Bellefonte Borough

Preservation

Bellefonte Borough is known locally and throughout the state for its rich inventory of structures that represent well the Victorian era. The Borough sees this to be one of its biggest assets for bringing businesses, tourists and residents back into the downtown area. The downtown area, as well as many residential properties, is in the historic district. The designation of a historic district has enabled the Borough to curb the loss of many characteristics of the structures, and even the structures themselves. However, due to the age of the buildings, many buildings need to be rewired and replumbed to meet current day business needs, elevators, sprinkler systems, and computer ports to name a few. Refitting buildings with these items is expensive and in many cases beyond the ability of building owners. Thus, the buildings are many times rented as low cost living space or remain vacant. This keeps the income generated from the buildings low, few improvements are made, real estate values are less and tax revenues are minimal.

Destination for Tourists and New Residents

The Bellefonte Borough sees that the future success of the downtown relies on the Borough being able to attract small businesses, thus attracting tourists and new residents who can contribute to the local economy that will help maintain the historic buildings. Recognizing the Borough cannot compete against the larger shopping complexes in the outlying areas, it is interested in attracting specialty stores as well as businesses that can help sustain residents in the downtown area (e.g., grocery stores, pharmacy, restaurants, etc.).

Maintaining Infrastructure

Keeping up with the cost of local services and utilities is difficult. The Borough has always relied heavily on its residents, in the form of taxes, to pay for these infrastructure items. However, given the decline of business and income in the Borough over many years, this reliance is greater than ever.

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