Greensburg beautification project planned downtown
Jun. 12—South Pennsylvania Avenue in Greensburg continues to be the site of a lot of investment.
A beautification project in the heart of the center city business community is planned to get underway and could serve as a catalyst for similar efforts around town, said Ashley Kertes, executive director of the Greensburg Community Development Corp.
"It's kind of the last piece of the puzzle on that street," she said.
The corporation recently was awarded a $23,400 grant from the Community Foundation of Westmoreland County for the project, which will include hanging baskets, a mural and the addition of artistic elements to camouflage old utility boxes on the street. Many of the elements were named on a wish list of items that survey-takers said they would like to see in Greensburg, Kertes said. Those who took the survey were residents, business owners and others who work in the city.
In recent years, South Pennsylvania Avenue has seen the renovation of dilapidated buildings and addition of retail businesses, restaurants, a brewery and apartments. More investment is on the way as the developer of an existing building hopes to convert it into apartments.
The corporation is partnering with Shop Greensburg and the Downtown Greensburg Project for the beautification project.
Kertes said the corporation will take care of adding artistic elements to the utility boxes and order trash receptacles adorned with artwork. String lights will be installed across the 100 block of the one-way street.
Shop Greensburg plans to install hanging flower baskets on lampposts and work with trees on the street, some of which may be replaced. The organization plans to establish an "Adopt A Planter" program for volunteers to tend to the hanging baskets.
"We are thrilled to have been awarded the funds to help create a more inviting atmosphere to enhance supporting our local merchants," said president Amy Beeghly, of Beeghly and Company Jewelers.
The Downtown Greensburg Project will work with a local artist to create a mural in a parking lot.
"We're excited to bring a unique piece of art that will brighten up and encourage the community to explore the downtown area," said director Jessica Hickey.
The project is holding its annual community cleanup day Sunday to spruce up South Pennsylvania Avenue and a parklet there. Volunteers will pull weeds, plant perennials and clear debris. The hanging baskets will be erected Sunday, Kertes said. Volunteers can sign up at downtowngreensburgpa.us/community-clean-up-day.
Renatta Signorini is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Renatta at 724-837-5374, rsignorini@triblive.com or via Twitter .
