Photo by Heather Tressler

The Ridgway Heritage Council met last night to discuss several projects that are currently underway.

The Ridgway Heritage Council reviewed the Ridgway Riverfront Conservation and Development project along with other projects affecting Ridgway. 

By Heather Tressler

Record Staff Writer

The Ridgway Heritage Council met last night to discuss upcoming events.
The first event on the agenda was the Main Street Program report by Main Street Manager Rick Viglione. Viglione reported Carey Mac’s Salon is complete, along with the YMCA renovations and the library project is in progress.
Viglione said that Palumbo’s should be open by the end of August. Along with these projects is the Welcome Center that is underway. The Welcome Center had been awaiting a concrete curb, but upon its yesterday completion, the project is progressing quickly.
Viglione noted that Eagle Valley Outfitters’ application has been received, and they are awaiting colors.
Viglione gave some insight on the upcoming arrival of Eagle Valley Outfitters.
“The building that they are going into has a lot of historical significance,” Viglione said. “They have already started working on the exterior. The structure is a wood frame, so they have a lot of work ahead of them.”
Viglione gave his report from the Steering Committee that met yesterday morning. He reported on the ongoing construction in front of the Dollar General store on Main Street.
“The crew is from Jersey Shore,” said Viglione. “They have their work cut out because it is empty space underneath. It is necessary work, but it is a shame it is taking so long.”
He also reported about the tree grant and the positives it has.
“If anyone is aware of properties or sites that would benefit from trees, please let me know,” Viglione said. “The trees are doing very well.”
Dale Fox-Lauricella gave her report on the Ridgway Riverfront Conservation and Development Project that landscape architect Roy B. Mann is intricately working on.
“Roy is taking input and presenting a draft feasibility study to present to the borough and the public at a public meeting later in August. He is taking all of the feedback and generating it into a report for the borough to view because they are the ones who will have the final vote,” Fox-Lauricella said. “Roy is really an expert at this, and we really need to listen to him because he knows what he is talking about.”
In a final note, Fox-Lauricella commented that people will not be forced to participate, and the project is to designate a public access area.
Michelle Bogacki reported on the Architectural and Preservation Conference that is coming up in September.
“Everything is in place. I have 1,000 contacts through mailers and e-mail,” Bogacki said. “I am focusing on market for the month of July. I have got some RSVPs already, and I’ve got the speakers in place.”
According to Bogacki, this year could promote an annual meeting if all goes well.
With the Tasting in the Wilds right around the corner, the Heritage Council is closing in on articulation with rounding up volunteers and getting in last-minute publicity.
A goal for this festival was becoming one of the biggest festivals to take place in Ridgway, and since that isn’t enough, the festival is going to be featured on the new phone book cover.
Fox-Lauricella noted that there will be a celebration banquet on September 20 at The Royal Inn honoring those who created the Rails to Trails.
Before adjournment, the Heritage Council voted on donating $32,500 to the Main Street Program in order for it to continue for two consecutive years. With these funds donated from the council and the other contributors, the Main Street Program will continue until 2011. The generous efforts of the Heritage Council and local organizations make it possible for the Main Street program to match their funds and continue keeping downtown Ridgway historic and beautiful.