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Public Invited to Help Shape Downtown Chambersburg’s Future on April 15

Downtown Chambersburg Inc. (DCI) invites the public to collaborate on shaping the future of downtown Chambersburg by participating in a series of Public Input Meetings on April 15, 2025.

These sessions will help refine a five-year action plan as part of DCI’s pursuit of the Main Street Matters Designation, a program aimed at strengthening downtown revitalization efforts. This designation will provide targeted investment and development opportunities for downtown over the next five years, supporting economic growth, revitalization, and long-term sustainability.

Three public meetings will be held to gather community insights:

  • 8:00 AM – Greater Chambersburg Chamber of Commerce
  • 12:00 PM – Virtual meeting via Zoom (email dci@chambersburg.org for registration link)
  • 6:00 PM – Coyle Free Library, Conservancy Room (Terrace Level)
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Attendees will have the opportunity to:

  • Rate transformative strategies for downtown revitalization.
  • Discuss parking solutions and improvements.
  • Provide input on desired new businesses.
  • Identify downtown strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

Community involvement is essential in guiding DCI’s efforts to revitalize and strengthen the downtown area. Downtown Chambersburg Inc. encourages residents, business owners, and stakeholders to share their insights at these meetings.

The five-year action plan will be a key component of DCI’s application for the Main Street Matters Designation, a program under the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). If awarded, the designation will provide access to targeted investments, funding opportunities, and technical assistance to support downtown growth and sustainability.

For over 30 years, Downtown Chambersburg Inc. has led efforts to enhance the local economy through Main Street America’s Four-Point Approach, focusing on organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality. The Main Street Matters Designation would further support these initiatives, offering benefits such as operational funding, priority access to DCED programs, and eligibility for tax credits under the Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP).

For more details or to register for the virtual meeting, contact Sam Thrush at dci@chambersburg.org.

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Who We Are

The Franklin County Free Press, established by Vicky Taylor in 2019, emerged as a beacon of local journalism for the residents of Franklin County. Under Vicky's leadership, it quickly became an essential source of news, particularly at a time when major newspaper publications were increasingly overlooking local coverage.

On January 1, 2022, the torch was passed to Nathan Neil and his firm, Neil Publishing, LLC. Neil, a local entrepreneur with multiple thriving businesses in Chambersburg, shares Vicky's fervent commitment to both the community and the world of local journalism.

Rooted in the heart of Franklin County and powered by its residents, the Franklin County Free Press continues to bridge the gap, ensuring that the local stories, events, and issues that matter most to the community remain in the spotlight.