Bellefonte Borough

Preservation

With the designation of the historic district and the governing board, Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB), the Bellefonte Borough has been able to somewhat control and slow a trend of many older towns, that of destroying or covering-up architectural details that give the community a piece of its unique character. HARB has been instrumental in creating an inventory of not only buildings in the historic district, but their builders, owners and uses. HARB is a resource for current property owners by offering information on how to fit an older home with modern conveniences such as storm windows, roofing materials, and paints to name a few. HARB provides information on types of fencing used for the period of the home and paint color schemes used on the houses. Signage also falls under the auspices of HARB.

Given that one of Bellefonte's biggest assets is its structures, the designation of the historic district and the creation of HARB can be deemed a success for the community. However, individual residents not wanting to be "limited" to the use of their property deem the historic district and HARB an invasion on their rights as private land owners. Several years ago an attempt to expand the historic district was voted down by residents in the proposed expansion area. Soon afterwards a home was demolished to create a parking lot for a church. The result is a permanent hole in the districts streetscape.

The Borough also actively listens to and participates in community groups not sanctioned by local government. The groups include, but are not limited to, the Bellefonte Historical and Cultural Association (BHCA), and Historic Bellefonte, Inc. (HBI).

These groups contribute time and resources beyond what the Borough has available in tax dollars. For example, the BHCA was instrumental in the design and implementation of Talleyrand Park, making the historic train station a focal point in the community, offering  workshops on caring for older homes, and giving tours of the community that point out types and details of Bellefonte's architecture. HBI sponsors annual historic homes tours. The overwhelming success of this event demonstrates to home owners just how special their homes our, an encouragement for them to retain true historic themes of their properties. HBI is also responsible for obtaining a former governor's home, refurbishing the space and making it into the Bellefonte Museum.

The Borough was recently creative in working with sellers of the historic Match Factory to buy the complex. The Borough had already purchased a parcel of land next to the Match Factory in an effort to expand Talleyrand Park. The purchase of land was also to obtain land near Bellefonte's water source in the event the federal government would require Bellefonte to build a filtration station. Unfortunately, the Borough did not have sufficient funds to purchase the Match Factory as well. This building complex, however, was both important to the Borough for both its historic value and its key location in the community.

The Match Factory is made-up of several large brick structures in need of repair. The buildings are considered significant in Bellefonte's inventory of buildings. The location of the buildings will also make them a focal point in the community after the park is expanded. Since the Borough did not have its own money, they worked with state agencies to identify grant monies for a portion of the purchase price. The Borough then offered these monies along with tax incentives to the owners who accepted the offer.

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