region, in the form of common language, requirements, etc.
City Dimensional Requirements: Within Carbondale’s C-2 District, dimensional
requirements (i.e. setbacks, lot sizes, lot widths, etc.) essentially reflect what may be
expected in an older and earlier-developed City with an urban core, but may not
relate them to certain contextual factors such as adjacent setbacks, massing, etc.
This is critical for in-fill development (between two or more existing structures) and in
physically expanding buildings. In addition, the front setback in the C-3 District is
rather narrow (25 feet). Specifically, the City may want to consider the following
when revising its zoning regulations:
o
o
Consider the potential for a “floating” front setback for new construction (i.e.
buildings, additions, etc.) in the C-2 District whereby the existing front setback
may be set by adjoining existing buildings or average setback of the block
(i.e. helps preserve historic appearance), or consider a maximum setback
especially to avoid the break-up of urban design with parking areas and out of
character large front open space.
Consider a deeper minimum front setback in the C-3 District (i.e. 35-50 feet),
to facilitate a front parking area with appropriate maneuvering room for safe
traffic access/egress.
In summary, a focused review and revision of the municipal regulatory framework
is suggested, in the interest of maintaining the special qualities of the City of
Carbondale. Obviously, the perspective of the WorkPlan coincides with a
tourism orientation and does not attempt to inject other conditions or community
needs that may also be served by such a process. Up to the budget year that
began on July 1, 2010, the Commonwealth provided matching funding for land
use/land development planning via the Land Use Planning and Technical
Assistance Program (LUPTAP). The Commonwealth is expected to unveil its
Municipal Assistance Program (MAP) in 2011, which replaces LUPTAP and will
provide 50/50 funding for results-oriented planning. MAP may then be a source
for assistance in ordinance revisions.
95
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption)
Recommendation/Action
Implementation
Category
Description
Determination of proper implementation vehicle and
framework
Continuation/Transformation Administrative
of Carbondale Heritage
Community Program (HCP)
Stakeholders and other
Early-Action Activities
Creation of new steering committee or task force
Expansion of role of existing steering committee or task
force
Other new agency/committee
Expansion of role of existing agency
An expanded formal group building on the activities of
the Stakeholders Group charged with the review,
revisions and refinement of recommendations
Will also convene and coordinate various agencies
Establish/maintain a Facebook page focusing on local
HCP activities
Institutionalize connections among area resources,
attractions
Encourage business owners in Carbondale to adopt
and maintain consistent operational hours and at least
one common day for late-openings
Confirm/refine priorities among projects suggested in
WorkPlan
Identify possible future events, festivals and shows of
interest to members
Comments
Building on the Stakeholders Group membership, the
expanded group needs to decide the form and format of the
implementation vehicle. The possibility of forming a new
steering committee/task force or adapting an existing
committee or agency for a new purpose must be
determined. The chosen vehicle reviews the
recommendations, suggested priorities and involved
agencies, organizations and individuals and makes
necessary revisions and refinements. Suggested invited
agencies may include (subject to local decision):
City of Carbondale
Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce
Carbondale Business Association
Carbondale Historical Society and Museum
Anthracite Historical Discovery Center
Carbondale Area Churches
Representation from the Carbondale Crayons and other local
artists
Residents at-large with an interest in heritage and tourism
Lackawanna County Commissioners
Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau
Lackawanna County Historical Society
Lackawanna Heritage Valley National and State Heritage
Area
PA DCNR
Local residents with interest in heritage and tourism
Will improve coordination among local groups/committees
and formulate a direction
Stakeholders develop and maintain or participate on an
existing Facebook page on Carbondale focusing on local
resources, feedback and a call for volunteers
Business hours as an early-action response to comments
96
Short-term (first 12 months after adoption) - continued
Short-term Visual Quality
Enhancements
Continuation of Streetscape
Project
Implementation
Category
Administrative
Marketing
Heritage Resource
Development
Description
Comments
Carry out litter indexing with teams focused on 8
identified areas (see Litter Indexing Map, see page
106) and coordinate plantings, landscaping and
welcoming signage restoration as needed at gateways
Continuation of the implementation of the downtown
streetscape enhancement project.
Low/no-cost items that are carried out quickly that (1)
enhance visible areas and community gateways, and (2)
show public that “something is being done”. These are
annual or more frequent events throughout ten-year period.
Coordination, Identity and
Clear Message
Marketing
Administrative
Continuation of Streetscape enhancements on north
end of North Main Street
Placement of benches and bike racks at strategic points
along the Main Street Corridor
Steering Committee/Task Force dealing with
administrative and marketing components central to
the WorkPlan keyed to building on central concepts:
Carbondale as the City of 1sts
Carbondale as “everybody’s home town”
Getting out the local message/identity:
Heritage Resource
Development
Carbondale’s localized cultural- and industrial- heritage
information and all events must be added to local
websites – City and/or Chamber of Commerce
Encourage the Carbondale School District to develop
and carry a local history component in its curriculum.
Complete on-going development of Pioneer Plaza and
continuation of Riverfront Enhancements
The City initiated began an enhancement project along Main
Street. Suggestions continue this and reinforce the
pedestrian/non-vehicular modes of transport, important in
focusing on the traditional downtown sense of place.
Steering Committee/Task Force decides on the concept of
the proposed streetscape project and explores availability of
Keystones Community Program, Transportation
Enhancements, future rounds of Pennsylvania Community
Transportation Initiative (PCTI) funding and availability of
continued local funding and partnerships. Costs likely in the
$100,000 - $150,000 range, pending scope/length.
Three websites are of interest to Carbondale tourism, those
of the City of Carbondale, the Greater Carbondale Chamber
of Commerce and Lackawanna County Convention and
Visitors Bureau (LCC&VB)
“Carbondale” is not really a common name, yet Internet
searches yield few reference locally
The LCC&VB website gives an overview of attractions and
resources throughout the County, although presently there are
no links to local websites.
The Carbondale Chamber’s website provides local information
on events but provides no localized tourism or heritage
information. City’s website has little in the way of heritage
content. Neither is linked back to LCC&BV’s website. Mutual
links need to be posted.
Pioneer Plaza is private/public partnered project that will
enhance the hospitality and retail infrastructure of the
community and perhaps most importantly provide for a
critical mass of business and pleasure travelers in the
downtown. Continuation of the enhancements along River
Street interface with Pioneer Plaza and furthers pedestrianfriendliness overall.
97
Mid-term (1-5 years)
Wayfinding and Signage
Regulatory Revisions
Implementation
Category
Wayfinding
Marketing
Heritage Resource
Development
Administrative
Description
Comments
Begin a signage/wayfinding effort that focuses on
signature projects that build on Carbondale’s strategic
location
Elk Mountain Auto/Bike Tour (Rts. 6/106/374/171)
signage & interpretation that also links nearby
communities and ski area
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Link Tour (US Rt.
6/Business Route 6)
Gateway signage landscaping enhancements
Community identification signage (Meredith
Street/Business Rt. 6 intersection and on Rt. 6
Byway
Historic Route 6 signs along Pike and SR 1003
Carbondale is uniquely located and positioned to attract
travelers from a wide area that are already visiting
northeastern Pennsylvania’s many resources
Planning and early implementation steps for a multifaceted downtown enhancement effort comprised of
various components:
Incubators – Retail (The Colliery) and Artist
Reuse planning/coordination for use of the former
Hotel American, Sacred Heart School and school
on Spring St.
o 1st floor retail/artist incubator
o Upper floor loft apartment
Riverfront Enhancement Area and streetscape
completion
Recruitment focusing on vacant storefronts/retail
gaps
Encourage City to update and refine local zoning
regulations to reflect suggested changes in the
WorkPlan
A wide-ranging downtown effort that together enhance
downtown Carbondale as a pedestrian-oriented downtown
offering specialty retail, dining and entertainment for the
area residents and the traveler. Potential funding sources
include:
Loop tour identification and wayfinding signage costs may
range from $5,000 - $15,000 depending on number. Will
require Highway Occupancy permits (PennDOT) and
partnering opportunities with the various resources linked.
Landscaping at existing community welcome signs is a low
cost item especially if partnered with local civic groups.
Community identification signage may cost $1,500 +/-, and
potentially eligible for future Rt. 6 State Heritage funding as it
again becomes available.
Historic Route 6 signage may range from $500 - $1,500
depending on number. Will require Highway Occupancy
permits (PennDOT) and partnering opportunities with the
various resources linked.
Redevelopment Capital Assistance Program
PCTI and other transportation enhancement funding
Keystone Communities Program
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program (CDBG)
Community Economic Development Loan Program
Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Guarantee Program
Local private/public partners
Riverfront and other streetscape enhancement costs likely in
the $150,000 - $200,000 range, pending scope/length.
WorkPlan suggests incorporating design standards,
differentiation of commercial districts, dimensional
requirements, signage standards and attraction signage
revisions into ordinance. State funding via proposed MAP.
Revisions estimated cost $3,500-$5,500.
98
Mid-term (1-5 years) - continued
Trail Segments
Interpretive Enhancements
Implementation
Category
Historic Resource
Development
Interpretive
Description
Comments
Begin a concerted planning/implementation effort for
filling in the trail gap that exists between the present
terminus of the Lackawanna River Heritage, the O&W
and the D&H Trails.
Have a trailhead with parking at the Restored
Railroad Station
Except for a short section of the Lackawanna River Heritage
Trail between Old Plank Road, Mayfield, to Meredith Street,
Carbondale Township, there is a gap between sections,
especially within the City of Carbondale. Coordination
between the City and the Lackawanna Heritage Valley
Authority is suggested that would (1) continue efforts to
assure maximum connectivity and (2) put Carbondale in the
position of being an important trail center that interfaces with
the pedestrian improvements planned and completed in the
City. Major funding sources for trails have included DCNR
C2P2 Programs (Recreation & Conservation, Pennsylvania
Recreational Trails, Rails-to-Trails); most require 50%
match.
During the development of this WorkPlan ideas surfaced on
interpretation via a Discovery Center or through a series of
visual displays.
Begin planning for an interactive and graphically
stimulating interpretation effort, specifically featuring
heritage components not readily present or in
existence anymore, related to industrial, community
reinvention, ethnic and folklore heritage, as noted in
this WorkPlan
Locally determine the need for a centralized (i.e.
“discovery center”) or decentralized (i.e. series of
interconnected “smart kiosks), or combination
thereof.
Identify regional teaming partnerships with other
nearby Rt. 6 Heritage Communities.
Seek proposals for interpretive services associated
with Phases 1-3 as spelled out in this WorkPlan
Carry out Phase 1 – Concept Design activities
as highlighted in this WorkPlan
o Carry out Phase 2 – Details, Artifacts and
Design Drawings
o
A local decision on which alternative is to be followed is
required, or if in fact there is a hybrid with decentralized kiosks
including one or more a the local museum and/or other
discovery center. Financial feasibility and sustainability
questions have been raised on the more centralized approach,
with an incremental decentralized approach seen as possibly
being more feasible.
Potential teaming partners include Waymart and Honesdale
(part of the Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills Heritage
Community) given the link afforded by coal and coal transport
via the D&H systems.
Phase 1 activities are estimated in the $30,000-$50,000
range; Phase 2 activities are estimated in the $50,000$75,000 range
Technical assistance on funding may be available via
the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance and the
Lackawanna Heritage Valley Authority
99
Long- term (6-10 years)
Implementation
Category
Heritage Resource
Development
Interpretive Enhancements
Wayfinding and Signage
Interpretive
Wayfinding
Marketing
Description
Comments
Continue, complete and maintain downtown
enhancements
Incubators – Retail (The Colliery) and Artist
Reuse development for use of the former Hotel
American, Sacred Heart School and school on
Spring St. (i.e. mixed commercial, lofts, etc.)
Entertainment enhancements planning/partnering
for dinner/theatre
Recruitment focusing on vacant storefronts/retail
gaps
Infill development on North Main Street
Lighting of significant buildings
Completion of the interactive interpretive initiatives
that tell the story of the community.
Interface with Waymart and Honesdale on the coal
and coal transport/D&H portion of the story
Carry out Phase 3 – Production, Fabrication, Final
Products, Training and Testing
Complete the attraction/resource based signage
system linking and directing travelers to significant
local resources identified in this WorkPlan
Enhancements build on the concept of a viable and
sustainable pedestrian-oriented downtown
Strengthening the retail offerings
Adding a residential type (lofts) not presently part of
the housing stock
Completion of aesthetic enhancements
Infill is a critical step but prioritized after filling any
vacant storefronts
Phase 3 activities are estimated at $200,000+
Attraction signage will vary in cost and is potentially eligible
for future Rt. 6 State Heritage funding as it again becomes
available, along with cost-sharing with the
businesses/attractions benefitting from the directional
signage.
100
Summary of Recommendations
The graphics in this subsection help depict the recommendations that are
appropriately graphically illustrated, cutting across the categories included in the
Implementation Matrix on the previous pages. In addition, a number of
recommendations reflect the recommendations in the Carbondale Downtown
Strategic Plan, including streetscape enhancements, a specialty retail incubator
and numerous downtown and “Main Street” types of improvements.
Regional Resources Map
The graphic on the following page summarizes existing tourism resources as well
as suggested resources, including the following:
Various trails including the Lackawanna River Heritage Trail, the O&W Trail and
the D&H Trail that can or will connect Carbondale and nearby communities (i.e.
Mayfield, Jermyn, Archbald, Blakely, Simpson, Vandling, Waymart and others)
along with local resources in those respective communities (i.e. Maslyar Park,
Mellow Park, train stations, trail heads, etc.);
The Lackawanna River;
US Route 6 in its many manifestations, including the limited-access Route 6
Governor Casey Byway that bypasses Carbondale and features a scenic
overlook of the Carbondale area for westbound traffic, US Business Route 6 that
bisects Carbondale and links it with Dickson City and Scranton and historic
traces of former Route 6 alignments including one in and around Whites
Crossing;
Bicycle Routes Y (US Business Route 6) and L (PA Route 171/Business Rt. 6);
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area resources, including the PA Anthracite Museum,
Steamtown, Electric City Trolley Museum, Everhart Museum, sporting/gaming
venues, college/universities, regional shopping and many others; and
Carbondale resources including the Carbondale Historical Society Museum,
YMCA, Library, Memorial Park Triangle, a developing stroll district and a
pedestrian scale central business district, a hotel/conference/banquet center
under development, a number of stately churches, and many stories of regional
and/or national significance (i.e. 1st underground anthracite mine, 1st $1 Million
Corporation, 1st Coal Breaker, 1st commercially successful railroad, etc.)
The types of visitors the planning process feels that may be attracted cuts across
interest and age groups, embracing travellers with interest in industrial heritage,
ethnic heritage, active and passive recreational amenities in the region, as well
as regional travellers on US Route 6 and nearby I-81 and visitors to the many
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area and Pocono area attractions and resources in
search of diversionary activities.
101

Elk Mountain
106

Bicycle Rt L
Elk Mountain Auto/Bike Tour
Rts 106/374/171
247
81
!
Tompkinsville
438
!
East Benton
!
Scott
524
NORTH ABINGTON TWP
Route 6
"Gateway"
!
Craig
Bicycle Rts Y & L
Historical Rt 6 (circa 1920's)
W
!
Green Grove
Powell
Mayfield
JERMYN
!
Nebraska
Jermyn
"Birthplace of First Aid"
X
347
!Jermyn
!
mp339
81
!
Edella
!
CLARKS GREEN
mp338
X
Justus
!
!
81

476
Bus X
6
mp336
X
Sturges
Eynon
247
BLAKELY
!
eri
River H
wanna
Lacka
tage T
rail
Maslyar Park
Train Station
& Trail Head
!
Archbald
!
Riverside
!
South Canaan
St. Tikhon's
!
Varden
!
JEFFERSON TWP
Winton
Blakely
!
Lackawanna River
!
Dickson City
!
Olyphant
MellowPeckville
Park
Queen
City
Grassy Island
Train Station
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tie-In
Rt 6/Bus. 6
!
!
Jessup
296
!
Cortez
JESSUP
347
OLYPHANT
LAKE TOWNSHIP
6
!
Tresslarville
!Throop
THROOP
DUNMORE
!
!

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Area Resources
SOUTH ABINGTON TWP
X - PA Anthracite Heritage Museum
CLARKS
SUMMIT
- Steamtown
- LC Electric City Trolley Museum
Regional
- LC Historical
mp330 Society
mp335
X
- Everhart Museum
Commercial X
- Nay Aug Gorge
Chinchilla
mp334
- Montage Mountainmp331
X
X
- Mohegan Sun Casino/Pocono
Downs DICKSON CITY
-307
Sports and Sporting Venues
mp333
X
- Colleges and Universities
NEWTON
mp332
- Others TWP
X
Morgan Manor
RANSOM TWP
SCRANTON
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Extension
ARCHBALD
mp337
CANAAN TOWNSHIP
WAYNE COUNTY
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tie-In
Rt 6/Bus. 6
E
E
E
Y EE
E
E
E
!
Carbondale Resources
- Pedestrian Scale Downtown
- Carbondale Historical Society
- YMCA/Library/Churches
- Downtown Enhancements
- Businesses Linked to Industrial Heritage
- Memorial Park Triangle
!
East Jermyn
X
Waymart
Waymart
X Rt 6 Heritage Community
(Shared D&H Heritage)
CARBONDALE TWP
LACKAWANNA COUNTY
Bus
6
!
E
E
mp350 WAYMART
Lackawanna River Heritage Trail Extension
!
632
Bicycle Rt
mp351
X
mp349
X
mp347
X
mp344
O&
X
ABINGTON TWP
Historic Rt 6 &
RR Trace
CARBONDALE
X
mp341 MAYFIELD
mp340
6
Poconos
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
mp348
X
X
X
Simpson
!Carbondale
mp342
SCOTT TWP
632
il
!
mp345
Childs
107
Montdale
Tra
!
!
Chapman Lake
H
D&
X
X
247
&
O
mp343
438
171
FELL TWP
Village of Simpson
Industrial Heritage
& Trail Head
Carbondale - Pioneer City
- 1st Underground Anthracite Mine
- 1st Coal Breaker
- 1st $1M Corporation (D&H)
- 1st Commercially Successful RR
- Long/Continuing Metals Industry
- Silk Industry Heritage
- RR Heritage
107
524
Spencers Corners
a il
BENTON TWP
Merli-Sarnoski Park
!
Tr
107
GREENFIELD TWP
E
E
E
Town"
VANDLING Vandling "Company
E
296
E
E
E
E
E
CLINTON
TOWNSHIP
E
E
E
Honesdale
E
l
Windmills
E
ai
r
T
Lake
Wallenpaupack
E
Lackawanna
River
W
!
0
Eales Preserve
!Red
2.5
5
Miles
Oak
City of Carbondale Regional Resources
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Carbondale City Local Resources Map
Revitalization recommendations on the following page are premised on
enhancing Carbondale as a primary and/or secondary destination, providing
specialty retail goods, accommodations, industrial heritage stories, arts and
leisure in a pedestrian-friendly environment. Key among them are the following:
Completion of downtown aesthetic enhancements including the expansion of
streetscape enhancements, façade restoration in individualized historic/architectural
context, “Gateway” enhancements at the eastern and western entrances to the
community on Business Route 6, completion and marketing of a riverfront stroll
district with public open space and a reconstructed 6th Avenuet Bridge for pedestrian
traffic;
Continuation and expansion of revitalization, redevelopment and reuse efforts
completing Pioneer Plaza to fill an accommodations/conference gap; incubators for
specialty retail and artisits; and reuse of vacant structures such as the former Sacred
Heart School, former public school and Hotel American;
Connecting the visitor and the many varied stories of Carbondale even though
remnants of the coal, rail, canal and silk industries may be gone. This can be
accomplished via a centralized visitor center and/or a decentralized series of
interactive displays and “smart kiosks” and can recrate everything from the early coal
industry through the fabled UFO “siting” in the 1970’s through the reivention of the
City today; and
Activities that reinforce the City’s self-proclaimed image of “everybody’s home town”,
including church tours, ethnic celebrations and 1st Sundays.
103
FELL TWP
St
St
Simpson
Industrial Heritage
N
St
43rd
Bicycle Rt L
~ Virtual Tour ~
6
0
2
Business
Park at Carbondale Yards
SR K
St
d
n
RR Heritage
42
SR
171
Ha
it P
l
St
43rd
Historic Rt 6 Trace
Whites Crossing
Ma
in
th
44
Sp
e
nc
er
St
Be
lm
on
t
St
Bir
ket
t
St
ck
St
Gr
ove
Ro
el
St
t
Gr
ov
e
W
yo
m
ing
W
as
St
hin
gt
on
Sp
St
ri n
g
St
SR
101
9
St
St
Walnut St
Pearl St
11th Ave
Russell Park
Av
e
Ha
rl
em
Av
e
12th Ave
e
Bicycle Rts Y & L
Av
e
UFO "Sighting"
6
Major Resource
3
Major Opportunity
92
0
Rd
K1
94
SR
CARBONDALE TWP
SR
Scenic Overlook
0
6
Ha
Fe
rn
Mine Refuse & Heritage
ok
sid
e
CBD Enhancements:
- Streetscape
- Speciality Retail Incubator
- Pioneer Plaza
- Facades (in progress)
- Arts Incubator
- Visitors Center
- Art Walk
- 1st Sundays
Vacancy Opportunities:
- Sacred Heart
- Former Elementary School
- Hotel American
- Vacant Lots
Oliv
Co
eS
rtla
t
nd
St
St
Archba
ld
10th Ave
Park
St
e
Ct
Wyoming Ave
SR K1
97
M
ai
n
S
y Ct
St
10th Ave
Eastern Bus. Rt 6
Gateway Enhancements
rri
so
n
ge
rs
Ro
8th Ave
E Garfield St
Av
e
St
St
Ch
ur
ch
ra
ce
N
Te
r
St
M
S.
St
t
ry S
Ce
me
te
t
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City of Carbondale Local Resources and Opportunities
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Litter Indexing
As part of the effort to enhance Carbondale’s appearance as a Route 6 Heritage
Community, it and other Heritage Communities have incorporated Litter Indexing
as a part of the implementation effort. The Litter Index is a measurement tool
researched and designed by Keep America Beautiful that measures the amount
of visible litter in a community. Litter indexing is an early-action, inexpensive but
effective way of maintaining attractive gateways and other critical areas in
Heritage Communities. Clean and attractive neighborhoods are safer, healthier
and more vibrant neighborhoods. Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful and many
neighborhoods, organizations and governments use the results to guide litter
prevention, education and cleanup efforts. The Litter Index is a great activity for
families, small groups, individuals, and students. Groups may volunteer as a
team building exercise or service activity, and students may receive service
hours.
The concept was reviewed with the Carbondale Stakeholders Group in October
2010 at which time the program was explained and eight (8) areas were chosen
to be monitored by the Stakeholders. The eight areas area identified on the map
on the following page and summarized below,
1
2
3
4&5
6
7
8
-
8th Avenue near western entrance to CBD
Canaan Street near eastern entrance to CBD
Highway commercial area near western Gateway
CBD area
Belmont Street in and around Maplewood Cemetery
Belmont Street
In and around Russell Park
The areas are to be regularly surveyed by designated teams, and observations of
litter recorded, using a scale of 1-4
1 = clean area
2 = needs one or two people to pick up trash
3 = needs an organized effort to pick up trash and beautify
4 = areas of blight. Needs organized efforts and funding to beautify
Follow-up may be in the form of reporting back to steering committee or task
force, apprising code enforcement officials and/or periodic volunteer pick-up.
This can be family and organized group events (i.e. civic, church, school, etc.).
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City of Carbondale
Litter Indexing Areas
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
Interpretive Planning Statement – What Makes Carbondale Unique?
The final step of the Heritage Communities Planning effort is the development of
Planning Statements that (1) embody the local heritage tourism effort and (2)
relate this heritage to the identified six themes of the Pennsylvania Route 6
Corridor, which include The Warrior’s Road, Natural Opportunities, The
Engineer’s Challenge, New Beginnings and Safe Havens, Visionaries, Achievers
and Social Entrepreneurs and Outdoor Enthusiast’s Paradise. Popular
engagement and discussions during the planning process included all of the
Route 6 themes:
A Warrior’s Road: Among the resources associated with this theme, the Carbondale
area was home to a number of famous and highly decorated military people since
the 19th Century including:
o 1st Sergeant Patrick DeLacey (Civil War – 143rd
Pennsylvania Infantry; Congressional Medal of
Honor Recipient with experience at the Battles of
Gettysburg and the Wilderness)
o Brigadier General Alvin Ungerleider (WWII – in
the 29th Infantry Division among the first troops
to land at Normandy Beach; awarded two
Bronze Stars; involved in the liberation of a subcamp of Nordhausen)
o Second Lieutenant Joseph Sarnoski (WWII – US
Army Air Corps; Silver Star, Purple Heart and
Congressional Medal of Honor; experience and
death in the Pacific Theatre)
o General Jerome O’Malley (Vietnam and USAF
Vice Chief of Staff; decorations included Distinguished Service Medal,
Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross
with oak leaf cluster, and Meritorious Service Medal)
Natural Opportunities: Carbondale has a long association
with the economic use of natural resources ranging from the
first deep underground anthracite coal mine in America that
opened in 1831, the Lackawanna River that powered early
industry and included canal development through the
utilization of wind power for electricity on nearby Moosic
Mountain and the growing importance of Marcellus Shale
drilling.
The Engineers Challenge: Carbondale has an
equally long identification with engineering
marvels encompassing the creative engineering
with mining, ranging from the first deep anthracite
mine noted above to fighting the long-burning
mine fire; the Delaware and Hudson Gravity
Railroad and Canal; and the successor complex
railroad network that had Carbondale as a hub.
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New Beginnings and Safe Havens: Carbondale has in essence been a laboratory of
“firsts”, early Carbondale industry attracted throngs of immigrants, has re-invented
itself more than once and it prides itself as now being “everybody’s home town”.
Among its “firsts are:
o The Delaware & Hudson Gravity Railroad, the
first commercially successful railroad to operate
in America, began operations from Carbondale
to Honesdale in October 1829.
o The first deep underground anthracite coal mine
in America was opened along present day
Seventh Avenue here in 1831.
o The first eisteddfod, a Welsh music,
performance and literary festival, in America was held in Carbondale on
Christmas Day 1850, reflecting the rich ethnic and arts heritage of the
community.
o Carbondale was incorporated as a city on March 15, 1851, making it the
oldest city in Lackawanna County and the fourth oldest city in the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, no doubt reflected in its moniker as the
"Pioneer City."
o The first lodge in America of the ancient Welsh fraternal order of Ivorites was
opened in Carbondale in the fall of 1853 and the first public Ivorite celebration
in America took place in Carbondale in August 1855
o The first anthracite coal breaker in America, the Racket Brook Breaker, was
erected by the D&H, adjacent to the company's coal and rail operations.
The City has had to reinvent itself after the lengthy mine fire, after the demise of the
local mining industry and again in recent years as the economy changed from a
largely industrial base to a diversified one with manufacturing, retail and service
businesses. Its rich ethnic, cultural and industrial heritage helps frame Carbondale
as “everybody’s home town”.
Visionaries, Achievers and Social Entrepreneurs: Carbondale prides the connection
with this theme with numerous local stories and personalities, many tied to the “city
of firsts” concept above.
o The Wurts Brothers who creatively developed and marketed the anthracite
coal resource, and the emergence of the industrial era coal industry and
technology;
o The D&H as a pioneer in what would become the American Industrial
revolution;
o The Silk Industry seen through the Klots Throwing and Empire Silk Co.
through the GENTEX Corp.;
o The birthplace of important
industry (Robert Wood Johnson)
and labor (Terence Vincent
Powderly) leaders; and
o Present City and community
leaders “pioneering” a focus on
the arts and attracting “the creative class”.
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Outdoor Enthusiasts Paradise: The area around
Carbondale has numerous attractions and resources
that reflect this theme, including State Parks, local
parks, trails, hunting and fishing opportunities, two
major ski areas and an annual Marathon over
Columbus Day weekend, just to name a few.
In relating the Carbondale area to these Route 6
themes and/or in general promotions as a whole, Destination Development
International, Inc. has developed a listing of “phrases to avoid”, and includes
such words as “explore”, “discover”, “unlike anywhere else”, “so much to see and
do”,
“best kept secret”,
“gateway”
(to
somewhere), “close
to
everywhere/everything”, “purely natural” (or other play on the word natural), “fun
for the whole family”, “retire here”, and the apparent grand-daddy of them all - “a
great place to live, work and play” (reportedly used by 3,500 +/- communities).
The message here is simple, stay away from the generic and focus on what
makes Carbondale special and answer the question “L what can I get in
Carbondale that I can’t get somewhere else?”
Carbondale Interactive Display Options - Interpreting and Interaction
Carbondale has many key rich stories – early
anthracite mining, the D&H Canal, the town as a
railroad hub/center, the mine fire and long time
needed to extinguish it, ethnic diversity, “quirkiness”
(i.e. UFO, Irish Fairy Bush, active arts community,
etc.), labor history, how the town reinvented itself
several times - and more. Unfortunately there are
very few tangible remains that tell the historical
stories other than still photographs, artifacts and
static displays. Various levels are available to tell the
stories to audiences of different ages and interests.
These include books, interpretive panels, videos,
computers, flat screen displays. Artifacts and oral
histories help tell the story with text, images and
video footage to make it even more interesting.
Interactive tour can be developed with “smart
kiosks”, web pages, mobile devices/apps and
brochures. In the interest of Interactivity, computer
interactives with touch screens (i.e. TSCI - Touch
Screen Computer Interactive) and/or smart phone
apps with text and photos are options, as are more
stationary exhibits such as three-dimensional maps
showing above-ground topography in relation to
underground coal seams. The latter can show
Example
“reach” of Carbondale – compact above-ground but extensive underground. A
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computerized visual program can show such factors as underground mining
activity, the mine fire and above-ground coal and rail facilities. These provide
room for user interface/interactivity, which keeps people engaged for longer than
would be the case with static displays. There is some flexibility in that the TSCI’s
and apps can be decentralized keyed to location (i.e. mine entrance, rail yards,
alleged UFO area, etc.) while a larger stationary display can be a more
centralized format in a visitors/discovery center. The latter can include artifacts,
whereby one can lift a pick ax, crawl through a simulated coal seam, etc. All can
be expanded to encompass the nearby Route 6 Heritage Communities of
Waymart and Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills, interconnected with the intertwined
early Industrial Revolution, coal and D&H Canal/Gravity Railroad stories.
This is an ambitious activity, linking all of the local stories. In the case of
Carbondale, three distinct implementation phases are suggested, as summarized
below:
Phase 1 – Concept Design
o List of stories and delivery system options; involves meetings,
information gathering and development of implementation costs
o Cost estimate for this phase: $30,000 - $50,000 range
o Timeframe: 3 – 9 months
Phase 2 – Details, Artifacts and Design Drawings
o Stories, text and finalize costs
o Cost estimate for this phase: $50,000 - $75,000
o Timeframe: 9 mos. - 1 year
Phase 3 – Production, Fabrication, Final Products, Training and Testing
o Produce programming and products, acquire hardware and software,
train staff/volunteers and test products
o Cost estimate for this phase: $200,000+/o Timeframe: 1 year
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Marketing and Hospitality Planning Statement
The Carbondale community should focus its respective uniqueness to attract the
traveling public and strengthen itself as either a primary or a diversionary
destination. While the City can offer industrial and cultural heritage interpretive
opportunities within the context of being “everybody’s home town”, the question
still begs, “What can a traveler get in Carbondale that they cannot find in their
own backyard?”
This WorkPlan identifies these unique qualities and
Carbondale’s attractions and resources should be on the tips of every
townsperson’s tongue. Identified early on in the planning process was the need
to provide information on local and regional attractions in a consistent location.
Information should be easily available on how to get to a given attraction or
activity, the best way to experience it, and the history or story related to the
attraction.
Wayfinding signage should be incorporated into the plan and be part of the
informational system; it should be easy to read and congruent throughout
community.
The theme and its coordinated message should be center to a localized marketing
and promotion effort, hopefully as a tab on the City’s existing website, which is at the
same time coordinated with other regional efforts. In this case, it includes the
Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as the PA Route 6
Alliance. Cross promotion of events and attractions should be both community-wide
and regionally based.
Recognizing the relationship between Carbondale and the larger region is
important in marketing. Carbondale is a part of a larger region rich in cultural,
recreational, commercial and outdoor opportunities and has a critical pedestrianfriendly downtown where people can stay, shop, dine and explore. The matrix
includes a number of recommendations on getting these messages out.
Identified in the planning project was the need to provide information on local and
regional attractions in consistent and convenient locations. Throughout the
implementation periods, the WorkPlan identifies the need for participate in local
and regional marketing and promotional efforts.
Regional and Local Promotions
The WorkPlan suggests a combined effort that both ties in with those of the
suggested tourism promotion partners and further develops local promotional
efforts. Websites continue to grow in importance in tourism promotions, and the
recommendations in the Implementation Matrix reflect this.
A Google search of “Carbondale” (no state) yielded two (2) “Carbondales” in the
country, in the states of Illinois and Colorado, with the only reference among the top
10 (first page of the search) to Carbondale PA being the website of the Carbondale
Area School District and that of the local YMCA being the 12th identified on the
second page of the search. The website of the City of Carbondale, Illinois is the first
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reference followed by the website of Southern Illinois University, located in that City.
Many of the top “Carbondale” results refer to tourism and government sites.
A similar search of “Carbondale, PA” yielded different results, with the first reference
being the Carbondale, PA Wikipedia page, the City’s website being second followed
by the Carbondale News. A dated website (2007 latest update) on the UFO incident
appears 8th.
The local Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce’s website was 5th in order
when “Carbondale Chamber of Commerce” (no state) was searched, but not among
the top 20 when “Carbondale, PA” was searched.
In the day of the Internet and “Search Engine Optimization”, Carbondale, PA still
may need to differentiate itself and enhance the City’s visibility.
Carbondale events, attractions and other tourism resources appear on at least two
(2) area websites, with more on the Chamber’s website and a few on the
Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau, which promotes events
throughout the County. Presently no events are noted on the City website. Closer
consistency and coordination in identifying events among these websites is
suggested. Carbondale should be active in the efforts of the Lackawanna County
Convention and Visitors Bureau, affording the community the opportunity to
participate in other state, regional and local efforts and yield the benefits of crosspromotion.
Create a multi-day itinerary option using the Loop Tours as unifying forces for
activities and visits to the area. These tours focus on the experience – industrial and
cultural heritage, nature, recreation and pedestrian-oriented activities. In all cases,
the experience not necessarily the location should be emphasized. The itinerary
options can be posted on a central website, and as apps, and provided to all local
and regional marketing affiliates.
The website of the Greater Carbondale Chamber of Commerce has a “Calendar” tab
that briefly lists events in a calendar format along with holidays but little other
content. The resources, itineraries, experiences, etc. may be appropriate here or on
a new “Activities/Events” tab on the City website.
Incorporate National Tourism Week (1st full week of May) into the school curriculum
by inviting business owners, Lackawanna County Convention and Visitors Bureau
staff, Chamber representatives and other local tourism officials to speak about the
importance of tourism to high school students.
Re-establish and maintain curriculum for a local history course with the Lackawanna
School District in the development of.
Maintain presence on the website and any future apps of Lackawanna County
Convention and Visitors Bureau for area resources, tours and other attractions that
focus on Carbondale.
Highlight successful businesses through an awards and recognition program.
Maintain participation in the Litter Index in the Keep America Beautiful Program.
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The City of Carbondale has
developed and carries out a creative
local promotional effort as part of “A
Main Street Experience: The Next
Chapter in the American Story”
concept. The effort promotes the
Community in printed and DVD
formats keyed to extolling the Quality
of Life, Accessibility and Incentives
offered by the City.
Cross Promotions
The City promotes a “Buy Local”
effort that encourages local residents
and businesses to positively impact
and sustain the local economy via
local purchasing power for everyday
goods and services.
Businesses
should be encouraged to cross
promote their products, services and
offerings.
Local
accommodations
and
attractions are recommended to agree on joint packaging, even cooperatively
advertising their product. Attractions should not be limited to physical places. For
example artisans and other specialists can offer their services or learning
experiences to lodging guests.
Promotions are recommended to reflect the themes noted in the Implementation
Matrix.
Certain signature events and attractions (i.e. Music, Art and Wine Festival, Art Walks
etc.) draw sizable crowds, giving the opportunity to connect to those events and
attractions and offer something downtown to attract the visitor. Special sales and
activities coinciding with these signature events already exist and are recommended
to continue. As a means of reinforcing Carbondale as “everybody’s home town”
building on the faith heritage and existing stately houses of worship, and the tradition
of “Sunday Dinner”, an ethnic-oriented “1st Sunday” observance is suggested that
embraces various ethnic and faith-based communities in a cross-promoted event.
Remember, the shopping experience and the signature events help define
Carbondale’s uniqueness.
Web Presence
Carbondale area businesses and attractions appear to have a varied web
presence, with a few having exceptionally well planned and user-friendly sites but
perhaps many more having no presence at all. A number of Chamber members
are linked via the Chamber site including numerous financial and professional
services, perhaps of more interest to the resident than the visitor, but a few
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specialty retail and several restaurants interest to the travelling public. The 2008
PA Route 6 Tourism Infrastructure Plan identified the following within
Lackawanna County (Carbondale Area in parenthesis)
180 accommodations/food services (9)
115 arts, entertainment and recreation providers (7)
408 tourism-oriented retail establishments (23)
Clearly, most of the businesses identified as part of the tourism infrastructure are
located within the County, many within Scranton.
Wayfinding Planning Statement
Planning by the Pennsylvania Tourism Office’s notes the importance of installing
tourist-friendly signage as part of a tourism development and promotion effort. A
relatively new approach has been developed that replaces the Tourism-Oriented
Directional Signage on State highways. The State signage can let people know
where they are (i.e. identify regions, local communities and attractions).
Wayfinding signing at a local level is a way to provide a systematic network of
directional signs to guide the traveling public from major highway gateways to
key civic, cultural, regional and commercial destinations using the minimum
number of signs. It is designed to coincide with regional tourism marketing. A
common approach to signage regulation may be for the multi-municipal region
linked with companion wayfinding signage in the nearby Rt. 6 Heritage
Communities of Waymart and Honesdale/Hawley/White Mills. A few guiding
principles for wayfinding are summarized below:
Wayfinding needs are best resolved during initial planning stages through a
collaborative effort by all design professionals, architects, designers and sign
makers, to address a project's total environmental communication.
Graphics, such as signs, color-coding, maps, banners, brochures and Websites,
provide orientation, direction, identification and regulatory information.
Provide standardized "you are here" maps of the project that include an overall map
of the complex and more detailed maps of specific areas.
Local tourism resources should be designated by directional signage that includes a
common logo, directional arrow and distance.
The challenges to current resource signing in general include lack of uniformity,
message overload, sign placement, lack of signage for tourists, lack of
effectiveness/prioritization, lack of background context and lack of maintenance.
Signage System
Color/symbol coded resource signage is suggested for resources, keyed to the
following groups:
Natural/Environmental resources– public and private sites
Sporting resources – fishing, cycling, ATV, hiking, swimming, boating, etc.
Community Life resources – churches, library, etc.
Industrial/Commercial resources – past/present businesses and sites
Historic Sites – museums, architecturally significant buildings, etc.
114
Tourism Services resources – visitors centers, accommodations and food services,
tourism-oriented retail/services, etc.
Locally eligible attractions typically included in wayfinding efforts are summarized
as follows, some of which are already signed locally
commercial attractions such as local signature downtown businesses, eating/drinking
establishments, the highway commercial district and other signature shopping;
cultural/heritage attractions such as the Carbondale Historical Society Museum, the
Public Library and similar attractions.
historical/architectural resources such as the site of the first underground anthracite
coal mine, the site of the first coal breaker, City Hall, surface site of the mine fire, and
sites of railroad yards, depots and related.
recreational attractions such as Merli-Sarnoski Park, the O&W, D&H and
Lackawanna River Heritage Trails, the Riverfront Stroll District and the YMCA; and
transportation facilities such as the right-of-way of former railroads, the suggested
tours later in this section, the canal and historic Route 6 traces.
Typically, signed attractions shall be open to all persons regardless of race,
color, religion, ancestry, sex, age or handicap; be clean and pleasing in
appearance, maintained in good repair; and comply with all applicable code
regulations and statutes for public accommodations; be open to the general
public a minimum of 30 days per calendar year; and provide sufficient parking
and an on-premise sign readily visible from the highway. Signage efforts should
consider a signage partnership with attractions benefiting to meet installation,
design and maintenance costs. The types of attractions eligible for signing under
PennDOT regulations are identified on pages 65-66 of this WorkPlan.
Gateway Signage
Welcoming signage at the gateways is
attractive and no major changes are
suggested other than the addition of some
landscaping and continued maintenance.
In addition, erecting attractive signage near
the otherwise generic Meredith Street exit
ramp is suggested, along with some
community identification signage along the
Rt. 6 Robert P. Casey Byway.
115
Historic Route 6 Signage
Communities across the Corridor are signing segments of US
Route 6 that may no longer be in the Route 6 alignment. The
inventory portion identified several segments, including Pike
Street in the southern portion of the community and SR 1003
through Whites Crossing in the northern part. The National
US Route Association is suggesting a tan Historic Route 6
sign, as pictured, which are suggested to convey the
highway’s context to the visitor and resident alike.
Tours
This WorkPlan recommends two tours that
together link various heritage sites, attractions
and resources. The inventories of this WorkPlan
describe the resources within these tours.
The Elk Mountain Auto/Bike Tour beginning on US
Business Route 6 in Carbondale and linking it with
Elk Mountain, Forest City, Vandling and Simpson
via a routing through a largely rural and scenic
area (See page 117). The loop consists of
approximately 35 miles over Routes 106, 374 and
171, as depicted on the following page, providing
varied views of rustic countryside, an industrial
village, trails, windmills and access to a ski area.
The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Link Tour, as graphically depicted on page 118 links
Carbondale to/from numerous recreational, commercial, entertainment, cultural
and other heritage resources in a metropolitan area indeed rich in these
attractions and venues. The regional highway network in and around the
Scranton/Wilkes-Barre area carries several times the traffic volumes that are
carried on either the Route 6 Robert P. Casey Byway or Business Route 6.
Simply and figuratively stated, the tour loop outlined are all “two-way” roads
capable of bringing people to Carbondale as well as taking people to these two
cities. Much of this is over two manifestations of Route 6, Business Route 6 and
Route 6 Robert P. Casey Byway.
116
9
67
20
SR
!
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374
GIBSON TOWNSHIP
2063
!
67
4
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7
20
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LEBANON TOWNSHIP
!
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Union Dale
374
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20
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42
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2
371
Pleasant Mount
Cascade
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South Gibson
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92
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81
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106
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40
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296
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170
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Elk Mountain Auto/Bike Tour
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
04
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Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Link
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
!
Heritage Resource Development/Physical Enhancement Planning
Statement
Physical improvements alone will not assure success in the Carbondale area
becoming an even better primary or diversionary destination; however their role
in establishing and reinforcing the community context should not be
underestimated.
Input gained from field work and the extensive public
participation process suggested that Carbondale’s appearance varies
considerably, including areas with small urban area charm as well as other areas
that are rather generic or visually unappealing. In a related matter, the planning
process noted that Carbondale’s presence and image needs to become more
visible in the regional context. Simply stated, the Route 6 Robert P. Casey
Byway makes it rather easy for the regional traveler to bypass the community.
Building on strengths and resolving weaknesses underlie the enhancements
noted in this WorkPlan, which proposes a number of downtown, community and
developmental initiatives that not only reinforce Carbondale as a place to visit but
a place in which to live. These strategic enhancements attempt to improve the
visual quality and “lure concept” by concentrating activities that reinforce the
unique qualities of the community. Based on the review of input, discussion and
field conditions, the development and community recommendations focus on the
following:
Streetscape Enhancements: The City has made great strides in streetscape
enhancements in sections of the downtown area, with new sidewalks and period
street light replicas. This WorkPlan recommends the continuation of the
streetscape enhancements (i.e. sidewalks as needed, benches, bike racks, trash
receptacles, etc.) in the downtown area along remaining portions of North Main
Street and several of the intersecting streets in the downtown area
(approximately 1,100 feet), as well as adding benches and bike racks along
otherwise completed sections as well as the expanded sections. The benches
and bike racks fulfill anticipated needs while reinforcing the image of the
downtown as a pedestrian-friendly area. Streetscape improvements create a
good first impression for businesses, travelers and students, and reinforce
community pride and identification for residents.
Riverfront Enhancement Area: Nationwide communities of various sizes have or
are planning a “stroll district” that literally provides the environment for
pedestrians to leisurely walk to access amenities or just enjoy the outdoors or the
act of walking. In some cases the stroll district involves accessing art galleries,
leather shops, other specialty retailers, riverfronts and/or open spaces. The City
has been pursuing one along River Street that essentially reorients the
community toward the Lackawanna River. In addition to completed walkway
enhancements along River Street, a dilapidated building is being demolished to
make way for a public open space that can be a venue for community events,
shows, concerts, etc. Rehabilitation and reopening the 6th Avenue Bridge will
119
allow the stroll district to tie in with the revitalized streetscape along North Main
Street, thus linking it with commercial, arts and other community resources.
Downtown Revitalization: The City already has an aggressive and progressive
Main Street approach. A number of “Main Street Program” types of activities in
the downtown area that reinforce it as a pedestrian-oriented commercial and
residential area are suggested.
Completion of the Pioneer Plaza project that will fill some retail, hospitality
and accommodations needs in Carbondale.
Reuse of several large vacant structures, including the former Hotel American
building and adjacent site and the former Sacred Heart School in the
downtown as well as the former school on Spring Street. The downtown
structures in particular provide potential multi-use/traditional development
opportunities, such as commercial uses on the first floor and residential uses
on the above floors. More communities recognize the economic development
advantage associated with reemphasizing residential uses in downtowns.
These residential uses go beyond the typical “towers” apartments that have
been developed in many small urban communities such as Carbondale.
While these units serve community needs, alternative forms, such as loft
apartments, attract a different market. Carbondale City officials often
mentioned attracting “the creative class” as part of its “Next Chapter in the
American Story” efforts. This audience is a good fit for the loft concept, as
are younger retired people who like the community, the downtown
conveniences but not maintaining a large single-family home. Loft
development tends to be a private sector action, but one that can be
encouraged by local public sector incentives (i.e. low interest loans, façade
grants, property tax abatements, etc.). In essence, it likely requires a
private/public partnership, an approach the City has often taken in recent
years.
Business incubation and recruitment are both part and parcel of not only the
Heritage Communities Program approach but existing local “Next Chapter in
the American Story” efforts.
The City’s Downtown Strategic Plan
recommended recruitment and filling up vacant storefronts as a priority. City
officials noted plans for a retail incubator in a vacant downtown building.
Input during this planning effort suggested the need for an arts incubator as
well, a concept that also found some traction in a PA Route 6 Heritage
Community in western Pennsylvania. A first floor location in one of the
structures noted above for multi-use is suggested as a possibility. Arts
incubation in the downtown reinforces the arts presence desired by many
during the planning process and interface well with the stroll district concept.
In addition, the need for enhancing a dinner/theatre venue was noted during
the planning process. Again, this builds expands the concept of “arts” and
provides additional activities for the post-5:00 audience.
120
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Downtown Resources:
1 - Memorial Park & Triangle
2 - Pioneer Plaza Site
3 - City Hall
4 - Former Bank (Adams CTV)
5 - Pennstar Bank
6 - Hotel American (former) & Fenced Area
7 - Former Post Office
8 - Ben-Mar (former D&H office)
9 - Historic YMCA & New Addition
10 - Intact Iron Facade Building
Carbondale Significant Downtown Resources
Rt 6 Corridor HCP
In-fill development also has a place in downtown revitalization. A major
project in underway during this process in the development of Pioneer Plaza
on what was a large vacant tract in the downtown. A small vacant parcel
located near the Memorial Park Triangle presents a prime commercial
opportunity in the heart of the downtown near the aesthetically pleasing and
pedestrian oriented Memorial Park.
A number of Route 6 Heritage Communities are adopting the Trail Town
concept within their heritage and nature tourism planning. Trails provide the
connections and trail towns provide the goods and services demanded by trail
users. Carbondale has a two-fold implementation role in this regard.
o Trail segments must be completed. The O&W and D&H segments
have a trailhead in nearby Simpson while the Lackawanna River
Heritage Trail segment ends in Archbald. The extension shown on the
Regional Resources Map links these critical resources and in effect
makes Carbondale a trail network hub just as it once was a rail hub. A
local trail head with parking would seem to fit at the restored Railroad
Station park. This augments the bicycle route system that already
bisects the downtown area.
o Trail towns provide trail users with retail shopping, accommodations,
dining and diversions.
122
Community WorkPlan
Pennsylvania Route 6 Alliance
2011