Crafton business mixer, window-cling campaign and downtown grant discussed by planning commission

Planning Commissioners on July 22 received an update from the Business Development Working Group on an upcoming business mixer, a window-cling ‘shop local’ campaign and a downtown update funded through a recent grant. The working-group representative said the mixer scheduled for the week (Thursday) aims to attract 20 to 25 businesses; staff and an intern had updated last year’s business list by phone to confirm contact information. Attending businesses will receive a window cling with a QR code linking to the borough business directory. The borough’s online business directory was described in the meeting as containing about 102 registered businesses, ranging from home-based sellers to larger retailers. The presenter said businesses not currently on the list are encouraged to register via an online form on the borough website so they can be included in outreach and directory services. Commissioners were also briefed on an awarded downtown update grant that the presenter characterized as “a couple hundred thousand dollars” to fund signs, lighting and streetscape ideas intended to increase walkability and economic vitality. The presenter said the borough will receive preliminary “straw man” options from council staff or the grant team in the coming weeks and the Planning Commission will be asked next month to review recommendations and provide input. The presenter said the Business Development Working Group includes business owners and residents who have already provided initial input. Commission discussion emphasized using the community and the planning process to prioritize feasible recommendations within the grant budget; no appropriation or final design decision was taken at the meeting. Commissioners also raised the idea of considering the ‘entrance to Crafton’ (a gateway at the end of the bridge on Route 6 / Steuben Street) as a focus area and noted that corridors like Steuben are state-owned, which limits borough control and may require coordination with PennDOT or county authorities. Ending: The working group will attend follow-up meetings, the Planning Commission expects an agenda item next month to discuss draft recommendations for downtown improvements, and businesses are encouraged to register on the borough directory.