Officials post Brownfields study and invite public input on reuse of vacant buildings; residents urge gym, arts and housing

County officials said a new Brownfields study and an online input link will be published so residents can suggest reuse options for vacant buildings and vote on proposals.

At the meeting an official said the study materials and a public link will be available soon and encouraged residents to submit ideas and place pins on the interactive map. The study is part of a regional Brownfields effort covering Potter, Cameron and Clearfield counties to gather public feedback and compile feasible reuse options.

During the public-input segment a young resident urged retaining the gymnasium and auditorium, using middle floors for community space and converting upper floors to housing (while acknowledging the expense of installing an elevator). Other commissioners emphasized the purpose of Brownfields studies: to generate plans and feasibility documents that can support grant applications and attract developers or nonprofits to implement reuse. Suggestions discussed included retirement-style housing, loft apartments, community centers and other uses to address the local housing shortage.

Officials said the Brownfields work aims to produce studies and feasibility reports that make redevelopment fundable and actionable. The transcript records encouragement for broad public participation through the online tool so community preferences can be compiled and voted on in later rounds.

Next steps: officials will publish the Brownfields study link and solicit public input; the county will compile responses for the next round of planning and voting.