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Economic development committee weighs façade program changes and discusses single‑use plastics dialogue
Summary
Economic Development plans to tighten façade-grant requirements to support broader façade improvements, approved a grant for 15 West Main, and heard the Environmental Advisory Commission begin a discussion of single‑use plastics policy options.
The Economic Development Committee reported plans to revise the borough's façade grant program to encourage larger-scale façade improvements rather than funding only signage. Committee members said they will circulate redlined language for council review and consider requiring applicants to attend with representatives rather than relying solely on staff presentations.
The committee approved a façade grant for a project at 15 West Main (West Main Consignment Shop). The applicant presented renderings and the committee supported the award; committee members noted that a more generous program could have increased support but that program language is under revision.
The committee also received a presentation from the Environmental Advisory Commission on single-use plastics. The EAC and the committee discussed a range of approaches — voluntary pledges and incentives versus regulatory bans — and committee members said they want to explore non-punitive measures and ways to reuse existing bags and materials. No ordinance or regulation was proposed at the work session; the EAC planned further work and to return with recommendations.
