The dynamic behind this transformation is a cooperative spirit among residents, merchants, and volunteer groups. This united effort has created a synergy, and is the driving force behind neighborhood revitalization.

One of the greatest assets to our revitalization effort is a group of teen volunteers known as the J.U.N.E. Project (Jesus Uniting Neighborhoods Everywhere) and also known as Darryl's Army. These kids, who travel a great distance at their own expense, will be coming to our community again this summer. The New Jersey-based group of about 100 teens will be lending their labor and enthusiasm to community projects in the 'Elm Street' district in the City of Pottsville, as well as other areas of Schuylkill County.

During the summer of 2009 the "J.U.N.E. Project" made a positive impact everywhere they focused their efforts. A few of their many accomplishments from last summer included:

• Clearing of debris and initial planting of greenery in the pocket park located in the 500 block of North Centre Street
• Stream clean-up and beautification along the creek walk at the Barefield Recreation Complex
• The "Overlook" Park located between Route 61 and Terry Reiley Way off Nichols Street

Schuylkill Community Action is asking for your assistance to help feed this army of volunteers. These teens travel a long distance, at their own expense, to pitch in and support our revitalization efforts throughout the City and County. To help support the "J.U.N.E Project" effort we would like to provide lunches and dinners for our volunteers, as well as provide them with water, soft drinks, and ice (we are planning cook-outs for dinner). Additionally, we would like to provide transportation within the County for this large group of volunteers.

Monetary contributions or donations of food or refreshments are greatly appreciated. I would like to thank you in advance for any consideration and support of this effort. Please contact me if you can help at 570/ 622-1995 or e-mail me at jfeeser@schuylkillcommunityaction.com.

Click here for the J.U.N.E. Project Contribution Form

The current Elm Street neighborhood consists of North Centre Street from Harrison Street to Peacock Street and then returns to Laurel Boulevard through Terry Reiley Way (formerly Coal Street). Efforts are currently underway seeking approval to extend the Elm Street neighborhood to encompass Nichols Street in its entirety.

Schuylkill Community Action is the implementing agency for the City of Pottsville Elm Street Program offered by the PA Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Downtown Center (PDC).

The "Elm Street" Program was a five-year community revitalization initiative providing the "Elm Street" neighborhood, and residents of the neighborhood, with programming to help improve/enhance the northern gateway to the City of Pottsville. Several individual Programs, under the umbrella of the "Elm Street" Program, have been accomplished through the concerted efforts of the City of Pottsville, neighborhood residents, volunteer groups, and Schuylkill Community Action. Although operational funding ran out in November 2010, Schuylkill Community Action will continue to carry out the administrative functions until the Program has come to fruition.

The following Projects and Programs have been instrumental to the success of the "Elm Street" Program:

• "North Centre Street Sidewalk and Lighting" Project
  The "North Centre Street Sidewalk and Lighting" Project was completed in May 2008. The Project included the replacement of sidewalks and curbing, as well as the installation of street lights and planting of trees on North Centre Street from Laurel Boulevard to Nichols Street. 2,120 square yards of sidewalk were poured and 2,280 linear feet of curbing was replaced. The "North Centre Street Sidewalk and Lighting" Project has made a vast improvement in the appearance of the "Elm Street" neighborhood.
• "North Centre Street Paving" Project
  The "North Centre Street Paving" Project was completed in November 2009. The Project included the paving of the '600' and '700' blocks of North Centre Street which runs from Nichols Street to Terry Reiley Way. Approximately 741 feet of North Centre Street was paved and double yellow traffic lines were painted.
• "Home Renovation Assistance" Program
  A grant program was offered to the residents of the "Elm Street" neighborhood to provide assistance in the renovation of their homes in an effort to eliminate code violations, provide energy efficiency, and install accessibility modifications to households where a disabled person resides. Seven (7) households were assisted with grants ranging up to $15,000 per project.
• "Down Payment Assistance" Program
  The "Down Payment Assistance" Program was a grant program offered to first time homebuyers to provide down payment assistance to purchasers of a home within the "Elm Street" neighborhood. One (1) family was assisted in the purchase of a home.
• "Facade Improvement" Program
  The "Facade Improvement" Program was a 'matching' grant program to assist homeowners and business with exterior repairs to their property. Facade improvements included window and door replacement, porch repairs, replacement retaining walls, sidewalk repair, and other exterior renovations. Five (5) households were assisted with a "Facade Improvement" grant.
• "Northern Gateway" Project
  A derelict gas station was demolished at the corner of North Centre and Nichols Streets fully revealing desolate and deteriorating concrete walls. Through the efforts of a local masonry contractor, Norm Felker, the walls were repaired and parged. A local artist, Martin Braukus, completed the project with a 'Welcome to Pottsville' mural which incorporates well known local icons. This Project has certainly enhanced the northern entrance/gateway to the City of Pottsville by replacing a blighted building with a visually appealing mural.
• "Pocket Park"
  Under construction and still being developed, the "Pocket Park" is located in the 500 block of North Centre Street. The "Pocket Park" was once a row of blighted parcels that included the deteriorated "Going My Way" tavern. The "Pocket Park" is slowly being transformed into a small park/green space with casual seating and a parking area. With demolition complete, stone landscape walls have built; trees, shrubs, and flowers have been planted; mulching has been completed; and the parking area has been paved. Construction will again start in the Spring 2011 with completion of the Park anticipated by the end of summer.
• "Overlook Park"
  Located between Highway 61 and Terry Reiley Way, "Overlook Park" is being developed as a 'natural' green space for hiking, relaxing, and seeing the sites of the City of Pottsville. A once barren plateau, "Overlook Park" provides a panoramic view of the City of Pottsville. Still under development, construction will continue in the Spring of 2011 until its anticipated completion in the fall of the year.