Is Grassroots really enough? (Hint, hint... no.)

Mayor Andy Szekely recently blogged on the need to focus mainly on grassroots efforts in truly revitalizing our town.  You can read his blog here:  http://mayorszekely.wordpress.com

As is often the case when the Mayor and I discuss local issues, I disagree.

He mentions Doylestown, Phoenixville and Ambler quite a lot in his arguments as fine examples, so I figured I'd spend a minute or two researching their revitalization history.  As I suspected, what I found was that in each case, a COMPREHENSIVE approach to revitalization was the key.  The common threads were:

1) As the Mayor rightly states, small businesses taking a chance
2) Prudent government investment in infrastructure and other areas, as well some type of revitalization/main st. organization.
3) Events and, yes, grassroots efforts

Not one of them happened with grassroots efforts alone.  And typically, #1 happened after the stage was set by leaders with foresight -- creating and fostering an environment that was favorable.

From their own website... "Doylestown became the recipient of several community development grants from the Commonwealth, which were for specific use in the central commercial business district.  Historic street lights were purchased.  Funds were made available to downtown business owners for façade improvements... As a result of combined efforts of borough government, individuals, businesses and other organizations, the center of Doylestown once again enjoys a mix of offices, eating establishments, small businesses and representatives of major chains."  In Doylestown it took 8+ years to get from realization to the initial sense that they were turning the corner.  Even with this comprehensive approach.  It did not happen overnight, and not with grassroots efforts alone.

In Phoenixville, "Since 2002, when the [Chester County’s Community Revitalization] program was initiated to complement the county’s open space preservation program and its Landscapes II planning guide, Phoenixville has been the recipient of $5.5 million for streetscape improvements, streetlight installation, construction of curbs and sidewalks, and water and sewer system improvements."  “I look at Phoenixville today, and there has been a significant return on investment” through the revitalization program, said Borough Manager E. Jean Krack.  Reference: http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120522/NEWS/120529821/county-revitalization-program-marks-10-years#full_story]  

Yes -- small businesses like Molly's took a chance on Phoenixville -- 3 years after this effort began.  An effort that began 11 years ago.  It didn't happen overnight, and it wasn't just grassroots.

In Ambler, the "the plan consists of a revitalization program for entry gateways and Main Street enhancements. Grant funding includes approximately $500,000 from Montgomery County’s Revitalization Program and nearly $800,000 from Transportation Enhancement (TE) Grants.  The scope of work for the Redevelopment and Revitalization plan includes development of a comprehensive planning database and Geographical Information Systems (GIS) analytical tools to support redevelopment of the industrial rail corridor area. The project is being developed in conjunction with the Montgomery County Redevelopment Authority."  Once again, I hear cooperation and planning on a grand scale -- not just a grassroots effort.  I also hear transit-oriented -- something we're excited about bringing forward with the Madison Lot redevelopment.  We are seeing the exact same level of cooperation from the County and SEPTA as we move forward.  These relationships are critical and key to success.

There are a lot of themes I hear consistently above that mirror efforts put underway with this current Council over the past few years.  Investment in Main St. infrastructure, water and sewer improvements, technology/GIS, etc.

Another theme that's consistent here is grants.  There's this ugly rumor floating around that we don't get enough grants.  The truth is we've applied for over $6 million dollars in grants since 2010.  That includes some major items we're reaping the benefit of, like:

* $3.5 MM for PCTI (the wood-vine connector)
* $330K for Wood Street
* $40K TCDI grant (Wayfinding)
* $25K from Montgomery County Revitalization

And the list goes on and on.  We've also recently applied for significant grants from DCED for further infrastructure improvements.  And we continue to invest wisely in ourselves in aging and failing infrastructure.

My point is -- it's not just grassroots.  That might make for nice political rhetoric, but it's simply not true.  It takes lots of effort -- from government, businesses AND individuals alike (just like it did in Doylestown) -- in a coordinated fashion -- to revitalize a town.

The Mayor mentioned them, so it's worth noting that Mary Fuller and Richard Strahm have given countless hours to making some of the events he mentioned, like First Fridays and Founder's Day, happen -- events so critical to creating a buzz around Lansdale.   And Mr. Dunigan, with the help of the Administration, has spent the last three years finally putting the books of this town in order.  Our budgets are balanced, our credit rating is up, we're putting money in the bank, and we're being recognized at the state level for the fiscal accountability that's been brought to the Borough.

All this is not simply grassroots -- it's a comprehensive, sensible approach, that's clearly WORKED many times before.

I would ask that when people go to vote next Tuesday, May 21st -- that they recognize that this comprehensive approach is underway.  It's a process, and it doesn't happen all at once.  Let's support those that would see it through -- not the fear mongers that would once again have us step back from the precipice of REAL revitalization.