Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Warren Worx subcommittees continued their first round of meetings with a session focused on community revitalization and building preservation. In the photo are, from left, John Papalia with the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, State Rep. Kathy Rpap and Mary Kushner.

One of the biggest challenges that Warren Worx faces is taking all of the ideas that people have and boiling it down to specific projects that move the mission forward.

The start of that process has unfolded in recent days as the organization’s four subcommittees meet for the first time.

Business development and quality of life focus groups met this week, the community revitalization group met Monday morning and the marketing group followed Tuesday.

State Rep. Kathy Rapp was among the half-dozen participants in Monday’s subcommittee meeting.

The idea is for the subcommittees to work on specific areas throughout the month, bringing the outcome of those actions and discussions to the monthly stakeholder meeting.

John Papalia, senior vice president with the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, said the goal is to “fine tune some of the ideas” to be able to develop action items at the stakeholder meetings.

It’s no surprise through three of the meetings that there have been “some shared concerns” across the sessions, especially broadband, attracting younger generational engagement and education.

“A lot of what’s been discussed at these meetings,” he said, “(we) have to start with that actual key assessment. That’s really the starting point for each one of the groups.”

But the talks have started to shift to possible solutions.

One example is broadband where there was discussion about picking key locations for public internet in the county and evaluating those costs.

“Each one has its feel to it,” he said. “Everyone’s got a little different interest where they want to help serve.”

Monday’s session focused on community revitalization and infrastructure issues, namely addressing blight.

The first steps identified are to look at what areas do – and do not – have community development plans and functioning revitalization groups as well as gaining an understanding of blight and nuisance code issues geared toward developing a quick guide through that process.

“Collaboration is key,” Papalia said. “It’s organizations working together for the greater good.”

There are barriers to tackling these issues.

Some raised during the session include the tax status of a blighted property and where funding can come from to address blight.

It’s easy to focus on the problem but these discussions are aiming to shift that narrative.

“We did talk a lot about all of the great things we do have,” Papalia said, citing a safe community, access to healthcare and recent business growth.”

He said that includes promoting a lower cost of living to younger generations and the business community.

“You may make more money in a similar job in Pittsburgh,” he said. “You start breaking out the costs, (here) you can start owning a home.”

They aim to get “a little more strategic on marketing that message when we go out.”