Civil Municipal - June 2024

“They are making sure that they are walking the streets, stopping at the playgrounds and playing basketball with the kids, spending the extra minute to talk to a kid that may or may not be going through something. Those are all important factors that have taken place,” says Gerace, remarking that through these efforts the community has experienced a 42% reduction in violent crime over the past decade. LOOKING AHEAD As Tamaqua moves towards a vibrant and dynamic future, the focus remains on ensuring a supportive environment for small businesses and attracting new investments. On the economic development side, Evans says the attention is on the reinvention of a beloved 1874 Victorian Train Station, currently a restaurant. He elaborates, “The property was renovated approximately 20 years ago, and it is starting to show its age. So, by the fall, we will have a new roof on that building to ensure its future is the centerpiece of the community. It was honored in March of last year by the United States Postal Service with a commemorative stamp.We take a lot of pride in that project, and it has certainly made Tamaqua more of a destination for people because of the dining experience in the Victorian setting.” For Mayor Gerace the attention is also on attracting new enterprises. “We want to encourage new businesses to make their way into Tamaqua, to see that it’s a thriving community. It’s flourishing with great residents, people who are spending time downtown, spending their money here. If somebody’s interested in being a small business owner, there’s no better place to invest than Tamaqua.” PREFERRED VENDOR/PARTNER n CRIZ Authority www.tamaquaborough.com 112 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 06