Falls stands out for its innovative strategies to combat the dual challenges of housing stock shortage and affordability. Jones Jr. describes the city’s journey from having one of the highest blight issues in the area to a period of significant transformation, facilitated by strategic use of Arpa funding and collaborative projects aimed at either demolishing dilapidated properties or restoring them for residential use. “We’re at a nice juncture of moving forward,” he states, highlighting the transition towards a more vibrant and livable city. The rezoning efforts, particularly the conversion of light industrial spaces to residential areas, exemplify Beaver Falls’ proactive stance in creating spaces that cater to the needs of its residents. A notable success story Jones Jr. shares involves a developer investing in a previously blighted area to establish assisted living facilities, signifying a significant win for the city in converting forgotten spaces into thriving residential communities. This example underscores Beaver Falls’ efforts to revitalize its urban landscape, making it more face of the national housing shortage. The city experiences a unique variant of the housing squeeze, characterized by an economic boom in house purchases and renovations. “It’s big for us to have homes restored and resurfaced,” Mayor Johns asserts, pointing to the community’s enthusiasm for revitalizing its existing housing stock. This revival not only preserves the architectural heritage of Beaver Falls, with many homes dating back to the early 1900s but also revitalizes neighborhoods and enhances the city’s overall appeal. Addressing the need for new housing developments, Mayor Johns acknowledges the geographical constraints of being a river town, which limits outward expansion. The solution, she suggests, lies in “growing the capacity to build up.” This strategic orientation towards vertical development aims to accommodate the city’s growth without sacrificing its character and spatial harmony. RESIDENTIAL REVITALIZATION In the context of a nationwide housing crisis, Beaver 97 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 5, ISSUE 03 BEAVER FALLS, PA
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