By Mary Ann Klingensmith
Youngwood Councilwoman
Spring 2008
Youngwood Newsletter
Mary Ann Klingensmith
Borough CouncilwomanYou probable know by now that I have begun the process of Youngwood revitalization and I am also working on business development. Everyone that talks to me and myself included mention that we need a grocery store. I know how right you are because I had to drive 6 miles each way for 2 green peppers the other day. Needless to add that I also picked up “things” I may need and didn’t want to make another trip to Shop N Save. Those green peppers cost me $43.27 plus a gallon of gas. I can tell you that a grocery store is being planned for the Millstein development at the south end of town along with several other retail and service businesses. This is going to take some time but it will happen. All good things take time if done properly.
The big question is will Youngwood people support these businesses? I know from past experience that many residents do. Other customers come from areas as far away as Latrobe and Jeannette and many others are employed in the Youngwood area or go to WCCC. Without all of you we could not survive.
Think about this, “Did you shop Stewart’s Grocery when they opened their grocery store?” “When you need a gift, do you go to The Card Shop, The Simple Things, or Logan’s Floral to shop?” “Have you browsed Bayers Pharmacy or Hayden’s Pharmacy for gifts, vitamins, or cosmetics?” “Did you think about buying a large appliance from Racey’s Appliance?“
Here are other suggestions; don’t forget your candy at Sib’s Candy Shop. For just about anything for cleaning, repairing, or sprucing up your homes Adam’s Hardware has just about anything you would need along with small appliances and tools for yourself or for someone else. Lawnmowers, fencing, plants & shrubs can be purchased at Hepler’s Hardware. Cyber Depot has a whole gamete of computers and accessories plus they do repairs. These are our retailers, let’s support them.
As you look around you can see that service businesses sometimes do a little better then just retail because of personal needs. Needs such as banking, gas, lottery tickets, repairs, video rentals, doctors & dentists, medications, food and drinks, hair cuts and hairdos etc., tanning and maybe even a tattoo. We have sit-down eating places such as Nobile’s, Bill’s Bar, and Delaney’s. They all have their specialties and don’t forget Fox’s, Nicky D’s and Shrimpo’s pizza shops for take-out and delivery. These are just a few among many other businesses in town. We may not have it all yet but, we have variety.
I am just trying to point out that we do have retail to offer along with a lot of service oriented businesses. We want to see our neighbors and residents come and patronize us more. There are 6,000 students from WCCC who come through our town along with employees of local businesses and industries plus those just traveling through who do stop. Come in to our businesses and see what your missing and then just imagine what we can be and we will be with everybody’s help and support.
Yes, there is going to be development and there will be change and it will be great for Youngwood to be able to offer something for everyone. Speaking as a business owner, we need your help to keep the businesses that are already here thriving along with all the new businesses. There will be an influx of more visitors for sporting events both local and college, yearly community events, rails-to-trails events, and soon the new reorganized RR Museum and Train Station activities. In addition we also want new residents to move into town with their families to add to our wonderful neighborhoods and help us grow both in number and in community. Go Youngwood!!