News:
GOTTA A GREEN THUMB?
Latrobe Community Revitalization Program
LAUNCHES COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDEN PROJECTS
LATROBE, Pennsylvania, May 23, 2009 – In conjunction with John Wandrisco of the Latrobe Mini Garden Team, and Ed Sparber, Community Garden Coordinator, the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program is happy to announce the start-up of a Community Vegetable Garden Project.
“Our goal is to give people who may not have enough space for a garden at home, an opportunity to plant a small vegetable garden of their own. We are looking for people who wish to raise their own vegetables that are truly interested in cultivating, planting, and maintaining a quality garden,” remarked Annette Couch, Director of the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program
As with the American Community Gardening Association, the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program recognizes that community gardening improves the quality of life for people by providing a catalyst for neighborhood and community development, stimulating social interaction, encouraging self-reliance, beautifying neighborhoods, producing nutritious food, reducing family food budgets, conserving resources and creating opportunities for recreation, exercise, therapy and education
Located at the corner of Irving Avenue and Catherine Streets (near Legion Keener Park), 16 gardening plots (measuring 6’ x 20’ each) are available for rent at a cost of $10.00 per plot to cover the cost of site preparation. Plots will already be tilled, fertilized, and ready for planting. Water will be provided at this site, as well as barrels for weeds and compost. Because there are a limited number of plots available, only one plot will be allowed per participant. Minors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult. For safety reasons, no pets are allowed on site.
To obtain an application, please call the Latrobe Community Revitalization Program office at: 724-805-0112. Applicants must provide proof that their homeowners or tenants’ policies extend to provide liability coverage for them on this community garden site. Completed applications and proof of insurance must be mailed in--they will not be accepted in person
Opening day is Saturday, May 23rd, and gardeners will be responsible for cleaning their plot at the end of season by October 25th.
“We are very excited to begin this Community Vegetable Garden Project, and hope that people will take advantage of this great opportunity!” commented Couch
News:
DIRECTOR OUTLINES FUTURE PLANS & GOALS
LATROBE, Pennsylvania, March 9, 2009 – The Latrobe Community Revitalization Program Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Annette Couch as Director of Latrobe’s Main Street Program.
“I am excited about Latrobe’s Main Street Program and the projects and programs that our Board and committee members have identified. There is a lot of work to be done, yet we are confident that we can make a positive impact. I am a lifelong resident of Latrobe and look forward to this opportunity to help revitalize our community,” said Annette Couch.
The Main Street Program is a comprehensive, community based revitalization approach, developed by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Couch’s focus is to coordinate the efforts of the various committees working on the revitalization program— design, organization, economic restructuring, and promotion, and to meet necessary requirements for state funding.
Within the next month, the LCRP will conduct a Citizens’ Survey as required by the Pennsylvania Downtown Center to learn more about residents’ attitudes, habits, and needs for Latrobe’s downtown. Couch stated, “This survey will be mailed to residents who live within the city limits, and will take about five minutes to complete. To ensure confidentiality, Saint Vincent College has partnered with the LCRP to conduct the data analysis.” This past summer, a random Business Owners Survey and Business Assessment Audit of downtown businesses were conducted for the LCRP to learn more about their general customer base, advertising and promotions, the need to increase foot traffic, and how they are affected by various community events. The results from all of these surveys will help the committees to develop their goals and objectives to benefit the retail stores and businesses.
The popular Latrobe Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the LCRP, will begin its third season on July 7 and continue through October 6. This weekly community event will be held in the Latrobe Memorial Stadium parking lot in Legion Keener Park. “Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to the Latrobe Farmers’ Market and enjoy farm fresh produce, crafts, and more,” suggested Couch.
A plan is being developed to link Latrobe’s downtown and Saint Vincent College with a Walking/Biking Trail. The LCRP is currently seeking funding for an engineering study.
Because the LCRP feels that an Updated Comprehensive Plan for the city of Latrobe is essential for a coordinated Main Street Program effort as well as the community at large, they were instrumental in promoting the plan and securing $70,000 for the study. A Steering Committee is being formed to work actively with the firm of Mullin & Lonergan Associates who was recently commissioned to update the plan.
Ron Weimer, LCRP Board Chairman, has directed the Lloyd Avenue Gateway Improvement Project by working in cooperation with the utility companies, home owners, the Homes Build Hope organization, and the City of Latrobe. Phase I of this project included relocating utility poles and electrical lines on the north side of the street to the rear alley, and installing decorative lighting. Phase II work to accomplish the same on the south side of Lloyd Avenue is continuing.
Recognizing the need to enhance the appearance of Latrobe’s downtown business district, the LCRP has initiated several projects. “We are about to kick-off a “Clean-Up Latrobe” project with Adelphoi Village to remove the graffiti and clean up the parking lots and alleyways in our downtown area. Our organization has also partnered with the Saint Vincent College Outreach Program and Latrobe Unity Parks & Recreation Department to coordinate improvements at Legion Keener and Creekside Parks, and neighborhood playgrounds.” commented Couch.
Latrobe’s Façade Improvement Program will be launched this spring. Eligible downtown business owners who are interested in improving their business façades will have the opportunity to apply for an LCRP Project Design Grant. Further details about this exciting matching grant program will be available soon!
In an effort to beautify the appearance of the Latrobe Train Station, located in the heart of our downtown, the LCRP has been discussing with Amtrak and Norfolk Southern Railroad the possibilities of upgrading the station, stairs, walkways, and surroundings.
Working in concert with the Latrobe Historical Society, tours of the churches located in downtown Latrobe will be offered this summer. The LCRP has filed a grant application to cover the cost of brochures for guided and unguided tours.
“As you can see, many exciting projects are in the works for our community! Together, we can make a positive difference,” remarked Annette Couch.
Vision Statement :
Latrobe is a small town nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains with access to the outdoor opportunities of the Laurel Highlands, access to one of the most livable, metropolitan cities in the U.S.--Pittsburgh, and access to the world by the Arnold Palmer Regional Airport.
Latrobe was founded as a railroad town in the mid-1800’s by Oliver Barnes, civil engineer for the Pennsylvania Railroad and named after his friend Benjamin Latrobe, chief engineer for the B & O Railroad. It developed into an innovative and renowned industrial center with companies now known worldwide such as Kennametal, Inc. and Latrobe Specialty Steel, which continue as a vital part of its economy and way of life. Latrobe and the greater community is also recognized as the boyhood homes of celebrity legends Mister Rogers and Arnold Palmer, the summer home of the Pittsburgh Steelers at nearby Saint Vincent College, and the place where Rolling Rock Beer was originally brewed. Some other outstanding features include Excela Health Latrobe Hospital, Westmoreland County Community College, Adams Memorial Library, Latrobe Art Center, and Greater Latrobe Senior High School’s Center for Student Creativity and art collection.
Building on its enduring heritage, small town assets, popular reputation, and ties to the greater community, the Latrobe of the future will continue to provide a great quality of life that is characterized by:
- A vibrant, attractive, historically-attuned, and walkable downtown that serves the greater community with a variety of business, professional, and cultural venues.
- Well-maintained public areas like McFeely-Rogers Park that have a pleasant mix of landscaping and green space.
- Outstanding recreational activities at Legion Keener Park and amenities that are well-designed for all ages, attracting many participants and visitors.
- Well-kept, traditional neighborhoods with a walkable school district that are safe, family-oriented and pedestrian-friendly.
- A strong business base that is progressive in an environment that encourages entrepreneurship, investment, and close civic/business relations.
- Dynamic educational, civic, religious, and healthcare institutions with close, productive relationships within the community.
Mission Statemnt :
The Latrobe Community Revitalization Program is a dedicated, community-driven effort using the successful Main Street Program approach to:
- Revitalize our downtown business district by preserving our historical architecture and strengthening our economic development.
- Promote our unique heritage, while demonstrating our sense of community pride.
- Create more opportunities for recreational and cultural development for the benefit of the greater Latrobe area.
For more information or to volunteer, contact:
Program Vice-Chairman, Rosie Wolford
e-mail
or at (724) 532-6565
Director, Annette Couch
e-mail
or at (724) 805-0112
Latrobe Community Revitalization Program
P.O. Box 920
816 Ligonier Street, Suite 307
Latrobe, PA 15650
