A formerly vacant residential structure in the "Elm Street" Five Points/East End Neighborhood, received major rehabilitation aided in part by a reimbursement grant from Downtown Lewistown, Inc. The building located at 6 – 8 South Walnut Street, owned by Jeb & Cherie Miller, was completely rehabilitated by the owners drawing upon contractor assistance only when needed. The owners replaced the roof, rerouted roof drains from the sanitary sewer, rebuilt porches, and improved the efficiency of the 2½ story structure throughout. The owners are also completing renovations to the interior to accommodate two living units upon completion of the project. Downtown Lewistown, Inc. was able to assist with a matching reimbursement of $4,217.00 for a comprehensive rehabilitation to the 6 – 8 South Walnut Street building.  

Downtown Lewistown, Inc. supported the project with a reimbursement that was matched with investment from the property owner. The project was made possible in part by a $50,000 allocation from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community & Economic Development and support from the Board of Directors of DLI.  

A Committee of interested and involved community leaders initially reviewed the project in terms of the level of rehabilitation, the intention to eliminate vacancies in the Neighborhood, and bring substandard building conditions into compliance with basic health, safety, and building codes. This recommendation was then forwarded to the Downtown Lewistown, Inc. Board of Directors for their concurrence and approval.

Additionally, an exterior inspection of the residence or property is conducted by the Code Enforcement Officer and Neighborhood Coordinator prior to commitment of reimbursement funds. Once the project is complete, the exterior of the residence must meet current codes as stipulated by the International Property Maintenance Code for Existing Buildings. A maintenance agreement is also required for applicants ensuring compliance with property maintenance and retention of the improvements proscribed by the Program. These reimbursement grants are intended to utilize a minimal amount of public funding to leverage significant, long lasting, visible, and appropriate improvement to residential properties in the Neighborhood.    

The Charter Plan for Downtown Lewistown, adopted in spring of 2000, represents a collaborative comprehensive community strategy for guiding investment and leveraging resources to revitalize and develop the urban core.

Patterned after the successful Main Street strategy, the revitalization effort seeks to build upon the assets of Downtown; neighborhoods, architecture, town square, natural setting and unique siting on the Juniata River combined with the creative talent and energies of its citizens to mold the future for the area.

Embodied in the development effort is a spirit of partnership of community leaders, governmental representatives, private property owners and residents to proactively strengthen the Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods while enhancing the appeal and competitive vitality of the entire community.

We invite your comments and suggestions to improve the Downtown and Five Points/East End Neighborhood in concert with initiatives to shape the region as a whole.

Downtown Lewistown, Inc. is a charitable non-profit 501©(3) organization funded in part by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Community and Economic Development with support from the Borough of Lewistown, Mifflin County Industrial Development Corporation, and local business, industry and private property owners.

The continued step in the revitalization of the Five Points/East End Neighborhood is the implementation of the Strategic Plan. With the receipt of a contract for $250,000 in Residential Reinvestment assistance from the PA Department of Community & Economic Development, work is beginning to distribute applications to home and property owners in the Neighborhood, initial design work for the Five Points corner, and ramped up Committee activities in the area.

These Committees meet to discuss details related to design, safety, improvement of the image of the area, and the economic betterment of residents and businesses in the neighborhood. Call 248-9606 for information on how you may help in this effort.