Latest news with #MeadvilleCommunityRevitalizationCorporation
Yahoo
20-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Placemaking expert to speak in Meadville on designing vibrant public spaces
The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) will host a public presentation by internationally recognized placemaking expert Phil Myrick next week. 'Placemaking: Designing & Activating Public Spaces for Livability' will take place Thursday from 7 to 8 p.m. at Meadville Unitarian Universalist Church, 346 Chestnut St. The event is free and open to the public. Myrick, founder of Phil Myrick LLC and former CEO of Project for Public Spaces, has advised communities, developers, universities and local governments worldwide on how to create dynamic public spaces that foster community connection, economic growth, and a sense of place. His work emphasizes human-centered design principles that help transform ordinary spaces into thriving, people-focused environments. Currently, he is consulting with the Mosites Group on the transformative Allegheny Shores project in Sharpsburg. 'We're thrilled to welcome Phil Myrick to Meadville,' said Andy Walker, executive director of MCRC. 'His expertise in placemaking comes at a pivotal time as we work to reimagine our downtown and public spaces. This event will offer valuable insights on how thoughtful design and community-driven spaces can boost livability and economic vitality right here in Meadville.' The public presentation will explore how placemaking strategies can be catalysts for community and economic development, inspiring attendees to think critically about the potential of Meadville's own public spaces. In addition to the public talk, Myrick will lead an exclusive stakeholder workshop Feb. 28 from 9 to 11 a.m. This interactive session, titled 'Building Walkable Communities — What Really Makes a Difference,' will guide participants through a public space audit and hands-on exercises focused on enhancing Meadville's walkability and sense of place. Amara Geffen, MCRC board president and a regional leader in placemaking and public art, highlighted the importance of this event. 'Placemaking isn't just about design; it's about people. It's about creating spaces where community life thrives,' she said. 'Phil's work aligns with what we've been striving for in Meadville —transforming public spaces into places that reflect our community's identity, foster connection, and support local vitality.' The corporation invites residents, business owners, community leaders and anyone interested in the future of Meadville to attend.
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation launches community perception survey
The Meadville Community Revitalization Corporation (MCRC) is inviting all Meadville residents, business owners and community organizations to participate in a Community Perception Survey. The survey opens Monday and will run through Feb. 21. It is an important first step in the group's efforts to seek a Main Street Matters designation through Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), officials said in making the announcement. The survey is designed to capture public opinions on key aspects of Meadville's downtown, including issues such as downtown's comfort and appearance, economic conditions, community attitudes, available activities and accessibility. Insights gathered from the survey will help guide revitalization strategies to make Greater Downtown Meadville more vibrant, welcoming and prosperous. 'Our goal is to ensure the future of downtown Meadville is shaped by the people who know it best — our community,' said Andy Walker, executive director of MCRC. 'By completing this survey, residents and business owners have the chance to share their perspectives and priorities, which will not only strengthen our application for the Main Street Matters program but also guide long-term revitalization efforts that make downtown Meadville a better place to live, work and visit.' The Main Street Matters program is a state initiative aimed at supporting downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy and vibrant communities. According to DCED's website there are currently nine downtown's across Pennsylvania that have Main Street designations. If awarded the designation, Meadville could benefit from funding opportunities that support planning efforts, business development, aesthetic improvements and public safety enhancements. As an added incentive, participants who include their email address in their survey response will be entered into a drawing for $25 'Downtown Dollars' gift cards, redeemable at participating businesses. A third winner will be selected from those who engage with the survey through the MCRC's Facebook page — visit @meadvillecrcorp for details. The survey can be completed online at as well as by filling out paper copies which will be available at Meadville City Hall, Active Aging, the Meadville Public Library and many downtown businesses.
