Lewisburg/Bucknell University Village (Scranton, State College: home, neighborhoods, live)

[Dawne]

I'm moving this from another thread to open the discussion of Bucknell University's and Lewisburg's plans. Here's the article:

The Daily Item, Sunbury, PA - Bucknell, Lewisburg pitch<BR>Village idea to governor

[ScranBarre]

Thanks, Dawne, for posting this very interesting article. However, it still doesn't assuage my concerns about it. Downtown Lewisburg seems to be 95% fully revitalized the way it is, and I don't necessarily think it needs another "shot in the arm" from the university. What concerns me the most is that once again this article doesn't mention if this "Village" of sorts will all be built from the ground up along undeveloped land or if the university will be taking over part of the historic district for redevelopment. In the latter example, I'd be the first to chain myself to a historic rowhome to protest its demolition, as I watched in horror here in Scranton as the University of Scranton continues to take the wrecking ball to home after home to expand itself (an urban campus like that should be building UP instead of OUT). If Bucknell plans to construct this project without disturbing the existing residential neighborhoods, then I say "go for it." I wouldn't want to see history demolished nor would I like to see people displaced to make way for the campus expansion.

I personally think Selinsgrove ought to consider something like this instead. No offense to you since I know you live there, but it just lacked the "charm" and foot traffic that existed in Lewisburg, even though it is also a major college town. That old abandoned train station building in my photo tour could make a great campus recreation center with a small patio cafeteria, foozeball tables, ping-pong tables, a den with a big-screen television to watch sporting events, or even a gift shop or campus bookstore. It is within walking distance to campus, yet it is also only a block or two from downtown. It would be great to see Susquehanna University pumping more money into Selinsgrove as opposed to Bucknell University pumping so much cash into a town like Lewisburg that doesn't really need all that much help.

[Dawne]

Paul, I totally agree with what you're saying about Selinsgrove. That train station is an eyesore and something needs to be done with it. You have some wonderful ideas, and I have some of my own. If only money were no problem . . .

I would love to see Selinsgrove work out something with Susquehanna University. It would be great to see the thriving type of downtown area that State College has, for example. It's possible with some vision and planning.

On the bright side, Selinsgrove has hired a Main Street Manager who starts Monday. This will begin a new and exciting era in the downtown. A local group of artists has gotten together and started an Arts Council that is hosting "First Fridays" and hopes to expand to "First Saturdays". The revitalization group is moving forward to turn the empty lot where an old CVS building was torn down into a beautiful green space, with help from Susquehanna, Penn State and Bucknell. I'm anxious and excited to see what the future holds for Selinsgrove.

As far as Lewisburg and Bucknell, Lewisburg has a fantastic Main Street Manager who has done wonders there. I'm as confident as I can be that whatever is done in Lewisburg will be to the benefit of all. The Borough council will not allow Bucknell free reign in the borough and will most likely be keeping their eye on this issue as it moves forward. I don't think there's much risk of any historical buildings being destroyed in this process. Here's hoping the reality is as promising as the concept!