Times Observer by Jacob Perryman Downtown Youngsville is pictured. Borough Council adopted recommendations from a ten-year revitalization plan at its meeting Monday.

They have a plan.

Members of Youngsville Borough Council voted to adopt recommendations for a 10-year revitalization plan.

The recommendations were the result of data gathering and community feedback as part of a study of the community by consulting group Downtown Redevelopment Services, LLC. Draft recommendations were presented at the September meeting of council.

The plan is broken up into phases, with the first ranging from initiation to year two. Council must now decide what to prioritize for implementation in this first phase.

The consultant recommended starting by crafting a vacant property ordinance and implementing downtown design guidelines.

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

Downtown design guidelines could include a wide-range of requirements and recommendations to keep new development and remodeling in-line with existing development and goals for the area’s future. These could target building physical appearance, physical location, usage and other areas.

Ultimately, these steps would make it possible for Youngsville to apply for funding through various revitalization grant programs.

For instance, the Keystone Communities program was specifically cited as requiring design guidelines. The program typically matches dollar-for-dollar up to $5,000 with businesses in participating communities for facade improvement work.

OTHER BUSINESS

Borough Manager Wendy Wilcox noted the borough has not presented community service awards in a number of years. She asked council member’s opinion and it was decided the borough would start accepting nominations to revive the award. Nominees must live in or within 10 miles of the borough, service must extend beyond professional duties and service must be voluntary. Nominations can be submitted at the borough office at 40 Railroad Street or by email at wwilcox@youngsvilleboro.org.

Winners of the Youngsville Heart & Soul Photo Contest have been selected. There were 127 votes cast to choose the grand prize winner. Winners include Penny Sampson, Victoria Durlin and Patricia Calta. Sampson won the grand prize. Winners were chosen in five of six categories. One category had no entries. Full results can be found at www.youngsvilleboro.org/photo-contest.