CLA announces strategic planning through Funk Construction donation

The Community of Lebanon Association announced that it is working on a strategic plan, funded by a $50,000 Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP) eligible donation from Funk Construction, during an event Wednesday.

From July to January, planning and design firm Derck & Edson will work with CLA to create a five-year plan for CLA’s efforts in the downtown business district, which includes Cumberland Street from 4th to 12th streets and the block north and south of Cumberland Street.

The plan will include insights about downtown Lebanon’s branding and visual identity, updates to CLA’s mission and vision statements, revitalization strategies ranked in order to accomplish, an action plan to engage businesses and the city, and an organization/staffing plan.

CLA organizes events throughout the year, makes beautification efforts (like hanging baskets and planters placed in the city annually), and networks with businesses and nonprofits in Lebanon. It is funded through donations and memberships and run by volunteers, though CLA hopes to have employees by the end of the five-year plan.

NAP is a Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) program that offers up to a 65% tax credit for eligible donations supporting neighborhood conservation or serving distressed areas. The Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) offers tax credits of up to 90% or 95% and applies to long-term (5+ year) collaborations producing “a comprehensive, asset-based and relationship-driven approach to community development,” according to DCED’s website.

Deputy Secretary for Community Affairs and Development of DCED Richard Vilello emphasized appreciating the things that are already working downtown while looking forward, a sentiment echoed by multiple speakers Wednesday.

“You’re doing the right things, you’re going in the right direction,” said Vilello. “You need momentum, you need proof of concept, you need these things to make a difference, but just from the last time I was here, this is beautiful. Don’t take it for granted, you already have some momentum.”

Also the former mayor of Lock Haven and president of the Pennsylvania Municipal League, Vilello recalled a partially DCED-funded strategic plan in Lock Haven created from 1998 to 1999. Though he was initially skeptical, he said, the plan became a core resource for his work as mayor.

“Some of the things that are going to be in the strategic plan, you know need done today,” said Vilello. “But when you can prioritize, and go, ‘this is No. 1, this is No. 2, this is No. 3,’ it’s easier to get done.”

He said a completed plan encourages participation from volunteers, aids in qualifying for DCED funding, and encourages further donations from the community.

Mark Evans of Lititz-based consultant Derck & Edson explained that one goal of the plan is to lay the groundwork for CLA main street designation through the DCED Main Street Matters program. This would open up the organization to additional DCED funding for downtown revitalization projects.

Over the plan’s development, Derck & Edson and Myerstown-based consultant CHAR Co. will seek feedback from residents and businesses, including a September meeting with the downtown Lebanon business community.

Funk Construction CEO Ken Funk praised city amenities such as the hospital, farmers market, schools, and recreation facilities. He said Funk Construction has been happy to work on multiple projects in the city over the year, including the relocation of city hall.

“We support downtown because thriving main streets don’t happen by accident,” said Funk. “They happen when local businesses, builders, and community leaders commit to creating spaces where people want to live, work, and gather.

“For Funk Construction, this isn’t just economic development, it’s stewardship, it’s pride in what Lebanon is and supporting it becoming better. It’s believing that Lebanon’s best days are ahead and not behind us, imagining for a better future.”

CLA has long maintained a partnership with Lebanon city government, Mayor Sherry Capello said Wednesday. She presented CLA with a certificate of recognition, describing it as “a steadfast champion of economic development, business growth, community engagement, and downtown revitalization.”

Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce president Karen Groh described downtown as incredible, citing the revitalization of the 400 block as an example. Progress, she said, “takes a collaborative effort,” and she praised the strategic plan for use as a “road map” for further improvements.

Attendees of the event included county commissioners Mike Kuhn, Bob Phillips, and Jo Ellen Litz, representatives from the offices of Dan Meuser, Chris Gebhard, and John Schlegel, and numerous owners or leaders of businesses and nonprofits based in the city.

Throughout the event, speakers including Groh and Vilello somberly referenced the previous day’s fire at the Downtown Taphouse. Vilello emphasized the importance of rebuilding after such an event, and voiced his confidence in downtown Lebanon and the business.

Downtown Taphouse co-owner Jim Osmanalloj told LebTown June 16 that the business “will have a minor setback with all the damages but it will be built back up.”