Community Revitalization – Page 2 – SEDA Council of Governments

Community, Leaders Celebrate Independence Street Revitalization Groundbreaking

Posted on April 21, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Image description: Elected officials, City of Shamokin leaders, project partners, and community members participate in a ceremonial groundbreaking for the Independence Street Streetscape Project on April 20, 2026, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), celebrated the groundbreaking of Phase 1 of the Independence Street Streetscape Project during a ceremony held yesterday, April 21, at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

Local, regional, and federal officials joined City leaders, project partners, and community members to mark the start of a major revitalization effort focused on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape along this important Shamokin corridor.

“Today’s groundbreaking is another important step forward in our city’s ongoing revitalization,” stated Mayor Michael McLaughlin. He noted that the Independence Street project is one of several efforts underway across Shamokin and that, together, “we are laying the groundwork, literally and figuratively, for long-term progress.”

McLaughlin continued, “None of this happens alone, this project is a result of strong collaboration between the City of Shamokin, Congressman Meuser, Senator Culver, Representative Stehr, Commissioners Schiccatano, Klebon, and Beck, other county, state, and federal partners, SEDA-COG, and our community. It shows what is possible when we all come together. We are building momentum, project by project, towards a stronger future.”

Building on the theme of shared progress and long-term commitment, Rep. Joann Stehr emphasized the broader meaning of the milestone, stating, “Today’s groundbreaking represents more than the start of construction, it reflects real progress and a shared commitment to moving this community forward.”

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser also spoke during the ceremony, recognizing the importance of continued federal investment in community infrastructure projects such as the revitalization of Independence Street.

The Independence Street Streetscape Project is a key implementation effort of the GoShamokin! Revitalization Plan, a comprehensive strategy adopted by the City in 2020 to guide economic and community development.

Phase 1 construction improvements extend from 9th Street to the railroad crossing at Liberty Street and are expected to enhance pedestrian safety, accessibility, traffic flow, streetscape aesthetics, and the overall visitor experience entering downtown Shamokin.

The project was designed by Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, with Phase 1 construction being completed by Mid-State Construction. Representatives from both firms were in attendance for the ceremony.

“This project has always been about more than sidewalks and streetscape improvements—it is about pride, opportunity, and believing in Shamokin’s future. We will keep pushing forward, keep building partnerships, and keep bringing investment into this community because Shamokin deserves nothing less,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG.

Additional partners recognized during the event included Northumberland County leadership, the Greater Susquehanna Valley Chamber of Commerce, and numerous local, state, and federal supporters.

Construction is expected to begin in late April or early May.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

Community Invited to Groundbreaking for Independence Street Revitalization

Posted on April 9, 2026April 9, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Image description: Rendering of Independence Street between 8th Street and Liberty Street, illustrating the proposed Phase 2 streetscape improvements.

Shamokin, PA — The City of Shamokin, in partnership with SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG), will host a groundbreaking ceremony to officially kick off construction for the Independence Street Streetscape Project.

The ceremony will take place on Monday, Apr. 20, 2026, at 10 a.m., at the intersection of 9th Street and Independence Street.

The event will be held as scheduled, regardless of weather. Street parking is available along the side street. This will be a ceremonial groundbreaking, with construction expected to begin in late April or early May.

The project represents a major investment in Shamokin’s future, focusing on improving pedestrian safety, accessibility, and the overall streetscape experience along one of the City’s most important corridors.

U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser is expected to attend and will join local and regional leaders in celebrating this milestone. Federal funding secured through congressional support has played a critical role in funding this project.

The Independence Street Streetscape Project is a key implementation effort of the GoShamokin! Revitalization Plan, a comprehensive strategy adopted by the City in 2020 to guide economic and community development.

Planned improvements include upgraded sidewalks, ADA accessibility enhancements, improved lighting, crosswalks, and streetscape features designed to support local businesses and enhance quality of life.

“This project represents years of planning, partnership, and persistence,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization for SEDA-COG. “It’s incredibly exciting to see this vision move into implementation and to continue building momentum in Shamokin.”

Community members, stakeholders, and the public are encouraged to attend and celebrate this exciting step forward.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.

Invitation to Bid: HMGP Acquisition and Demolition Project

Posted on March 23, 2026March 23, 2026 by DNS Admin

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Borough of Renovo is accepting bids for the HMGP Acquisition/Demolition Project – Renovo Borough, Clinton County, PA online via the PennBid Program at http://PennBid.Bonfirehub.com or in person at the office of the Engineer, Peters Consultants, Inc., 2701 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 until 11:00 A.M. local time on April 8, 2026, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Hardcopies of the bids shall be submitted in sealed envelopes marked on the outside “Sealed Bid for HMGP Acquisition/Demolition Project – Renovo Borough, Clinton County, PA”.

The 16 properties are located in the Borough of Renovo at:

133 14th Street
135 14th Street
137 14th Street
139 14th Street
141 14th Street
143 14th Street
145 14th Street
147 14th Street
149 14th Street
151 14th Street
153 14th Street
155 14th Street
157 14th Street
159 14th Street
161 14th Street
163 14th Street

The 16 apartment units were constructed as a single structure. The Work comprises the demolition of all structures, garages, sheds, other ancillary property structures, private sidewalks (public sidewalks to remain), cap water and sewer laterals at curb line (work with public works), one water and sewer lateral in the middle shall be brought up to 3’ grade and capped, rubbish, asbestos abatement as needed, property restoration and all appurtenances for a complete job in accordance with the Contract Documents.

All Structures have been declared unsafe to enter to complete the asbestos testing. The Engineer’s Certified Asbestos Inspector will be onsite during the demolition process. The building materials must be kept adequately wet at all times, starting with the demolition process, through site cleanup, transport and final disposal. “Adequately wet” means sufficiently wet to prevent the release of particulates and there are no visible emissions observed from any asbestos-containing material. If visible emissions are observed, the demolition must cease, and additional wetting must be performed until no emissions are occurring. However, the absence of visible emissions is not sufficient evidence of being adequately wet.

For a complete discussion of the structurally unsound and in danger of imminent collapse provisions under the Asbestos NESHAP, please refer to 40 C.F.R. §§ 61.141 and 61.145(a)(3), 61.145(c)(4) -(9). Each Bid shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashier’s check, negotiable U. S. Government Bonds (at par value) or approved Bid Bond in the amount of 10 percent of the total Bid Price, payable to the Borough of Renovo, as a guarantee that the Bidder, if its Bid is accepted, shall promptly obtain the required Bonds and Insurance and shall prepare the required submittal documents and execute the Agreement.

All Bids shall remain irrevocable for a period of 60 calendar days from the date of Bid opening, or as allowed by law. Bids may be held by the Borough of Renovo for up to 60 days from the date of opening for the purpose of reviewing the Bids and investigating the qualifications of bidders prior to awarding the contract. Bids shall be submitted upon forms furnished by the Borough of Renovo.

A full set of Contract Documents is available for inspection without charge at the office of the Engineer, Peters Consultants, Inc., 2701 Columbia Boulevard, Bloomsburg, PA 17815 or at the Borough of Renovo office, 128 5th Street, Renovo, PA 17764. A full set of Contract Documents can be picked up at the office of the Engineer for $45.00 or a PDF can be emailed at no cost. This project has been financed by FEMA.

The Borough of Renovo is utilizing federal funds for this project, and has adopted a Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE) plan in accordance with Executive Orders 11625, 12138, and 12432. As such, the bidders/offerors must submit documentary evidence of minority and women business enterprises who have been contacted and to whom commitments have been made. Documentation of such solicitations and commitments shall be submitted with the bid. MBE/WBE shall be afforded full opportunity to bid without discrimination

The Borough of Renovo reserves the right to award to the most responsible Bidder and reject any part of, and/or all Bids as it may best serve the interest of the Owner. The Borough of Renovo reserves the right to reject any or all Bids, to waive any irregularities, and to negotiate contract amounts. Prevailing Wage Rates are required to be paid per Federal Regulations.

Borough of Renovo
Ms. Mary Kramer, Secretary / Treasurer

Public Invited to Help Shape Shamokin’s Revitalization Efforts

Posted on March 11, 2026March 18, 2026 by Nancy Osborn

Lewisburg, PA — Shamokin residents, business owners, and community stakeholders are invited to attend a public open house on Wednesday, March 18, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Casey Club Knights of Columbus, 400 East Independence Street, Shamokin.

The public meeting will provide an opportunity for community members to learn about ongoing revitalization efforts and share their ideas for the future of Shamokin.

The event is being organized by SEDA-Council of Governments (SEDA-COG) in partnership with the City of Shamokin and the GoShamokin! initiative, with planning efforts supported through SEDA-COG’s EPA Brownfield Assessment Coalition Grant.

During the open house, attendees will hear a brief overview of current planning initiatives and improvement projects underway in the city before participating in interactive activities designed to gather community feedback. Informational exhibits will also be available, allowing participants to provide input directly to the planning team.

Public input gathered during the meeting will help guide future redevelopment strategies and priorities that support Shamokin’s continued economic growth and revitalization.

“Community participation is essential to the success of these efforts,” said Betsy Kramer, director of Community Revitalization at SEDA-COG. “This open house is an opportunity for residents and stakeholders to learn about the work already underway and help shape the next chapter of Shamokin’s revitalization.”

Earlier the same day, several topic-focused forums will also be held with government agencies, regional partners, and community organizations. The discussions will focus on economic development, recreation and tourism opportunities, and downtown capacity-building strategies.

These discussions and the public open house are part of a broader effort to advance recommendations from the 2020 GoShamokin! Plan and identify opportunities to redevelop underutilized properties, strengthen the downtown, and expand economic development opportunities throughout the city.

Community members interested in attending are asked to RSVP by emailing Brittiny Wright at bwright@seda-cog.org.

Additional updates about Shamokin revitalization efforts can be found at goshamokin.com.

About SEDA-COG
SEDA-COG is a community and economic development agency in Lewisburg and is one of seven Local Development Districts in Pennsylvania. SEDA-COG enhances the quality of life and economic advantage for residents and businesses in the 11 central Pennsylvania counties through its vital partnerships and initiatives.