Civil Municipal - June 2024

A COMMUNITY ON THE RISE Midway through his second term as Mayor, at the age of 26, Gerace exemplifies the enthusiastic and forward-thinking attitude that is helping to bring continued vibrancy to the borough. “Tamaqua has done particularly well at bouncing back, and revitalization is the name of the game,” he shares. “When you look at a lot of the things that have happened around our community, especially over the last 20 years, you’ve seen a great boom in economic development, in revitalization. We are an ideal example of small-town America.” With a population of 7,000 people, Tamaqua is surrounded by the townships of West Penn, Rush, Schuylkill, and Walker, drawing larger numbers into the community for shopping and entertainment amenities. DOWNTOWN RENAISSANCE Central to Tamaqua’s renewal efforts is its vibrant downtown core, which underwent a remarkable transformation several years ago with the implementation of a streetscape project, creating a more walkable area for residents and visitors. Mayor Gerace describes, “Small business is what we push, we’re not a popular area for chain restaurants or any big corporate businesses. Downtown is surviving and thriving off of small business.” Visitors strolling through the heart of the community will encounter an eclectic mix of establishments, from antique stores and boutiques to pizzerias and tattoo parlors, along with essential services like hair salons and banks. The recent addition of two newmicrobreweries, Stoker’s Brewing Company and Revere Brewery, further enhanced the appeal, along with the recent renovation of the popular Boyer Food market. Amidst all of this, the Tamaqua Community Arts Center offers a space where artistic endeavors and community engagement go hand in hand. Gerace recounts, “The Arts Center has been a beacon of revitalization. It was an old church that they’ve now turned into an art studio that hosts concerts, plays, arts and crafts. They even do yoga classes there.” He further highlights the efforts of Lisa Scheller, who originated the idea behind Hope and Coffee, a coffee shop demonstrating that recovery is normal and bringing members of the community together. “It allows them to get back into the workforce, get back in the swing of things. The overall goal is to get them on their feet and get them into a better-paying job in the workforce,” he explains. “That’s just been a wonderful addition to the community. It’s a beautiful coffee shop.” The Bischoff Inn, a boutique hotel in a beautifully 109 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06 TAMAQUA, PA