testament to the city’s design and ethos. In Beaver Falls, neighborly intimacy isn’t just an ideal; it’s the fabric of everyday life. Mayor Johns emphasizes,“You get to know your neighbors... If you go into a space, you’ll probably know someone or know someone that knows someone.”As Mayor Johns describes, this interconnectedness is remarkable and essential for fostering the kind of community that beckons to future generations. Mayor Johns also points out the city’s strides towards embracing sustainability and innovation, from going green to installing electric vehicle charging stations. These efforts are emblematic of Beaver Falls’ commitment to catching up with the times and setting new standards for what community living can be. “We’ve been very intentional at...setting the standard of what it looks like in a community,” she asserts, underlining the city’s forward-looking stance. REIMAGINING BEAVER FALLS In the quest to rejuvenate Beaver Falls, the city has embarked on a series of ambitious urban renewal projects to enhance walkability and foster a vibrant community spirit. City Manager Charles Jones Jr. outlines the cornerstone of these efforts: a collaborative project with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. This $50 million venture has reshaped the downtown landscape, introducing bike lanes, modernized parking configurations, state-of-the-art traffic signals, and pedestrian-friendly curb extensions. “We built off of that momentum,”he explains,detailing the subsequent revitalization of a neglected park into a bustling hub for live music and events, further amplified by the addition of a children’s museum. These enhancements improve the city’s aesthetic and functional appeal and stimulate economic investment, drawing businesses and entrepreneurs eager to be part of Beaver Falls’ renaissance. Parallel to these infrastructural improvements, Rochelle Burks, Director of Community Development, highlights the inventive ways the city fosters community engagement and supports local businesses.The annual chili cook-off, now in its fourth year, exemplifies this approach. By inviting residents 93 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 BEAVER FALLS, PA
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