Connellsville is now full swing into summer. The river and trail are both experiencing a lot of traffic as students spend their summer near the cool water, and individuals and families set off on biking vacations.
• The excitement at the council meeting in June was primarily focused on the prospect of a hotel being built in Connellsville. Widewaters Group, who owns the property on Martin’s Plaza which could house a hotel, has been in contact with a member of C.B. Richard Ellis Brokerage in New York about developing a small-scale hotel in Connellsville. In order for this project to move forward, the city must relinquish their option to buy the property for $100,000, which expires in 2015. We have yet to hear any decision concerning the option.
• Connellsville hosted its first Wednesday Walk of the season on June 15. The walk, lead by Michael Edwards, focused on Connellsville West Side Churches.
• Connellsville had a Preservation Planning community meeting, lead by Erin Hammerstedt of Preservation Pennsylvania, at the Christian Church in Connellsville. The meeting was productive and the group decided that the highest priority preservation projects involve promoting Connellsville pride and starting a “clean and green” project in which we choose different sections of the city to clean up and make more aesthetically pleasing.
• On July 25th and 26th, community members and trail users enjoyed Art on the Yough and Braddock’s Crossing. On the 25th, during the commencement of the event, the Historical Society’s new pavilion was dedicated to William Balsley. Re-enactors set up tents and tables demonstrating life during the Revolutionary War. At one pm on both days, the sound of gunpowder exploding echoed in Yough Park as re-enactors and community members pulled up their pant legs up and crossed the Yough, symbolizing Braddock’s crossing of the river during the war. At the other end of the Yough Park, 6+ regional artists displayed handmade jewelry, pottery, and paintings at Art on the Yough. Painting bird houses and frames, as well as making flower crowns entertained children while their parents perused the art. Live music pulled the event together.
• Spur loops for the Connellsville bike loop were installed at the end of June. The loop now connects bikers to the Amtrak Station and the business district in Connellsville.
• Sheree Cockrell has begun the third mural panel on the side of ArtWorks Connellsville. This mural, which will depict a fall scene, is part of a city-wide beautification project.
-Emma Strong
