Athens Borough Government

Mayor, George Whyte

Athens Borouqh Council

Maria K. Worden, President Paul B. Chacona, Vice-president

John Dougan Joan Carey

Joseph E. Smith Lonnie Stethers Ray Stackhouse

Jonathan P. Foster, Esq., Solicitor

Planninq Commission

Mathew Klinger, Chairperson Barbara Bean

Joseph E. Smith David Wilkinson Vincent Whyte

Joan Carey Margaret Greenwood

William Blauvelt Dianne Campbell

Beverly J. Bleiler, Borough Secretary

Zoninq Hearinq Board

Mary Lou Allen Jeff ery Davenport

Jeffery Callick

Alternates:

Kevin Saxon

Daniel Barrett, Esq., Solicitor

Pat Cahill, ZoninglBuilding Code Officer

i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Cover

Athens Borough Government ..................................................................... i

Acknowledgements .................................................................................. ii

Overall Goals ............................................................................................... iii

Community Assets i-A to v-A ..................................................................................

1. Legal Basis 1-1 to 1-9 ..................................................................................

II. History and Geography .............................................................. 11-1 to 11-11

111. Population ..................................................................................... 111-1 to 111-8

IV. Housing .......................................................................................... IV-1 to IV-8

V. Community Facilities ................................................................. V-1 to V-13

VI. Land Use VI - I toVI -17 ........................................................................................

VII. Transportation ............................................................................. VII-1 to Vll-12

Vlll. Statement of Interrelationships ............................................... v111-1

IX. Implementation Strategies ........................................................ IX-1 to IX-2

MAPS Pages . Between Pages

Athens Borough Wards ................................................................................... 2.1

2.2

2.3

2.4

5.1

5.2

5.3

5.4

5.5

6.a

6.1

6.2

6.3

6.4

6.5

6.6

7.1

7.2

7.3

7.3a

7.4

7.5

Topography ................................................................................... Soils ................................................................................... Wetlands ................................................................................... Floodplain ................................................................................... Community Resources .................................................................... Sewer Lines ................................................................................... Fire Hydrants ................................................................................... Water Lines ................................................................................... Gas Lines ................. U ................................................................ Central Business District ..................................................... Existing Land Use ................................................................... Future Land Use ................................................................... NBANalley Clusters ................................................................... Main Elementary Site ................................................................... Main and ELmira Street Intersection ..................................... Proposed Historic District ................................................... State and Local Roads ................................................................. Circulation Routes ................................................................. Main and Elmira Intersection Improvements .................... Main and Elmira Parcels and Realignment

Sidewalks ............................................................................... Trail Locations ...............................................................................

....................

v-A and 1-1

11-5

11-7

11-8

11-9

V-1 and V-2

V-2 and V-3

V-2 and V-3

V-8 and V-9

V-8 and V-9

v1-3 and v1-4

v1-5 and v1-6

v1-6 and v1-7 v1-8

v1-10

v1-11

v1-16 and v1-17

v11-1 and v11-2

v11-2 and v11-3

v11-3 v11-3

v11-8 and v11-9

Vll-9 and Vll-10

Acknowledgements

The preparation of this Community Comprehensive Plan was financed in part through a Community Development Block Grant administered by the

Bradford County Office of Community Planning and Grants on behalf of the Bradford County Board of Commissioners

John M. Sullivan, Chairman Janet Lewis

Nancy Schrader

Phil Swank, Grants Coordinator

Planning. Consultant

The Bradford County Office of Community Planning and Grants

Staff:

Raymond J. Stolinas Jr., AICP, Planning Director

Jason R. Finnerty, Planner

Brenda Sue Strickland, Administrative Assistant

In tern:

Bryan Coates, Summer, 1998

The Community Comprehensive Plan for Athens Borough exhibits a collaborative effort between local government, county

government and citizens to envision the future of this community as it exhibits vital historic resources, a respect for the surrounding environment and remains a stable, residential

community that supports the “Valley” as a whole. The plan also acts as a resource or inventory that supports action and policy of

the Athens Borough Council.

.. 11

Athens Borough Community Comprehensive Plan

2001

Overall Goals

0 Continue to have the Comprehensive Plan serve as a guide and blueprint for sound land use and growth policy

0 Encourage citizens to continue to play a vital role in the development of the borough and i t s governance

0 Maintain and improve the overall quality of life for all citizens of Athens Borough by:

o Providing for safety, health, and education o Encouraging a stable and enduring economic base o Preserving and conserving the wise use of natural and historical

assets of Athens Borough

0 Maintain the borough’s diverse socioeconomic population base

0 Foster and maintain high quality infrastructure to all Athens Borough residents, businesses and industry

0 Retain the existing Recreation Center as a focal facility and continue to recognize the potential for additional opportunities at the Center

Develop and maintain a system to protect and prevent the borough from enduring catastrophic loss from natural or manmade disasters

0 Develop a Capital Improvements Program for the purchase of capital equipment and necessities

Improve and inventory the business stock in the Central Business District and provide support for downtown management and marketing

... 1ll

Athens Borough

Community Assets

Quick Reference

Government

1. Athens Borough Municipal Building, 2 South River Street 2. US. Postal Service, 301 South Main Street 3. Northern Bradford Authority, 51 1 South Main Street

Fire Protection

1. Diahoga Hose Company No.6, 106 North Main Street 2. Protection Hose Company No.1, 2 South River Street

Schools and Daycare

1. Athens Area High School, Frederick Street 2. His Majesty Christian Academy, 207 Pennsylvania Avenue 3. Diane Gilbert Daycare, 606 Desmond Street 4. Head Start, 11 8 South Main Street 5. Davenport Daycare, 712 North Main Street 6. Lonnie Stethers, Wells Ave. 7. Ramsey Daycare, 2”d and Vanderbilt 8. White Daycare, Ann Street

Libraries and Museums

1. Spalding Memorial Library, 724 South Main Street 2. Tioga Point Museum, 724 South Main Street

Churches

1. Calvary Baptist Church, 701 West Pine Street 2. First Baptist Church, 112 Center Street 3. His Majesty Fetlowship, 207 Pennsylvania Avenue 4. Presbyterian Church, 622 ’/1 South Main Street 5. St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 205 North Main Street 6. Trinity Church, 700 South Main Street 7. Unitarian-Universalist Church of Sheshequin, 122 North Street 8. United Methodist Church, 11 8 South Main Street

i-A

Parks and Recreation

1. Athens Borough Park, 2 South River Street 2. Athens Borough Fireman’s Pavilion, 2 South River Street 3. Athens Little League, 41 1 Third Street 4. Athens Borough Academy Lot, South Main Street 5. Teaoga Square, South Main Street 6. Valley Recreation Center, Satterlee Street

Banks and Finance

1. Citizen’s and Northern Bank, 428 South Main Street 2. Ingersoll-Rand Federal Credit Union, 199 North Main Street 3. M & T Bank, 221 South Main Street

Fraternal and Communitv Orqanizations

1. Athens American Legion, 103 Public Street 2. Masonic Hall Association, 230 South Main Street 3. Athens Business Association 4. Athens Rotary

Health Services

1. American Cancer Society, 41 3 South Main Street 2. Guthrie Clinic, 412 South Main Street (Medical Center) 3. Heritage Nursing Home, 202 South Main Street (Nursing Home) 4. Dr. George Lasco, 400 North Main Street (Dentist) 5. Availabte Office, 41 7 North Main Street (Medical) 6. Reba Associates, 214 South Main Street (Assisted Living Care Home) 7. Or. H. 5. Stoback, 332 South Main Street (Dentist) 8. Northern Tier Counseling, 419 South Main Street 9. Partners in Family and Community Development, 409 South Main Street 10. Dons E. Doheny, D.C., 180 North Elmira Street

Cemeteries, Crematoriums and Funeral Homes

1. Lowery Funeral Home, 225 South Main Street 2. H. MacDonald and Son, 802 North Main Street (Crematorium and Monuments) 3. Riverside Cemetery, South Main Street 4. Tioga Point Cemetery, North Main Street

ii-A

Law Offices

1. Abrams and Agnellino, 51 5 South Main Street 2. Daniel J. Barrett, 610 South Main Street 3. Beirne and Beirne, 309 South Main Street 4. Frances W. Crouse, 222 South Main Street 5. Kocsis Law Office, 180 North Elmira Street 6. Jonathan P. Foster, 407 South Main Street 7. Susan E. Hartley, 320 South Main Street

Antique Shops

1. Kate’s Attic, Wheelock Avenue and Elmira Street

Gasoline and Convenient Stores

1. Acorn Market, 112 North Main Street 2. Dandy Mini-Mart, 21 3 South Main Street 3. Main Street Service Center, 312 North Main Street

Restaurants and Taverns

1. D and R Ice Cream, 402 South Main Street 2. Johnny’s Tavern, 124 Susquehanna Street 3. Marty’s Restaurant, 410 South Main Street 4. Pine Bar, 505 South Main Street 5. Candlelight Lounge, Inc., 506 South Elmira Street

Insurance and Real Estate

1. Gannon Associates, 31 5 South Main Street 2. Steve Novak Real Estate Agency, 11 1 South Main Street 3. Nancy Smith’s Insurance Agency, 120 Susquehanna Street 4. Weaver Nationwide Insurance, 507 West Pine Street

Barber and Beauty Shops

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Dibble Beauty Shop, 122 North Street Hairways Styling Studio, 507 West Pine Street Keith Luther, Images Beauty Shop, 105 Center Street Jack and Jewel Beauty Shop, 11 1 South Elmira Street Laninger’s Beauty Shop, 122 Paine Street Polzella’s Hair Boutique, 109 Susquehanna Street Terrance Powers Beauty Shop, 132 Paine Street Jeanine’s Beauty/Barber Shop-Head to Toe, 203 East Pine Street

iii-A

9. The Klip Joint Hair Studio, 236 South Main Street 10. Get Nailed and Tanned Too, 132A Paine Street

Industry and Manufacturing

1. Horton Electric Motor SeM’ce, 108 ’/2 South Main Street 2. Ingersoll-Rand Company, 101 North Main Street 3. Penn-York Opportunities, 101 South Main Street (Workshop for Handicapped) 4. Wheeler Tool Company, 21 5 Wheelock Ave. 5. Custom Rebuilders, 102 North Elmira Street

Automobile Dealers and Service

1. Second Chance Auto Sales, 504 South Main Street 2. Bostwick’s Body Shop, 109 New Street 3. Croft Ford, Inc., 205 South Main Street 4. Custom Rebuilders, 102 North Elmira Street 5. Ferris Motor Sales, 102 South Main Street 6. Decatur’s Automotive and Used Cars, 106 South Main Street 7. O’Connor Body Shop, 207 North Street 8. Rolling Tire Shop, 307 South Elmira Street 9. Simmons-Rockwell Parts and Service, 203 South Street 10. Jones Custom, Inc., 508 South Elmira Street 11. Joe’s Auto Body, 305 South Elmira Street 12. Eight Ball Auto Detailing and Accessories, 110 South Main Street

Photowaphy and Video

1. B and W Video and Recording Service, 107 Paine Street

Accounting and Tax Preparation Sem’ces

1. Carberry Tax Sem’ce, 127 1/2 North Elmira Street 2. Paul Gilbert, Tax Collector, 606 Desmond Street

Printinq Services

1. Jones Printing, 802 Church Street

iv-A

Dry Cleaning and Laundromats

1. Midtown Cleaners, 100 Susquehanna Street 2. Polzella’s Laundromat, 109 Susquehanna Street

Contractors

1. William A. Cotton (Concrete), 784 South Main Street 2. Beers Builders, 205 Longway Street 3. Kreiser’s General SeM’ces, 702 Desmond Street 4. Richard D. Smith Plumbing and Electrical, 105 South Main Street 5. Havens Contracting, 801 Church Street 6. Sullivan Roofing, 124 Susquehanna Street 7. O.D. Dibble and Son, 120 North Street 8. Jack Soper, 900 South Main Street 9. James Carroll Masonry, 106 West Vanderbilt Street I O . Rosh Plumbing, 401 East Frederick Street 11 % Keysaw’s Plumbing,. 204 East Pine Street

Retail and Service Providers

, 1. Agway Inc., 100 North Main Street 2. Athens Home Center, 104 South Main Street 3. Jay Carpet Center, 314 South Main Street 4. Jay Furniture, 227 South Main Street 5. Mary Ann Northrup (Ma’s Quilts), 104 Paine Street 6. Memories Bridal Shop and Kreations by Kelly, 326 South Main Street 7. North’s Jewelers, 218 South Main Street 8. Seals, Inc. /Seals Rental Center, 116 Walnut Street 9. Tropical Pet Paradise, 409-41 1 South Main Street 10.91 1 Earth, 404 North Main Street 11. Twin Tier Travel Center, 124 Maple Street 12. Rolling Tire, South Elmira Street

V-A

Drv Cleaningi and Laundromats

1. Midtown Cleaners, 100 Susquehanna Street 2. Polzella’s Laundromat, 109 Susquehanna Street

Contractors

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10

William A. Cotton (Concrete), 784 South Main Street Beers Builders, 205 Longway Street Kreiser’s General Services, 702 Desmond Street Richard D. Smith Plumbing and Electrical, 105 South Main Street Havens Contracting, 801 Church Street Sullivan Roofing, 124 Susquehanna Street O.D. Dibble and Son, 120 North Street Jack Soper, 900 South Main Street James Carroll Masonry, 106 West Vanderbilt Street Rosh Plumbing, 401 East Frederick Street 1.

11. Keysaw’s Plumbing, 204 East Pine Street

Retail and Service Providers

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9.

Agway Inc., 100 North Main Street Athens Home Center, 104 South Main Street Jay Carpet Center, 314 South Main Street Jay Furniture, 227 South Main Street Mary Ann Northrup (Ma’s Quilts), 104 Paine Street Memories Bridal Shop and Kreations by Kelly, 326 South Main Street North’s Jewelers, 218 South Main Street Seals, Inc. /Seals Rental Center, 116 Walnut Street Tropical Pet Paradise, 409-41 1 South Main Street

10.91 1’ Earth, 404 North Main Street 1 1. Twin Tier Travel Center, 124 Maple Street 12. Rolling Tire, South Elmira Street

V-A

1. Legal Basis for Planning in Pennsylvania and Abstract of the Athens Borough Community Comprehensive Plan

The Municipalities Planning Code - Act 247 (As Amended in Act 67 & 68 of 2000)

In Pennsylvania, the adoption of planning elements such as the Official Map,

Subdivision and Land Development Administration, Zoning, Capital Improvements

Programming, Planned Residential Development, Traditional Neighborhood

Development and even the Comprehensive Plan are not mandatory under the

Municipalities Planning Code (MPC). These planning elements or tools are strictly

voluntary programs that municipalities adopt as part of an overall planning agenda, if

they so choose.

One fundamental element or “tool” that municipalities can adopt in the initial stages

of a planning program i s the Comprehensive Plan. Comprehensive Plans are not

municipal laws, however, they are a set of policy measures for guiding future growth

and development in a municipality. The plan provides borough officials with a

“blueprint” of how residents, businesses and industry envision their community’s

future. The “visioning” process can be simple as a public meeting or contain several

group discussions focusing on the development of a community vision or vision

statement. This, again, i s not mandatory under the “MPC” or any other planning

related statute, however, it allows the community and i t s citizens to participate in a

bottom-up, instead of a top-down approach in municipal planning.

A community that ultimately adopts a Comprehensive Community Plan and adheres to

i t s policy wil l benefit greatly when issues and problems arise that relate to local

planning. This engages the planned community to assume a proactive stance in such a

situation, as opposed to a reactive stance in an unplanned community.

The Comprehensive Plan i s not a panacea for every community issue or problem.

Nevertheless, it can provide guidance for municipal elected officials and consistency

among municipal initiatives and activities that cross municipal boundaries. One of the

I- 1

cornerstones of the Comprehensive Plan process involves the development of Overall

Community Development Goals and Objectives. The Goals act as a “wish l ist” for the

community to consider to improve or enhance the community. A may be: To

provide municipal parks in walking distance of every resident. This can be a very

daunting task for any municipality, but the goal does not have to be met overnight.

On the other hand, Objectives tel l us how the community can achieve the long-term or

short-term Goal. An example that follows the previously mentioned Goal may be: 1.

Produce an inventory of open space land in the municipality and determine the

availability of such land for park development. 2. Prioritize potential open land

considering proximity to schools, residences and linkages such as trails. In other

words, the Objectives set a community in the right path towards fulfilling their Goals.

Some may feel that Goals and Objectives are just wishes and simply that, nonetheless,

they do provide a basis for pursuing projects and sound development within the

community.

Another important part to the Community Comprehensive Plan includes mapping and

data collection. For the most part, this task can be done simultaneously with the

public input process. A borough planning commission can collect a myriad of data and

mapping resources with available GIS (Geographic Information System) technology and

the Internet. County and Regional Planning Agencies usually retain a vast majority of

the data needed to complete the Comprehensive Plan that may include current census

data, wetlands and floodplain locations, parcel data and the like. This phase of the

process i s not just a scavenger hunt for data, but it does allow the community to

collect as much information as possible to ascertain growth trends, available housing

stock, existing and future land use projections and transportation/pedestrian

priori ties.

In Pennsylvania, the Community Comprehensive Plan should contain the basic

components illustrated under Article 111 Section 301 of the MPC:

1. A statement of objectives of the municipality concerning i t s future

development, including, but not limited to, the location, character and timing

of future development, that may also serve as a statement of community

development objectives (as provided in Section 606, MPC).

1-2

2. 'A plan for land use, which may include provisions for the amount, intensity,

character and timing of land use proposed for residence, industry, business,

agriculture, major traffic and transit facilities, utilities, community facilities,

public grounds, parks and recreation, preservation of Prime Agricultural Land,

floodplains and other areas of special hazards and other similar uses.

2.1 A plan to meet housing needs of present residents and of those individuals and

families anticipated to reside in the municipality, which may include the

conservation of presently sound housing, rehabilitation of housing in declining

neighborhoods and the accommodation of expected new housing in different

dwelling types and at appropriate densities for households of all income levels.

3.

4.

A plan for movement of people and goods, which may include expressways,

highways, local street systems, parking facilities, pedestrian and bikeway

systems, public transit routes, terminals, airfields, port facilities, railroad

facilities and other similar facilities or uses.

A plan for community facilities and utilities, which may include public and

private education, recreation, municipal buildings, fire and police stations,

libraries, hospitals, water supply and distribution, sewerage and waste

treatment, solid waste management, storm drainage and flood management,

utility corridors and associated facilities, and other similar facilities and uses.

4.1 A statement of the interrelationships among the various plan components

which may include an estimate of the environmental, energy conservation,

fiscal, economic development and social consequences on the municipality.

4.2 A discussion of short- and long-range plan implementation strategies, which

may include implications for capital improvements programming, new or

updated development regulations, and identification of public funds potentially

available.

1-3

5. A statement indicating that the existing and proposed development of the

municipality i s compatible with the existing and proposed development and

plans in contiguous portions of neighboring municipalities, or a statement

indicating measures which have been taken to provide buffers or other

transitional devices between disparate uses, and a statement indicating that

the existing and proposed development of the municipality i s generally

consistent with the objectives and plans of the county comprehensive plan.

6. A plan for the protection of natural and historic resources to the extent not

preempted by Federal or State law. This clause includes, but i s not limited to:

wetlands and aquifer recharge zones, woodlands, steep slopes, prime

agricultural land flood plains, unique natural areas and historic sites. The plan

shall be consistent with and may not exceed those requirements imposed under

the following:

Act of June 22, 1937 (P.L. 187, No. 394), known as “The Clean Streams

Law”;

Act of May 31, 1945 (P.L. 1198, No. 418), known as the “Surface Mining

Conservation and Reclamation Act”;

Act of April 27, 1966 (1‘Sp. Sess., P.L. 31, No.l), known as “The

Bituminous Mine Subsidence and Land Conservation Act”;

Act of September 24, 1968 (P. L. 1040, No. 31 8), known as “The Coal Refuse

Disposal Control Act”;

Act of December 19, 1984 (P.L. 1140, No. 223), known as “The Oi l and Gas

Act ”; Act of December 19, 1984 (P.L. 1093, No. 219), known as “The Nocona

Surface Mining Conservation and Reclamation Act”;

Act of June 30, 1981 (P.L. 128, No. 43), known as “The Agricultural Area

Security Law”;

Act of June 10, 1982 (P.L. 454, No. 133), entitled “An Act protecting

agricultural operations from nuisance suites and ordinances under certain

circumstances”; and

Act of May 20, 1993 (P.L. 12, No. 6), known as “The Nutrient Management

Act”, regardless of any agricultural operation within the area to be affected

1-4

by the plan i s a concentrated agricultural operation as defined under the

act.

7. In addition to any other requirements of the act, a county comprehensive plan

shall:

(i) Identify land uses as they relate to important natural resources and

appropriate utilization of existing minerals.

(ii) Identify current and proposed land uses which have a regional impact and

significance, such as large shopping centers, major industrial parks, mines

and related activities, office parks, storage facilities, large residential

developments, regional entertainment and recreationaI complexes,

hospitals, airports and port facilities.

(iii) Identify a plan for the preservation and enhancement of prime agricultural

land and encourage the compatibility of land use regulation with existing

agricultural operations.

(iv) Identify a plan for historic preservation.

The comprehensive plan shall include a plan for the reliable supply of water,

considering current and future water resource availability, uses and limitations,

including provisions adequate to protect water supply resources. Any such plan shall

be generally consistent with the State Water Plan and any applicable water resources

plan adopted by a river basin commission. It shall also contain a statement

recognizing that:

Lawful activities such US extraction of minerals impact water supply sources

and such activities are Qoverned by statutes regulating mineral extraction that

specify replacement and restoration of water supplies affected by such

activities.

1-5

The municipal or multimunicipal comprehensive plan shall be reviewed at least every

ten years. The municipal or multimunicipal plan shall be sent to the governing bodies

of contiguous municipalities for review and comment and shall also be sent to the

Center for Local Government Services for informational purposes. The municipal or

multimunicipal comprehensive plan shall also be sent to the county planning

commissions, or upon request of a county planning commission, a regional planning

commission when the comprehensive plan i s updated or at ten year intervals,

whichever comes first, for review and comment on whether the municipal or

multimunicipal comprehensive plan remains generally consistent with the county

comprehensive plan and to indicate where the local plan may deviate from the county

comprehensive plan.

The municipal, multimunicipal or county comprehensive plan may identify those areas

where growth and development wil l occur so that a full range of public infrastructure

services, including sewer, water, highways, police and fire protection, public schools,

parks, open space and other services can be adequately planned and provided as

needed to accommodate growth.

Athens Borough may adopt and amend the comprehensive plan as a whole or in part.

Before adopting or amending the comprehensive plan or any part thereof, the Athens

Borough Planning Commission shall hold at least one public meeting before forwarding

the proposed comprehensive plan or amendment thereof to the Athens Borough

Council. In reviewing the proposed comprehensive plan, the Council shall consider the

comments of the county, contiguous municipalities and school district, as well as the

public meeting comments and the recommendations of the Athens Borough Planning

Commission. The comments from the county, contiguous municipalities and the local

school district shall be made to the Athens Borough Council within 45 days of receipt

by the Council, and the proposed plan or amendment thereto shall not be acted upon

until such comment i s received. If, however, the contiguous municipalities and the

local school district fail to respond within 45 days, the Athens Borough Council may

proceed without their comments.

Athens Borough Council shall hold at least one public hearing pursuant to public notice. If, after the public hearing held on the proposed plan or amendment to the

1-6

plan, the proposed plan or proposed amendment thereto i s substantially revised, the

Athens Borough Council shall hold another public hearing, pursuant to public notice,

before proceeding to vote on the plan or amendment thereto.

The adoption of the comprehensive plan, or any part thereof, or any amendment

thereto, shall be by resolution carried by the affirmative votes of not less than a

majority of all the members of the Athens Borough Council. The resolution shall refer

expressly to the maps, charts, textual matter and other matters intended to form the

whole or part of the plan, and the action shall be recorded on the adopted plan or

part.

Any subsequent proposed action of Athens Borough Council, i t s departments, agencies

and appointed authorities shall be submitted to the Athens Borough Planning

Commission for i t s recommendations when the proposed action related to:

(1 ) the location, opening, vacation, extension, widening, narrowing, or

enlargement of any street, public ground, pierhead or watercourse.

(2) the location, erection, demolition, removal or sale of any public

structure located within Athens Borough; or

(3) the adoption, amendment or repeal of an official map, subdivision and

land development ordinance, zoning ordinance or provisions for planned

residential development, or capital improvements program; or

(4) the construction, extension or abandonment of any waterline, sewer

line or sewage treatment facility.

The recommendations of the Athens Borough Planning Commission including a specific

statement as to whether or not the proposed action i s in accordance with the

objectives of the formally adopted comprehensive plan shall be made in writing to the

Athens Borough Council within 45 days.

1-7

The Comprehensive Plan is a living document that wil l ultimately provide Athens

Borough Government with both a short- and long-term implementation strategy for

various projects that relate to community development. The Municipalities Planning

Code i s a State guide that assists the municipality in formulating a document that i s

consistent with state regulations and the county comprehensive plan.

Throughout the following chapters, you, the reader, wil l learn more about Athens’s

community resources, character, i t s past and goals the community has set for itself to

progress within the next five to ten years. Some of the goals may seem far-reaching,

however, it i s the intent of this plan to strive for community betterment and provide a

template for guiding Athens’s future.

Please keep in mind that many volunteer hours have been dedicated to this effort.

The Athens Borough Planning Commission spent numerous hours developing this

document and learning more about what municipal comprehensive planning entails in

Pennsylvania. In addition, the citizens of Athens Borough should be commended for

the time and dedication they offered during the community survey and the

community-visioning meeting.

Athens Borough Government proactively established and adopted comprehensive plans

in 1975 and 1990 (Revision) with the assistance of regional and county planning

agencies. Both documents outline basic elements, or components, and generally

follow the minimum requirements set forth currently in the Pennsylvania

Municipalities Planning Code. Overall, both plans illustrate the borough’s rich history,

i t s demographic and housing patterns, the presence of various community resources

such as parks, libraries, museums and public areas and plans for public facilities and

infrastructure. As stated earlier, these documents have been adopted as living policy

statements for the elected borough officials to understand and follow in the decision-

making process.

The Athens Borough Comprehensive Plans differ from typical municipal comprehensive

plans, in that, a typical plan may outline measures for regulating growth and

development into outlying, undevelopable areas of land that potentially can be

provided sewer or water services. A typical plan may also identify suggested locations

1-8

for a new highway or road that coincides with these other service improvements.

However, this i s not the case for Athens Borough since most of the borough has

developed into mostly residential neighborhoods, a central business district and a

minor industrial area. The borough does not contain vacant land for expansion of

services or development. Instead of covering these issues, you will see throughout this

new plan that the borough would like to retain its unique character as a “Valley”

Community by stressing i t s quaintness, historic past, public centerpieces, architecture

and vibrant downtown. A l l of these considerations mold the character of Athens

Borough and communicate a distinctive image that allows the borough to set itself

apart from other communities, yet retaining a “Valley” identity.

View from the Athens Borough Central Business District towards the Athens River Bridge over the Susquehanna River.

-

Overall, this revised Community Comprehensive Plan for Athens Borough will provide

you with detailed accounts of trends and forces that shape this community. It wil l

also attempt to touch upon how Athens Borough f i t s within the “Valley” region and

Bradford County.

1-9

II. Athens Borough History and Geography

A Brief Overview

HISTORY

The Anglo-American history of Athens Borough begins in the late 1700’s after military

forces pushed Native American populations northward. Prior to the 1700’s, Native

American populations flourished in the Susquehanna and Chemung River basins as

Susquehannock, Cayuga and Iroquois settlements existed within the fertile floodplains.

The area that i s currently known as Athens was once the site of a Cayuga Indian

stronghold known as Teaoga Diahoga. This Native American village prospered for over

a century and was known to be one of the most strategic in the state. During the

French and Indian War of 1754-1767, Teaoga Diahoga was the assembly point for the

two armies of Sullivan and Clinton that devastated the northern frontier of

Pennsylvania.

The Sullivan-Clinton campaign in 1779 against the Iroquois Indians and their allies, the

British was one of the major campaigns of the Revolutionary War. This group of

Iroquois, British and Loyalists were terrorizing the northern frontier with raids at

Cherry Valley, New York and Wyoming, Pennsylvania that sent shockwaves throughout

the country. General George Washington ordered an expedition into the Native

American lands and realized it would be necessary for the Colonies to move their

armies as far westward as possible to stake a claim for this territory when the war

concluded.

General Washington developed a plan that called for a three-way invasion of Iroquois

Territory. One force would start at Easton, PA and move northward to Wyoming, PA

then up the Susquehanna River to T iqa Point (Teaoga Diahoga). The second force

would leave Albany, NY; proceed westward along the Mohawk River, and then South

along the Susquehanna River to join the main army at Tioga Point. A third force would

leave Fort P i t t (Now Pittsburgh) and proceed north to Geneseo, NY where they would

join the other two forces. General Sullivan was appointed to head the army coming

11- 1

from Easton. His forces marched into Wyoming where they gathered troops and

supplies for their trip up the North Branch of the Susquehanna River. The artillery and

heavy supplies were loaded onto 214 boats to be poled up the river. Remaining

supplies were loaded onto 1,200 packhorses and, with the army, formed a line six

miles long. Native Americans watched this line of soldiers move ever so slowly

through the countryside and called it the ”Long Blue Snake”. When the army reached

Tioga Point, they erected a fort on the spot where the Susquehanna and Chemung

Rivers were about 100 yards apart. The placement of the fort, Fort Sullivan, gave an

excellent view of both rivers.

General James Clinton left Schenectady, NY with 212 boats built especially for the

campaign. They moved up the Mohawk to Canajoharie where they took the boats out

of the water, loaded them onto wagons and carried them to Otsego Lake that is the

headwaters of the Susquehanna River. Clinton’s forces then built a dam near

Cooperstown at the outlet of the lake to raise the water downstream. An army of

1,500 soldiers moved downstream destroying Native American settlements along the

way. They met a group from Sullivan’s army at Union (now Endicott) and moved down

to Fort Sullivan. This gave the force 5,000 colonial soldiers that was about 1 / 3 of the

total Colonial army.

On August 26, 1779, the combined forces left Fort Sullivan and moved up the Chemung

River toward Newtown (now Lowman, NY). The enemy forces set up a line of defense

to surprise the colonial army. Sullivan’s scout had been notified that some of their

camouflage had begin to wear down and reported it to General Sullivan who made his

battle plan dealing with this information. He sent Colonel Ogden to the far left and

Generals Clinton and Poor to the right. Colonel Proctor’s artillery was moved to

within thirty yards of the enemy front. It was a hotly contested battle, but,

eventually, the heavy artillery had an effect on the combined Indian and Tory forces

and they retreated. It was a victory for the colonists as over 7,000 men had been

involved with this battle, a key battle in the Revolutionary War. Only 3 of Sullivan’s

men were killed and the wounded were sent back to Fort Sullivan.

After waiting for the army from Pittsburgh to show, Sullivan decided not to attack Fort

Niagara due to his ailing men and lack of equipment. The army split with Clinton’s

11-2

forces heading back to Albany, NY and Sullivan retreated to Elmira, NY where they

built Fort Reed. Sullivan’s packhorses were in bad shape and he did not have room or

food to take care of them. As a result, most were killed and buried so any lingering

Native Americans could not use them for food. This i s where the name of Horseheads,

NY came into being. Later, both Fort Reed and Sullivan were destroyed as the army

returned to Wyoming and the Sullivan-Clinton Expedition was over. Resistance was

weakened and this territory had been opened up for settlement.

In 1773, a deputy surveyor of the state made surveys and laid warrants on the

following: all the level lands lying directly east of the village. The remainder of the

lands in the township east of the river was embraced wholly in what was known as the

LeRoy and Asylum Company Lands. In 1784, Matthias Hollenback of Wilkes-Barre

opened a store on the Tioga Point as settlers began to accumulate. It was not until

1786 that he erected a large storehouse, known as the Hollenback House, a warehouse

and dock (on the lot which he afterwards drew the corner of the public square). In

addition, Tioga Point was laid out by a surveyor in 1786 and, in 1801, it was renamed

Athens due to its geographic and topographic similarities with the ancient Greek city

of Athens (the peninsula with partially encircling hills). Athens Borough was

incorporated by an act of assembly approved on March 29, 1831 as it was officially

named an incorporated borough. Originally, borough government consisted of one

burgess, a town council of six members and one high constable.

In 1798, the village of Athens was described in the American Gazetteer, as “a place

containing as yet but few houses, but i s promising to be a place of importance”.

Again, in 1842, a visitor described Athens as “Now, one of the pleasantest villages in

Pennsylvania, extends across an isthmus between the Tioga and Susquehanna Rivers,

about two miles above their confluence. Above and below the town the land widens

out into meadows of surprising fertility. The long main street of the village runs

lengthwise of the isthmus, and i s adorned by delightful residences and verdant shades

of shrubbery.”

In 1840, the town had a population of 435, by 1850 it increased to 706 and by 1870 the

population continued to increase to a total of 965. In 1880, the population jumped to

1,592 and, again, continued to grow due to peak employment periods for the Athens

11-3

Bridge Works. By 1890 the population was at an all time high of 3,274 and by 1920,

the population reached 4,400.

Athens Borough consists of 1.7 square miles of land, or 1,070 acres. It also contains

12.9 miles of streets.

As one can attest, the rich history of Athens played a vital role in our country’s birth

and the demise of the Native Americans. This rich history, for the most part, has been

preserved through local architecture and through monuments and buildings that have

stood the test of time. The Protection of the Flag Monument, Spaulding Memorial

Library and the Tioga Point Museum are all examples of historic resources that tell the

story of Athens.

History plays a vital role in Comprehensive Planning as it lays out a path that was once

taken and altows us to consider continuing the path or diverting from it to pursue

other opportunities that may or may not be conducive to the environment or

landscape. Most importantly, we need to analyze our past so that we do not repeat

mistakes that could have been avoided. Within this particular plan, we anticipate that

Athens Borough leaden and its planning commission recognize the value of historic

preservation and assist them in promoting the vestiges of i t s past. Also using the

history of Athens as a promotional tool to guide the community towards attracting

residents, businesses and consumers.

GEOGRAPHY

The Borough of Athens is situated in what is better known as the “Valley”, comprised

of four communities: Athens Township, Athens Borough, Sayre Borough and South

Waverly Borough. For the purpose of this Pennsylvania Planning document, we

excluded Waverly, NY and the Town of Barton.

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Map 2.1 - Tomraphy

The borough communities are situated on ground between the Chemung and

Susquehanna Rivers as both rivers enter Pennsylvania from the North. Athens

Township surrounds both the rivers and the boroughs to the east and west. Athens

Borough is situated as the southern most “isthmus of land” wedged between the

Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers. The Chemung River borders Athens Borough to the

west, and the Susquehanna River borders the borough to the east. Topographically

speaking (see Map 2.1 - Topography), the borough is fairly flat and retains a low

elevation of approximately 740’ above sea level, A majority of the northern portion of

the borough i s developed with moderately dense neighborhoods, central business

district and industrial area. The lower portion of the borough, what one can refer to

as the “isthmus” contains what i s known to be Queen Esther Flats and culminates at

Tioga Point where the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers merse. These flats contain

11-5

very fertile soil and have been under the influence of flooding since the retreat of the

last glacier. Two large islands lie just east of the borough within the Susquehanna

River, known as Harris Island and Paines Island. As you may observe in other

components of this plan, you will come to find that the rivers have played a major role

in the development of the borough and their emergency preparedness.

The climate of Athens Borough is typical of the mid-continental regime where there

are extremes in both the winter and summer months. Athens Borough is under the

influence of the westerlies and i s usually affected by cold, dry air coming out of

Canada and warm, tropical air from the gulf of Mexico. In other words, the area is

constantly under the influence of battling warm and cold fronts throughout the year.

On the average, precipitation falls within 37 to 40 inches annually, with wet weather

usually occurring in the spring, early summer and drier weather in winter and late

summer. The annual mean temperature for Athens Borough is approximately 48.7”F

and the seasonal means equal 25.4” in January and 70.6” in July. Overall, there i s a

clear distinction between all four seasons within this region of northern Bradford

County.

The Soil Survey of Bradford and Sullivan Counties of Pennsylvania reveal that a

majority of Athens Borough contains Alton gravelly s i l t loam (AgB), which is well

drained, somewhat excessively well drained that i s usually found next to major

streams in Bradford County. In addition, much of the lower “isthmus” consists of both

Pope (Po) and a smaller area of Udifluvents (Uc). The Pope soils are almost always

found on nearly level ground adjacent to a large stream channel and usually flooded.

The Pope soils are also well drained as opposed to the Udifluvents that are somewhat

poorly drained to excessively drained. The Pope soils are the most suitable soil for

cultivated crops as the “isthmus” area i s currently used for agricultural purposes.

A public sewer and water system exists within Athens Borough so there i s no need to

categorize these soils as usable for on-site septic management. However, it i s

important to note that the Alton soils were once used for that purpose and possibly

contributed to groundwater con tamination.

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Map 2.2 - Soils

Athens Borough i s not devoid of wetlands, however, it is noted that most of the

wetland classifications are found adjacent to both sides of the borough limits due to

the influence of both the Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers. There are several

Riverine and Palustrine subclasses of wetlands on the banks of both rivers. No

substantial wetlands have been identified in the developed areas of the borough. The

only area of the borough that may also be affected by the presence of Palustn'ne

subclass wetlands would be in the agricultural areas within the flats.

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Map 2.3 - Wetlands

Map 2.4 illustrates the areas of Athens Borough that are inundated during either a 100-

year or 500-year storm event from both the Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers. The

most devastating storm event that influenced Athens Borough happened in 1972 as a

result of Tropical Storm Agnes. Records indicate that a peak flood crests of 767.0’

occurred 550’ upstream from Satterlee Street and 766.5’ occurred on the downstream

side of the Susquehanna River Bridge. After Agnes, the Borough successfully received

permission to raise the levee on the Susquehanna River 3 to 4 feet. Earthen dikes

were also placed along the Chemung River boundaries to add protection to the

borough. This alone does not solely protect the Borough and other “Valley”

communities. Four existing upstream dams contribute to this protection, they

11-8

include: Arkport Dam on the Canisteo River and Almong Lake on Canacadea Creek

which provides protection for the Chemung River, Whitney Point Lake on the Otselic

River and East Sydney Lake on the Ouleout Creek that provides protection for the

Susquehanna River. Additionally, the Tioga-Hammond and Cowenesque Dams provide

protection on the Chemung River. With this in mind, borough officials have considered

approaching the Federal Emergency Management Agency to consider a flood map

change. This approach may be an objective listed later in this document.

11-9

Moreover, Athens Borough continues to be considered a flood-prone municipality,

which retains a detailed flood insurance study, flood insurance rate map, flood

boundary and floodway maps. Included with these tools, the municipality also retains floodplain regulations that assist the municipality in deterring an increase in one

hundred year flood levels from future development. Most of the time, new

development within the floodplain must be elevated above the one hundred year flood

level or flood proofed according to the ordinance criteria. Floodplain management

regulations are codes and ordinances that have been adopted by a municipality to

provide standards for use and development. These regulations can be included in

zoning ordinances, subdivision/land development ordinances, building codes or special

floodplain management ordinances. Municipalities are eligible to receive 50%

reimbursement from the Department of Community and Economic Development for

the enforcement of such regulations by whatever means. The Floodplain Management

Act, Act 166, requires municipalities to: participate in the National Flood Insurance

Program, adopt appropriate regulations that at a minimum meet program standards,

comply with Department of Community and Economic Development Standards and

issue Special Permits or Exceptions for Obstructions posing Special Hazards.

Flooding from both the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers has ultimately shaped the

way the “Valley” communities developed over time. In Athens, the community has

grown to respect the rivers with full knowledge of what they can do during an intense

storm event. Much of the more dense residential and commercial development that

occurred in Athens located within the upper interior of the borough and the fringes

and lower “isthmus” have been reserved as riverbank and fertile agricultural land.

Borough officials and residents recognize that the rivers have set limitations on

development and any future expansion or annexation. However, we must look further

than the obstacles the rivers may bestow onto this community. The rivers are also

environmental assets that enhance the community’s image and provide recreational

opportunities to residents and non-residents.

In sum, the geography of Athens Borough i s unique, in that, two rivers that dictate

activity and future development within i t s boundaries surround it. Within the borough

boundaries itself, there lies a thriving community with quiet residential

neighborhoods, a centrally located business district, an industrial complex and

11-10

potential for expansion of existing recreational facilities. The borough also retains a

number of structures that may be considered historic and may contribute to a future

historic district. As this plan i s being written, students from Cornell University have

begun to compile information that may contribute to a historic district designation.

The borough of Athens has not changed much since the days it was first settled and

continues to retain i ts own unique historic character and diversity.

A view of Tioga Point, the southern most point of Athens Borough, where the Chemung and Susquehanna Rivers converge.

11-1 1

111. Population and Demographics

Within the framework of any community comprehensive plan, one can observe the

most basic and fundamental approach towards measuring community growth, which i s

through the population component. The population component outlines overall

population growth or decline, comparison with surrounding municipalities, age and

racial distribution, gender-specific population distribution and the like. We can also

compare local trends with national trends and examine similarities with one another.

For the most part, from 1930 to 1960, Athens Borough grew in population by +3.27%

and began to fall thereafter from 1960 to 2000 for a decrease of -24.36%. The

following graph illustrates these statistics:

With these statistics in mind, the next graph will illustrate both the Athens Borough

total population and adjacent municipal totals:

111- 1

3.2 Total Population of Valley Communities 1930 - 2000

8750

7750

6750

5 5750 n

4750

3750

2750

1750

750

C 0 .- 3

I930 1940 6958 1960 4970 1980 1990 2000 Census Yeas

One trend that i s fairly obvious i s that all the boroughs lost population over the past

thirty years and Athens Township gained a significant population increase from 1980 to

2000. This trend i s not surprising, in that, across the Bradford County, all borough

populations have decreased over the past 20-30 years and outlying townships are

gaining in population. What explains this trend? Several factors account for this trend

as they include:

a

a

a

e

Age of Housing (Older in the boroughs than in the townships)

Perceived tax incentive (Less services within the townships than

the boroughs, Clean and Green Preferential Tax Assessment)

People’s desire to live and work on more acreage in rural

townships versus the smaller lot sizes established in the boroughs

Lack of Land Use Regulations in Townships

111-2

People’s appreciation for living near woodland, open space and a

setting to perform outdoor recreation activities

Moreover, the overall population trends of the “Valley” communities over the past

seventy years exhibit national populations trends that occurred within this period. For

example, after World War I t , population increased in many cities and municipalities as

a result of men coming home from the war and raising families. The “Baby Boom’’

began at this time and continued into the late 1940s and 1950s. The economy grew

stronger with industrial shifting from manufacturing-oriented jobs into more service-

oriented positions. With this situation as it was, and as families grew larger, the inner

cities and urban areas became less attractive than the suburban developments that

were closer to the service-oriented businesses. From the 1960s onward, we find that

trend to continue as suburban development has continued to sprawl outside our major

metropolitan areas. The same seems to hold true here in the Northern Tier of

Pennsylvania where we have seen a shift in populations increasing in the rural outlying

townships and losing strength in the developed borough settings. The previous graph

exemplifies this exact point. This trend was mainly brought about by the widespread

introduction of automobiles, declining family size and the elimination of the railroad.

Pedestrian oriented municipalities such as Athens Borough were highly affected by this

transformation and continue to slowly rebound from this change.

Although Athens Borough experienced a 24 % population loss since 1960, population

has somewhat stabilized within the last twenty years. The next segment of the

population component wil l further break the population down into gender and race

categories so that you may fully understand the population composition of Athens

Borough and derive some assumptions about i t s future populations.

The following graph illustrates the Athens Borough Population as it i s distributed by

age comparing both the 1990 and 2000 Census totals:

111-3

u

02000Total

01990Total

3.3 Total Population by Age

85 and Over

Under5 5 to9 10to14 15to19 20to24 25to34 35 to44 45to54 55to59 60to64 65to74 75to84

216 218 241 249 168 400 501 436 169 146 280 263 128

207 263 282 203 181 475 500 326 122 135 359 288 127

85 and Over

75 to a4

65 to 74

60 to 64

55 to 59

45 to 54

35 to 44

25 to 34

Graph 3.3 in this section illustrates an interesting comparison of Age Cohorts from

both the 1990 and 2000 Census. The data susgests that the population of Athens

Borough i s getting older, as a majority of the population in 2000, almost 40% of the

total population, range in age from 25 to 54. The population of 24 and under consists

of 32% of the total population and 55 and over make up 29% of the total population.

These latter cohorts wil l ultimately increase within the next decade demonstrating an

even older population. Also, Median Age reached 39.4 years in Athens Borough 2000

Census figures as opposed to the following "Valley" municipalities: Athens Twp.: 39.5,

Sayre Borough: 38.9 and South Waverly Borough: 44.1 years.

A second pattern that emerges in Graph 3.3 lies within the cohorts of 0 to 14. This

accounts for approximately 19% of the total 2000 population, as opposed to the aging

I114

population observed in the 25 to 54 age cohorts. Younger people are not replacing the

older population equally, and, within the next ten to twenty years this same trend

continues, a majority of the population wil l be aging. This may pose certain demands

on Athens Borough, as an older population wil l require different needs and possibly

different services than accommodating a younger population. instead of thinking

about expanding schools, the borough may want to investigate the establishment of a Senior Center.

The next chart illustrates the total number of males and females within the borough

over the past two Census periods:

3.4 Athens Borough Total Population by Gender

1990 2000

Census Years

Females have consistently outnumbered males by approximately 451 in 1990 and 391

in 2 0 0 . However, analysis of gender and age cohort may reveal patterns of where the

female population may be distributed more prominently. The following chart, 3.5,

illustrates a “population pyramid” that shows total population by age cohort and

gender. Unfortunately, at the time this plan was written, Census 2000 figures were

not avaitable to compare with 1990 data. We can make some assumptions from the

1990 data.

rII-5

3.5 Athens Borough Population Pyramid (1990)

e 0 c s 2 Q,

1

13

Population

The population pyramid divides both male and female genders by age cohort. The

pyramid provides a profile of total population by both gender and age. The data

illustrated in the 1990 Population Pyramid dogs not actually contain negative numbers

for male cohorts. The data is input as negative figures to compare each cohort by

gender. For example, the 5 to 9 cohort illustrates that there are 139 females and 125

males, an even distribution of both genders within that particwlar cohort. There i s a significant difference of male to females in several cohorts, in particular, the cohorts

from 50 to 85 and over. In 1990, Athens Borough retained a Large population of older

women as compared to men with these cohorts, approximately 375 more women than

men in these cohorts. Considering the previous chart 3.4, we can assume that

population has not changed significantly and older women dominate the population

pyramid. What has caused this trend? One explanation may be the number of elderly

housing facilities within Athens: Page Manor (100 Units), Chemung View (100 Units)

and Heritage Nursing Home (120-130 units). Twin Rivers (80 Units) i s a federally

subsidized housing complex for low-to moderate-income families. A majority of

residents within the elderly housing facilities must be female within these cohorts.

Race data for Athens Borough and a majority of Bradford County heavily favors a

white, Anglo-Saxon population. However, there i s some racial diversity present within

the “Valley” communities as represented within the following chart. The following

chart compares 1990 racial data with 2000 data without white population figures.

3.6 Athens Borough Racial Population Change

1980 1990 2000

Census Years

Throughout these periods, white population decreased from 3,592 in 1980, 3,421 in

1990 and 3,341 in 2000. Despite the insignificant decrease, white population

continues to dominate the total population in Athens Borough, making up 97.8% of the

total population in 2000.

In sum, the population of Athens Borough has decreased over the past several decades

and has become older. The female population in the age cohorts of 50 and above

seems to dominate the male population. One explanation for this trend i s the

presence of low-income, elderly housing facilities within the borough limits. Although

the borough retains a high population of older citizens, the population pyramid also

demonstrates a strong pyramid base of youth that wil l eventually replace citizens in

the upper age cohorts. Athens Borough retains a diverse housing stock and remains a

bedroom community within the “Valley” region. Population wil l eventually stabilize

with the growing opportunities younger families have with new industry such as Mill’s

111-7

Pride or existing healthcare occupations with the region’s largest employer Guthrie

Clinic and the Robert Packer Hospital. In addition, Athens Borough, as a residential

community, i s central to industrial centers such as Towanda (with OSRAM Sylvania,

Dupont de Nemours, Craftmaster Corporation), Elmira, NY and the tri-city area of

Binghamton, NY (Binghamton, Johnson City and Endicott). Elmira i s within 19 miles

and Binghamton i s within 40 miles of the “valley” region. In addition, lthaca lies only

32 miles directly north of the “Valley” and Athens Borough. This points to the fact

that Athens Borough is almost geographically central to both Pennsylvania and

Southern New York State urban and industrial centers making it a very desirable place

to live and raise a family. What makes this possible is the close proximity to highways

such as US. 220 and PA 199 that connects with NY Route 17 East and West (future I-

86), NY Route 34 and 13.

Athens Borough has an opportunity to promote itself as a livable community with job

and occupational opportunities just outside i t s backdoor. The following Goals and

Objectives have been suggested for the Population component:

1. Athens Borough wil l continue to foster population growth while sustaining

i t s aging population.

Athens Borough wil l promote itself as prime residential community

accommodating a diverse population, considering race and age.

II.

OBJECTIVES:

Promote Athens Borough as a great place to live and raise a family.

Provide services for a growing elderly population.

Continue to sustain an individual, yet unique, community character through

local history and environment.

Attract young families by promoting affordable housing, close proximity to

schools, clinicslhospital and recreation facilities.

Encourage community involvement in activities that attract a cross-section of

the municipality

111-8

IV. Housing

Total Units Owner-Occupied (%)

The housing component of the community comprehensive plan usually contains

analysis of owner-occupied houses versus rental housing. The analysis contains data

that pertains to number of households and units, occupied versus vacant units,

average household size, housing value and rent, just to name a few. The housing

component can also describe or illustrate the overall condition of housing within the

community, however, without qualified assistance determining housing condition, it is

merely a windshield view of the outside of structures. This component will not

attempt to describe overall housing condition due to a lack of qualified observation

and knowledge of true home conditions. The component will confer a broad overview

of housing in Athens Borough and compare it to other “Valley” communities.

Renter-Occupied (%I

Athens Borough does retain a diverse housing stock related to age, style and use. In

addition, major rental housing for the very low income, the disabled and elderly exists

in four locations: Page Manor, Chemung View Apartments, Heritage Nursing Home and

Twin Rivers Terrace.

I

- 1980 1990 - 2000

Athens Borough 1,504 1,515 1,500

South Waverly Borough 41 7 43 1

The following represents a comparison of total units, owner vs. renter percentages

throughout the “Valley” communities:

- 1980 - 1990 - 2000 __ 1980

57.0 55.1 58.1 38.0

79.4 82.7

Athens Township 1,996 2,189 76.8 84.1

IV- 1

The Owner-Occupied and Renter-Occupied comparisons among the “Valley”

communities illustrate some simple patterns of housing within the four municipalities.

The percent of renters in Athens Borough remains the highest with Sayre Borough.

This i s mainly due to the presence of low-income and elderly facilities that contain the

following :

FACILITY AVAILABLE UNITS FUNDING TYPE GROUP TYPE

Page Manor 100 Units Public Housing (BCHA) Elderly/ Disabled

Since 1980, the number of owner-occupied housing units remained stable in Athens

Borough, but somewhat lower than the owner-occupied percentages in South Waverly

Borough and Athens Township. In addition, owner-occupied and renter percentages in

Sayre Borough were very similar to those of Athens Borough throughout two census

periods. Athens and Sayre Boroughs are older municipalities with neighborhoods that

grew out from the central business districts. Conversely, South Waverly Borough and

Athens Township have no discernable central business districts and respectively

contain newer homes. The 1990 Census housing data contains information regarding

the age of homes and exemplifies this point. In addition, the median year homes were

built also validates this assumption: Athens Borough (1939), South Waverly Borough

(1951), Sayre Borough (1939) and Athens Township (1964). The older boroughs, Athens

and Sayre, retain older structures. The following graph illustrates when homes were

built from before 1940 up until 1984 and after. A majority of homes in the “Valley”

were built before 1940, with the exception of Athens Township, where a significant

number of homes have been built every decade and continue to contribute structures

after 1984. Current building permit data would reinforce this point also. One

Chemung View

Twin Rivers

Heritage Nursing Home

IV-2

100 Units Privately Owned-Subsidized ELderlY/Disabled

80 Units Privately Owned-Subsidized FamilY/Disabled

120-1 30 Units Private Elderly/ Disabled

interesting item to note with graph 4.1 i s the number of homes built in between 1970

and 1979. The Agnes Flood, i f you will, caused this anomaly, in 1972. Over 200 homes

were flooded during that catastrophic flood event that effected neighborhoods on

Center, Chestnut, North and Paine Streets. Although many homes were lost to the

flood, some rebuilt, especially in those area now protected by the levee system built

after Agnes.

4.1 Years Homes were built in the Valley Communities (1 990)

OAthens Borough

OSouth Waverly Borough

OSayre Borough

OAthens Township

Before 1940 1940-49 1950-59 1960-69 1970-79 1980-84 After '84

The next graphic also illustrates the point that Athens Borough retains a high

percentage of rental units. Again, 1990 Census figures illustrate this example due to

the lack of 2000 Census data during the development of this plan. However, due to

the age of structures in Athens Borough, this data reinforces the trend. The statistic

that Athens officials may be in disagreement with i s the number of mobile homes

accounted for during this census period. Nineteen were accounted for by the US.

Census in 1990, however, the borough may have only retained one or two, if at all.

Iv-3

4.2 Units in Structure within “Valley” Communities (1990)

The graph demonstrates the number of units per structure in each of the “Valley”

municipalities. As the data implies, Athens Borough retains 545 structures with 2 or

greater units. Obviously, the elderly and multi-family housing complexes mentioned

earlier contribute a majority of these units within the borough. Again, Sayre Borough

demonstrates similarly high numbers regarding units, as South Waverly Borough and

Athens Township demonstrate lower unit numbers due to the majority of single family

housing within these municipalities.

The next data set that illustrates housing patterns in Athens Borough and the “Valley”

communities relates to Housing Value and Contract Rent. Again, these statistics were

not available for the 2000 Census at the time this plan was developed, however, the

data does indicate that rental values are much lower in Athens Borough due to the

subsidized housing present for elderly and families. Median Housing Value also ranks

lower than South Waverly and Athens Township due to the number of newer homes in

these municipalities.

IV-4

Pennsylvania

Bradford County

Athens Borough

South Waverly Borough

Median Housing Value Median Rent

- 1980 - 1990 1980 - 1990

$62,091 $ 69,700 $276 $322

5 49,704 $50,900 $213 $231

$43,035 $47,600 s 178 s 218

, $49,387 I $53,200 $273 $275 ,

4.3 “Valley” Communities Distribution of Home Value (1990)

Sayre Borough

Athens Township

I I I 5 OAthens Township 276 350 131 44 17 I

$43,670 $48,900 $243 $276

$ 59,931 $67,900 $251 $278

Lastly, a comparison of size and type of households within Athens Borough and the

“Valley” communities reveal other housing trends that are occurring in the area.

Average household size in Athens and the other municipalities are stable, although

household size did decrease in Athens Borough, Sayre Borough and Athens Township

over the past 10 years. The growing elderly population and lack of younger families

moving into the borough may cause this apparent decrease in Athens Borough

household size. The average househotd size for Bradford County in 2000 equaled 2.55

people.

Iv-5

Athens Borough

South Waverly Borough

Sayre Borough

Athens Township

Total households can be divided into family households, married couple families and

non-family households. The following compares changes within Athens Borough and

the “Valley” communities from 1990 through the ZOO0 Census.

Average Household Size

- 1990 - 2000

2.37 2.29

2.63 2.9

2.39 2.28

2.58 2.51

Married Couple

Total Households Family Households Fam i Hes

- 1990 rn 1990 rn - 1990 - 2000

Athens Borough 1,399 1,427 866 858 674 61 8

South Waverly

Borough 399 41 0 308 283 263 239

Sayre Borough 2,391 2,529 1,543 1,516 1,204 1,111

Athens Township 1,836 2,002 1,373 1,449 1,168 1,176

In Athens Borough, Family Households and Married Couple Families decreased within

the two Census periods, the most significant being the decrease in Married Couple

Families by 56 families. Total Households increased slightly by 28 households and Non-

family Households increased slightly over the period with 36 households. This trend is most attributed to the aging population in Athens Borough considering the decrease in

Married Couple Households and increase in Non-Family Households.

Non-Family

Households

- 1990 - 2000

533 569

91 127

848 1,013

463 553

Athens Borough and i t s residential neighborhoods have created a unique character and

livable environment for people of various generations. Elderly/disabled housing

facilities were established to accommodate older and frail individuals due to the

proximity of world-class healthcare facilities such as the Robert Packer Hospital in

Sayre Borough. There are other considerations for establishing such facilities in the

IV-6

borough: sidewalks, flat topography, proximity to a central business district and i t s

small- town environment.

Athens Borough retains many qualities that cannot be duplicated in today’s modern

subdivisions and suburban developments. Homes were built up to the street and

sidewalk edge, some homes were built with a consistent local theme-Victorian style

and homes in neighborhoods were built close to one another due to building lot size

regulations. In addition, other aesthetic considerations were taken into account when

neighborhoods were developed such as tree plantings, placement of wrought iron and

white picket fences and large barns that now serve as garages for automobiles instead

of horses and buggies. Some property owners s t i l l preserve hitching posts outside

their front doors from the days of horse and buggy. However, there are residential

neighborhoods that grew out of the Central Business District that were developed well

after the automobile became popular. As the Norfolk-Southern Railroad divides two

sides of the borough, we can think of this as a dividing line between home styles and

lot sizes. Homes north of the railroad that abut Sayre Borough and Athens Township

were built between the 1900s and 1920s and serve as simple single-family residences

in addition to homes found on Second and Third Streets built a few decades later, in

the 1940s and 1950s. In the northern section of the borough, in several instances,

homeowners have developed in-home businesses such as beauty salons, craft dealers

or daycare facilities. Working class families dominate these neighborhoods as homes

are affordable and contain small yards and driveways. This may be one of the most

popular needs for families of yesterday and today. The close proximity to schools,

work, church and the like make small town living an asset as opposed to the suburban

commutes of 30 or 40 miles.

Athens Borough population and inhabitants desire a safe, livable community that

provides all the amenities of any small American town. People are generally proud to

live in this community and tend to stay for life. The planning commission has

considered this factor heavily and suggests the following goals and objectives for

Housing:

IV-7

- GOALS:

1.

11.

111.

Athens Borough wil l continue to provide quality housing to working-class,

professional, elderly and low-income individuals and families.

Athens Borough intends to preserve i t s unique housing stock that promotes

the borough’s individual character as both a “Valley” and Bradford County

community.

Promote Athens Borough as a premiere residential community within the

“Valley” and Northern Tier of Pennsylvania.

0 BJ ECTIVES: . Continue to enforce proper building and property maintenance codes to ensure

safe and desirable housing, . Work with county, state and regional officials to encourage housing

rehabilitation programs available to low- to moderate-income families. Consider historic preservation measures that help property owners preserve

homes without mandatory regulations. = Promote shade tree and sidewalk programs that enhance property values and

community aesthetics. . Provide essential services to elderly and low-income facilities and recognize on

going needs to support these facilities. . Provide services for Senior Citizens and the elderly living in housing facilities

within Athens Borough and connect them with community-oriented activities.

IV-8

V. Community Facilities

I View of the Valley Joint Sewer Treatment Fucility in Athens Borough I

One of the most important facets of a community’s comprehensive plan i s that it

outlines important community resources, whether they are public (municipal or

educational) vs. private (gas, electric, telephone, cable). This inventory provides

existing residents, newly elected borough officials and prospective businesses a source

to derive information from when approaching decisions on why they should do business

in Athens Borough, why they should live in Athens Borough or how can the quality of

life be improved in the community. The following map (5.1) outlines the general

location of all community resources in Athens Borough including doctor offices,

apartments, industries, churches, cemeteries, post office and banks, just to name a

few.

This component of the Comprehensive Plan wil l outline municipal, private and

educational community facilities as it did in the 1989 Comprehensive Plan, hopefully

with a few updates. Municipal facilities shall include the joint sewage collection

authority, police, fire, code enforcement and existing parks and recreational

amenities. The private facilities will outline water, natural gas, electric, telephone,

television and solid waste disposal. And, lastly, the educational facilities wil l

inventory the Athens Area School District and the borough libraries.

v- I

A. Municipal Facilities

Joint Sewaqe Collection and Treatment: Athens Borough is a member of

the Valley Joint Sewer Authority which i s the owner and operator of the

joint sewage treatment facility located on the corner of Walnut and South

River Streets. Current statistics demonstrate that 1,123 structures are

connected to the facility, making-up 1,602 equivalent dwelling units or

EDUs. Eight properties are not connected to the system due to their

proximity from the collection line. (Pictured on Page V-1) Map 5.2

illustrates the existing sewer lines within the borough.

Police Protection: Athens Borough retains a full-time municipal police

force that functions 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

Police coverage includes eight officers that consist of: (1) Chief, (5)

Patrolmen, (1) School Resource Officer and (1) Part-time Officer. Mutual

aide is received from the adjacent “Valley” Police Departments in Sayre,

South Waverly, Athens Township and Waverly N.Y. The Athens Borough

Police Department retains (3) vehicles: a 2000 Ford Explorer, a 1997 Crown

Victoria and a 1994 Crown Victoria. In 2001, the Athens Borough Police

Department received a grant from the US. Department of Justice COPS

Program that provides funding for placing an officer in the local school.

There were a limited amount of grant dollars available in this program as

the Borough is proud of being one of four recipients in the Commonwealth

of Pennsylvania. Borough and Township officials in the “Valley”

municipalities are currently researching the issue of police service

consolidation, but have not agreed on any particular regional program at

this time.

Fire Protection: Athens Borough is served by an all-volunteer fire

department that consists of two stations that are located within the

borough, namely Station #1 - the Protection Hose Company located on 25

River Street in the Athens Borough Municipal Building and Station #2 -

Diahoga Hose Company located on North Main Street. The department provides 24-hour service and currently composes itself with 30 active

v-2

members. Each department maintains house rules and meeting dates and i s

governed by one Fireboard that meets the last Wednesday of the month.

Protection Hose Company meets the second Tuesday of the Month and the

Diahoga Hose Company meets the next to last Monday of the month. The

department retains officers such as (3) Chiefs, (2) Captains, (2) 1%

Lieutenants and (2) 2"d Lieutenants. The department also contains a (6)

member PA Fireman's Relief Board. The department provides mutual aide

to Sayre Borough, Athens, Ulster, Litchfield and Towanda Townships and

Waverly, N.Y. A municipal fire hydrant map (5.3) i s contained in this

section of the community facilities component. The following table

illustrates the equipment that the department retains as of the date of this

plan:

- Call

Letters

1 -T-7

1 -E-1

1 -M-1

1 -E-2

1 -SQ-I

1 -M-2

---_

ComDanv in DeDartment Vehicle Tvpe - Model Year

Protection Hose Company #l Aerial American 1981 LaFrance

Protection Hose Company #l Pumper Ward 79 Limited 1984

Protection Hose Company #l Suburban C hevrole t 1992

Diahoga Hose Company #6 Pumper Pierce 1994

Diahoga Hose Company #6 Rescue Ford N 1 1996

Diahqa Hose Company Van Ford 1984

---- Motor Boat _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ (Water Rescue)

8 Athens-Savre Joint Code Enforcement Aqency: In October 1997, both Athens

and Sayre Borough Councils passed ordinances creating the Athens-Sayre Joint

Code Enforcement Agency. The authorization and establishment of this agency

v-3

is set forth in the Athens Borough Code, Act 180 and the Pennsylvania

Municipalities Planning Code. The borough councils appoint seven members to

form the agency. The members consist of the Sayre Borough Manager, the

Chairperson of the Sayre Borough Zoning and Code Enforcement Committee,

two Sayre citizens at large, the Athens Borough Manager, the chairperson of

the Athens Zoning and Code Committee and one Athens citizen at-large.

The Agency performs inspections of structures, licensing of contractors and

enforcement of the building code. The Agency provides enforcement

inspections within the municipalities pertaining to all the provisions of the

International Building Code 2000 and i t s updates. The Agency issues all permits

and orders required to enforce the code. The Agency is intended to be self-

supporting, but may request funds from the municipalities if it does not have

sufficient funds to operate. In 2003, the borough will need to make a decision

on enforcing the Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code under Act 45. Under

this legislation, Pennsylvania municipalities wil l be required to “opt in” or “opt

out” of enforcing these standard regulations. It i s assumed that the current

code enforcement program will continue to enforce building codes under the

Pennsylvania Uniform standard.

The Agency may hire inspection personnel as required. There is currently one

full-time Code Enforcement Officer, Mr. Patrick Cahill and one full-time

administrative assistant, Ms. Carol Lee.

The Agency collected the following statistics relevant to building and permit

activity throughout 2001.

(47) Remodeling I (12) in Businesses

(67) Roof Permits

( 1 1) Additions

( 1 ) Demolition [No New Construction]

(9) Siding Permits

(13) PatioslDecks

(10) CarportslGarages

(9) Fences

v-4

Tioga Point Cemete

Athens Area High Schoo Available Medical Office

Athens Area Little League Fie1

Twin Rivers Apartmen Joint Valley Sewer Authority

n-York Opportunities Main Elementary School

Chemung View Apartmen ns Borough Boat Launch

American Legion Post

Heritage Nursing Ho US/Athens Post Office

Old Athens Cemetery

Citizens 8 Northern

Tioga Point Museum Spalding Memorial Libra

Point Far Map 5.1

Athens Borough Consun 9' Community Resources / / I I

Resource: 1995 PENNDOT Digitat Highnay C-Line File (KCCPG -Adjusted July, 2001)

March, 2000 Northem Tier Won CIS Database (BCCCffi - County Boundaq Adjusted May, 2000) March, 2000 Northem Tier Regim GIS Database (BCCCPG - Tcnmhlp Elcumdaly Adjusted May, 2000)

Bradford Ccunty Office of Canmnmity Planning and Grants

3000 0 3000 goo0 F e t 1

w+E

S

ners PA Water Wells

I 1 I

LEGEND Identified Community Resourc

0 Borough Boundary 0 Tax Parcel Boundaly

N

S

Sewer Lines

Resource: 1995 PENNDOT Digital Hghway C-Line File (BCOCPG - Adjusted July, 2001 )

March, 2000 Nathern Tier Region GIS Database (BCOCPG - Towhip BounQry Adjusted May, 2000)

Bradford County Office of Community Planning and Grants

March, 2000 Northem Ti- Region GIS Database (BCOCPG ~ h n t y Boundary Adjmted May, 2000) I I] Athens Borough Boundary

0.5 0 0.5 Miles

(5) Pools (13) Driveways

(1) Handicap Access Ramp

(1) Cell Tower

(2) Sheds

(3) New Homes

(157) Sidewalks

0 (28) Sidewalks combined with other projects

"There were a total of 389 permits issued and there were 374 contractor

permits issued in 2001.

. 4th Ward Storm Water Sewer System Desiqn: In August of 2001, Stearns 8 Wheler LLC, Environmental Engineers and Scientists prepared a Preliminary

Design Report to develop a storm sewer system in the 4th Ward. This particular

area of the borough has experienced localized flooding as a result of poor

drainage. The storm water that accumulates during storm events damages the

existing paved roads as excess volumes of water infiltrate into the sub base of

these streets. A Storm Water collection and conveyance system should

improve the overall conditions in the 4th Ward.

The 2001 report illustrated soil information, collection system method of

analysis, storm water collection system design and probable construction costs.

The collection system will consist of a network of inlets and piping (high

density polyethylene) located in the street right-of-ways. The design is

somewhat simplistic, since the system will not consist of pump or lift stations,

as gravity flow will be proposed to also curb maintenance costs. Storm water

inlet basins wil l be utilized to capture sheet flow off of paved road surfaces

and possibly be located at street intersections and at intervals of (+I-) 400

feet. Facilities that wil l be placed in PENNDOT right-of-way must comply with

PENNDOT design guidelines. Facilities may be placed along state owned streets

such as West Pine Street, North Main Street, Elmira Street and Route 220.

The borough must decide on the sizing of the new system with regards to storm

frequency (two- and five-year storm). Proposed discharge points for the

v-5

collection and conveyance system will be on the west side of the 4* Ward

under Elmira/Pleasant Street into the Chemung River and on the east side of 4‘h

Ward under North River, the Railroad and S.Cove Street into the Susquehanna

River. The proposed construction cost for each frequency i s outlined below:

Storm

2 - Year

5 - Year

- cost Optional Concrete Total Cost Curbinq

$2,881,000.00 $546,000.00 $ 3,427,000.00

$ 3,027,000.00 $ 546,000.00 $ 3,573,000.00

Parks and Recreation: Athens Borough retains three parks and the Valley

Recreation Center (formerly the Ingersoll-Rand Clubhouse). The following gives

a brief description of each:

a. Athens Borough Park: This 9.85 acre park i s located adjacent and behind

the Athens Municipal Building located on Susquehanna Street. The

facility consists of the Valley Playland, tennis courts, softball fields, the

fireman’s pavilion and picnic facilities. This is a highly used

recreational facility in Athens Borough and in walking distance to most

residents. However, many “valley” residents that live outside of Athens

Borough utilize these facilities due to park’s location, well-maintained

park apparatus and amenities.

b. Downtown Teaoga Square: This smaller park is located on the Main

Street between the Guthrie Clinic and the Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Antique Store. The park is well placed within the Central Business

District and offers brick paving and a large, ornate pavilion for spring

and summer concerts. The park also contains a small business that

caters to many pedestrians in the downtown: ice cream. The park i s a

perfect link between the downtown and parking behind the main street

stores.

V-6

c. Valley Recreation Center: The clubhouse, which was an Ingersoll-Rand

employee clubhouse, was donated to the borough in September of 1998.

Borough officials realized the potential for this 15,000 sq. ft. building

and 4.4 acre piece of ground for recreational purposes. The borough

received $ 100,000.00 in planning and development funds from the

Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to initiate feasibility

study for the complex. Larson Design Group conducted a feasibility

study for the future use of the facility and land. In addition, the

borough received $81,260.00 in Community Development Block Grant

funds to modify male and female restrooms handicap accessibility. The

restroom modifications were completed in September 2001. The

facility i s currently used for Athens Area School District class space

while new school facilities are built in Athens Township on the site of

the campus.' After the campus is fully constructed, the borough will

need to address the future use of this facility and hopefulty consider

community organizational use and potential recreational uses on the

land and in the building. Possible improvements to the site include: the

construction of baseball and/or soccer fields, improved parking

facilities, installation of handicap accessible pathways and fixtures,

walking and biking trails, installation of field lighting to accommodate

night games and placement of picnic tables and cooking facilities. The

borough may also consider skateboard and bicycle motocross facilities.

The building itself may be considered for many functions as related to

the continued use of meeting facilities for Ingersoll-Rand employees,

accommodations for dances, and potential uses for seniors, the

Chamber of Commerce, Boys and Girls Clubs of America and trade

shows/special community events.

v-7

B. Private Facilities

. Water: Athens Borough i s served with potable water from Consumer’s PA

Water Company on 206 South Keystone Street in Sayre, PA. Consequently,

much of the entire “Valley” water supply comes from wells located on the river

flats south of town. The new well had been established in 2001 and services

1,080 residential customers, 130 commercial customers and 4 industrial

customers. Map 5.4 illustrates the location of waterlines throughout the

borough.

Natural Gas: Valley Cities Gas Service on 523 South Keystone Avenue, Sayre

services Athens Borough with natural gas. Map 5.5 illustrates the gas lines that

serve all of Athens Borough.

Electric: Athens Borough i s serviced with electricity from GPU Energy in

Towanda, PA as it presently services 1,320 residential customers and 189

commercial / industrial customers.

. Telephone: Compared to other telephone service areas, the area serving

Athens Borough and the rest of the “Valley” i s very small. It is not only small,

but also causes dissatisfaction among customers due to the inconvenience of

long distance calling within miles of the service area. Once under GTE, the

service area is now managed by Verizon Communications. The service issues

have not ceased and residents are forced to use long distance just calling to

locations such as Waverly, NY, East Smithfield, Sheshequin or Towanda.

. Television: Television cable service i s provided through Time Warner with

offices at 142 West Lockhart Street in Sayre.

. Solid Waste Disposal: Al l waste in Bradford County i s shipped to the Bradford

County Landfill in West Burlington Township. The following haulers in Athens

Borough haul municipal and residual wastes: Superior, Dibble and NTSWA.

Residential, commercial and industrial solid waste producers are responsible

v-8

Map 5.4

Consumer's PA Water Lines

Rescurce: 1995 PENNDOT Meital HiPhwav C-Line File lBCoCPG . Adiusted Julv. 20011

N

W E

S

LEGEND

Water Lines

Athens Borough Boundary

March, 2000 Northem Tier R&on GiS Oakbase (BCoCk - County Bbundary Mjusted May, 2000) March, 2wO Northern Tier mion GIS Database (BCOCPG - Township Boundary Adjusted May, 2000)

hdiwdcantyoffke of carmunttyp(ennfng and Grants

0.5 0 0.5 Miles

N

Map 5.5

Valley Cities Gas Lines

I I

Resource: 1995 PENNDOT Digital Highway C-Line File (BCOCffi - Adjusted July, 2001)

March, 2wO W e m Tier Regon GI5 Database (BCOCffi - Cwnty Boundw Adjusted May, 2000) March, 20W Nathem Tier Regla, GIS Database (BCOCPG ~ Township Boundary Mjusted May, 2000)

Bradford County Office of C m u n i t y Planning and Grants

w E

S

r LEGEND

Gas Lines I Athens Borough Boundary

0.5 Miles 0.5 0

for contracting with one of the haulers named above. Curbside recycling

continues to be a large part of waste reduction in Athens Borough. The

convenience of curbside pick-up allows for the separation and pick-up of glass,

plastics, paper etc. Residents, commercial and industrial waste producers are

encouraged to contact the Northern Tier Solid Waste Authority to learn more

about used tire recycling, battery and paint disposal.

Internet Access: Includes the following providers to costumers within the

borough: Cableracer, CQ Services, Exotrope, Clarity Connect, Roadrunner,

USADatanet and North Penn.

C. Educational Facilities:

The following section provides a detailed overview of the Athens Area School District

employees, buildings, students and service area. The School District is currently

upgrading their facilities in Athens Township that contains the Junior High School and

an Elementary School. This will create some concern for Athens Borough officials, as

one school building, Main Elementary, would no longer serve as a Kindergarten through

fifth grade facility. The proposed use for this potential property will be further

examined in the land use section of this plan. Administration will be housed in the

elementary school or in the high school. Later in 2002, the High School, located

within the borough limits, will be rehabilitated and house sophomores through seniors.

Athens Area School District, 204 Willow Street, Athens, PA 18810

Number of Employees: 335

Number of School Buildings: 2 (Borough)

6 (Outside the Borough)

1 (Willow Street within the borough -

moving to the Athens Township)

1 (Maintenance Bldg. outside the borough)

181

Number of Other Buildings:

Number of Students Graduating in 2001:

v-9

School

A thens

Canton

Sayre

To Wanda

Wyal using

Northeast Bradford

Troy

Sullivan County I I I

Square Miles Countv Rank

180 5

206 4

33 8

160 7

280 2

168.7 6

260 3

470 1

Athens School District Jurisdiction: Athens Borough and Township, Smithfield

Township, Ridgebury Township, Ulster Township and Sheshequin Township

Athens Area School Enrollment

v-10

Athens Area School Enrollment of Children receivinq Special Education

Deafness or nearina Impairment I o Learnin

Mental

Orthopedic Impairment

Emotlonal Disturbance

Lanruare Irnmirment

I o Impairment includinq Blindness - Disabilities

I o

Other Impairments

TOTAL

GOALS:

1.

II.

111.

IV.

Provide sound emergency services to residents and businesses within the

borough and in surrounding “Valley” communities.

Provide a variety of recreational opportunities for children, adults, senior

citizens and those physically challenged.

Continue enforcing up-to-date building codes to protect homeowners and

tenants from substandard construction practices and the use of low-grade

building materials.

Retain first-rate educational facilities in close proximity to the residential

population and support programs that concentrate on assisting children

mentally or physically challenged.

v-11

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Establish recreational linkages, in the form of walking, hiking or biking

trails that provide linkages to the Susquehanna River, municipal parks and

other “valley” amenities.

Eliminate storm water damage and flooding in the 4‘h Ward.

Develop the Valley Recreation Center as a widely utilized community and

recreation facility that provides building space for community events and

sport facilities that can be utilized by citizens, clubs and organizations

alike.

Coordinate with private service providers to establish ample, state-of-the-

art infrastructure throughout Athens Borough.

OBJECTIVES:

Continue to work closely with emergency service providers such as the

Athens Borough Police Department and the Diahoga and Protection Hose

Companies and establish a capital budget for future equipment purchases.

Investigate the possibility of merging or consolidating emergency services

with other “valley” communities and initiate studies to analyze the

feasibility of service consolidation.

Work with the Bradford County YMCA, Senior Citizen organizations,

community groups, the Athens and Sayre School Districts, Ingersoll-Rand

and the Recreation Center Committee to implement the center’s feasibility

study and recreation plan.

Coordinate with the Northern Bradford Authority and the Carantouan

Greenway to develop trail linkages along the Susquehanna River and other

environs to connect communities to the north in New York State and

southward to Central Bradford County.

Expand the Athens-Sayre Joint Code Enforcement Agency and invite other

municipalities to participate in the agency’s efforts, especially with

consideration for the forthcoming Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

Request grant funding under the Department of Conservation and Natural

Resources for improving park amenities at existing parks and future

recreational lands related to the Valley Recreation Center.

v-12

' Carry out preliminary and final design on the 4'h Ward Sanitary Sewer

System and pursue PENNVEST and or Rural Utility Service Funds to assist in

facilitating the system's construction.

Involve community youth to plan and design future recreational facilities.

Coordinate with the Athens Area School District to determine the projected

lifespan of school buildings within the borough and discuss plans for

renovation, abandonment or sale.

'

I

View off of South River Street at the Athens Borough Municipal Building

V-13

VI. Existing and Future Land Use

METHODOLOGY

One of the more difficult components to develop within the Comprehensive Plan i s the

Existing and Future Land Use Component. The reasons it can be so difficult to develop

are many: What data is to be used to develop the component? What format should be

utilized to illustrate the data? Should fieldwork be initiated to gather accurate base

data? What is the optimum future land use designation for a particular parcel now

being serviced with sewer and water? How does the planning commission come to a

consensus recommending these future changes within their community? The

municipality and i t s planning commission should be considering all these questions

prior to developing this component. However, GIS technology and the availability of

satellite imagery now make it easier for municipalities to develop better plans for

future growth and development. The first part of this component will describe and

discern the methods used now versus the last comprehensive plan. The second part of

this component wil l inventory specific land uses in the community and analyze

potential changes with future land use recommendations.

In 1989, Athens Borough revised i t s original 1975 Comprehensive Plan and updated the

plan’s land use information with the assistance of graduate students from the State

University of New York at Binghamton. At that time, students verified land use

classifications through fieldwork and applied this to early Geographic information

System software. it i s stated in the 1989 plan, under Methodology, that the students

acquired land use information at the tax parcel level; however, the maps did not

depict the individual parcels throughout Athens Borough. The maps did depict general

land use areas overlaid onto a street base map. This has obviously changed within this

revised plan. In 1989, the plan outlined the following standard categories:

Residential, Commercial, industrial, Public/Utilities and Vacant/Agriculture.

As stated earlier, technology and available spatial information make the development

of the land use component much simpler. Available aerial photography and imaging

allow municipalities the advantage of analyzing land use trends with a “bird’s eye”

view of their community. The planning commission learns that the imaging i s not

VI- 1

simply enough to arrive at conclusions, but, with the use of other resources within the

comprehensive plan, such as wetlands, floodplain, soils, topography and infrastructure

locations, planning commission members can better analyze growth trends and what

land might be available for various types of development within their community.

For the purposes of this plan, a key piece of information that allowed Athens Borough

to develop this component pertained to 1992 Digital Orthophoto Quarter Quad 8

[DOQQI Information (NAD 83 meters). This digital information basically looks like a

black and white aerial photograph, where homes, structures, water bodies, right-of-

ways and vegetation are all discernable at a particular scale. In addition to using the

DOQQ, another data set, the Bradford County Tax Parcel information, was utilized to

show all tax parcels within Athens Borough. Both pieces of information provide a base

layer for all other information to be applied within this Comprehensive Plan.

Geographic Information System (GIS) software allows for the storage, manipulation

and input of this data. ArcView 3.2 was the GIS software utilized for the development

and design of all maps in this plan.

Obviously, the Athens Borough Planning Commission acted as a valuable resource

throughout the comprehensive plan process as they possess knowledge related to

existing conditions in parts of the municipality and contributed a vision of how

development or revitalization should occur in the future. Their assistance in

completing the existing and future land use map verified the data sets and confirmed

modifications that should be considered in future zoning decisions.

There i s a distinct difference between the future land use map and the zoning map.

The future land use map illustrates specific land use designations per parcel,

regardless of the zoning district designated. Whereas, a zoning map establishes zoning

districts that contain similar characteristics and densities that allow for Permitted

Uses By-Right, Conditional uses, Special Exceptions and Nonconforming Uses. It i s quite

apparent that zoning districts should contain fairly similar land uses within the district

boundaries. For example, a single-family residential district should contain a majority

of single-family residences without conflicting uses such as a four-story apartment

building or professional offices. However, some of these particular uses may remain if

they existed previous to the adoption of a zoning ordinance, otherwise known as

VI-2

Nonconforming uses. Moreover, a strong correlation exists between the future land

use map and the zoning map, as the future land use map is used as a guide towards

developing zoning district designations. Other resources such as the floodplain,

topographic, soil and wetlands maps all play a similar role in establishing a

municipality’s future land use map. For the purpose of the Athens Borough

Comprehensive Plan revisions and the existing zoning regulations, the following

component wil l recommend subtle changes to the zoning map considering items

mentioned above.

Existine. Land Use

Athens Borough consists of 1.8 square miles of land or 1,152 acres. As stated in the

Geography component of this plan, Athens Borough i s situated between the

Susquehanna River to east and the Chemung River to the west as an “isthmus of land”.

The land in the borough i s typically flat with an unvarying elevation of 740’ above sea

level. Agricultural lands dominate the southern isthmus of the borough due to the

presence of fertile soils and sediments previously left over from high water and floods.

One hundred year floodplain encompasses a majority of this land, which restricts

development from locating in this area of the borough. This Agricultural land, also

known as the “Point Farm” produces productive crops of potatoes and corn. In the

future, this farm may be reserved as an Agricultural Easement if the property owner

wishes to volunteer it to the County Agricultural Preservation Board. The property

must be an Agricultural Security Area and then reviewed as a potential easement

following the criteria set forth by the County’s Agricultural Preservation Program. If

eligible, the lands may be purchased in perpetuity as an agricultural easement. The

land can s t i l l be designated as an Agricultural Security Area if there i s at least 250

contiguous acres. The Agricultural Security Area law protects farmers from nuisance

lawsuits and i s a precursor to the Easement Purchase program.

Residential parcels exist just north of the agricultural lands along South Main Street. A

majority of the homes in this area convey “Victorian” style architecture and themes

reminiscent of the turn of the century. Dependent on which side a home i s situated

VI-3

LEGEND

11 Central Business District 1

Reclrae: 19% PENNDOT Digital Highvmy C-Line File (BCOCPG - Adjusted July, 2oM)

1992 Mgital orthophoto Qmrter Quads 8 (NAD 83 meters) (BCOCPG . Created Landuse Layer, December, 2001) March. ZaX, Northem nw Region WS Database (BCoCPG - Township Bamdary Mjuzted k y , 2000)

6radfd County Wfke of Community Planniw and Grants

0.2 0 0.2 0.4 Miles

along South Main Street, tax parcels in this part of town, for the most part, extend

from the borough street to the edge of either the Susquehanna or Chemung River.

The Athens Borough Central Business District i s well defined by two to three story

buildings from the turn of the nineteenth and early twentieth century. Route 199,

Main Street, dissects the borough's downtown and connects to Sayre Borough to the

north and Athens Township to the south. Map 6.a illustrates a rudimentary illustration

of the Central Business District that encompasses mostly commercial, but some

residential and public properties. This representation illustrates the area that

resembles downtown with an area of approximately 23 acres. The photos shown

below give some indication of the historic architecture s t i l l present in the downtown.

View of South Main Street at the intersection of Susquehanna Street

Norfolk-Southern Railroad bisects the borough just north of the central business

district through Elmira and North Main Streets. The railroad progresses northward into

Sayre Borough along the extreme eastern edge of Athens Borough. A majority of land

uses consist of residential properties and neighborhoods. Ingersoll-Rand, the only

heavy industrial parcel in the borough, lies immediately north of the railroad tracks

between Elmira and Main Streets. Two large public parcels lie in the northwest corner

of the borough along the Athens Township line - the Tioga Point Cemetery and the

Athens Area High School.

Map 6.1 offers a better illustration of what i s described above, where seven (7) land

use categories have been identified through the development of this component. The

VI-4

categories include Agriculture, Parks and Open Space, Business, Industrial, Public,

Quasi-public, Residential and Vacant. The 1989 Plan depicted Residential,

Commercial, Industrial, Public, Agriculture, Vacant and Other Land Uses. The

following compares percentages of each land use from the 1989 and current plans.

6.1 Percentage of Existing Land Use by Category (2002)

There i s a large disparity between current land use percentages and those presented

in previous plans. This disparity cannot be explained other than recognizing that the

current percentages where derived from land uses assigned to each tax parcel.

Acreages for each land use were also calculated then compared to the total area of

the borough, thus deriving a percentage for each category. Observing Map 6.1 -

Existing Land Use, one can observe the distribution of land uses throughout the

borough and conclude that previous land use maps were not as detailed and may have

not calculated actual acreage.

VI-5

It i s fairly evident that both Agricultural and Residential uses dominate the existing

{and use types with much smaller land use percentages contributing to commercial,

industrial, public and vacant. Athens Borough does not have a great deal of land for

future development. This makes the future land use map a bit difficult to derive

unless there are areas within the borough that may be abandoned and improved over

time. Within the next section of this component, several recommendations wil l be

outlined that originated from ideas set forth in the Valley View 2010 Strategic

Development Master Plan for the Valley. A few locations within the borough have

been identified as betterment areas as a result of potential business or public building

abandonment. These ideas are only ideas that the borough may support i f land

becomes available through attrition or abandonment. In addition, the future land use

section adds categories to the future land use map taking al l space into consideration

from border to border. This section should also be considered when the borough

chooses to amend the existing zoning ordinance.

Future Land Use

As stated previously, the borough does not have a great deal of available land to

develop within the next several years. Changes and improvements can be

recommended for properties that may be abandoned, fall into disrepair or need to be

improved due to aging. Below are the recommended land use changes found on the

future land use map. Three new categories were added to the future land use map as

a result of review and deliberation. Map 6.2 outlines these changes throughout the

borough.

VI-6

6.2 Percentage of Future Land Use by Category (2002)

Multi-Famiiy Residential

Single-Family Residential

2%

Three additional categories were added to future land use, they include: Multi-family

residential, riparian and transportation. Multi-family land uses were added due to the

presence of several elderly and middle to low income housing facilities. These

facilities are prominent multi-family structures and should not be mixed with the

single-family category. The Riparian land use was another minor addition that

encompasses a very small area of shoreline on the Susquehanna River side of the

borough from Susquehanna Street to the Sayre Borough line. The last category added

to the Future land use map was identified as Transportation. This area f i l l s al l

transportation right-of ways, whether it i s a local street, railroad or Route 220. The

addition of these three categories does not affect the overall distribution of land use,

however, it does make coverage 100% and allows for a better resolution of what i s

available and may exist in the future.

Athens Borough does not have an opportunity, like other municipalities, to expand or

grow into developable corridors. The borough i s a well-defined community related to

land use. A discernable central business district i s present surrounded by residential

neighborhoods, public space and an industrial use that i s appropriate for i t s location.

There i s not much to remark about how vacant parcels can be developed or which

infrastructure can be expanded for development at this time. Nonetheless, Athens

Borough has an opportunity to plan for areas that may require revitalization or

VI-7

improvement. Several years ago, the Northern Bradford Authority, the Valley’s

economic development authority outlined several initiatives for the Valley

communities in what i s referred to as “Valley View 2010” dated February 1999. The

document i s a Strategic Development Master Plan for the entire “Valley” and i t s

communities. The authority outlined initiatives separately through development

clusters. The NBA delineated these clusters in the central part of the borough around

the downtown, Ingersoll-Rand and the streets between such as Chestnut, North, and

Paine. This approach identifies key areas within the borough that warrant some

forethought to future development potential and delivers an alternative that the

borough can begin with in order to improve community character and provide infill

development at appropriate locations. The following Map 6.3 outlines these clusters

in Athens Borough. The following wil l illustrate some of the NBA recommendations for

this area and further identify sub-clusten for future development.

VI-8

The “Valley View” plan provided an outlook towards improving commercial,

recreational and industrial opportunities within each community and also offer a vision

of what could be in certain areas. This cluster map and what follows offers some

recommendations for future land use in Athens Borough.

As stated in the Community Facilities Component, the Valley Recreation Center wil l

provide community organization and recreation type uses for both Athens Borough and

the entire “Valley”. This i s the largest observable on the above-referenced map along

Satterlee Street. The borough has initiated a site specific plan for the Center and

hopes to establish walking and biking trails, handicap accessible walkways and

fixtures, soccer and/or baseball fields, improved parking and possibly picnic facilities.

The Valley Recreation Center i s the old Ingersoll-Rand Clubhouse that was used for

years by employees.

The second major cluster identified on Map 6.3 i s the Main Elementary School. The

Athens Area School District i s currently improving and expanding the campus in Athens

Township. Someday, the Main Elementary will not be used as a public school facility

due to the age of the structure and the costs for improving it. The Athens Borough

Planning Commission, along with the Borough Council have a duty to review the

location, demolition, removal, sale or lease of any school district structure or land and

provide recommendations forty-five (45) days prior to such action from the governing

body of the school district under Section 305 of the PA Municipalities Planning Code.

A t this point, the planning commission may outline alternative uses for the site to

anticipate any future changes or amendments to the zoning ordinance. Map 6.4

identifies the recommended use for the site by the NBA:

VI-9

- PROPOSED SITE PLAN

The site i s recommended for residential use, in particular, a mixture of townhouses,

single-family homes, and a possible independentlassisted living senior complex.

Maple Street would be extended from Public Street, where it currently terminates and

would continue to Susquehanna Street. This recommendation seems logical since it i s

close proximity to the central business district and surrounding residential

neighborhoods to the north and south of the site. Trail connections can also be

established for this area both internal to the development and external to the

Susquehanna River and to the Valley Recreation Center cluster. Since the borough

already supports elderly and assisted living facilities, it may be enough just to propose

single-family and townhouse/garden apartment development within this proposed

cluster. Again, this i s only a recommendation to facilitate land use changes if the

Athens Area School District abandons or sells the Main Elementary School structure and

site.

A third major cluster identified in Map 6.3 i s the southern most cluster at the

intersection of Main, Elm, Elmira and South Streets. The site i s currently used as a

used car dealership. The NBA identified this site for infill improvements as depicted

on Map 6.5.

VI-10

. . . ..

A t the time the NBA developed the “Valley View” plan, the previous use relocated to

Elmira Street in Athens Township. The NBA recommended that the site reconfigure to

accommodate both municipal and private parking, service and commercial use

buildings compatible with the historic character of the area and landscaping around

the parking and infill areas. The proposed plan would provide for several anchor

businesses on the southern portion of the business district and improve the

intersection at Main and Elmira Streets.

Several other recommendations pertain to vacant parcels along the railroad tracks

between Elmira Street and Ingersoll-Rand and vacant land between Agway and Seals

Lumber. These two areas could be considered for light industrial or commercial due

to their proximity to the railroad and downtown.

The “Valley View 2010” plan also outlined some general recommendations to improve

the downtown. One recommendation concerns the maintenance and upkeep of

building facades and the need for the borough to develop a facade program to

preserve the existing architectural characteristics present within the downtown

VI-1 1

business district. The program would guide building owners into improving properties

consistent with common standards found throughout the existing architecture.

Other recommendations for the downtown and i t s appearance relates to Streetscapes,

Signage and Cleanliness. A l l these ideas connect as they speak about the appearance

of the borough. These could be costly recommendations as streetscaping often

involves consistent lighting, upgraded sidewalks and pavers, attractive trash

receptacles, outdoor seating, landscaping and plantings, banners and amenities that

add to the charm of the downtown. Tree plantings would also add shade for parked

cars and pedestrians. Signage should also convey some consistency with architecture

and local design characteristics. They should not be cluttered, oversized or obstruct

views. On the contrary, signs should be well designed according to standards set forth

in the zoning ordinance. Lastly, the borough already takes pride in presenting itself as a community that cares about how it looks. The borough businesses have achieved a

level of success for maintaining Athens downtown as a very clean community. This

activity should continue as people that visit downtowns often remember how they are

treated and how businesses maintain sidewalks and streets.

There are many things to consider when discussing downtown appearance: funding,

technical expertise, cooperation and leadership. A t some point, it may be appropriate

for Athens to consider a downtown manager to promote these recommendations.

Historic Preservation

Historic preservation of structures and other community resources relate to how

specific areas are utilized and ptanned for in a municipality considering past historic

events. Recognizing and preserving these resources often leads to gaining a better

sense of local identity and showcasing characteristics that are unique to a region. The

municipality that moves toward identifying resources to be preserved usually finds

itself active with regards to visitors, tourists and those just passing through to get a

glimpse of what established the borough or village as unique. In Athens Borough’s

case, in the late 1700’s, the area was a focal point for battles between Native

Americans and migrating colonists. Athens became a crucial strategic site for

Sullivan’s Army during this time. Thereafter, the area was opened up for settlement

VI-12

and Athens was incorporated in 1831. Many buildings, structure and monuments s t i l l

survive today commemorating the settlement of this area.

The 1989 Athens Borough Comprehensive Plan only touches upon the subject of

preserving historic resources. The plan outlines only one recommendation - “Initiate a

historic preservation program for the borough.” To date, this has not happened,

however, the borough has recently received assistance from the Spaulding Memorial

Library and Museum with regard to collecting data integral to designating a historic

district in Athens Borough. The curator of the museum recruited Cornell University

students to collect data on local history and architectural characteristics in order to

define the area of the historic district. The process of establishing a historic district i s

governed by rules and regulations set forth by the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum

Commission.

Two Historic Structures: United Methodist Church and Spalding Memorial Library

Prior to establishing a historic district, the PA Historical and Museum Commission

states that a municipality should question what resources should be protected, how

much should be regulated and why? Moreover, it i s also stated that,

“Historic District designation is reputed to increase or stabilize property

values, foster pride and appreciation of the historic built environment and

consequently contribute to the quality of life in the community. ” - Historic

District Designation in Pennsylvania (1 997)

VI- 13

Since 1961, 67 Pennsylvania municipalities administered 88 historic districts and have

been certified as historically significant by the PHMC, and local ordinances establishing

controls for those districts have taken effect. In addition, over 440 Pennsylvania

historic districts have been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

In Pennsylvania, there are two main types of Historic Districts that can be created:

the National Reqister Historic District and the Municipally Requlated Historic District.

The National Register Historic District considers a district as a geographically

definable area, urban or rural, that possess a significant concentration, linkage or

continuity of historic buildings, structures, objects or sites united historically or

aesthetically by plan or physical development which has been designated by the

National Park Service as worthy of preservation. Examples of Historic districts

include: business districts, canal systems, groups of habitation sites, college

campuses, estates and farms with large acreage or numerous buildings, industrial

complexes, irrigation systems, residential areas, rural villages, transportation

networks and rural historic districts. The National Register of Historic Places is the

official federal l i s t of resources reflecting the nation's cultural heritage. Eligibility or

inclusion In the National Register affords local government oversight, and by some

protection from the effects of federal agency actions that assist, permit or license

activities that have an effect on historic resources. In 1978, Pennsylvania established

i t s own Register of Historic Places to recognize significant historic sites, however, the

program has not been implemented to date as the state s t i l l recognizes the National

Register of Historic Places listing as the official recognition program. Nation Register

recognition offers two benefits: federal tax incentives for income-producing properties

and grant opportunities for nonprofit organizations or agencies that own or lease

National Register sites.

Municipally Regulated Historic Districts consist of areas that are either residential or

commercial neighborhoods or a mixture of both, that are delineated by boundaries

made of buildings, structures, objects or sites that may be listed in or eligible to the

National Register of Historic Places. The district i s subject to regulation and

protection under local ordinance. The ordinance usually regulates building demolition

and exterior alteration of buildings within the district. A Histon'c Architectural Review

Board (HARB) i s established to make recommendations to the elected governing body

VI- 14

regarding any changes or alterations of building within the historic district. This differs from the National Register of Historic Places Historic District designation, in

that, the Municipally Regulated Historic District protects historic buildings from

demolition and inappropriate alterations by private property owners.

A historic district can be established through a process set forth by the PA Bureau of

Historic Preservation. A municipality intending to pursue historic district designation

must conduct a survey of the proposed district that follows the Bureau’s “Guidelines

for Historic Resource Surveys in Pennsylvania”. The PHMC will ultimately certify the

historical significance of the district upon completion of the survey. Public support for

the establishment of the district i s essential, especially where the municipality

chooses to adopt a Historic District Ordinance.

The Bureau of Historic Preservation considers the following characteristics of a historic

district:

. The area should posses a high degree of historic and architectural integrity

with a minimum of non-historic buildings and features, i.e. parking lots

The area should possess an implied cohesiveness through characteristics of

architectural style such as height, proportion, scale, rhythm and detail. . The area should possess a particular and identifiable character, a special

historical or aesthetic atmosphere which distinguishes it from the

surrounding area. = The area should be readily definable by physical factors i.e. railroads,

highways or topographical boundaries i.e. hillsides, stream and historic

factors, i.e. boundaries of original settlements, concentrations of historic

buildings and sites. . The area should be significant in the historical or cultural life of the

locality, the state or the nation. The district need not represent a particular architectural style, and may, in

fact, contain a wide variety of styles providing they are in a harmonious

relationship.

.

VI-15

In January of 1999, the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission Bureau of

Historic Preservation listed eligible properties in Bradford County. The following were

part of the l ist of eligible properties:

o Athens Historic District / Paine and Main Streets

o Athens United Methodist Church / 118 Main Street

o Spalding Memorial Library and Museum / 724 South Main Street

Map 6.6 offers a proposed historic district boundary for future consideration. The

district i s a “rough” representation of what the proposed district can encompass. The

“green” boundary includes the central business district, Main and South Main Street

and the “Point Farm”. The significance of the “Point Farm” was important to the

Colonial Army as Fort Sullivan once stood on this isthmus to monitor everything flowing

down the both rivers. This district recommendation can be modified with further

research and comparison with the Cornel1 student’s data and certification by the

PHMC.

Athens Borough land use i s timited; still, there i s an opportunity to enhance the

community with measures that can foster economic growth and public interest in

promoting Athens’s unique community identity. The following are goals and

objectives related to land use and historic preservation:

GOALS:

1. Utilize the Athens Borough Comprehensive Plan - Future Land Use

Component when altering or amending the Athens Borough Zoning

Ordinance.

Accommodate all land use types throughout the borough.

Establish zoning districts and performance standards consistent with

intended land uses.

Recognize the NBA “Valley View 2010” plan as a Strategic Plan that guides

the borough towards improving development “clusters”.

II.

111.

IV.

VI- 16

V.

VI.

Vlt.

VIII.

IX.

Preserve all prime agricultural land and distinguish these lands through

proper zoning and other designations.

Promote the enhancement of the Athens Borough Central Business District.

Preserve Historic Resources in Athens Borough through the establishment of

a National Register of Historic Places Historic District designation.

Encourage redevelopment in areas where land i s abandoned or left

irreparable.

Promote Athens Borough as a historic, residential community.

OBJECTIVES:

. Monitor land use changes and modifications to the Athens Borough Zoning

Ordinance annually.

Update the Athens Borough Zoning Ordinance and Map as needed.

Investigate landscaping, fasade maintenance and streetscape standards for the

Athens Borough Zoning Ordinance.

Apply to the Pennsylvania Historic and Museum Commission for a Historic

District Designation under the National Register of Historic Places.

Investigate agricultural preservation measures to compliment the agricultural

zoning district designation for the “Point Farm” . Work with Northern Bradford Authority on developing identified clusters in the

“Valley View 2010” Plan and investigate other areas for improvement.

Determine the feasibility of establishing a Main Street Committee to promote

and manase central business district activities.

=

VI- 17

VII. Transportation

These days, transportation means much more than just highways and bridges.

Transportation also deals with the public transit system, airports, railroads, trails,

bicycles and pedestrians. A l l affect Athens Borough in one way or another, as the

public has access to almost all mentioned above. Transportation also effects

community issues such as economic development, land use and community facilities.

New or improved transportation facilities usually increase visibility to vacant lands

and/or existing businesses, creating opportunities to attract new customers and

possibly new business ventures. Facilities that attract bicyclists or pedestrians also

promote economic development, as those people using walking or bicycle trails usually

stop and eat or stay overnight, especially if the activity i s linked to other community

assets such as rivers, streams, historic attractions, etc. Moreover, the automobile has

become an integral mode of travel for everyone in this country. People in Athens

Borough utilize the car, SUV or Minivan to go to work, drop off kids at baseball

practice, travel to Elmira or Binghamton to shop or pick-up a dog license in Towanda.

As stated in the 1990 Athens Borough Comprehensive Plan, “the system of highways

and streets in Athens Borough serve both as a framework and lifeline.” Without

connections to the regional transportation system, the borough and its residents would

definitely experience isolation and be limited from moving people, goods and services.

Throughout this component, available modes of travel wil l be described and

recommendations for improvement will be outlined for future consideration.

Streets and Hishwavs

Map 7.1 illustrates the Athens Borough street layout along with minor categorization.

It has a typical grid pattern of streets that were established when the borough was

first incorporated. In all, Athens Borough maintains approximately 13.46 miles of local

streets that serve i t s residential neighborhoods, elementary school, churches and

elderly housing facilities. The borough maintains the street system very well, as existing conditions exemplify their work. The map also illustrates the state road

VII- I

Athens Borough State and Local Roads

Resource: 1995 PENNDOT Gigital Highvmy C-Line File (BCOCPG - Adjusted July, 2001)

March, 2000 Nofthem Tier Region GIS Liatabase (KOCPG - County Boundary Adjusted May, 2000) March, Zoo0 Nolthem Tier Regia, CIS Database (BCOCPC - Towship h n d a r y Adjusted M y , 2 W )

Bradford County Office of Ccnarunlty Planning and Grants

I000 0 1000 2000 3000 Feet

STREET LEGEND

Major Route ,A\\ ,,'

/ State Road

Municipal Street

system, represented by red double lines. Five state routes exist in the borough and

include S.R. 199 (Main Street), S.R. 1056 (Susquehanna Street), S.R. 1064 (West Pine

Street) and S.R. 1069 (North Elmira Street). Route 220 traverses the northwestern

section of the borough and contains on/off ramps at the Athens exit. Travelers exiting

Route 220 from the north or south follow the ramp to the Elmira Street / W. Pine

Street intersection and negotiate moving south, east or north on those streets. Those

traveling onto 220 use the opposite ramps on W. Pine Street. Traffic seems to flow

smoothly through this area and i s usually not too congested due to the presence of a

traffic light at the Elmira St./W. Pine Street intersection.

The Commonwealth maintains approximately 4.68 miles of state-owned roads within

the borough. Map 7.2 illustrates a general representation of traffic circulation

patterns for collector and arterial roads. For the most part, the circulation patterns

follow the state routes into and out of the borough. Access within the borough i s

limited, especially at the southern access points that cross the Susquehanna and

Chemung Rivers. S.R. 199, Tioga Street, allows access in the southwestern portion of

the borough over a fairly new river bridge. Traffic along this route usually emanates

from the Route 220 corridor. This access i s a very attractive gateway into the borough

due to the presence of tree-lined streets, Victorian style homes, historic markers and

structures. Athens Borough should consider signing this entrance with an attractive

gateway message - “Welcome to Historic Athens Borough”, just as an example. The

alternate river access i s to the northeast across the Susquehanna River at S.R. 1056

(Susquehanna Street). This i s another gateway entrance into the borough, which leads

into the Central Business District onto North Main Street (S. R.199). Traffic coming

into the borough from the east usually originates along River Road in Athens Township

and points south. Improvements to this integral access will be made within the next

few years, as PENNDOT will replace the existing bridge under the Twelve-Year

Program. This multi-million dollar construction project wi l l allow PENNDOT to widen

the bridge and also construct a typical concrete span across to Athens Township. The

improvement to this access may increase traffic into Athens Borough, especially if the

Ulster/Sheshequin River Bridge i s replaced a short time thereafter. In addition, the

Northern Bradford Authority, through i t s Valley View 2010 Plan, proposed

improvements to the Elmira Street, Main Street and Susquehanna Street intersection.

The following, Map 7.3 and 7.3a, illustrates the proposed realignment at the junction

VII-2

of Elmira and Main Streets and possible redirection of traffic from Susquehanna Street

onto Herrick Street. There are no formal plans to change the traffic at this time,

however, it may be worth looking into, especially considering the bridge replacement

project.

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VII-3

Another circulation pattern evident on Map 7.2 i s the use of North Elmira Street. This

route connects downtown Athens Borough with the Elmira Street Business Corridor in

Athens Township and Route 220. This also connects with W. Pine Street as through

traffic connects with North Main Street (S.R. 199). North Main Street (S.R. 199)

connects all of Athens with Sayre Borough and points northlsouth. West Frederick

Street indicates circulation from North Main Street due to the presence of school

traffic from the Athens High School.

Overall, Athens Borough i s not an isolated community due to the transportation

connections made available through state routes and a well-maintained street system.

It not only has access to PA Routes like 220, but also is in close proximity to major NY

State Routes such as Route 17, the future Interstate 86 Corridor. Improvements to

infrastructure such as the Athens River Bridge wil l insure travel into more rural parts

of the “Valley” and the regional transportation network. In addition, circulation in

the central business district i s not critical as traffic flows smoothly through

intersections such as Main and Elmira Streets. Nonetheless, a new river bridge can

increase traffic into the downtown, particularly if it makes it more attractive for local

and through traffic to get to Route 220 north and south.

The Norfolk-Southern Railroad, formerly Conrail, bisects Athens Borough crossing the

Chemung River from Athens Township, entering into the borough, crossing two major

streets: North Elmira Street (S.R. 1069) and North Main Street (S.R. 199) and

progressing northward, crossing South River Street then entering Sayre Borough

between Cove and N. River Streets. Approximately 1.17 miles of active rail line

traverse the borough. Traffic on the line i s not too active as cars may pass through

three times in a week. Cars usually deliver resource material to the Proctor 8 Gamble

Plant in Mehoopany, Wyoming County from the north out of Gang Mills-Corning N.Y.

Once in a great while, salt i s shipped to southern destinations from the Finger Lakes

Region.

VI14

Since the rail crosses two major routes within the borough, there is usually concern for

fire, police or ambulance services getting across the tracks in the case of an

emergency situation. However, the borough has established mutual aid agreements

with adjacent municipalities such as Sayre Borough to alleviate any problems when

train cars pass through these busy intersections.

A t this time, Norfolk-Southern has no intention of abandoning this segment of track or

the entire northern tier line that spans Luzerne, Wyoming and Bradford Counties. A

few years ago, there was speculation that it may have become abandoned

immediately after Norfolk-Southern assumed ownership. Future possibilities of this

happening may exist, and, if so, the Northern Tier Regional Transportation Advisory

Committee would possibly assist the Commissioners in Bradford and Wyoming Counties

to establish a Rail Authority to assume operation and maintenance. This would allow

greater flexibility, on the region’s behalf, to attract new businesses and industry that

would utilize the track and the establishment of industrial spurs. The future of the

line i s uncertain; nevertheless, the region can pull together and establish an

organization to retain the line for future economic and transportation benefits.

Public Transit

While public transit systems seem to dominate the urban landscape in many cities and

suburbs, rural public transit systems have become more and more popular across the

country. Bradford County i s fortunate to have such a system through the Endless

Mountains Transportation Authority or EMTA. EMTA services include typical bus stops

and routes and door-to-door shared ride service to residents of Bradford, Sullivan and

Tioga Counties. Residents in Bradford County may be picked-up at home and delivered

to a destination and then dropped off back a t the resident’s home at a certain time.

Passengers using the Shared Ride Program must place reservations at least by 9:OO

a.m. the business morning prior to their appointment. The cost of services i s based on

a defined set of criteria, although several programs provide funding to reduce

passenger costs. The Medical Assistance Transportation Program provides passengers

free transportation to and from medical appointments if they retain a valid Medical

VII-5

Access card. This service i s very crucial to the elderly population in Athens Borough as

EMTA lists Senior Centers one of the more popular pick-up and drop-off locations.

Other popular locations include the Robert Packer Hospital, K-Mart, TOPS, Wal-Mart,

Banks and P&C. Passengers must register with EMTA to be eligible for reduced or free-

fare transportation.

The following table illustrates Fixed Routes and Stops currently offered in Athens

Borough. These may be subject to change after the adoption of this plan. Athens

residents should consult with EMTA on times and locations:

Route

50 - Lycoming Mall

40 - TowandaISayre

to Arnot Mall

10 - SayreITowanda

Days

Tuesday and

Friday Only

Saturday Only

Weekdays

Bus Stop (Northbound)

Leave Lycoming Mall (2:45

p.m.1 Athens - Page Manor (4:30

P-m.) Athens - Chemung View

(4:35 p.m.)

Athens - Chemung View

(9:39 a.m.)

Athens - Page Manor

(9:45 p.m.)

Arrive at Arnot Mall

(11:15 a.m.)

(Towanda to Waverly)

Athens - Chemung View

Apartments

(9:28 a.m., 10:36 a.m.,

12:16 p.m., 1:25p.m., 3:25

p.m. and 5:Ol p.m.)

Bus Stop (South Bound) ~~

Athens - Page Manor (820 a.m.)

Athens - Chemung View (8:25

a.m.)

Arrive at Lycoming Mall

(10:30 a.m.)

Leave Arnot Mall

(2:05 p.m.)

Athens - Chemung View

(3:OO p.m.)

Athens - Page Manor

(3:OO p.m.)

(Waverly to Towanda)

Athens - Chemung View

Apartments

(10:50 a.m., 12:lO p.m., 1:40

p.m., 2:40 p.m., 4:49 p.m.)

The schedule i s not inclusive, as stops can be made anywhere along the route as long

as there i s an area for safe passenger boarding and exiting. There are other numerous

VII-6

stops made in the “Valley” and Towanda areas. Some of the more popular Athens

stops include: Downtown Athens and the Spaulding Memorial Library.

Public transit systems such as the Endless Mountains Transportation Authority are

important to citizens that do not have a means of traveling from place to place or

cannot due to health conditions or illness. The system works well for elderly

populations in both the urban centers and rural areas of Bradford County. EMTA

service travels beyond the local service area and transports residents to places like the

Lycoming or Arnot Malls giving them an opportunity to shop or transact business at the

regional level. Public funding supports the service as residents also have the security

of traveling free to and from medical appointments. As stated earlier, Athens Borough

i s not an isolated community as various modes of travel are prevalent here.

Pedestrians, Sidewalks and Trails

With i t s attractive tree lined streets, quiet neighborhoods and level terrain, Athens

Borough residents walk for leisure, exercise and for social interaction with their

neighbors or people at businesses in the downtown. One destination popular on a

summer night i s Teoga Square and D and R ice Cream Stand. Other people chose to

briskly walk River Street to take advantage of the Susquehanna River scenery and stop

at Valley Playland with their children for a time. There i s no doubt that residents and

people in the “Valley” communities are linked with a system of sidewalks and linear

amenities not improved as of yet. This section wil l first discuss the Athens Borough

Sidewalk Program and then highlight areas that may be enhanced to promote trail

development.

The 1990 Athens Borough Comprehensive Plan mentions sidewalks briefly. A t that

time SUNY Binghamton students conducted a field survey of sidewalk conditions. The

information they collected demonstrated that 11.2 % of parcels (1 15 out of 1028) did

not have any sidewalks present. Further, they identified 69.1 % of parcels being in good condition (631 out of 1028) and 16.8 % being in poor condition or (173 out of

1028). On May 4‘h and 5‘h of 1995, the borough conducted a sidewalk survey through

their Police Department. The borough concluded, “virtually every property in the

borough has at least one or more sidewalk blocks that need repair”. A t that time, the

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Borough Council appointed an ad hoc committee to make recommendations and

develop a long-range sidewalk repair and replacement plan. The committee would

also:

m

Set up a program to provide financial assistance to property owners

Begin properly enforcing the sidewalk ordinance

Establish sidewalk design criteria for new homeowners

The Borough adopted a plan based upon completing “main arteries” first, which

included Church Street, North and South Elmira Street and South Main Street. Once

the “main arteries” were completed, the enforcement program would proceed

NorthISouth (Phase I) alphabetically by street and then East/West (Phase 11)

alphabetically by street. The Borough obviously realizes that the establishment of

new sidewalks aesthetically improves the walking environment, but more importantly,

improves safety for all i t s residents’ and pedestrians alike.

In order to replace sidewalks and contribute financial assistance to property owners,

Athens Borough applied for Community Development Block Grant funds. The cost of

replacing a sidewalk i s approximately $1,000 - $2,000 per property owner. In order to

facilitate a rehabilitation/replacement program, the Borough applied for $50,000.00

to share the sidewalk costs. Bradford County approved the grant program and

received funds for the project in July 2002. The Borough began the assistance

application process through grants and low-income loans, on a first come, first serve

basis. The maximum grant or low-income loan per owner/occupied residence is

$2,000.00. Low-interest loans have a maximum of five years to be paid back to the

boroah. To facilitate enforcement, the Borough passed an ordinance amendment

providing for sidewalks on November 9, 1998. The Building Code Enforcement Officer

enforces these regulations. Map 7.4 illustrates the locations of sidewalks throughout

the borough without current conditions. This map may need to be updated in the

future to prioritize sections of the Borough that have poor sidewalks.

Trails and Greenways, over the past 10 to 20 years, have become an integral part of

community planning and economic development. People use the trails to access boat

launches, bird watch, hike, visi t connecting historic resources, fish and usually relax

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and enjoy the scenery. Outdoor activities attract more and more people to the rural

areas as people using trails often originate from urban centers. Communities have

learned that sidewalks and parks are just as important as connecting existing

greenways and trail systems. People that visit and utilize trails stay overnight, visi t

local restaurants, buy gas, purchase gear and make a positive impact on the local

economy. What does trail development mean for Athens Borough?

Developing trails in Athens Borough may just simply involve connecting communities in a different way that were never connected before. Utilizing the Susquehanna and

Chemung Rivers and railroad right-of-way may enhance these connections and create

an even larger system that transcends municipal, regional and state boundaries.

Map 7.5 illustrates proposed trail corridors in the borough. These trails are conceptual

and do not reflect any final decision on location or design. The first, the Portage

Trail, was proposed by the Northern Bradford Authority as a connective hiking and

biking route that crosses Route 220, the Chemung River and utilizes Norfolk-Southern

Railroad right-of-way. It was one part of a three-part trail system proposed by the

NBA. These trails would be connected to the “Andaste Valley Visitor’s Center’’

proposed off of Route 220 in Athens Township. None of the amenities mentioned have

been built to date; however, NBA developed some preliminary project scope.

Regardless of the status of the other trails or Visitor’s Center, the Portage Trail may

be an initial trail project that sets an example for other trails to develop in the

“Valley” and region. The second trail, the Carantouan Greenway, follows the

shoreline of the Susquehanna River from Sayre Borough down to the Valley Joint

Sewage Treatment Facility. Several years ago, the Carantouan Greenway organization

proposed a trail along this stretch as it connected with Cayuta Creek to the North and

points above in New York State. The trail never developed, however, it i s an excellent

connection to New York State and possible connection along the Susquehanna River

southward towards Ulster and Towanda.

Pedestrian modes of travel area are usually established out of necessity for

recreational, social or for connective purposes. They are important to our sense of

community and environment. Pedestrian travel i s important to residents in Athens

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Borough and in the surrounding “Valley” communities because of the many accessible

resources found here.

Airports

There are no major commercial airports in Athens Borough or Bradford County.

Residents of Athens Borough must utilize regional airports within a 100-mile radius.

The closest commercial airport, west of Athens Borough, i s the Elmira-Corning

Regional Airport (34 miles) that offers commercial flights to Pittsburgh with US. Air.

East of the Borough, the Binghamton Regional Airport (50.5 miles) in Broome County,

NY provides 35 daily flights to Detroit, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

Airlines include US Airways and US Airways Express, Northwest Airlines and United

Express. North of Athens Borough lies the Tompkins County Airport (60.2 miles) which

carries US Air Express Service with several daily roundtrips to Pittsburgh, Boston, New

York (La Guardia) and Philadelphia. Two other airports accessible to Athens Borough

residents include the Wilkes-Barre Scranton International Airport (88.7 miles) and the

Williamsport Regional Airport (82.7 miles) that connects to similar hubs as the New

York Airports mentioned above.

The Bradford County Airport, located in Towanda Township, eighteen miles south of

Athens Borough, may offer connections to these regional airports in the future. The

Bradford County Airport recently underwent major improvements and runway

expansion to accommodate business-class aircraft. The Blue Swan Airport in Athens

Township retains a grass-strip runway used for recreational purposes. The airport i s

located in, what i s now referred to as the “Valley Business Park”. Sayre Borough

currently owns the Blue Swan Airport. No major improvements are planned for the

Blue Swan at this time.

For a small borough, both geographically and demographically speaking, Athens

maintains access to major routes such as PA 220 and NY Route 17 (Future 1-86), rail,

transit routes, future trail connections and within 50-100 miles of regional airports.

Residents, business and industry within the borough cannot claim to be isolated or cut-

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off from the rest of the world. Improvements have been proposed and change the way

this community develops over time. The various modes of transportation discussed in

this component are a true lifeline for everyone living in the borough.

GOALS:

I.

II.

111.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

Provide Athens Borough residents with unobstructed access to various types

of transportation modes available locally and at the regional level.

Create a seamless network of sidewalks designed to borough standards.

Connect Athens Borough to other communities i n New York and in other parts

of Bradford County through the development of trails and greenways along

the Susquehanna and Chemung Rivers and other environs.

At suitable access points within the borough, create “gateways” that are

attractive and demonstrate community pride.

Consider local transportation enhancements as a result of major

infrastructure replacement projects such as the Athens River Bridge.

Support the utilization of rail service through private investment or through

the establishment of a regional rail authority.

Encourage elderly residents and those with difficulty in finding transportation

alternatives to utilize the services of the Endless Mountains Transportation

Authority . Promote Athens Borough as a walkable community.

OBJECTIVES:

. Prioritize street projects based on overall conditions, number of property

owners and proximity to state roads.

Establish a storm sewer in the 4th Ward to protect streets from on-going storm

water flooding and damage.

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Recommend, where needed, state road or bridge projects on the

Commonwealth’s Twelve-Year Transportation Program

Continue to pursue Community Development Block Grant funds to assist

property owners in replacing decaying sidewalks and curbs.

Update and enforce the Borough Sidewalk Ordinance.

Join with the Northern Bradford Authority, Carantouan Greenway and other

organizations that promote the development of trails and connections to trail

sys tems . Pursue and support grant applications with the PA Department of Conservation

and Natural Resources for the establishment of trails and designated

greenways.

Work with the Planning Commission, Shade Tree Commission and Chamber of

Commerce establishing “Decorative Gateways’’ into Athens Borough.

Continue to cooperate with neighboring municipalities, regarding mutual

emergency aid, to allow rail traffic through the borough and avoid tragedy.

Promote the use of public transit through the Endless Mountains Transportation

Authority and recommend establishing other central stops where the elderly

can access transportation services.

Utilize EMTA in transporting trail and bicycle enthusiasts to integral access

points on proposed trail systems.

Initiate developing a promotional walking and trail map for the borough

identifying historic, recreational, environmental resources and businesses along

routes.

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VIII. Statement of Interrelationships Among the Various Plan Components

The components of this Athens Borough Comprehensive Plan Revision have been

written and presented as independent pieces of data, text, mapping and goals for

Borough leadership and i t s Planning Commission to consider within the next 5 to 10

years. It is inconceivable that a decision wil l be made without considering al l aspects

of the community or without consulting various components within this plan. A

decision to move forward with one component goal ultimately affects other plan goals

or objectives. Moreover, it i s recommended that the Borough Planning Commission

make recommendations to Borough Council when issues arise related to floodplain,

community facilities, existing and future land use, housing, transportation, historic

preservation or recreation. The Planning Commission can then weigh the importance

of a proposal with the plan’s stated goals and objectives. The end of each component

contains a set of goals that provides the borough with a desired target for community

growth and development. Accompanied with those goals are sets of objectives or

steps to guide the borough towards achieving those goals. The overall rationale for

creating this plan i s to consider all aspects of the community before moving forward

with individual ideas or projects.

The Athens Borough Plan components, along with goals and objectives, shall be

consistent with other plans and regulations the borough adopts subsequent to this

plan. In addition, the components and content of this plan shall be consistent with

the revised County Comprehensive Plan.

The Borough Planning Commission shall annually review progress made on

implementing this plans component goals and objectives. The following component -

IX. Implementation Strategies will recommend projects to implement plan components

in the short or long-term.

VIII- 1

IX. Short and Long-Range Plan Implementation Strategies

Usually, the window of implementing a Community Comprehensive Plan lasts 5 to 10

years, depending on community growth and development. Short and Long-Term

Implementation Strategies divide goals and objectives into 1 to 5 year windows for

Short-Term and 5 to 10 year windows for Long-Term Implementation Strategies. The

following are recommended timeframes to implement this plan:

Short-Term Implementation Strateqies:

D

D

Annually: Borough Planning Commission Review Plan Components, Goals and

Objectives, completed and outstanding.

1-5 Years: Promote Athens as a great place to live and raise a family through

Northern Bradford Authority and the Chamber of Commerce.

1-5 Years: Investigate updating floodplain maps considering the performance of

the existing levee system.

1-5 Years: Update the Code Enforcement Program where necessary for

compliance with the proposed Pennsylvania Uniform Construction Code.

1-5 Years: Encourage low- to moderate-income families to take advantage of

available housing rehabilitation programs within Bradford County.

1-5 Years: Monitor services that may be needed by the elderly population of

Athens Borough

1-5 Years: Establish a Recreation Center that can be utilized by Athens Borough

all Valley Residents. Update the Facility Master Plan as needed.

1-5 Years: Pursue funds to finally design and construct the 4'h Ward Sanitary

Sewer System.

1-5 Years: Review and update the Athens Borough Zoning Ordinance with

recommendations made herein.

1-5 Years: Work with the Athens Borough School District and consider

alternative uses for buildings and land proposed to be abandoned or sold.

1-5 Years: Adopt faqade maintenance and streetscape program within the

Central Business District.

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m

1-5 Years: Work with the Northern Bradford Authority on developing “Valley

View 2010” Plan Clusters and retain industries such as Ingersoll-Rand.

1-5 Years: Establish a Main Street Program to promote activities and enhance

downtown business opportunities.

1-5 Years: Encourage Long-Term Preservation of the “Point Farm”.

1-5 Years: Pursue a Historic District Designation through the PA Historic and

Museum Commission.

1-5 Years: Establish a recreational trail system that links New York State,

Central Bradford County and the “Valley Recreation Center”

1-5 Years: Develop attractive “Community Gateways” into the borough.

1-5 Years: Enforce the Borough Sidewalk Program and pursue grant funds, when

available, to offset property owner costs for sidewalk replacement.

1-5 Years: Develop a trail and community resource map to attract bicyclists,

walkers, river enthusiasts, and the like.

Long-Term Implementation Strategies:

5-10 Years: Monitor Population Growth/Decline during Census Periods.

5-10 Years: Update or Revise the Comprehensive Plan

5-1 0 Years: Consolidate the Building Code Enforcement Program with other

“Valley” municipalities.

5-10 Years: Consider consolidation of emergency and police services with other

“Valley” municipalities.

5-10 Years: Establish a capital budget for future emergency equipment and

other municipal purchases.

5-1 0 Years: Consider implementing Historic District Design Standards for

property within the designated historic district.

5-1 0 Years: Identify and prioritize major transportation enhancements and

improvements within Athens Borough and those facilities that contribute to the

borough’s well being.

5-10 Years: Support and participate in establishing a regional rail authority, if

necessary.

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