Cameron County Project - RECAP 2021 (Draft Version) by camcoproject

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CAMERON COUNTY PROJECT

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SEPT 2018-AUG 2021 Project Completion Date : Dec 2021

DRAFT COPY

Project Summary: The Cameron County Project (CCP) is a limited-term project comprised of Cameron County residents who believe that residents' voices are the key to creating a Cameron County we can be proud to call home. Our mission is to encourage resident engagement and community pride by focusing on the themes in our community that unite us and highlighting them through a campaign of storytelling and resident-driven visioning.

The primary goal of this project is to complete a two-year, county-wide visioning survey and produce an action plan based on the stories of what residents love about Cameron County. Although, due to a few setbacks and a global pandemic, this two-year project has taken three and a half years to complete. The goal of drafting a resident-envisioned, community action plan that highlights the hopes, concerns, and ideas from the diverse voices within our community has never faltered. As a designated Community Heart & Soul® community project, CCP used the Orton Family Foundation's Community Heart & Soul® model for community engagement. Our partner's and collaborators' training, resources, and assistance allowed us to meet our goal successfully. This action plan would not exist without the conversations and story gathering across all resident groups. Using the rich data these stories held, with the help of community volunteers, the project created our Heart & Soult Statements, community value statements centered on what residents value about Cameron County. The Heart and Soul Statements highlight what we agree makes Cameron County a special place to live, work, and play. They are hopeful by design, addressing how residents would like to see change come to the community and decisions made on their behalf in a way that honors what we love here. This Cam Co Proud Resident – Envisioned Community Action Plan is the culmination of the project's work through Phases 1 through 3 of the Community Heart & Soul® model. This plan is intended to amplify resident hopes, concerns, ideas, and calls to action by empowering residents to act on their values, match resident ideas with area stakeholders and seek the funding necessary to implement these projects. Additionally, we intend for this plan to gain consideration for adoption as a Cameron County-specific supplemental resource to the 2019 Tri-County Comprehensive Plan for McKean, Potter, and Cameron Counties. We are proud to also be in the position to share all the data we gathered of resident Values, Hopes, Concerns, and Ideas publicly through a searchable database that can aid in future research, decision-making, and implementation efforts. We hope that the process of working toward has accomplished our secondary goals:

1. Encourages residents to re-engage and own our communities by taking part in the decision-making process. 2. Rebuilds trust through activities meant to make residents feel heard, in hopes we see attendance increase at decision-maker meetings, increases in volunteer opportunities for all residents. 3. Encourages new voices to create and implement channels for change that highlights residents' values.

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Who We Are Our Project Leadership Team: Judd A. Schager, CPA Tina Johns Solak Kathryn Morgan Our Project Coordinator: Jess Herzing Committee Volunteers Jill Carlson

Linda Slyder Matt Nolder

10+ volunteers for specific tasks/project items Partnering Organizations And Collaborators The Cameron County Project is a special project under the fiscal sponsorship of the Cameron

County Community Chest.

We are a designated Community Heart & Soul® project through the Orton Family Foundation, whose

partnership has provided our leadership team and volunteers the training, materials, and resources necessary to conduct this proven method of community engagement.

We are grant funded by the Pennsylvania Humanities Council, the Federal-State Partner of the Nation

Endowment for the Humanities. PHC has been partnered with Orton since 2015 to bring the Community Heart & Soul® model to communities across Pennsylvania. They also provide our Project's H&S Coach, Jen Danifo, who trained, sourced resources, and assisted us in completing this project. We are the recipient and project coordinating group of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development Municipal Assitance Planning Grant through Resolution on behalf of the Cameron

County Commissioners, the Shippen Township Supervisors, and the Borough of Emporium Council members.

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The Cameron County Project has proudly collaborated with the following organizations, community connectors, and projects: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center Cameron County Collaborative Board Cameron County Community and Economic Development Office Cameron County Fair Association Cameron County Family Center Cameron County Recreation Center Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties Driftwood Senior Center Elk County Council of the Arts Northern Pennsylvania Regional College Senior Center of Emporium 2019 Tri-County Comprehensive Planning Process

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Timeline This project began as an

exciting idea in 2017. It was launched in a community presentation on January

29th, 2018, announcing its

intent to our community and received the official designation as a

Community Heart & Soul® community on August 1st,

2018. Since that day, we

have been working with the Heart and Soul model, checking off each

framework milestone.

Project Delays and Timeline Issues We want to acknowledge that the project has not been completed in the two years initially intended. There

are two reasons:

The first is that the leadership team and project coordinator decided to halt a phase's efforts not to confuse the community with duplicated efforts. This was the case in taking a step back from story gathering to allow for the work necessary by the local county government to complete the 2019 Tri-County

Comprehensive Plan – a vital tool and resource for Cameron County's future. We were honored to have

been included as a stakeholder, representing resident voices, during the process of its drafting. We were

given the Cameron County data collected through their planning process to use in our work identifying

Cameron County community values.

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The second factor is the Covid-19 Global Pandemic. In April of 2020, we departed from the model's timeline to use our network and communication channels to collect and disperse information, coordinate resident initiatives to promote health and well-being, and promote community connectivity through the

Cameron County – Covid 19 – Community Resource Group on Facebook. When it became clear the pandemic was a long-term hurdle to accomplishing the central community engagement tasks required to complete this project, we transitioned to finding innovative ways to engage with our community digitally. Finding inclusive digital engagement solutions to ensure each resident group received accurate representation during the Phase 2 process of vetting the Heart & Soul Community Value Statement and Phase 3 Visioning Conversations extended this project's timeline by almost a year.

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Project Outcomes: Phase 2 and 3 produced a rich data set, encompassing the rainbow of voices that call Cameron County

Home or Home Away from Home. This data can provide the information necessary to aid many strategic

and business planning efforts outside the scope of community planning initiatives. We had hoped this

would be the case, but it achieves our goal. There are many tangible benefits to the public because of this

data. They include business plan development, strategic and program development for area agencies and non-profits, grant writing within the county and those who serve it, and loan acquisition. It includes

information not before available through other sources of demographic data.

When thinking through the outcomes of this project's work, the data we collected throughout Phase 2 is priceless. The comprehensive study of the community's values, seeking to find the heart and soul of our community, was the best source of data collection we saw. We approached the data in terms of Thin

(single point of reference) vs. Thick (qualitative, full of explanation). Thin data provided insight into what words residents used to describe their values, and thick to give our values life, the language they used to

explain their hopes, concerns, and values. These data sets were impactful, allowing the project to discover the community's common ground, giving the words for our value statements, becoming the lens through

which we asked residents to envision the future for our community.

Project Findings Worth Highlighting

Many ideas and calls to action we collected have recently been prioritized, specifically within the

Borough of Emporium – and as one resident in our visioning process said, "Several items are already in the

process, which shows stakeholders are making strides. Other items requested are already available, showing a need for better communication to residents." 3

Communication, Information Sharing, and Transparency Lack of communication between residents and stakeholders, and vice versa, is a theme we've found

within our community. It is not always an intentional lack of transparency but a mismatched approach of sharing through channels where the information is received.

There is significant fragmentation of how different voice groups receive their information

throughout Cameron County, exacerbating communication within our community. This is a significant

barrier to resident engagement, education, and stakeholder information sharing. To successfully distribute information through the community, agencies, stakeholders, and decision-makers must intentionally adopt a multi-layered communication plan that includes print, radio, public posting, and social media marketing.

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The Importance of Youth Perspective and Ideas Many action items chosen as individual resident priorities came from high school students,

specifically relating to the value of "Local Economy" and "Youth Wellbeing." The work of a small group of

High School Seniors targeting their peers in grades 9-12 in story-gathering efforts became a cornerstone to

visioning conversations. The voices they captured became a crucial part of the planning process. This project undertook in discussing community concerns revolving around youth initiatives, activities, expanded amenities, and reversing rural "brain drain."

The Push for Tourism and "Getting People to Turn Left in Driftwood" As "tourism" continues to be the push as a supplement to the area's industry diversification, there

are a few observations we've made in our discussions with different voices groups we'd like to highlight.

The first is that the businesses seeking to benefit from expanded tourism initiatives in Cameron County are

primarily in Emporium proper. The most significant tourism market and economic opportunities are in the Southern Tier of Cameron County– where Eco-Tourism revolving around the Elk Herd and Outdoor

Recreation is most prevalent. We need to be aware that as we push for greater focus and promotion of tourism, there are real consequences to some of our community values. Those should be taken into consideration by decision-makers in their planning efforts.

Residents in the Southern Tier expressed the most significant concern about tourism expansion –

highlighting the breakdown of their sense of community, concerns about safety, and accessibility issues. Southern Tier residents are facing the reality of the loss of Sense of Community as homes in their

municipalities are being converted to seasonal dwellings, and their primary local economic drivers are

turning their focus on serving the growing seasonal demographic. This transition is at the cost of local

sentiment and the increase in traffic and push for expanded access issues that are often controversial.

Residents can appreciate the need for economic development within our community, but not at the cost of destroying their sense of community to achieve it.

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The Action Plan: Before any further explanation of our process in creating this Community Action Plan and conducting the

study of community values, let us take a moment to explain what a community action plan is, an action

plan's purpose, and what this plan can accomplish. What Is An Community Action Plan?

"A community action plan is a road map for implementing community change by identifying and specifying WHAT will be done, who will do it, and HOW it will be done. In other words, the action plan describes what

the community wants to accomplish, what activities are required during a specified timeline, and what resources (money, people, and materials) are needed to be successful." 1

What Is Its Purpose? -

This plan identifies a comprehensive list of action items envisioned by those who live, work, and play in Cameron County and proven to be community-supported. This plan shows prioritized steps necessary in implementing these action items to create the kind of change that residents support while honoring our shared values and preserving or improving upon the assets within our county. This plan highlights resident ideas that can help execute the tasks outlined on the Tri-County Comprehensive Plan.

What Can It Do? -

Inform Policy Development  Local County-wide and Municipal Elected Officials can adopt to use the value statements as a framework to ensure their decision-making is in line with resident interests through formal Resolution • Example Language – Appendix

Assist Community Initiative Planning  Community Value Statements can be used as a tool non-profit and local agencies can use to understand the resident sentiment  Story and Visioning Data collected can be used to supplement informational needs in strategic planning  Action Items could be integrated into programming

Support Funding Opportunities  Action items included in this plan prove community backing – alleviating the need to conduct singular community-wide study/focus groups for specific community development grants funded through state and federal government agencies.  Story and Visioning data can be used to supplement informational needs in grant writing, business plan development, and loan application.

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The Process:

This entire project, including the development of this community action plan, has been approached using

the Orton Family Foundation's Community Heart & Soul® model for resident-driven, asset-based

community development (ABCD). This method is championed in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania

Humanities Council. The Community Heart & Soul® model is a 4 Phase method focused on engaging a community's residents through conversational story gathering to find what they love and then why

through open-ended conversations. These practices establish policies that promote trust, transparency,

and bridge-building. The continued and repetitive work through the model cultivates the trust and

connections necessary to find and include often overlooked and missing voices in the planning and decision-making process.

Key Components of Community Heart & Soul® Framework2: The Four Phases Phase 1 – Imagine (Lay the

Groundwork)

Phase 2 – Connect (Explore

Your Community)

Phase 3 – Plan (Make

3 Guiding Principles: 1. Involve Everyone 2. Focus on What Matters

3. Play the Long Game

Decisions)

Phase 4 – Act (Take Action)

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This project chose the Community Heart & Soul® framework because of its proven success in engaging

residents through story gathering and promoting positivity-driven dialogue. These foundational themes of Heart & Soul directly addressed the environment of Cameron County at the time this project began.

Cameron County was facing a morale dilemma and a lack of resident engagement, coupled with economic decline, a glut of empty storefronts, and demolitions of several blighted commercial properties. This

framework gives the downtrodden and neglected voice groups a way to be heard while reframing the

conversations to focus on what assets exist. Its goal of inclusivity intentionally confronted the divides in a

community and allowed us to take on the idea that residents have long-held community divides; Emporium or Down County, White Collar or Blue Collar, and the Last Name Game of local politics.

Our training in cultivating Community Heart and Soul allowed us to facilitate and sit in the tension of tough but necessary conversations with the ability to identify and address our own bias before entering into

conversations with residents. This training was crucial for our staff and volunteers. Facilitation training

taught us how to build the trust necessary to gather, document, and summarize honest and genuine stories, ensuring we drew the correct conclusions about what people told us they value about Cameron County –

the heart and soul of our community.

This project concentrated on engaging with all demographic groups; however, what made this project

unique, is the intention of Heart & Soul to focus on the resident's voice group rather than the standard demographical sets used in community planning efforts. The Community Heart & Soul® model views residents uniquely, allowing the project to identify and reach hidden voices, often missing in the

community planning and decision-making process. The project approached residents first by voice group,

then evaluating those groups by traditional demographic measures. Their approach gave the ability to

understand better how individuals, and the voice groups they represent, value our community and how a voice groups' values impact the way they choose to interact and navigate Cameron County. This also

allowed the project to explore our community in such a way that allowed us to notice emerging themes and mirrored calls to action within functioning portions of our community. When we began to hear the same

values, hopes, and concerns from various members within a voice group, this indicated we had captured a representative pool of data for that group.

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Community Engagement Summary Phase 2 Story Gathering

Phase 3 Visioning 172

Concerns

Voice Groups Identified

Visioning Sessions

194

Hopes

601

Presentations

5 Presentations

Times residents told us what they Love about Cam Co 207

Ideas

Events Hosted

482* Stories Collected

188

Priority Responses

Events Attended

24 12

Action Items Highlighted in the RECAP

The Work:

Phase 2

work encompassed reaching out to the voice groups identified on our community

network analysis in story gathering efforts. We used the stories and surveyed responses residents shared

with us to identify their Hopes, Concerns, Values, and Calls to Action. This information allowed us to

identify our Community Values and draft our Heart and Soul community value statements. We invited the

community to help us draft these statements through Dinner and Drafting Sessions held across the county. We released the Community Value Statements back to the public for comments, asking, "Did we get this

right?" through print, radio, and social media marketing. We also shared them on our website and blog.

Due to Covid 19 – we continued vetting the value statements well into the Phase 3 visioning process. We

began each community visioning session with the opportunity to comment on or reaffirm the accuracy of

the value statement used as the lens for envisioning Cameron County's future. Value Statement Vetting

conversations and Cameron County Visioning Sessions were all conducted by Community Value Theme.

Phase 3

work encompassed presenting our community values, sharing resident hopes,

concerns, and trend data, and discussing resident ideas. The question posed was, "If this is what we can

agree we value as a community, How does that look now? What should it look like ten years from now?

How do we get there?" These conversations intended to find solutions addressing resident hopes and

concerns from Phase 2 without compromising Community Values and led to the Action Items included in

the Idea Decision Matrix.

Upon reviewing the action items and preparing them for review, it became clear that organizing them by Community Value and highlighting the overlap was the most straightforward way to present them.

Resident comments and input from the Resident Prioritization process confirmed this. Our group decided to also include Calls to Action/Ideas from our Phase 2 Thick Data Collection. This led to some instances of duplication, but the group decided that sharing this information and the tone, language, and explanation

residents provided in their stories, might help other residents prioritize the items, by sharing more than just a snapshot in time, given the inability to discuss the topic due to Covid-19 restrictions.

Prioritization efforts were conducted by first presenting the Community Value Statement and asking

residents to prioritize ideas, "in light of our community value statement, which ideas are priorities to you?"

Their answers and the group's discussion provided insight into residents' priority for our Decision-Making 13

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Matrix worksheet, prioritizing the finalized action items. The results of Phase 3 Visioning and Action Idea

Prioritization from community and resident engagement work are the action items contained in this plan. The project used the top 10% of Action Ideas based on their weighted totals as Priority Action Items.

Secondary Items are the action items that drew the most selections by residents but missed the top 10%— these were minimal situations.

Please note: The Decision matrix uses the following criteria to show idea ranking: Positive Impact on Community Value Statements, Resident priority to cover resident intent, and then Demonstrates

Balances and Equitable Investment and Feasibility to highlight stakeholder priorities. Positive Impact on

Community Value Statements, Resident Priority, and preliminary feasibility evaluation has been completed to prepare this plan. Community stakeholders will guide the additional ratings through the process of

sharing this plan as we work toward Phase 4 initiatives of stewardship and implementation of resident

action items. Phase 4 work, in addition to public comment on our draft version of this plan, will be documented and used to determine the final standing of the Decision Matrix totals. Which tools did you use to collect ideas for action?

Community Network Analysis

Conversations – Interview Sheets, Listening

Print Idea Packet for Review upon request by mail or email

Event table each day of the Cameron County

Google Forms Surveying

Connector Binder was given to the Cameron

Phase 2 Data Analysis

In-person presentation at the Rotary Club

Community Conversations with Public

Visioning Sessions with Public via Zoom

Sheets, Transcription Software

Print marketing in the Cameron County Echo

Targeted Social Media Marketing of need to prioritize action items

Fair

County Recreation Center for their Supervisors to interview and present to their members

Digital Survey promoted on social media

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Who did we talk to? Interviewees and Individual Respondents

485 individuals engaged in one and one or digital story gathering and visioning efforts The Break Down Resident Status

60.6%

82.9 % Year Round 11% Seasonal 4.4% Previous

Female

37.8% Male

1.6%

Prefer Not to Identify

<19

All 7 Municipalities Are Represented

Age Ranges

21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61-70 70+ 0%

10%

Ages

15%

20%

25%

Who did we talk to?

Group Meetings, Presentations and Table Talks 290+ individuals engaged through community and voice group events

In Person

Elementary Students

In-Class Presentations, After School Express, Children's Fair

High School Students

CCSD Communications Class - Jr.Sr. High School Mini Heart and Soul Project

65+ and Retirees

Driftwood Senior Center, Emporium Senior Center Group Story Gathering Sessions

Informal Groups and Clubs

Business Owners 3 Table Talk Group Story Gathering Sessions

Southern Tier Coffee Klutch Breakfast @ The Willows | VFW Auxiliary Group Story Gathering Session | Rotary Presentations

Alumni Comment Cards at the Annual Alumni Banquent

Families Family Center Bon Fire Cameron County Fair Table Weekend in the Wilds Table

Digital Engagement Attended by Millennials| Retirees | Business Owners | Snow Birds | Family Voice Groups 9+ Community Virtual Happy Hour Session and Virtual Visioning Sessions

Ideas

CAMERON COUNTY PROJECT

to Call

to Action

SEPT 2018-AUG 2021 Project Completion Date : Dec 2021 15

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Heart & Soul Statements: The Heart and Souls of our community have always been the people who live here. Our Heart and Soul Statements are our Community Value Statements, our collective non-negotiables as Cameron County residents. They represent the common ground held by our community members, from where community conversations about change, action, or preservation should begin, and the values that decisions made on residents' behalf should honor. Sense of Community Cameron County values the Sense of Community created by our people and fostered by our scenic communities and the slower pace of life that make us so unique. • We value the people we call neighbors, finding them kind, friendly, hardworking individuals who make our communities feel secure and welcoming. • We revere the community spirit felt between residents -where we know one another and come together with a willingness to help in times of need. • We treasure the slow pace, quiet nature of neighborhoods and boroughs-where our tree-lined streets and valley-nestled communities inspire a familiar feeling of home.

Local Economy Cameron County values our local businesses, industries, and entrepreneurs recognizing that they are the backbone of our local economy and the heartbeat of our communities while acknowledging the potential our county offers for expanded amenities and industry.

Youth Well-being Cameron County values the well-being of our young, adolescent, and teenaged residents. We believe in supporting their educational and athletic pursuits and are committed to offering them a variety of opportunities to participate and recreate within our county.

Safety Cameron County believes in sustaining a safe and secure, close-knit community to live, work and play.

Nature Cameron County values the nature that abounds within our borders, from the abiding beauty of our mountains, streams, and forests to our diverse wildlife. We appreciate the variety of recreational activities and scenic views it provides us.

Accessibility Cameron County values walkable communities, safe travel between each of our municipalities, and the ability to easily navigate our vast dirt road and trail system

Arts and Heritage Cameron County cherishes sharing our rich history and coming together to celebrate our community and artisans through year-round community events throughout the county.

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Accessibility Cameron County values walkable communities, the safe travel between each of our municipalities, and the ability to easily navigate our vast dirt road and trail system.

Subthemes o o o o

ADA Issues and Foot Traffic Expanded Access Opportunities Roadway Improvements All-Terrain Vehicle Initiatives

Organizations with Ongoing Efforts • • • • • • •

Local Municipalities Northern Tier Community Action Corp. West Creek Rails 2 Trails PennDot Bureau of Forestry – District 13: Elk State Forest Emporium Water Company Cameron County Atv/Utv Association

Priority Action Item # 1: Sidewalk improvement to accommodate residents with mobility issues and disabilities. Why this is important: Living in walkable communities is a priority for residents in our small boroughs. Many of our sidewalks have fallen into disrepair due to age, roots, damage, or corrosion. Updated curbs and removal of the bricks along sidewalks in Emporium would alleviate some of the obstruction problems, making Emporium's Main Street easier to navigate and safer. Residents highlighted the bricks as a tripping hazard in front of the Guy and Mary Felt Manor, in the handicapped parking and pick-up areas for their elderly patients. Expanding and Updating the Sidewalk within Driftwood Borough would make the community more accessible and walkable. Ordinance enforcement would also promote upkeep and address the call for greater enforcement within the TriCounty Comprehensive Plan. The cost could be offset by using CDBG funds to create a grant program to cover sidewalk replacement costs when residents qualify as low to moderate-income households. Additional priority could be given to areas that are routes of elderly to amenities and students to school. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Borough of Emporium Borough of Driftwood Shade Tree Commission Community Development Block Grant

Community Values Addressed:

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021  Accessibility

Ideas to Call to Action

 Safety

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: Action Items: 3.1, 3.4

 Sense of Community

Priority Action Item # 2: Solar lights on rails to trails. Why this is important: The Rails to Trail Systems is a highly used and valuable community asset within Cameron County. The addition of solar lights would create a safer environment and expand the use by walkers and bicyclists into the evening or early morning as sections are dark within the Borough of Emporium before and after sunset. Necessary Partners and Resources: West Creek Recreation Trails Association Community Values Addressed:

 Accessibility

 Safety

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

Priority Action Item # 3:

Add a safe connection from town to DCNR lands and the Little league fields for bicyclists/walkers. Why this is important: This connector has been a priority project in the community for years and is highlighted in the NCRPDC Greenways Program plan for Cameron County. When Dollar General moved from its location along East Allegany Avenue to Route 155, the need for a safe way to walk to the store grew. A Safe connector would allow walkers, bicyclists, and potentially snowmobilers who utilize the Rails to Trails system Snowmobile Trail a bypass the busy "Y" Intersection where Rt. 120, Rt 155 merge. Necessary Partners and Resources: -

Pennsylvania New York Rails – Carl Belke Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Shippen Township Supervisors Pa Fish and Boat Commission

Potential Partners and Resources: -

Cameron County Commissioners North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission o This project was prioritized in their Greenways Program (CCGRandIS plan) Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources

Community Values Addressed:

 Accessibility

 Safety

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Secondary Action Items: Create and adopt a balanced approach to the industry and outdoor access proposals for motorized outdoor recreation requests. Why this is important: We have to acknowledge that a voice group exists within our community that would like to see Jeep rides, ATV/UTV access expanded within Cameron County to increase the potential use and promotion of tourism and enhance the offerings of small businesses of many types. The suggestion voiced is that recreational opportunities be implemented by opening up a few roads each month on a revolving schedule, possibly varying the time opened or tying to a season as is done with snowmobiles. Revolving access and limiting the season could manage the concerns that road and trail damage is a significant inhibitor to this type of recreation and be considered a compromise between this voice group, property owners, and stakeholders. Potential Partners and Resources: -

DCNR – Bureau of Forestry – Elk State Forest Shippen Township Supervisors Lumber Township Supervisors Grove Township Supervisors

Gibson Township Supervisors Cameron County Atv/Utv Association Private Land Owners Pennsylvania Dept of Transportation

Community Values Addressed:  Accessibility

Add Bike Lanes in the Borough of Emporium and along Routes 120, 555, 872, 155 and 46 Why this is important: We must acknowledge that a voice group exists that cycles as their primary means of transportation and provides safe travel throughout the county. There is also a group that would create safe recreational opportunities. Additionally, Safe Cycling lanes would allow Cameron county to take advantage of one of the country's fastestgrowing types of outdoor recreation and tourism. Tying into other regional cycling trail corridors, such as the Route 6 Corridor, furthers the benefit to tourism efforts. Cycling lanes are included in a variety of other plans drafted for Cameron County to make our communities trail hubs within the region or create an accessible main street. Potential Partners and Resources: -

North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission Pennsylvania Dept of Transportation Municipal Supervisors

Community Values Addressed:

 Accessibility

 Safety

 Local Economy DRAFT

Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Even paving on Rt 120 from Sinnemahoning to Emporium Why this is important: Even paving out Route 120 (Bucktail Scenic Byway) has been a topic of frustration for decades in the Southern Tier. The Bucktail Scenic Byway is a tourism and hauling route from Interstate 80 and the primary access to groceries, healthcare, and school for residents within the southern tier. Stakeholders and decision-makers prioritizing efforts for this action item would provide equitable investment in the needs of the Southern Tier and provide safe transportation between our municipalities. Additionally, the comprehensive plan prioritized the need for economic base improvements – specifically shovel-ready industrial spaces and parks. Residents have highlighted that well-maintained road systems are their vision of how to accomplish this. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Pennsylvania Dept of Transportation Cameron County Commissioners DCNR - PA Wilds Program o -This is a highlight scenic byway within their tourism plan North Central Regional Planning and Development Commission

Community Values Addressed:

 Accessibility

 Safety

 Sense of Community

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 4.3, 2.3*

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Safety Cameron County believes in sustaining a safe and secure, close-knit community to live, work and play.

Subthemes • • • • •

Healthcare Public Services Elderly Care Ordinance Enforcement Local Government Issues

Organizations with Ongoing Efforts • • • • • •

• • • • • • •

Emporium Volunteer Fire Department Sinnemahoning Volunteer Fire Department Emporium Ambulance Service Borough of Emporium Police Office of the District Attorney – Paul Malizia State Troopers

Mountaineer Search and Rescue Keystone Rural Health Consortia UPMC – Cole Healthcare System Penn Highlands Healthcare System Guy and Mary Felt Manor Dickinson Center, Inc. CAPSEA

Priority Action Item # 1:

Local Revolving or Shared 24 hour care Why this is important: This idea addresses the concern and question of having three health care facilities and our community lack a medical care available 24 hours a day This Action Item highlights the larger community trends of an aging population with greater medical needs and limited transportation opportunities to emergency medical and specialist care outside of the area. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Penn Highlands Keystone Rural Consortia UPMC Clearfield Jefferson Primary Care Associates

Community Values Addressed:  Safety

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Priority Action Item # 2: Creation of an aging and elderly community of Small and Tiny Homes with shared upkeep services Why this is important: This idea is specific but speaks to the need for additional housing options for our aging residents. Tiny homes address the increasing need for single-level, manageable housing while sharing year and winter maintenance services. Various groups voiced this idea with varying highlights, but generally speaking, the call is for affordable middleclass housing development. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Office of Aging Northern Tier Community Action Corp Representative Glenn Thomspon's Office Borough of Emporium Shippen Township Supervisor

Community Values Addressed:  Safety

 Local Economy

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

 Sense of Community

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Subthemes o o o o o o o

Small Business Industrial and Entrepreneurship Efforts Intentional Planning Employment Community Marketing Communications Tourism

Organizations with Ongoing efforts • • • • • •

Cameron County Office Community and Economic Development Cameron County Commissioners Cameron County Industrial Development Authority Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center Career Link Workforce Solutions

• • • • •

Northern Pennsylvania Regional College North Central Regional Planning Commission PA Wilds Pennsylvania Great Outdoors Visitors Bureau Lumber Heritage Region

Priority Action Item #1:

Filling the empty GKN plant with a Large Industrial Employer Why this is important: Industrial diversification and job creation are two of the most widely heard calls to action this project collected. The community acknowledges that we need jobs for our residents and industry to sustain our community. The ideas that this project has collected are largely calls to expand the industrial portfolio within the county. They include Attractioning of a manufacturer of homes/sheds/modular homes, industries that could utilize or supplement local hardwood industries, exploring Green Industries, Cannabis Fiber Processing, and Niche Research and Development Manufacturing opportunities. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Cameron County Commissioners Shippen Township Supervisors Cameron County Planning Board North Central Regional Planning Commission 24

Governor's Action Team Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Crown Realty Good Realty DRAFT

Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021 -

Ideas to Call to Action

Potential Partners and Resources (continued): Cameron County Industrial Development Authority Cameron County Office of Community and Economic Development Department of Environmental Protection

Community Values Addressed:  Local Economy

Department of Community and Economic Development Appalachian Regional Commission Emporium Borough Zoning Hearing Board Cameron County Zoning Hearing Board

 Sense of Community

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 2.1, 2.3

Priority Action Item #2: Explore opportunities to create apprenticeships and internships to learn the jobs available in our community and create a program that matches talent with trades. Why this is important: This program addresses the need to promote the many economic and job opportunities that exist locally. Many of which do not require a college degree. Creating a program that matches talented and interested individuals with trades that actively seeking workers requiring specialized or on-the-job training could addresss youth exodus and attracting new residents to the area. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Community Education Center for Elk and Cameron Counties, o Discover Partnership Cameron County School District Career Link Workforce Solutions Local Trade People and Businesses

Local Manufacturers Department of Labor and Industry o Workforce Solutions /Apprenticeships Program Northern Pennsylvania Regional College (NPRC)

Community Values Addressed:  Local Economy

 Youth Well-being

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 1.2, 1.5

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Priority Action Item #3: Creation of an intentional and balanced approach to economic development that balances Tourism and Industrial development equally Why this is important: Tourism is a growing small business focus within Cameron County. There is still a need for expanded amenities and a focus on rentals to continue to provide for this industry's growth. Still, its growth provides many businesses that improve the quality of life or live and work within Cameron County. The focus on cultivating more tourism efforts is a key finding in the Tri-County Comprehensive Plan. Residents are calling for priority in industry growth to be focused jointly on Tourism and Industrial attraction. Tourism Businesses could not compete with Industrial Manufacturing for job creation within the county unless a large corporate tourism entity were created or attracted to the area to develop a large recreation or hospitality operation (like a ski or nature resort or corporate retreat center). Residents are highlighting their desire for area development not to be focused solely on one or the other. . Potential Partners and Resources: -

Cameron County Commissioners Cameron County Chamber of Commerce PA Great Outdoors (PAGO) DCNR - Pa Wilds Lumber Heritage Region

Community Values Addressed:  Local Economy

 Sense of Community

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

Priority Action Item #4: The return of local farmers markets to the area Why this is important: Residents have highlighted their love of coming together and supporting local initiatives. The idea of bringing back the farmer's markets that use to be at the intersection of East 3rd Street and East Allegany Avenue is currently under development by an organic farmer with local ties.

We have a few local farms that sell their vegetables and fruits across the county and local bakers who sell their goods from their homes or local events. Creating a regular way for them to come together supports local agriculture and micro businesses and allows residents the ease of gathering their items from a single location.

Another important way this action could be implemented to create equitable investment throughout the county to begin a Cameron County Market Days in Driftwood Borough. This event matches the concern from northern tier business in marking to southern teir residents and camp owners with the request voiced by southern tier residents to have Emporium amenities offered in their communities.

Emporium Borough businesses would regularly set up to serve the Southern Tier through an outdoor market. This would allow them to branch out and market their business in the busy southern tier while also allowing the southern tier some of the amenities they identified as hoping would migrate to their area periodically.

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Potential Partners and Resources: -

Resident Interest Group/Association Cameron County Chamber of Commerce

Community Values Addressed:  Local Economy

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 2.4

 Arts & Heritage

 Sense of Community

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Subthemes o Preservation and Planning o Recreation Organizations with Ongoing Efforts • • • • • • • • • •

• • •

Cameron County Conservation District DCNR -Bureau of Forestry – District 13: Elk State Forest DCNR – Sizerville State Park DCNR – Sinnemahoning State Park Pennsylvania Game Commission Keystone Elk Country Alliance Seneca Resources Headwaters RC&D Western Pennsylvania Conservancy Nature Conservancy

• • • •

Hancock Forest Resources Landvest North Central Forest Landowners Association National Wild Turkey Federation Emporium Water Company Cameron County Outdoor Youth Association (CCOYA) Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission

Priority Action Item #1:

Expanded trails for mountain biking, specifically single-track trails and other places for gravel bike riding Why this is important: Cycling is a popular recreational opportunity within Cameron County. Residents would like to see additional trails developed to supplement the Rails to Trails system. Expanded trail types, similar to Trails at Jakes Rocks at Kinzua, would serve two purposes. The first is to create a community recreation asset, and the second is to add a new offering to promote tourism. Potential Partners and Resources: -

DCNR – Bureau of Forestry – Elk State Forest Sinnemahoning State Park Sizerville State Park Seneca Resources Sinnemahone Gravel Grinder Group

Community Values Addressed:  Nature

 Local Economy

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Priority Action Item #2: Preservation and promotion of dark sky territory within Cameron County Why this is important: Cameron County holds some of the darkest skies in the state. Prioritizing this asset in planning efforts would provide educational and recreational opportunities to residents and visitors. Dark skies are also a tourism initiative within the state. Prioritizing this asset by creating designated dark sky space would allow the county to promote a new form of tourism for our area. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Emporium Borough DCNR – Bureau of Forestry: Elk State Forest Sinnemahoning State Park Pennsylvania Game Commission Grove Township Gibson Township Lumber Township

Cameron County Zoning Board Emporium Borough Zoning Board DCNR - PA Wilds Seneca Resources Lyme Timber Brian Reid*

Community Values Addressed:  Nature

 Arts & Heritage

 Local Economy

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 2.4, 2.6

Priority Action Item #3:

Intentional decision-making to preserve the nature we have and its ability to be seen without causing damage. Why this is important: When asked what residents value about Cameron County, "Nature" was heard from every demographic and most overall.

Residents can agree that the green space and forest that makeup over 90% of Cameron County is its largest asset. Our bountiful nature and the beauty and recreational opportunities it provides us are important to the community, so the intentional preservation of this space is important. The popularity of conservation groups and educational opportunities highlights resident sentiment. From an industry standpoint, the rise in ECO tourism during Covid-19 speaks to the trend in nature as an asset.

Additionally, Cameron County has several designated Wild Areas, which are "special wild and natural areas set aside to protect unique or unusual biologic, geologic, scenic, and historical features; or to showcase outstanding examples of the state's major forest communities. Natural areas are "managed" by nature, and direct human intervention is limited." 4 Protecting areas like these while ensuring access is available to them is important to residents. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Cameron County Zoning Board Emporium Zoning Board Cameron County Planning Commission Local Municipalities

DCNR – Bureau of Forestry: Elk State Forest Pennsylvania Game Commission Seneca Resources Lyme Timber DRAFT

Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Community Values Addressed:  Nature

 Local Economy

 Sense of Community

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

Secondary Action Items

Promotion of quiet, low impact activities: hike, bicycle, canoe/kayaks, backpacking, cross country skiing Why this is important:

These activities are all ongoing within Cameron County through the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureaus of Parks and Forestry, municipalities and their dirt road systems, and the waterways that flow through our county.

We have many outdoor recreational opportunities to promote to encourage residents and visitors to participate in outdoor recreation. This is also an important item to the further development of Cameron County tourism initiatives. Potential Partners and Resources: -

DCNR – Bureau of Forestry: Elk State Forest Sinnemahoning State Park Sizerville State Park Fish and Boat Commission Lyme Timber

Community Values Addressed:  Nature

PA Get Outdoors PA Wilds Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Cameron County Commissioners

 Local Economy

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 2.2, 2.5, 2.6

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Arts and Heritage Cameron County cherishes sharing our rich history and coming together to celebrate our community and artisans through year-round community events throughout the county.

Subthemes o Community Events o Classes and Clubs o Placemaking and Creative Space

Organizations with Ongoing Efforts • • • • • • • • • • •

•

Elk County Council on the Arts Cameron County Recreation Center Cameron County Chamber of Commerce and Artisan Center Cameron County Outdoor Youth Association Sinnemahoning Sportsmen Association Cameron County Family Center Sinnemahone Triple Crown Rich Valley Apiary A Christmas Time – Project Sarah Jane's Art Studio Sinnemahoning State Park

• • • • • • • • • • •

Priority Action Item # 1:

Community Education Council of Elk and Cameron Counties Emporium Rotary Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library Sylvan Heritage Council Lumber Heritage Region Cameron County Historical Society Cameron County Memorial Detail Cameron County VFW Allegheny Mountain Chapter VFW Emporium Moose Cameron County Christmas Kid Project KofC

Provide Large Community-based activities geared to resident enjoyment - focused on the idea that if residents are happy, visitors will come, and workers will stay. Why this is important: Significant community events offer the opportunity to come together and socialize. Residents identified coming together for events as an important part of Cameron County's sense of community. They enjoy seeing their neighbors and engaging with other residents. This is the sentiment behind many calls to bring back events like Super Saturday – historical events that were a weekend of activities specifically intended to engage residents and encourage them to participate, socialize, and come together.

Many local events are held to benefit specific interest groups, allowing them to come together to compete, learn, and engage or as a means to attract visitors to the area. These events are important to the area's Art and Heritage, but these action items call for the addition of events planned and marketed primarily for residents and secondarily to visitors.

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Potential Partners and Resources:

PA6-Workforce development Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Second Saturday Community Group Sinnemahoning State Park Sizerville State Park Sylvan Heritage Council Cameron County Community Chest

Community Values Addressed:  Arts & Heritage

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 2.4

Cameron County School District Sinnemahone Triple Crown Cameron County Fireworks Committee Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Cameron County Family Center CCOYA NWTF Emporium Rotary

 Sense of Community

 Local Economy

Priority Action Item # 2:

Addition of an Amphitheater as a community gathering space Why this is important: Community events are essential to this community's ability to engage with Arts and Culture in a group setting. The use of the lot in the center of Emporium for year-round community events, concerts, and gatherings proves that when space is available to gather, it is frequently used. The addition of an Amphitheater would allow for a permanent structure for cultural, artistic, and education offerings within the community while creating a physical structure to gather around.

Additionally, it would support the popularity of recent concert series, community talks while also addressing youth requests for places to practice and perform their music.

Potential Partners and Resources:

Cameron County Chamber of Commerce Elk County Council of the Arts – PA Partner of the Arts Program PA Wilds Emporium Zoning Board

Borough of Emporium Cameron County Zoning Board Sarah Jane Art Studio Sylvan Heritage Council Cameron County Community Chest

Community Values Addressed:  Arts & Heritage

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 2.6

 Sense of Community

 Local Economy

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Sense of Community Cameron County values the Sense of Community created by our people and fostered by our scenic communities and the slower pace of life that make us so unique. • We value the people we call neighbors, finding them kind, friendly, hardworking individuals who make our communities feel secure and welcoming. • We revere the community spirit felt between residents -where we know one another and come together with a willingness to help in times of need. • We treasure the slow pace, quiet nature of neighborhoods and boroughswhere our tree-lined streets and valley-nestled communities inspire a familiar feeling of home. Subthemes o Local Recreation and Clubs o Community Voices o Gathering Spaces and Parks

Organizations with Ongoing Efforts • • • • • • • • • • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Emporium Senior Center Driftwood Senior Center Barbara Moscato Memorial Library Sarah Jane's Art Studio Cameron County Outdoor Youth Association Cameron County Recreation Borough of Emporium Borough of Driftwood Members of the Prospect Park Playground Emporium Rotary Club West Creek Rail Trail Association

St. Marys Snowmobile Association ATV Club? Sylvan Heritage Council Shade Tree Commission Cameron County Ministerium Emporium Country Club Cameron County Historical Society Friends Helping Friends VFW – Post___ Moose Club Knight of Columbus / Christabell Club Nam Knights ABATE

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Priority Action Item #1: Dog Park Adjacent to Rails to Trails Why this is important: The addition of a new type of park to add to the Borough of Emporium/Shippen Township. A Dog park would serve community members who have dogs but are renters or lack a yard. It would promote a space for dog owners to congregate and socialize. Residents also commented that a dedicated space for dog owners to exercise their dogs might address the continued complaint of dog excrement littered along the Rails to Trails system. Potential Partners and Resources:

West Creek Rails To Trails Association Railroad Emporium Zoning Board GKN Powdered Metals Cameron County Zoning Board Shippen Township / Emporium Borough Cameron County Recreation SPCA

Community Values Addressed:  Sense of Community

 Accessibility

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

Priority Action Item #2: Additional of more social spaces similar to a YMCA facility Why this is important: The diversification of gathering spaces within Cameron County is a desire grounded in looking for more avenues to gather, recreate, and socialize. Multi-use facilities like a YMCA are appealing because the many opportunities they offer to smaller interest groups, when combined, serve the large portion of our community necessary to support such an organization.

This idea originated by a Junior in the Cameron County School District – Youth widely discussed organizations like this as a business that would allow them the opportunities they are looking for when thinking of spending their time in the community. Many YMCA facilities also offer Child Care and Summer Camp Services, which are limited within the county. They also offer intermural sports opportunities as well as educational and developmental for all ages.

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Potential Partners and Resources:

Cameron County Rec Board Northern Tier Community Action Corp. Cameron County Commissioners Cameron County School District

Community Values Addressed:  Sense of Community

 Arts and Heritage

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: N/A

Keystone Rural Consortia UPMC PennHighlands Clearfield Jefferson Physician Associates  Safety

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Subthemes o Educational Opportunities o Recreation o Mental Health Organizations with Ongoing Efforts • • • • • • •

• • • • •

Cameron County Family Center Cameron County School District Northern Tier Community Action IU-9 Dickinson Center, Inc. Cameron County Recreation Pentz Run Youth Services

Pa WIC Program Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Cameron County Little League Cameron County Ministerium Members Members of the Prospect Park Playground

Priority Action Item #1: Create a Youth Advisory Board to plan activities, voice youth issues, and provide the Youth's perspective for area planning and decisions. Why this is important: The call for "add more youth activities" is frequently highlighted within this community. How better to meet that call to action than by events recommended by the Youth that would benefit from them? A Youth Advisory Board, filled with student voices, would allow residents under 18 a new way to engage with the community. Participation could promote board members' sense of belonging, allowing them to learn more about the opportunities here for them, and help the community address the "Brain Drain" issues. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Barbara Moscato Brown Memorial Library Cameron County Recreation Cameron County Youth Outdoor Association Cameron County Commissioners Local Municipalities

Community Values Addressed:  Youth Well-being  Arts and Heritage  Sense of Community

 Local Economy  Safety  Accessibility

 Nature

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Priority Action Item #2: Creation of a Teen Lounge with Wi-Fi and space to work for homework Why this is important: Students couldn't identify any public spaces to gather to work on schoolwork or quiet spaces to hang out in the evenings. Potential Partners and Resources:

Zito Media Windstream Barbara Moscato Memorial Library Christian Community Center Cameron County Recreation Center Board Pentz Run Youth Services Cameron County Ministerium Pennsylvania Humanities Council

Community Values Addressed:  Youth Well-being

Priority Action Item #3: Regular Open Gyms at the Christian Community Center in the winter Why this is important: Student Athletics is an important recreational opportunity for area youth. Space is limited in the winter for practice or recreational play. The Christian Community Center has a modern and functioning Basketball Court facility but requires a rental fee and an adult.

Students were attempting to organize their groups for basketball, volleyball, and dodge ball games but having a hard time finding the adult to be present during the time. Creating a program with set times for these activities would solve this problem. Necessary Partners and Resources:

Christian Community Center

Potential Partners and Resources: -

Cameron County Community Chest Cameron County Recreation Center Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Cameron County Hoops Booster Clubs

Community Values Addressed:  Youth Well-being

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Cam Co Project RECAP- 2021

Ideas to Call to Action

Priority Action Item #4: Youth Suicide Awareness Program (bring the school into safety/conversations - mental health) Why this is important: This program should address the statistics contained in the 2019 Pennsylvania Youth Survey. "The data gathered in PAYS serve two primary needs. First, the results provide school administrators, state agency directors, legislators, and others with critical information concerning the changes in patterns of the use and abuse of these harmful substances and behaviors. Second, the survey assesses risk factors related to these behaviors and the protective factors that help guard against them. This information allows community leaders to direct prevention resources to areas that are likely to have the most significant impact. "5

http://www.bach-harrison.com/payswebtool/Categories.aspx

In response to recent tragedies and to address the mental stress on students due to Covid 19, the Cameron County School District has begun cultivating the partnerships necessary to provide expanded Mental Health Services to students. The creation of a program for the community provides further benefits to families and the community at large. Potential Partners and Resources: -

Cameron County School District Alcohol and Drug Abuse Services Dickinson Center Pentz Run Youth Services State Police Emporium Borough Police

UPMC PennHighlands Emporium Borough Police Cameron County Ambulance Service

Community Values Addressed:  Youth Well-being

Comprehensive Plan Item Addressed: 5.1

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Evaluation and Monitoring Progress for the LongTerm: A Phase 4 milestone item – We intentionally left the project off the potential partner lists for these action items. The stewardship committee and project partners determine exactly how the committee could best assist with implementing these actions. The anticipated Stewardship Team would be the Project of a newly created Community Development Corporation. A CDC is a charitable 501 (c) 3 non-profit corporation employing a director, under the direction of a governing board elected by an advisory council, comprising of a representative group of residents and stakeholder representatives that are actively pursuing the implementation of an identified action item. This section will be finalized through the Phase 4 portion of this project as the project works through the tasks required to complete the final phase of the Community Heart & Soul® Framework.

This stewardship team will be tasked with meeting at least annually to review the progress on action items and their implementation. They will also be tasked with reviewing the progress of the long-term cultivation of Heart and Soul in Cameron County. This process could look many ways, including evaluating resident morale and resident sentiment on implementing their ideas. Footnotes:

1. Keller, S., 2019, Community Action Plan, https://sswm.info/sswm-solutions-bopmarkets/improving-water-and-sanitation-services-provided-public-nstitutions1/community-action-plan.

2. Orton Family Foundation, 2021, "How Community Heart & Soul® Works: Our 4-Phase Process", Community Heart & Soul®, https://www.communityheartandsoul.org/what-wedo.

3. Respondent 3103, Aug.2021, "Action Idea Prioritization Survey," Cameron County Project. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1NxR_p3SE2sMbndUcg624gwPoE5Bqvct4De0sO YORxWk/edit#gid=1022303979 4. Dept of Conservation and Natural Resources, 2020, "Elk State Forest Wild and Natural Areas" https://www.dcnr.pa.gov/StateForests/FindAForest/Elk/Pages/Wild_NaturalAreas.aspx 5. Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, 2021, "Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), https://www.pccd.pa.gov/Juvenile-Justice/Pages/Pennsylvania-Youth-Survey(PAYS).aspx

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CAMERON COUNTY PROJECT

Appendix

SEPT 2018-AUG 2021 Project Completion Date : Dec 2021 40

DRAFT COPY

Community Network Analysis Voice Groups Identified Elderly Retirees Empty Nesters Stay at Home Parents Snow Birds Renters Home owners Camp Owners Veterans Working Families Blue Collar Workers Siingle Parents Emporium Residents Southern Tier Residents

Business Owners Unemployed Student-Athletes Working Students College Bound Students Students K-6 Recovering Addicts Young Moms LGBTQ+ Disabled Residents State Employed First Responders Community Volunteers Life long residents Minority Groups

Positive Impact on Resident Priority Demonstrates Balanced and Idea Weighted Rating Weight: 5 Score Rating Weight: 4 Score Rating Weight: 3 Score Number Action Ideas Total Accessibility: ADA Issues and Foot Traffic Improvements Sidewalk improvement to Accommodate Handicapped Residents. I use a mobility chair to get around and take "walks" around Emporium and the sidewalks are terrible. Upheaved, chunks out of some, and in one case on West Fifth St. there is a whole section missing. Emporium is a beautiful place to walk. We just need better sidewalks not only down town, but all over town. Perhaps a grant could be obtained to help 100 home owners pay for them 44 5 5 25 4 4 16 1 3 3 101 Improvement of Intersection yellow handicap accessible corners 31 4 5 20 2 4 8 1 3 3 Downtown lighting needs prioritized. The changing of the street light bulbs in all areas EXCEPT the downtown main street has been great. So much brighter and clearer at night. I don't know why this hasn't been carried through to our main street. The mismatch of streetlight bulbs is confusing and looks like no one cares. The orange lights have to go and replace all with the new LED bulbs. It would make our town look better 126 and so much brighter and safer at night. 26 3 5 15 2 4 8 1 3 3 Create a sidewalk program - improvements to disrepair, tree root issues, conformity, 127 ordinance - issues addressed, shade tree 34 3 5 15 4 4 16 1 3 3 Improved Lighting think more lighting would help, and make the lights bright too. 131 LED lights would be a great choice. 36 5 5 25 2 4 8 1 3 3 Lighting, Sidewalk and Street Scape Revitalization: Remove the parking meters and bring back the original style of street lighting that offers a cozy ambience. More trees like the ones in front of the Maple Street Apartments that turn red in autumn. Repair 614 sidewalks (many could be wider), to improve walkability and keep walkers off of roads. Solar lights on rails to trails. Fix crosswalk lights and make them more accessible for 513 visually impaired. Fix sidewalks. Rehab abandoned property verses demo. Accessibility: ATV Access Allow atv's and off road vehicles more trails, I'm handicapped and can't walk far, 102 would love to use my 4 wheeler to get into the back country Cameron County is the ATV trail system hub and we need to connect to Elk, McKean, 107 Potter, and Centre Counties. Create a Balances approach to industry and outdoor access: Jeep rides, ATV Rides, and horse back riding are basically prohibited but could open up a few roads each month on a revolving schedule (varying the time opened) to increase the potential use and promotion of tourism would be enhanced small business of all types. The old argument is road would be damaged, but the fact is a road/trail opened for a few weeks and then closed, opening a different road for a few weeks would afford 108 managing this concern. Work towards opening more trails to ATV's allowing more people to access remote 109 areas of the great out doors Cameron County truly has to offer Accessibility: Expanded Access Opportunities 111 Add Bike Lanes in Emporium and along Rt 120, 555, 872,155 and Rt46 Scenic bucktail byways had a dedicated bike lane - lock haven to Ridgway? Would meet accessibility need, paved 120, meets tourism needs - cycling trend and 112 bikepacking is a new cycling tourism trend. Add a safe connection- from town to DCNR lands and the Little league fields for 113 bicyclists/walkers. Better access to activities via expanded travel (Bike/trails/roadway) infrastructure and 119 ways to care for and monitor them Accessibility: Roadway Improvements Ensure Access and Safe Travel on Ridge Road, Hicks Run, Cameron Road to 117 Sterling Run, Mayhollow Road and Huston Hill

1 1

1 1 1

1 1

Idea Number

Action Ideas Use state has emergency funding for roads being a safety hazard they should use 121 that to improve the quality of our roads. 122 Even paving on Rt 120 from Sinnemahoning to Emporium 123 Mowing! PennDOT and DCNR Roads Arts & Heritage: Community Events Provide Large Community based activities that are geared to resident enjoyment focused on the idea that if residents are happy, visitors will come, and workers will 200 stay.

Positive Impact on Weighted Rating Weight: 5 Score Total

Resident Priority Rating

Weight: 4

Demonstrates Balanced and

Score

Rating

Weight: 3

Score

31 39 31

4 5 4

5 5 5

20 25 20

2 2 2

4 4 4

8 8 8

1 2 1

3 3 3

3 6 3

209 We would like to see a summer concert series. One thing that could enhance the summer/fall would be more fall festivals, along with a nicer elk viewing area. "There's lots of things to do in the summer because of how 210 beautiful nature is, you can always find an adventure. Bring back the super weekend races. It was always so fun and town was packed with 211 people.

213 Expanded Event Offerings - Poetry slam/Comedy night/ trivia night Bring back Super weekend, etc.. More events like this to bring people out and 215 together.

202 Would like to see more than arts and crafts offered as classes to residents

217 Create a Cameron County Artist Co-op group to provide networking opp for artists Create a local artist directory and contact information or it's own Art Council for 218 events/teaching/popups/viewings Arts & Heritage: Placemaking and Creative Spaces

204 Amphitheater - cultural building/artist retreat. We need places to gather Designate E. Allegany Ave - Art corridor and promote creative growth in the area to 205 reverse blight and encourage revitalization Old Dump being dark sky space -- find a dark sky space (S. Facing Field) to designate - would require access but Cam Co is the one of the last dark skies in PA | Would be need to find the people to market to Stakeholders might be DCNR/Chamber/Lumber Heritage Actions should be split between - Tradition/History | 206 Art Initiatives Local Economy: Improved/Expanded Amenities Infrastructure needs fixed & maintained - this is a key to growth, industries require 300 good infrastructure like a Rt 120 to Emporium in good condition

Calls for summer events like family gatherings that bring all the people together to maybe help families that are less fortunate than others, such as a county picnic, 216 where people can get to know one another to break down labels and divides. Would also love to see other businesses understand and participate in a Second Saturday monthly series of events. get it to the point where people say "hey let's go to 220 Emporium there's something going on the second Saturday of every month" Arts & Heritage: Classes and Clubs Calls for focus on the arts - Like starting a community theatre! So much talent in our 203 communities More teaching artist class opportunities for community through Elk County Council of 201 the Arts

Idea Number

Action Ideas Revitalization of Agriculture Industry and helping them find creative avenues to generate income that also add amenities to area ( Like meat farms might be backed 301 up by local food --such as a creamery)

Positive Impact on Weighted Rating Weight: 5 Score Total

Resident Priority Rating

Weight: 4

Demonstrates Balanced and

Score

Rating

Weight: 3

Score

Expand Cultural Amenities to attract Camp Owners to towns - There is a lot of money in the summer homes and camps in this county, but only a few businesses get to partake in it. We need to bring these people into town - culture, plays, music are 302 attractions. If they don't know about it, they don't come to town.

305 Ice skating/roller rink - space/arena

310 Addition of a Fine Dining Establishment with liquor license to community's offerings Continued Facade and small business Improvements for businesses- I wish the town brightened up with newer stores it’s looked the same for like 20 something years it’s time for some changes put in a cupcake/cake store, a toy store, pottery did store, a place similar to chunky cheese for kids birthday parties, jimmy johns, stores or 313 companies that will hire.

315 Add a movie theatre and other businesses that give teens and adults something to do Action Idea - We need more grab and go places to go other than pizza. - like Burger 316 King and Subway We should create guided hikes, see the elk to create more business and it would 317 benefit restaurants and motels.

319 Calls for return of farmers markets at the end of town Regular Cam Co Community Market in Driftwood - to create a centralized space for business owners and non profits to conduct commerce in the Southern Tier and bring 321 amenities to that space Actions Idea- Conduct an Updated Hotel Study -- "we need a hotel" discussion 333 actually focused on is there a need for updated hotel study Fill in the vacant sections of East Fourth St. with a hotel development to anchor the downtown and attract visitors to hang around for more than a quick drive-through. Emporium needs a first class hotel like St. Mary's has (Best Western, Holiday Inn, Cobblestone Suites, etc.). This first, then maybe more stores and better dining 334 options would reopen.

399 Open a Wildlife Museum Local Economy: Industrial Diversification/Entrepreneurship Efforts Actions Idea-Economic Benefit - Lumber Industry Attraction - (i.e. furniture maker or 322 construction - prefab homes?, Amish artisan, trade work ) 323 Attract a Call center to employ shift labor, but not be labor intensive like a factor Calls for more seasonal activities and businesses to be implemented like a ski resort 325 in the winter, that would bring many people here. bring a sustainable manufacturing company specialized in producing the highest degree of technological improvement enjoyed by a large consumer base (just like 326 Sylvania originally but of the 21 century) Calls for attracting new industries like Research and Development plants, Wind or Solar, or Cannabis Plantations - to the area other than powdered metal and should 327 look for healthier industries to become our economic driver.

Idea Number

Action Ideas Industrial expansion into green industry or cannabis farming (although less popular), increase in high tech - skilled industries which highlights a need for connecting students to industry Increase in skilled work force because it will be required by 328 industry

Positive Impact on Weighted Rating Weight: 5 Score Total

Idea - Use for empty GKN plant - we have lumber and use that plant to manufacture 329 homes/sheds/modular homes, space could be used to create manufacturer space. Cultivate tech industries/business to attract educated people and new industrial 331 options Local Economy: Intentional Planning

336

337 338 339

Calls for a unified vision for Cameron County to reach people from out of the county to come enjoy this area. "We need to work together and move forward. Sylvan Heritage is doing a lot as is the Chamber. But, I think at times they seem to be at odds." Calls for the county government, the borough council and the Chamber to step it up Pro active - mission statements - goals - visions - advertising are absolutely necessary and need to happen now. We are dead in the heart of the Pa Wilds. Let all groups embrace this collectively to create a drop dead downtown. Intelligent, Long range development and planning at county and local government levels Tax incentives and some creative building ideas could have retained this building as a small anchor store - giving the downtown more of a presence.

Policy to address continue increased in State Owned Land Concerned about the state owned land. Our community suffers from lack of available land - could we switch or swap to get some developable land to make these spaces available. What about 340 Seneca Resources? People wouldn't need the mineral rights for this space. 341 Luxury or Recreation Tax for camp - could we implement a recreation tax? Local government should come with new way to generate income to lower taxes / 342 make money. See sewage by product, tax workers who don't live here Landbank Creation and Planning for blighted properties to group together to create 359 shovel ready sites for new business Local Economy: Job Creation/Training Cameron County would benefit from a local - in-person Trade School. Would need 344 space, shovel ready or local industry space. Education for local businesses and developers in QOZ designation in our County. North Central Reg. Commission/Emporium Borough could do local teachings about 345 investors opportunies Regional college (Pitt Bradford/NPRC) should be more involved with school students to create Assets (skill/experience and workshops with local experts to lead and share experiences) and Exploit internship possibilities in rural Pa - list possibilities and shop out to local communities. A local relationship with our local college should be 346 developed and deepened as it is mutually beneficial. Idea - We could have more apprenticeships and internships for the people to learn the jobs. WE need our kids connected to the industries that are here, but we need more 347 industry to expose them to.

Resident Priority Rating

Weight: 4

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Action Ideas Keeping people here and "promoting career paths" for people to want to stay here no matter what the age. Obviously starting in the schools but within the community itself. It's not like jobs are scarce and there is definitely opportunities here in the industries and health care fields - like a job fair for adults. Present the process upfront and sell the job and it's opportunities. Once we draw in people it stands to reason the rest 348 would follow. Local Economy: Community Marketing

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350 Create Cohesive Shop Local Narrative and Marking Campaign Countywide Marketing Study on how residents receive their information to create 351 better tools to reach our residents for businesses, non-profits, agencies. Digital and Print copies of available properties information to easily use to market the 352 area

353 Better promote the advantages of shopping local Highlight the things that make the area great that you don't experience outside of 354 those mountains. More Cohesive Marketing of the community by businesses- Brand training / social 355 media training for businesses

356 Training on how to attract customers outside the valley

221 Digital Billboard downtown

363 Dedicated Cam Co / Empo website

364 Creation of dedicated/branded… Promotion of ECO tourism Cameron County to enjoy our nature with hiking, biking, 366 races. Others need to learn about what we do have to offer.

222 Digital Kiosks throughout county Local Economy: Communications Improvements 114 Continue to Expand Cell service throughout County for better communication. Calls for attracting another media/communications service to the area and expanded 306 broadband Local Economy: Tourism Development Promote Cameron County to people outside of Cameron County and the 'four county region' There is money in tourism which is why it is the second largest industry in PA. We are not taking advantage of it. The growth of run down properties has not helped this town to be the 'pretty place' it used to be, whether or not people live in the homes on these properties. Attractive communities attract business. There is a lot of money in the summer homes and camps in this county, but only a few businesses get to partake in it. We need to bring these people into town - culture, plays, music are 360 attractions. If they don't know about it, they don't come to town. We need to focus on Tourism and Industry development - Not one or the other Tourism is on track but will require better amenities and rentals, and Industry 361 attraction will require a higher skill set in labor force Cam Co should have a bigger presence within the Pa Wilds - we have assets that 362 should be marketed

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Bucktail Hwy Corridor should be promoted - river/road/tracks - if it was better 367 maintained the scenic byway is an attraction and beautiful auto and motorcycle route Nature: Preservation and Planning 400 Keep atv's off the state forest Decisions on projects should preserve nature I think we need to make sure any projects preserve the nature we have and its ability to be seen without causing 403 damage. 404 Actions Idea-Trademark local names of places Access to Dark Skies sites within Cam Co - Perhaps creating designated space in 401 State Forest Nature: Recreation Action Ideas - more areas open up for mountain biking such as single track trails and other places to ride other than Rails to Trails and along dangerous road sides. Take a look at Trails at Jakes Rocks at Kinzua and see how many people visit on a weekly basis. There is no reason why we can't have something like that here in Cameron County. It's important because that would open up a whole new world to explore for 402 our youth. Creation of Corridor Maps for Gravel Bikes to promote the vast dirt road system we 405 have for gravel cyclers to enjoy 406 Forestry Roads open to cycling added to digital / App based trail platforms Actions Idea- preserve and promote dark sky territory How do we bridge to DCNR 407 how to work within their rules and build a relationship of taking resident suggestions. 408 Actions Idea- Horse trail in county Actions Idea- Tie into Cycling - greenway plan that already exists to connect us to 409 regional communities Promote quite low impact activities: hike, bicycle, canoe/kayaks, backpacking, cross 410 country skiing , preservation of the “Natural Areas” within our county 411 Actions Idea- Rt 120 is a great motorcycle roads - many vistas along 120 Actions Idea- Local photography is warmly and enthusiastically received by locals, could this be used for advertising and marketing of the area Actions Idea-creation or 412 promotion of local cycling options Safety: Health Care Revolving or Shared 24 hour care - 3 three health care facilities and our community lacks 24 hours a day. Just having a nurse, NP and receptionist by rotation should be 500 adequate enough. Safety: Elderly Care Create a Retirement Community - small Ranch style homes <1100 sq ft speak to the home buying trend we're seeing in Cam Co. It might be expensive to do this for one home, but to build 10 might create a more affordable home. - Could share upkeep 307 needs through HOA 308 Calls for another aging facility similar the old Grove House

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Idea: Tiny Homes with shared upkeep services (as another option to elderly apartment options) Elderly people need homes that are easier to upkeep. We live in huge home with lots of land and it becomes unreasonable to take care of it. Elderly need little homes they own and people help them with the upkeep. Small homes that elderly could own outright, they're theirs but have help. Elderly homes, with over head. Stepped up cared -- but it's a full elderly community. This would be affordable for middle class. With rules and shared services. Could be beautiful, with small park area 309 and a fountain and Solar Power and green energy could be used to keep the homes. Safety: Public Services Speed bumps on Second Street to slow vehicles down ( we have families that live 501 here) Water access issues for Camp Owners in Southern Tier - Perhaps a Pump Station in 503 Driftwood Borough. Let's bring back when the town cop would walk the streets at night, especially main street. They could build time into their schedule to make a once a night stroll through 510 town. 511 More video surveillance cameras throughout our community. greeted presence of local animal enforcement officer They'd like to more animal 512 rights enforcement with people who mistreat their outside pets. Safety: Ordinance Enforcement/Local Government Issues Municipal intervention in situations where landlords are contributing to problem via exorbitant, unrealistic rental costs or not properly maintaining buildings (ordinance 502 enforcement) Calls for a need of new voices and elected officials - "I really feel that a good deal of our town's leadership needs to change. The sky is really the limit as far as what we could accomplish if we had visionary, rather than reactionary, people holding key 615 positions." Ordinance Enforcement Enforcing lawn care and noise ordinances and shoveling 616 walks in winter, that are already on the books - but seemingly forgotten. Calls for accountability to home/business owners from Municipal Representatives in blight and ordinance enforcement "I personally have contacted the manager several times about this issue and there is always one excuse or another. It's hard for me to 617 believe that homes are allowed to look that they do, and businesses." Sense of Community: Enhance Voices 600 Creation of a long lasting resident interest group Educate on building empathy & understanding on drug recovery ( story 505 sharing/educational opportunities) Diversity Training for stakeholders and residents about fringe voices 622 talks/networking/townhalls events that intentionally draw together groups at odds Sense of Community: Local Recreation/ Clubs Actions Idea-Begin Adult Recess Leagues where workers gather on their lunch hours 601 to play recess games weekly. Volunteer Fairs to actively seek to involve more residents in community 602 organizations. Bring Back a local Jaycees chapter for young adults to join - the organization has 603 grown nationally, but not locally.

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604 Hopes for more social aspects like a YMCA

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609 Create a list of current meeting houses

610 Enclose our CCHS pool for year round use

611 Add Water Features and Baby Pool to the School Pool Facility

Dog Park Adjacent to Rails to Trails for community members who have dogs but are 620 renters or lack a yard. Would promote a space for dog owners to congregate.

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605 Begin Business After Hours for Business Owners to network Sense of Community: Gathering Spaces and Parks Calls for a need of a Brick & Mortar Venue - multi-use center for many use/ rentals (Investor, year-round, and draw people like the field of dreams if you build it they will 608 come)

621 Further develop a central park below courthouse. Youth Wellbeing 700 She wishes for more large hosted kids activities. Calls for expanded opportunities for youth like soccer, la crosse, or a mock trail team, 701 AV Club Acton Idea -Create a Youth Advisory Board made up of Youth voices to plan activities, give voice to youth issues and provide the youth's perspective for area 705 planning and decisions. 709 They would like to see an increase in young adult volunteerism. 711 Creation of a Teen Lounge with Wi-Fi and space to work for homework Regular Open Gyms at the Christian Community Center in the winter -- requires 712 rental fee and adult 713 Community space for music to played and practiced Youth Suicide Awareness Program (bring school into safety/conversations - mental 506 health)

Key to Ratings Positive Impact on Community Value Statements The action idea supports and cultivates what matters most to the community, as articulated in the Heart & Soul Statements. Rating 1 2 3 4 5

Marginal Supports Heart & Soul Statements Action Item from Visioing Discussions

Resident Priority The action idea has been selected as a priority item during community ranking process 10-19% Respondents Picked the Idea Rating 1 2 20-29% Respondents Picked the Idea 3 30-39% Respondents Picked the Idea 4 41-49% Respondents Picked the Idea 5 50+% Respondents Picked the Idea