EBENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

Prepared by: Cambria County Planning Commission

401 Candlelight Drive Post Office Box 89

Ebensburg, Pennsylvania 15931

under the direction of the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission

in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development

for the Ebensburg Borough Council

June, 1996

'This project was financed (in part) by a grant from the Federal Department of HUD, under the administration of the COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT 'OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT."

EBENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

MAYOR

Charles E. Moyer

EBENSBURG BOROUGH COUNCIL

Randy S. Datsko, President Donald Cessna Robert Datsko

R. Jeffrey Kimball Deborah Nesbella Ronald Springer

Bernard P. Tirabassi, Jr.

EBENSBURG BOROUGH MANAGER

Lee Buchanan-Gregory

' 0 EBENSBURG BOROUGH ZONING HEARING BOARD

Bruce McKenrick, Chairman Helen M. Hasson Lewis N. Powell

EBENSBURG BOROUGH PLANNING COMMISSION

Philip M. Woo, Chairman Victor R. Tranquillo, Vice-chairman

Richard A. Barber, Secretary Fred P. Bozella, Jr. Bernard T. Westrick

"This project was financed (in part) by a grant from the Federal Department of HUD, under the administration of the COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT. 'I

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Chapter Headings Page No.

I.

11.

111.

IV.

V.

Introduction Citizen Involvement Study Purpose and Need Regional Setting Historical Perspective Population Trends Population Projections

DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES--------- 11

Household Opinion Survey Household Opinion Survey - Conclusions Business Opinion Survey Business Opinion Survey - Conclusions Statement of Goals and Objectives

Land Use Characteristics Summary of Existing Land Uses Historical Land Use Trends Modern Land Use Trends Future Land Use Considerations Land Use and Zoning Interface Land Use Goal and Objectives

Housing Unit Trends Housing Unit Characteristics Housing Condition Inventory Housing Inventory Conclusions Housing Stock Management Future Housing Considerations Housing Goal and Objectives

Functional Classification Public Mass Transit Regional Transportation Issues PA DOT 12-Yr. Highway and Bridge Program Transportation Goal and Objectives

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VI. COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN---------------- 75

. Governmental Organization Police Protection Fire Protection Ambulance Service Street Maintenance Municipal Buildings Recreational Facilities Educational Facilities Water Facilities Sanitary Sewer Facilities Municipal Solid Waste Utility Service Ebensburg Airport Railroad Service Community Facility Recommendations Community Facility Goal and Objectives

VII. INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG PLAN COMPONENTS- 8 7

Land Use Component Interrelationship Housing Component Interrelationship Transportation Component Interrelationship Community Facilities Component Interrelationship

VIII. RELATIONSHIP TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT----- 9 1

Recommended Land Use Improvements Recommended Housing Improvements Recommended Transportation Improvement Recommended Community Facilities Improvements Assessment of Outside Development

IX. IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION------------ 9 8

Land Use Improvements Housing Improvement Transportation Improvement Community Facilities Improvement Evaluation and Monitoring

APPENDICES

Household Opinion Survey Business Opinion Survey Exterior Housing Survey

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Table No.

LIST OF TABLES

Page No.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

1 0 11 1 2 1 3

Historical Populations Trends------------- Population Trends and Projections--------- Household Opinion Survey - Summary-------- Business Opinion Survey - Summary--------- Developed/Undeveloped Land----------------

Historical Land Use Trends---------------- Modern Land Use Trends-------------------- Future Land Use Forecast------------------

Selected Housing Characteristics---------- Housing Condition Inventory--------------- Characteristics of Federal and State

Land Use Categories-----------------------

Housing Unit Trends-----------------------

Highways-------------------------------

LIST OF MAPS

Map No. -

1 0 1 0 1 7 2 7 40 40 4 3 45 49 5 2 5 3 58

7 4

Page No.

LIST OF EXHIBITS

Exhibit No.

Page No.

I Recommended Goals and Objectives--------- 104 I1 Improvement Evaluation Form-------------- 10 8

iii.

I. INTRODUCTION, BACKGROUND, AND CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT

The Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan represents a concerted effort by elected officials, local citizenry, community leaders, and state agencies to strengthen the planning process through which municipal development will occur. Comprehensive planning is primarily concerned with the character, location, and intensity of localized growth and development and its potential impacts on land use, housing, streets and highways, and community facilities.

Introduction

Efforts to regulate and promote community development within Ebensburg began in 1 9 6 2 with the preparation and adoption of the Borough's original Comprehensive Plan. The plan was subsequently supported with the adoption of both a Zoning Ordinance and Subdivision Ordinance. The three ( 3 ) planning documents helped to regulate and guide community development practices within Ebensburg over the past 3 4 years. During this period of time, no major updates or revisions to the Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, or Subdivision Ordinance were instituted. Revisions and/or amendments to such planning documents are necessary not only to reflect changing community needs, but also to reflect changes and revisions mandated by the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 2 4 7 as reenacted and amended).

Comprehensive planning may be viewed as a vital part of the overall efforts to revitalize Ebensburg's economic base while providing a blueprint for issues pertaining to future growth and development. To this extent, a systematic and detailed inventory of existing conditions relevant to the Borough's land use patterns, housing stock, transportation system, and community facilities will be assembled. Through the inventory and subsequent evaluations of future community needs within the Ebensburg Borough, a flexible plan for future growth and development will be formulated. Comprehensive planning is an on-going process whereby community needs and objectives must be continually updated and redefined. This process considers the following progressive and repetitive courses of action that are relevant to community planning.

* * Identification of Community Problems and

Inventory and Analysis of Existing Conditions

Needs

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* Development of Goals, Objectives, and

* Formulation of Policies and Selected Courses

* Coordination of the Interrelationship of

* Relationship of Planning Improvements to

* Implementation and Evaluation of Major Plan

Policies

of Action

Planning Activities

Regional Development

Components

In order to effectively initiate a Comprehensive Plan that will control and guide future economic growth, a number of key developmental components must be analyzed. The Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan will consider the implications of existing and future community growth in terms of the following major Plan components or chapter headings.

I.

11. 111. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII.

IX.

Introduction, Background, and Citizen Involvement Development Goals and Objectives Land Use Plan Housing Plan Transportation Plan Community Facilities Plan Interrelationship Among Plan Components Relationship to Regional Development Implementation and Evaluation

Addendums

* Revised Zoning Ordinance and Map * Revised Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance

The overall goal of this study is to provide the residents of Ebensburg Borough with a Plan which will be the cornerstone for a program of municipal growth management activities that will foster a healthy and progressive living environment.

Citizen Involvement

In order to be an effective and responsible tool, municipal comprehensive planning must solicit the participation of local citizens, organizations, and agencies. Local input and involvement are crucial in identifying community needs and determining future goals and objectives. The establishment of clear, continuing, and productive links between the public and private sectors will help solidify the planning process.

2.

During the preparation of the Comprehensive Plan, the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission will function as an element of local citizen participation. The Commission will review each work element of the Comprehensive Plan and provide the Cambria County Planning Commission with comments and recommendations at scheduled monthly meetings. To this extent, the Borough Planning Commission will be the primary local advisory group providing the following kinds of assistance.

* Conduct reviews and make comments on preliminary drafts of the Plan's text, tables, and maps.

the overall development of the Plan's major components.

* Aid in the development and evaluation of municipal surveys and special projects.

* Assist in the formulation of community-wide goals and objectives.

* Assist in the determination of community-wide needs and recommended improvements.

* Provide coordination and assistance in implementing and evaluating the Plan's recommendations.

understanding of, the Comprehensive Plan and planning.

* Provide input and recommendations concerning

* Promote public interest in, and an

In addition to input received from the Borough Planning Commission on a monthly basis, local citizen input in development of the Comprehensive Plan will obtained from two (2) municipal surveys. A household opinion survey and a business opinion survey will be conducted to determine community-wide goals, objectives, and needs. In this manner, the Comprehensive Plan's recommended improvements and/or projects will be directly related to the expressed opinions of the local citizenry. The Ebensburg Borough Council will also be invited to each Planning Commission meeting so as to include their participation in the planning process. All scheduled meetings of the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission will be advertised under the Sunshine Law and thereby be open to all residents of the Borough and the general public.

Study Purpose and Need

The Borough of Ebensburg has been experiencing a consistent reduction in its overall economic base over the past 20-year period. The Central Business District (CBD) has lost retail and service producing establishments which has fostered a

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reciprocal decline in local employment and municipal revenues. Subsequently, the Borough's downtown streetscape, commercial buildings, and supporting infrastructure such^ as curbing and sidewalks have begun to deteriorate. This noticeable decline of economic activity and community infrastructure within Ebensburg Borough is taking place at a time when economic growth is expanding in the adjacent municipality. Cambria Township, which completely encompasses the Borough, is experiencing substantial new development due to the alignment of two ( 2 ) major highway corridors.

Appalachian Corridor "M" (U.S. Route 2 2 ) and Appalachian Corridor "N" (U.S. Route 2 1 9 ) by-pass Ebensburg Borough as 4-lane limited access highways that are part of a much larger regional and statewide transportation system. Service interchanges along the corridors have created locational incentives for commercial and industrial development outside of the Borough's incorporated limits, in adjacent Cambria Township. Expanded residential growth in conjunction with new business development along the alignment of U . S . 2 2 and U . S . 219 has promoted out-migration and population loss followed by a general depreciation of the Borough's Central Business District (CBD).

In terms of future transportation projects, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT) has scheduled the widening and/or relocation of U . S . 22 from Cambria County west to Westmoreland County and the City of Pittsburgh. Also included in PA DOT'S future highway plans is the extension of U . S . 2 1 9 in Cambria County south to Maryland and north from its present terminus to Buffalo, New York. The continued development of these two ( 2 ) Appalachian Corridors as regional 4-lane limited access highways has the potential to further decrease Ebensburg Borough's ability to remain economically competitive with adjacent communities.

To help offset the associated economic disadvantages created by service interchanges along U . S . 2 2 and U.S. 219, the Borough of Ebensburg is proposing to revise three ( 3 ) planning documents which regulate land usage and promote economic growth. The Borough's current Comprehensive Plan, Zoning Ordinance, and Subdivision Ordinance were adopted in 1 9 6 2 and cannot be expected to provide a directional format for economic recovery. The anticipated revising and/or updating of the documents will help the Borough adjust to the economic realities of highway interchange development by fostering planning and growth management practices that are responsive to such economic change.

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Regional Setting

Ebensburg Borough, the seat of Cambria County government, is situated on a plateau in the geographical center of the County along the eastern fringe of the Laurel Hill Ridge, just west of the Allegheny Mountain Range. Ebensburg is located approximately 1 9 miles north of the City of Johnstown and 2 4 miles east of the City of Altoona. Pittsburgh lies 7 4 miles to the west and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania lies approximately 1 4 0 miles to the east. The Borough has a 1 9 9 0 population of 3 , 8 7 2 people residing over 1 . 7 square miles of land, giving it a population density of 2 2 7 0 . 4 persons per square mile. The predominate topographical feature of the Borough is that of a mountain plateau surrounded by gently rolling hillsides. The major surface land uses are residential, public/semi-public, and commercial with just over 1 7 % of the gross land area classified as undeveloped.

Ebensburg Borough can be accessed by two ( 2 ) major highway systems traversing southwestern Pennsylvania. U . S . Route 2 2 parallels the Borough's southern-most border east and west as a regional principal arterial. U . S . Route 2 1 9 extends north and south and is also classified as a principal arterial system intersecting with U. S . 2 2 approximately 1.5 miles west of Ebensburg in Cambria Township. U.S. 2 2 exists as a four-lane limited access highway through Cambria County connecting Ebensburg with the cities of Pittsburgh westward and Altoona and Harrisburg eastward. U.S. 2 1 9 provides four-lane limited access from the interchange of U.S. 2 1 9 and U . S . 4 2 2 just west of Ebensburg south to the City of Johnstown, Somerset County, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Interstate 7 0 / 7 6 ) .

The scheduled relocation of U . S . Route 2 1 9 as a four-lane highway from its existing terminus with U . S . Route 4 2 2 northward to Interstate 8 0 will eventually provide direct access from Ebensburg Borough north to Buffalo, New York and south to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. In addition to U.S. 2 2 and U.S. 2 1 9 , Ebensburg can also be accessed by U . S . 4 2 2 which provides a western route to Interstates 7 9 and 8 0 , and eventually Youngstown, Ohio. Map No. 1 shows Ebensburg Borough's regional location in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Historical Perspective

The land comprising Ebensburg Borough was originally warranted to Thomas Martin. Martin conveyed

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0 m d.

EBENSBURG BOROUGH I COMPREHENSIVE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PLA

MAP NO. 1

REGIONAL LOCATION MAP "This project was financed (in part) by a grant from the Federal Department of HUD, under the administration of the COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA, DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AFFAIRS."

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his interest to Dr. Benjamin Rush, a Philadelphian prominent in the colonial history of Pennsylvania, to whom the Commonwealth issued a patent on February 10, 1795. Late in the year 1796, a group of Welsh immigrants left Philadelphia to establish a home in the mountains. The leader of the Welsh immigrants was Rev. Rees Lloyd. The group included George and Hugh Roberts, William and Thomas Griffith, Thomas Phillips, Robert and William Williams, John Jenkins, James Evans, and John Thomas, with their wives and families. On August 8, 1804, Rev. Lloyd purchased from Dr. Rush a tract containing 401 acres which included the site of the Borough. The settlement was named Ebensburg for Rev. Lloyd's son, Ebenezer, who died in infancy.

After the creation of the County in 1804, Ebensburg was chosen as the County seat. In competition for that honor were the villages of Beulah and Munster. Possibly the dominant factor in the designation of Ebensburg as the County seat was the donation by Rev. Rees Lloyd of approximately 104 acres of land for the public buildings and other use of the new County. After its designation as the County seat in 1805, the town began to increase in importance and population so that in 1816, the population of the Borough was 150 while the population of Johnstown was 60.

With the construction of the Huntingdon, Cambria, and Indiana Turnpike subsequent to 1810, Ebensburg became an important stopover for stages and Conestoga wagons traveling west. Late in the nineteenth century, Ebensburg became a famous summer resort area. A branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad passed through Ebensburg in 1895. Three fires, between 1908 and 1912, either destroyed or severely damaged many of Ebensburg's older structures.

Ebensburg was the first incorporated Borough within Cambria County, having been created through an Act of Assembly January 18, 1825.

Population Trends

Population trends are an expression of an individual community's rate of growth or decline as recorded over a period of time. An analysis of population trends can also provide for a better understanding of some of the underlying factors responsible for a community's general economic health. For example, local tax revenues, housing construction, commercial and industrial development, water and sewage facilities, and utility and transportation systems are all interrelated with population growth or decline.

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Table 1 presents the U.S. Bureau of Census historical population count for Ebensburg Borough for the last 50-year period. The census enumeration indicates that the Borough's population peaked in 1 9 7 0 with 4,318 residents following 30 years of sustained population growth. However, during the last 20-year period from 1 9 7 0 to 1 9 9 0 , Ebensburg's population base has been declining. The 1 9 9 0 population of 3,872 people represents a net 20-year population loss of 446 persons or 1 0 percent of its peak 1 9 7 0 population base.

An assessment of Ebensburg Borough's historical population trends show that some very distinct population scenarios have taken place which were predicated upon economic and physical conditions.

* The Borough's population grew by 5 9 9 persons or 1 6 % from 1 9 4 0 to 1 9 7 0 . This moderate population gain corresponds to peak employment periods for both the primary steel manufacturing and coal mining industries.

* In the late 1 9 7 0 ' s and throughout the 1 9 8 0 ' s , the demand for local steel products and ultimately coal as a raw material for steel production began to decline due to foreign competition and a soft steel market.

* Ebensburg's population loss from 1 9 7 0 to 1 9 9 0 reflects reduced employment opportunities brought on by a depressed local and regional economy tied directly to the steel and coal industries.

* Ebensburg Borough contains certain inherent physical factors that limit the potential f o r population growth. Physically, the Borough is limited by the amount of land available for new housing development.

* During the late 1 9 8 0 ' s and through the 1 9 9 0 ' s new single family housing construction in adjacent Cambria Township has fostered a turnover in Ebensburg's housing stock and subsequent out-migration.

Population Projections

Population projections indicate what population changes might occur in the future, given certain inherent assumptions in the projection method and data. The projections for Ebensburg Borough, which are presented on Table 2, were developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

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(DEP) utilizing an age cohort component methodology which considers age cohorts, birth and death statistics, and migration characteristics.

Population figures recorded by the U . S . Bureau of Census indicate that between 1970 and 1990, the Borough lost 446 people for an average of 22.3 residents per year during the 20-year period. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has projected this decreasing trend to continue for the next 20-year period, albeit at a much slower pace and toward a more stabilizing trend. For the 20-year period from 1990 to 2010, Ebensburg's population is projected to decrease by 313 people or 8.1 percent which produces an annual average l o s s of 15.7 persons per year. The underlying assumption with regard to Ebensburg Borough's declining population base over the next 20-year period is that the Borough will continue to be impacted by an unstable local and regional economy. However, the impact will become less severe in terms of population loss as economic recovery efforts continue to improve.

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TABLE 1

EBENSBURG BOROUGH

1940-1990 HISTORICAL POPULATION TRENDS

N u m e r i c a l Percentage Year Popula t ion C h a n g e C h a n q e

1 9 4 0 3,719 656 21 .4%

1 9 5 0 4,086 3 6 7 9.9%

1 9 6 0 4 , 111

1 9 7 0 4,318

25

207

0 .6%

5 .0%

1 9 8 0 4 , 096 - 2 2 2 - 5.1%

1 9 9 0 3,872 - 224 - 5.5%

SOURCE: U.S. B u r e a u of C e n s u s , 1 9 4 0 t o 1 9 9 0 .

TABLE 2

EBENSBURG BOROUGH POPULATION TRENDS AND PROJECTIONS

1 9 7 0 - 2010

N u m e r ica 1 Percentage Year Popu la t ion /P ro jec t ion C h a n g e C h a n g e

1 9 8 0 4,096 -222 - 5.1%

1 9 9 0 3 ,872 -224 - 5.5%

2000

20 1 0

3,684 -188 - 4.9%

3,559 -125 - 3.4%

SOURCE: U . S . B u r e a u of C e n s u s , 1970-1990 DEP, Popula t ion P r o j e c t i o n s R e p o r t , 2000-2010

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11. DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

Comprehensive community planning is a systematic and continuing process designed to identify existing community needs and provide guidance for anticipated future needs. The primary intent of the Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan is to develop a Plan that promotes compatible land uses, adequate and affordable housing, a modern transportation system, reliable community facilities and services, and intergovernmental cooperation. To accomplish this intent, community development goals and objectives can be formulated to provide a directional format for future growth and development.

In order to be effective, community-wide goals and objectives must incorporate the opinions and concerns of the general public. If the Comprehensive Plan is to be accepted and utilized as a guide for future decisions, it must reflect the views of community leaders, local residents, and the business community. These groups should be given the opportunity to have their concerns recognized and expressed to some extent within the Plan's desired goals and objectives.

The goals and objectives of the Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan were primarily derived from the results of two ( 2 ) separate but interdependent public opinion surveys. The Ebensburg Borough Council and Planning Commission, acting as an element of public participation, provide relative input in developing the survey and editing the final series of goals and objectives.

Household Opinion Survey

The Ebensburg Household Opinion Survey was designed to gather information on community-wide services, facilities, and improvements. A total of 225 households were randomly selected to participate in the mail-out/mail-back postage-paid survey. The survey was conducted over a three (3) week period in February, 1 9 9 5 . A total of 9 6 questionnaires were completed and returned, representing a response rate of 43 percent. The Household Opinion Survey contained five ( 5 ) questions. (See Household Opinion Survey form in Appendix. )

Table 3 presents a tabulated summary for survey questions 1 through 4 indicating the percentage of residents responding to each community factor in relation to total responses. Question No. 5 is summarized by listing a representative sample of the written responses for community improvements provided

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by Borough residents. Presented below is a narrative summation of the survey questions and tabulated results as presented on Table 3.

Question No. 1: How satisfied are you with the quality of the following community services and facilities being provided in Ebensburg Borough?

Residents were asked to indicate their level of satisfaction toward community-wide services and facilities which were grouped into four (4) separate categories: Public Services, Physical Infrastructure, Taxes, and the Living Environment. A pre-determined list of community factors was assigned to each of four (4) categories. Survey respondents were asked to indicate whether they were very satisfied, somewhat satisfied, or not satisfied with regard to each of the identified community factors.

Public Services: The majority of survey responden were very satisfied with the Fire Protection (94%) Ambulance Service (89%), Police Protection (81%), Garbage Collection (63%) being provided in Ebensbu Borough. Survey respondents were fairly split on

.ts

and .rg the

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provisions for Snow Removal with (43%) being very satisfied, (42%) somewhat satisfied, and (15%) not satisfied at all. The public services receiving the lowest satisfaction ratings were Recreation Facilities with (49%) somewhat satisfied and (35%) not satisfied; and Public Transportation with (41%) somewhat satisfied and (49%) not satisfied.

Physical Infrastructure: The majority of Borough residents responding to the Household Survey were very satisfied with the provisions for Water Supply ( 7 2 % ) , Sewage Disposal (71%), and Public Utilities (62%). More respondents were either somewhat satisfied (47%) or not satisfied (15%) with Ebensburg's Street Maintenance service than were very satisfied (38%). The infrastructure facilities with a composite majority of low satisfaction ratings were Sidewalks and Curbing (53%) somewhat satisfied and (31%) not satisfied, followed by Traffic Circulation (43%) somewhat satisfied and (41%) not satisfied.

Taxes: 86% of survey respondents were either very satisfied (32%) or somewhat satisfied (54%) with Ebensburq Borough Taxes. Only (14%) of the respondents were not satisfied. However, the majority of surveys tabulated reflected a consistent lower satisfaction level toward Cambria County Taxes (60%) somewhat satisfied and (25%) not satisfied: and toward Central Cambria School District Taxes ( 5 5 % ) somewhat satisfied and (31%) not satisfied.

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Living Environment: The quality of the Educational System serving Ebensburg was rated very satisfied or somewhat satisfied by 9 5 % of the survey respondents. Only 5 % of the respondents were not satisfied with the Educational System. Respondents were also either very satisfied ( 5 2 % ) or somewhat satisfied ( 4 3 % ) with Public Safety in Ebensburg. Community factors listed under Living Environment that received a combined majority of somewhat or not satisfied responses were as follows: Library System ( 6 3 % ) ; Community Leadership ( 6 5 % ) ; Housing Type and Price ( 6 7 % ) ; Housing Conditions ( 7 2 % ) ; Visual Impact and Image ( 7 9 % ) ; Central Business District ( 8 2 % ) ; and Recreational Facilities ( 8 5 % ) . The community factors receiving the most not satisfied responses were Recreational Facilities ( 4 0 % ) and Central Business District ( 2 8 % ) .

Question No- 2: How would you rate the importance of the following community improvements as to the significance of their role in sustaining the quality of life in Ebensburg Borough?

Borough residents were asked to rate the degree of importance of 1 3 pre-determined community-wide improvements. The survey respondents rated the improvements in terms of being Very Important, Somewhat Important, or Not Important in sustaining the quality of life within Ebensburg.

Community Improvements: Household Survey respondents rated Public Safety ( 8 5 % ) and Truck Traffic ( 8 1 % ) as the two ( 2 ) most important community improvements. A l s o rated Very Important by the majority of households surveyed were: Recreational Facilities ( 7 6 % ) ; Street Liqhting ( 7 5 % ) ; Traffic Flow ( 7 3 % ) ; Sidewalks and Curbinq ( 7 2 % ) ; Parking Facilities (6- Conditions ( 6 4 % ) ; Reduced Noise Levels ( 5 7 % ) ; Recycling Program ( 5 4 % ) ; and Downtown Streetscape ( 5 1 % ) . Community improvements considered Very Important by less than a majority or 5 0 % of the respondents were Historical Preservation ( 4 8 % ) and Commercial Buildinqs ( 4 5 % ) .

Question No. 3: Do you support the establishment of historical preservation regulations in Ebensburg to protect buildings and structures that are considered historically and culturally significant?

Household Survey respondents were asked to indicate by yes or no response their support for historical preservation activities within Ebensburg Borough. The majority of residents surveyed or ( 6 9 % ) responded Yes, while ( 3 1 % ) responded No. -

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Question No. 4: Would you be willing to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes to help pay for future community-wide improvements?

Household Survey respondents were asked to indicate by yes or no response their willingness to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes which would help offset the costs of community improvements. The majority of Borough residents surveyed or (57%) responded Yes, while the remainder or ( 4 3 % ) responded No. - Question No. 5: In your opinion, what kinds of community improvements or changes are needed to make Ebensburg a better place to live?

Respondents were given the opportunity to list up to three ( 3 ) community improvements in spacing provided on the Household Survey form. The responses to this "wish list" of improvements numbered over 2 0 0 and generally supported and/or expanded upon the pre-determined listing of services, facilities, and improvements comprising Questions No. 1 and No. 2 . Table 3 presents a representative sample of the community improvements most often listed on the Household Survey.

Household Opinion Survey - Conclusions

In conclusion, the results of the Ebensburg Household Opinion Survey support the following considerations:

Public Services

* Respondents were very satisfied with Fire Protection, Ambulance Service, Police Protection, and Garbage Collection.

* Less than a majority of respondents ( 4 3 % ) were very satisfied with Snow Removal Service.

* Only (16%) of respondents were very satisfied with existing Recreation Facilities.

* ( 4 9 % ) of respondents were not satisfied with Public Transportation service.

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Physical Infrastructure

* Respondents were very satisfied with Water Supply, Sewage Disposal, and Public Utilities.

* Less than a majority of respondents ( 3 8 % ) were very satisfied with Street Maintenance service.

* (31%) of respondents were not satisfied with existing Sidewalks and Curbing.

* (41%) of the households surveyed were not satisfied with Traffic Circulation.

Taxes

* ( 8 6 9 , ) of respondents were either very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with Borough Taxes.

* ( 2 5 % ) of respondents were not satisfied with Cambria County Taxes.

* (31%) of respondents were not satisfied with Central Cambria School District Taxes.

Living Environment

* Respondents were very satisfied with the Educational System and Public Safety System.

* Respondents were only somewhat satisfied with the Library System, Community Leadership, Housing Type and Price, Housinq Conditions, and Visual Impact and Image.

* Only (18%) of respondents were very satisfied with the Central Business District.

* (40%) of respondents were not satisfied with existing Recreational Facilities.

Community Improvements (Pre-Determined)

* Respondents rated Public Safety, Truck Traffic, Recreational Facilities, and Street Lightinq as the most important community improvements. (Over 7 5 % response rate)

* The majority of respondents also rated Traffic Flow, Sidewalks and Curbing, and Parkinq Facilities as very important

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community improvements ( 6 8 % to 73% response rate).

* A majority of respondents also considered Housinq Conditions, Reduced Noise Levels, Recyclinq Proqram, and Downtown Streetscape as very important improvements. However, the percentage responding was significantly less ( 5 1 % to 64% response rate).

* Less than one-half of the respondents considered Historical Preservation and Commercial Buildings to be very important community improvements ( 4 5 % to 64% response rate).

Historical Preservation

* (69%) of household respondents support the establishment of Historical Preservation Requlations in Ebensburg Borough.

Increase in Borouqh Taxes

* (57%) of the households surveyed were willing to accept a slight increase in Borough Taxes to help pay for community improvements.

Communitv ImDrovements (Household "Wish List" 1

* Refer to Listing on Table 3

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TABLE 3 EBENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

HOUSEHOLD OPINION SURVEY

SUMMARY

Survey Conducted: 2 / 3 / 9 5 to 2 / 2 4 / 9 5 Total Households Surveyed: 2 2 5 Total Households Responding: 9 6 Survey Response Rate: 4 3 %

1. How satisfied are you with the quality of the following community services and facilities being provided in Ebensburg Borough? (Please check [ X ] one answer for each community factor. )

Very Somewhat Not Satisfied Sat is f ied Satisfied

Public Services % Response % Response % Response

Fire Protection 9 4 % Ambulance Service 8 9 % Police Protection 8 1% Garbage Collection 6 3 % Snow Removal 4 3 % Recreation Facilities 1 6 % Public Transportation 1 0 %

Physical Infrastructure

Water Supply 7 2 % Sewage Disposal 7 1 % Public Utilities 6 2 % Street Maintenance 3 8 % Sidewalks and Curbing 1 6 % Traffic Circulation 1 6 %

Taxes

Ebensburg Borough 3 2 % Cambria County 1 5 % Central Cambria School Dist. 1 4 %

Livinq Environment

Educational System Public Safety Library System Community Leadership Housing Type and Price Housing Conditions Visual Impact and Image Central Business District Recreational Facilities

5 5 % 5 2 % 3 7 % 3 5 % 3 3 % 2 8 % 2 1 % 1 8 % 1 5 %

6 % 9 %

1 7 % 3 4 % 4 2 % 4 9 % 4 1%

2 1% 2 6 % 3 3 % 4 7 % 5 3 % 4 3 %

5 4 % 6 0 % 5 5 %

4 0 % 4 3 % 4 3 % 5 1% 5 6 % 6 1 % 6 4 % 5 4 % 4 5 %

0 % 2% 2% 3 %

1 5 % 3 5 % 4 9 %

3% 3 % 5 %

1 5 % 3 1% 4 1 %

1 4 % 2 5 % 3 1%

5 % 5 %

2 0 % 1 4 % 11% 11% 1 5 % 2 8 % 4 0 %

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2.

3 .

4.

5.

How would you rate the importance of the following community improvements as to the significance of their role in sustaining the quality of life in Ebensburg Borough? (Please check 1 x 1 one answer for each community improvement.)

Very Somewhat Not Important Important Important

% Response % Response % Response Community Improvements

Public Safety Truck Traffic Recreational Facilities Street Lighting Traffic Flow Sidewalks and Curbing Parking Facilities Housing Conditions Reduced Noise Levels Recycling Program Downtown Streetscape Historical Preservation Commercial Buildings

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

11% 1 7 % 2 1 % 21% 2 6 % 2 5 % 2 8 % 3 5 % 2 7 % 3 3 % 4 6 % 4 3 % 51%

4% 2% 3 % 4% 1% 3 % . 4 % 1%

1 6 % 1 3 %

3 % 9 % 4%

Do you support the establishment of historical preservation regulations in Ebensburg to protect buildings and structures that are considered historically and culturally significant?

6 9 % Yes (Response) - 3 1 % No (Response)

Would you be willing to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes to help pay for future community-wide improvements?

5 7 % Yes (Response) - 4 3 % No (Response)

In your opinion, what kinds of community improvements or changes are needed to make Ebensburg a better place to live?

Please list.

Presented below is a representative sample of the kinds of community improvements generally alluded to by the Household Survey respondents.

Community Improvement (Household "Wish List")

* Any change of ordinances that affect the citizens directly should be discussed openly and thoroughly before being presented to be voted on and adopted.

* Enforce speeding laws and curfew laws.

* More town events, i. e., "Potato Festival", "Parades" - Better playgrounds

18.

a * *

* *

*

*

*

*

* * *

* *

* * *

* * *

* *

*

Parking

Use a realistic approach to noise control, considering the plus and economic factors of the racetrack

Snow Removal

More involvement of business leaders, civic clubs with Borough officials.

Scrape the grass off of brick sidewalks of property owners - some brick sidewalks are nearly covered with sod Downtown Improvement - Respect for our architecture, new businesses and parking, uniformed signage, bury wires

Downtown areas need even more work to make it more inviting for business and shopping

Definitely need recreational equipment at the various playgrounds and a way for the equipment to be taken care of

Tax abatements for main street merchants

Better Borough maintenance of roads

Make sure public officials keep in mind citizens of Ebensburg are those of different financial means

Come up with a solution to keep big trucks out of town

Set a week in April for a complete spring clean-up for all property owners to be involved, painting, etc.

Speed zone enforcement on side streets for child safety

Cooperation and joint ventures with Cambria Township

Summer full-time recreation director - Community Recreation Center

"Implement a curbside recycling program"

Need more parking

The need for a downtown Parking Garage with a mini-mall on the first floor

Maintain strict zoning - be careful about variances

"Property owners, landlords, tenants, and business owners could take more pride in their buildings' and yards' appearances to help spiff-up Ebensburg's image."

Sidewalk improvements

19.

* *

*

* *

* *

*

*

* * *

* * *

Truck traffic needs to be addressed

Business District Improvements (sidewalks - utilities to go underground)

Please- Please control noise levels at Fairground Race Track

Business District needs a facelift

A modernized library (I love books) that offers more services for its users. Computers, more volumes, more reference material, a study area.

Program of shade tree maintenance and replacement

I think that there should be more done in the Borough for young teenagers to be able to socialize and interact and be involved with each other. Somewhere where they could meet -other than hang out on street corners. I think there should be some facility made available for this purpose.

As far as a better place to live there is nothing wrong with the town and climate but the area needs more opportunity for type of work to keep young people here.

Develop the Lake Rowena Area, improved parking, access, advertise it as a local attraction

Complete limited access Route 22 to Pittsburgh

Improving the appearance of Main Street including buildings

Expand the library. Would be willing to pay slightly higher taxes.

New library with community/recreation room

Stormwater system

Public transportation too limited as to days and time. No public transportation available on weekends and holidays.

SOURCE: Ebensburg Household Opinion Survey: Data compiled by the Cambria County Planning Commission. March, 1995.

20.

Business Opinion Survey

The Ebensburg Business Opinion Survey was designed to collect information on municipal services, facilities, and improvements from a business point-of-view. The survey requested input from 200 local businesses operating within Ebensburg Borough and selected areas of Cambria Township. The businesses surveyed represented a sector-mix of Retail and Wholesale Trade, Services, Finance, Insurance and Real Estate, Government, and Manufacturing industries. The business survey consisted of a mail-out/mail back postage-paid survey containing eight (8) questions. A total of 84 questionnaires were completed and returned, representing a response rate of 4 2 percent. The Business Survey was conducted during the same three ( 3 ) week period in February, 1 9 9 5 as the Household Survey. (See Business Opinion Survey in Appendix.)

Table 4 presents a tabulated summary for survey questions 1 through 8 indicating the number of times a community factor was ranked, the number of times it was ranked #1, and the percent it represents of total #1 rankings. Question No. 8 is summarized by listing a representative sample of the written responses for community improvements submitted by local businesses. Presented subsequently is narrative summation of the survey questions and tabulated results as presented on Table 4.

Question No. 1: In your opinion, which of the following factors are constraining business growth in Ebensburg Borough? Please rank the four most constraining to you. (Use 1 as the highest to 4 as the lowest. )

Businesses were presented with a pre-determined list of community factors that may or may not be constraining business growth in Ebensburg Borough. The respondents were asked to rank the four (4) most constraining factors with #1 ranking being the most constraining and #4 ranking being the least constraining.

Constraining Factors: Survey respondents ranked Customer Parking (40%); Traffic Congestion (18%); and Retail Mall Development (12%); as the #1 community factors constraining business growth. Community Leadership (7%) ; Highway Access/Location (5%) ; Promotion/Marketing ( 5 % ) ; Local Taxes (5%); and Truck Traffic (5%) were also concerns to the business community, however, these factors were ranked #1 much less frequently. Street Conditions ( 2 % ) , and Deteriorated Buildings (1%) received the fewest #1

21.

Question No. 2: Which of the following types of physical improvements do you think are needed to promote Ebensburg Borough's Downtown Business District? Please rank the three most important to you. (Use 1 as the highest to 3 as the lowest.)

Respondents were asked to rank the three (3) most important physical improvements needed for Ebensburg's Downtown area. A ranking of #1 was considered the most important and a # 3 ranking was considered to be the least important.

Physical Improvements: The majority of businesses resDondins to the survev ranked Parkina Facilities (56;) as ;he #1 or most* important physical improvement. Visual Impact/Imaqe (13%) and Removal of Bliqhted Structures (12%) were 2nd and 3rd, respectively, in terms of the highest ranking improvements. Improvements to the Downtown Streetscape was recorded as the #1 response by (10%) of the tabulated surveys. Physical Improvements such as Sidewalk Reconstruction (4%) ; Store Frontaqe and Siqning (2%) ; Facade Restoration (2%); and Curb Rehabilitation (1%) were the lowest ranked #1 improvements tabulated for the business survey.

Questions No. 3: In your opinion, which of the following types of business establishments are needed to stimulate economic activity within Ebensburg Borough? Please rank the three you consider to be the most important. (Use 1 as the highest to 3 as the lowest.)

The 3rd question on the Ebensburg Business Survey presented the respondents with a pre-determined list of eight (8) types of business establishments. Respondents were asked to rank the three (3) most important types of businesses needed to stimulate economic activity. A ranking of #1 was considered the most important and a ranking of #3 was considered the least important.

Business Establishments: Survey respondents considered Retail/Wholesale Trade (33%); Small Speciality Shops (26%); and Lisht Manufacturins (20%) as the most important types of establishmGnts needed to stimulate economic activity. Establishments such as Recreation/Leisure (6%) ; Financial/Business (6%) ; Tourism/Historical ( 5 % ) ; Professional Services (3%); and Medical Related (1%) received the lowest percentage of #1 ranking.

22.

Question No. 4: Which of the following factors/ entities do you consider to be the most important for business growth and development within Ebensbusg Borough? Please rank the four you consider to be most important, (Use 1 as the highest to 4 as the lowest.)

Survey respondents were asked to rank the four (4) most important business factors/entities they considered necessary for business growth and development. A pre-determined list of ten (10) business factors were presented from which to choose. A ranking of #1 was considered the most important factor and a ranking of # 4 was considered the least important.

Business Pactors/Entities: Respondents ranked Public/ Private Cooperation as the #1 factor necessary for business growth and development. Community Leadership (16%) was ranked as the 2nd most important factor, and

U . S . Route 22 (11%) was rated as the 3rd most important business factor or entitv. Communitv CooDeration (10%) ; Low Interest Loan: (10%); andAU.S.LRoute 219 (8%) also received considerable support as important factors for business growth and development. Business District Authority (7%) ; Elected Officials (7%) : Tax Abatements (6%) ; and Citizen Involvement (5%) were ranked as least most important factors/entities needed for business development.

Question No. 5: How would you rate the importance of the following community improvements as to the significance of their role in making Ebensburg Borough a better place to conduct business? (Please check [XI one answer for each community improvement.)

Business establishments were asked to rate the degree of importance of 13 pre-determined community-wide improvements. The survey respondents rated the improvements in terms of being Very Important, Somewhat Important, or Not Important as to their significance in making Ebensburg a better place to conduct business.

Community Improvements: Business Survey respondents rated Parking Facilities (89%) and Traffic Flow (82%) as the two (2) most important community improvements. Truck Traffic ( 7 6 % ) was the 3rd most important improvement. Also rated Very Important by a majority of respondents were: Public Safety (55%); Downtown Streetscape (55%) ; Commercial Buildings (53%) ; Street Lightinq (52%). Community improvements such as Sidewalks and Curbing ( 4 4 % ) ; Recreational Facilities (38%); Housing Conditions (32%); and Historical Preservation (29%) were considered very important by less than a majority of 50% of the survey respondents.

2 3 .

Reduced Noise Levels ( 2 6 % ) and Recycling Proqram (19%); were rated as the least important community improvements by the Business Survey.

Question No. 6: Do you support the establishment of historical preservation regulations in Ebensburg to protect buildings and structures that are considered historically and culturally significant?

Business Survey respondents were asked whether or not they would support historical preservation regulations in Ebensburg Borough. The majority of businesses surveyed or ( 7 1 % ) responded g, while ( 2 9 % ) responded No.

Question No. 7: Would you be willing to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes to help pay for future community-wide improvements?

Business Survey respondents were asked to indicate by yes or no response their willingness to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes which would help offset the costs of community improvements. The majority of business establishments ( 7 3 % ) answered Yes, while ( 2 7 % ) responded E. Question No. 8: In your opinion, what kinds of community improvements or changes are needed to make Ebensburg a better place to do business?

Respondents were given the opportunity to list up to three ( 3 ) community improvements in spacing provided on the Business Survey form. The responses to this "wish list" of improvements numbered over 150 and provided some additional insight and understanding of the kinds of community improvements needed in Ebensburg as perceived by the business community. Table 4 presents a representative sample of the community improvements most often listed on the Business Survey.

2 4 .

Business Opinion Survey - Conclusions

In conclusion, the results of the Ebensburg Business Opinion Survey support the following considerations:

Constraining Factors

* Customer Parking (40%) is the #1 factor constraining business growth in Ebensburg

* Respondents also ranked Traffic Conqestion (18%), and Retail Mall Development (12%) as factors most often contributing to reduced development.

* Businesses surveyed ranked Street Conditions (2%), and Deteriorated Buildings (1%) as the least constraining factors.

Physical Improvements

* The most requested and #1 improvement in the Downtown Business District was Parking Facilities ( 5 6 % )

* Physical improvements in areas such as Visual Impact/Image (13%); Removal of Blighted Structures (12%); and Downtown Streetscape (10%) are also important in promoting the Downtown area.

* Store Frontaqe and Signing ( 2 % ) ; Facade Restoration ( 2 % ) : and Curb Rehabilitation ( 1% ) were ranked. as # 1 improvements the fewest number of times.

Business Establishments

* The #1 business establishments needed to stimulate economic activity were Retail and Wholesale Trade (33%)

* Small Specialty Shops (26%) ; and Liqht Manufacturinq (20%) were ranked 2nd and 3rd

L .

by the survey respondents.

* Businesses such as Professional Services (3%) and Medical Related Services (1%) were considered to be the least important economic stimulators.

25.

Business Factors/Entities

* Respondents felt that Public/Private Cooperation (20%) was the single most important factor for business growth and development.

*

*

*

Community Leadership was 2nd and was ranked #1 (16%) of the time.

U.S. Route 22 (11%); Community Cooperation (10%); and Low Interest Loans (10%) were also considered important toward business growth.

Factors/entities receiving the fewest #1 rankings as being important for business growth were Tax Abatements (6%) and Citizen Involvement (5%).

Community Improvements (Pre-Determined)

* Respondents rated Parkinq Facilities (89%); Traffic Flow (82%): and Truck Traffic (76%) . . as the most important community improvements (over 75% response rate)

*

*

The majority or over 50 percent of the respondents also rated Public Safety (55%); Downtown Streetscape (55%); Commercial Buildinqs (53%); and Street Lighting (52%) as very important community improvements.

Historical Preservation (29%); Reduced Noise Levels (26%) ; and =cling Program (19%) were rated very important the fewest number of times.

Historical Preservation

* (71%) of businesses responding support the establishment of Historical Preservation Reuulations in Ebensburu Borouuh.

Increase in Borough Taxes

* (73%) of the businesses survey were willing to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes to help pay for community improvements.

Community Improvements (Business "Wish List")

* Refer to Selected Listing on Table 4 .

26.

TABLE 4

EBENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN BUSINESS OPINION SURVEY

SUMMARY

Survey Conducted: 2 / 3 / 9 5 to 2 / 2 4 / 9 5 Total Businesses Surveyed: 2 0 0 Total Businesses Responding: 8 4 Survey Response Rate: 4 2 %

1. In your opinion, which of the following factors are constraining business growth in Ebensburg Borough. Please rank the four most constraining to you. (Use 1 as the highest to 4 as the lowest.)

Times Times Ranked Ranked % of #1

Constraininq Factors #1,2,3, or 4 #1 Rankings

Customer Parking Traffic Congestion Retail Mall Development Community Leadership Highway Access/Location Promotion/Marketing Local Taxes Truck Traffic Street Conditions Deteriorated Buildings

6 3 5 5 3 0 1 7 1 0 4 2 1 0 45 1 5 2 5 -

3 4 1 5 1 0

6 4 4 4 4 2 1 -

40% 1 8 % 1 2 %

7 % 5 % 5 % 5% 5 % 2% 1%

Total Responses 3 1 2 8 4 1 0 0 %

2. Which of the following types of physical improvements do you think are needed to promote Ebensburg Borough's Downtown Business District? (Use 1 as the highest to 3 as the lowest.)

Please rank the three most important to you.

Physical Improvements

Parking Facilities Visual Impact/Image Removal of Blighted

Structures Downtown Streetscape Sidewalk Reconstruction Store Frontage and Signing Facade Restoration Curb Rehabilitation

Total Responses

Times Ranked #1,2,3, or 4

6 8 46

4 4 2 7 1 5 2 1 1 4

5

2 4 0

-

Ranked #1

4 7 11

1 0 8 3 2 2 1

8 4

-

?I of #1 Rankings

5 6 % 1 3 %

1 2 % 1 0 %

4% 2% 2% 1%

100%

27.

3. In your opinion, which of the following types of business establishments are needed to stimulate economic activity within Ebensburg Borough? most important. (Use 1 as the highest to 3 as the lowest.)

Please rank the three you consider to be the

Times Ranked Ranked % of #1 Business Establishments #1,2,3, or 4 #1 Rankinqs

Retail/Wholesale Small Speciality Shops Light Manufacturing Recreation/Leisure Financial/Business Tourism/Historical Professional Services Medical Related

59 5 3 35 28 2 1 1 4 1 8

6 -

26 2 1 1 6

5 5 4 2 1

3 3 % 2 6 % 2 0 %

6% 6 % 5 % 3% 1%

Total Responses 2 3 4 80 100%

4. Which of the following factors/entities do you consider to be most important for business growth and development within Ebensburg Borough? Please rank the four you consider to be most important. (Use 1 as the highest to 4 as the lowest.)

Times Ranked Ranked % of #1 Business Factors/Entities #1,2,3, or 4 #1 Rankings

Public/Private Cooperation Community Leadership U.S. Route 22 Community Cooperation Low Interest Loans U . S . Route 2 1 9 Business District Auth. Elected Officials Tax Abatements Citizen Involvement

44 35 22 5 0 3 0 30 34 2 3 20 3 2 -

1 7 1 4

9 8 8 7 6 6 5 4

2 0 % 1 6 % 11% 1 0 % 1 0 %

8% 7% 7% 6% 5 %

Total Responses 3 2 0 8 4 100%

28.

5.

6 ,

7.

8 .

How would you rate the importance of the following community improvements as to the significance of their role in making Ebensburg Borough a better place to conduct business? (Please check [ X ] one answer for each community improvement.)

Very Somewhat Not Important Important Important

Community Improvements % Response % Response % Response

Parking Facilities Traffic Flow Truck Traffic Public Safety Downtown Streetscape Commercial Buildings Street Lighting Sidewalks and Curbing Recreational Facilities Housing Conditions Historical Preservation Reduced Noise Levels Recycling Program

8 9 % 82% 7 6 % 55% 55% 5 3 % 5 2 % 44% 3 8 % 32% 2 9 % 2 6 % 1 9 %

11% 1 4 % 1 9 % 41% 4 0 % 4 6 % 4 5 % 5 1 % 4 6 % 5 4 % 5 1 % 45% 4 7 %

0 % 4% 5% 4% 5 % 1% 3 % 5%

1 6 % 1 4 % 2 0 % 2 9 % 3 4 %

Do you support the establishment of historical preservation regulations in Ebensburg to protect buildings and structures that are considered historically and culturally significant?

7 1 % Yes (Response) 29% No (Response)

Would you be willing to accept a slight increase in Borough taxes to help pay for future community-wide improvements?

73% Yes (Response) 2 7 % No (Response)

In your opinion, what kinds of community improvements or changes are needed to make Ebensburg a better place to do business?

Please list.

Presented below is a representative sample of the kinds of community improvements generally alluded to by the survey respondents.

Community Improvements (Business "Wish List ' I )

* "All merchants take a little more pride in appearance of business area - keeping sidewalks clean - planting flowers in Spring, etc."

* "Promote area - marketing. I'

* Improved recreation facilities for children 14 and under

29.

*

*

* *

* *

*

* *

*

* *

Business areas need to have vacant storefronts "cleaned up" to present inviting atmosphere for potential renter/buyer

Creating a downtown similar to Ligonier and Hollidaysburg, with emphasis on historical buildings/sites and retail shops.

Parking availability

Customers should have access to parking meters not employees, who park there great lengths of time

Improve traffic control

Deteriorated buildings and properties that are so extensive that they can't be bought and developed because no pressure is on owners to do anything to them but wait.

Revitalize uptown area - Get rid of trucks - Improve building facades where applicable

Require all signs to conform to existing requirements. Change of nonconforming use should not be permitted.

Require all trucks to have tarp coverings. Prohibit trucks from driving over sidewalk. The corners at High and Center are being deteriorated by this practice.

Wider selection for senior citizens to shop and eat - need a good less expensive restaurant

Recycling facility

Local banks working more with local individuals to establish businesses (interest breaks, financial counseling if needed, creative financing (more personal management)

Fix the bricks on Highland Avenue, its a disgrace to the community

A "Main Street Manager" to coordinate downtown promotions

Snow removal of sidewalks

We need family activities, maybe a recreational center where the kids can go

Limit truck traffic

'More housing

30.

*

*

*

* *

*

* *

Develop Lake area more. A nice job has been done but it has greater potential.

Ebensburg is a friendly town and there needs to be community-wide activities that many people can participate in - not only sports, but entertainment - a movie theatre, town picnic, etc.

Take advantage of historical development in area - we are center of historical belt. Provide bed & breakfast and speciality shops for tourists that frequent historical areas.

Too much Court House parking on our streets

Lloyd Street one-way east - Sample Street one-way west

Sidewalks - very poor condition in general Community leadership with businessmen

Beautification of downtown, shade trees, sidewalks to make business district visually pleasing and encourage pedestrian traffic

Less emphasis on saving old buildings and more on attempting to get industry here

Encourage development of Routes 22 and 219 to attract larger businesses and jobs and make the tax structure attractive to new businesses

Better cooperation with Cambria Township - increased population and business growth in the Township means increased business in Ebensburg

Ebensburg Borough and Cambria Township should get together and get lighting installed at all Route 22 and 219 Interchanges in order to make this area more inviting to travelers

Standardization of business hours

Traffic lights to decrease congestion at major intersections and control truck traffic

Demolish jail and build parking garage with monthly parking spots

Parking is the #1 problem in Ebensburg

Tax credits/deduction to encourage property owners to make improvements

31.

* Water and sewage available to those who desire to build or expand

* Obtain Historic District designation. Have Ebensburg placed on "Paths of Progress. I'

* Route 22 link to Pittsburgh is the only major way to bring Ebensburg into the 20th Century

SOURCE: Ebensburg Business Opinion Survey: Data compiled by the Cambria County Planning Commission; March, 1995 .

32.

Statement of Goals and Objectives

The subsequent listing of community goals and objectives reflect the overall findings and conclusions of the Ebensburg Household and Business Opinion Surveys. The goals and objectives also incorporate input received at monthly public meetings held by the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission. The goals and objectives are intended to provide a directional format for developing the major components of the Comprehensive Plan; these being, Land Use, Housing, Transportation, Community Facilities, and Regional Development.

The goal assigned to each Plan component reflects the ideal statement of community aspirations. Goals represent a desired state of affairs and may or may not be attainable. However, they are based upon realistic community expectations. In contrast to the stated community goals, the objectives provide a means for obtaining each individual goal and focus on specific steps or courses of action to be taken. The stated goals and objectives are both comprehensive and long-range in that they address all the major Plan components associated with Ebensburg Borough's existing and future development.

A. Land Use Goal: To promote the orderly and efficient development of Ebensburg Borough through land use management practices.

Objectives:

1.

2.

3 .

4 .

5.

Regulate the use of land by enforcing the revised Ebensburg Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (adopted March 1 9 9 6 ) .

Increase recreational opportunities, preserve open space, and conserve existing land resources.

Encourage community development in areas where the capacity of existing sewage and water infrastructure is adequate and meets the criteria of the PA Sewage Facilities Act (Act 5 3 7 ) .

Develop areas adjacent to existing development where feasible to enable the most efficient use of basic community services.

Regulate stormwater management activities by enforcing the Ebensburg Stormwater Management Plan (adopted March 1 9 9 6 ) .

33.

I.

6. Discourage 'Istrip" development along major highways and encourage "infill" development within the Central Business District.

B. Housing Goal: To establish a higher quality of residential life within Ebensburg Borough through improved housing conditions and expanded housing opportunities.

Objectives:

1. Endorse and promote a community-wide clean-up, fix-up, and paint-up housing program that is the responsibility of the individual home-owner.

2. Create a housing improvement program that would encourage home-owners to rehabilitate deteriorated housing.

3. Continue to utilize the amended 1990 Ebensburg BOCA Codes that establish uniform building and housing standards.

4. Encourage new housing development on undeveloped tracts of land and vacant lots that are served by public sewer and water lines.

5. Permit multi-family and elderly housing development where feasible to compliment the construction of single-family units.

6. Promote the conservation and preservation of historically significant housing and structures as local resources.

C. Transportation Goal: To provide a safe and efficient system of roads and streets to serve Ebensburg Borough.

Objectives:

1. Institute a program to prioritize the maintenance, repair, and expansion of local streets and roads based upon a needs assessment.

2. Consider the financial feasibility associated with the repair and/or replacement of unsafe and deteriorated local streets.

3. Encourage the support and cooperation of local residents and the business community in resolving transportation issues such as parking and traffic congestion.

3 4 .

4. Coordinate efforts to resolve transportation issues such as traffic safety, congestion, and circulation with county and state agencies.

5. Develop a program to prioritize the utilization of State Liquid Fuels funding based upon an evaluation of existing transportation problems.

6 . Continue to seek funding mechanisms for safety improvements and expansion of the Ebensburg Airport.

D. Community Facilities Goal: To maintain and improve upon the various facilities and services provided by Ebensburg Borough, thereby fostering a higher quality of life.

Objectives:

1. Encourage the advanced training and certification of police, fire, and ambulance personnel.

2. Encourage the upgrading, modernization, and expansion of police, fire, and ambulance facilities and equipment.

3 . Provide municipal water and sewerage service to new development within the Borough based upon capacity and cost effectiveness.

4. Support the Council Recreation Committee in their efforts to sponsor, oversee, and help finance recreational facilities and activities.

5. Reduce the costs associated with solid waste collection and disposal by examining the possibility of instituting a municipal recycling program.

6 . Improve upon the quality of life by monitoring and evaluating air quality standards as they pertain to noise, dust, and odor emissions.

E. Regional Development Goal: To seek to identify and resolve regional and multi-municipal issues that impact Ebensburg Borough through intergovernmental cooperation.

3 5 .

Obiectives:

1.

2.

3 .

4 .

5.

6.

Form a working relationship with elected officials and agencies from neighboring municipalities to help resolve mutual concerns.

Coordinate the expansion of proposed infrastructure improvements such as highway, water, and sewer projects with Cambria Township officials.

Explore the potential for cooperation and/or consolidation of municipal services such as police protection with neighboring municipalities.

Mutually discuss and provide input on major land development activities with Cambria Township officials so as to reduce potential adverse impacts to both municipalities.

Consider the provisions for recreational facilities and activities in Ebensburg Borough and Cambria Township by forming a Joint Municipal Recreation Commission.

Consolidate efforts to upgrade and expand the Ebensburg Airport by seeking,input and support from governmental agencies, the business community, and local residents.

3 6 .

1. 111. LAND USE PLAN

A study of Ebensburg Borough's land use provides basic information necessary for the comprehensive planning process. Not only does this allow for a general overview of the existing types of development contained within the Borough, but also allows for a determination of the amount of developed and undeveloped land that is important in establishing future development and/or community objectives. A study of land use patterns is not an end in itself, but it affords the opportunity to make judgements as to how existing patterns can be adapted to meet future needs.

Land use data summarized here is a result of a computerized tabulation in acres of Cambria County Tax Assessment Office records, reviewed and compiled by Planning Commission staff. The data is then arranged in land use categories by parcels. The collection and analysis of this information will help provide a basis for the community development policies which may be pursued through the use of growth management tools such as zoning, subdivision and land development regulations, municipal codes, and financial management.

Land Use Characteristics

Two (2) major components will be included in the discussion of present land uses: developed or urban related and undeveloped or non-urban related. The specific land use categories employed to define the developed and undeveloped areas of Ebensburg Borough are as follows:

A. Developed Land/Urban Related

1. Industrial - This land use includes the refininq, fabricatins and assembly of the following activities; food kindred products, tobacco and related products, apparel and other finished products made from fabrics and leather, printing and publishing, furniture and fixtures, lumber and wood products, chemicals and allied products, professional and scientific products, and the storage, parking, and other spaces related to these activities.

Also included in this category are land use activities normally classified as heavy industrial. Included are the activities of: petroleum refining and related industries, primary metals, stone, clay and glass products, fabricated metal products,

37 .

2.

3 .

4 .

5.

machinery, transportation, equipment, and the storage, parking and other spaces incidental to these activities.

Transportation and Communications - Includes streets, railroads, highways, alleys, dedicated right-of-ways and related storage, service, parking and other areas incidental to these activities.

Residential - Includes all residential uses such as single-family dwellinqs, double- houses, multi-family-units and trailers. Yard areas used for residential purposes are also included.

Public and Semi-public - Includes schools, libraries, museums, historical sites, recreation including playgrounds, parks and related open space, golf courses, sporting clubs, winter sporting areas, halls, churches and other religious services, hospitals and convalescent homes, fraternal organizations, municipal buildings, police and fire stations, nonprofit membership groups, public parking facilities, and land use related thereto.

Commercial - Includes neighborhood and highway oriented commercial activities such as-retail trade or eating and drinking establishments, wholesale trade with and without storage premises, and customer or employee parking, loading, service, and other related areas.

Also included in this category are the service activities that are usually classified as a separate land use. Following are the service activities that will be collectively classified as commercial land use: firm headquarters, finance, insurance, real estate, personal services, beauticians and barber shops, banking, warehouses or storage areas, automotive repair and services that do not sell petroleum products, miscellaneous business and repair services, medical and health services except hospitals and rest homes, funeral homes, offices and other professional services including professional associations, labor unions, customer or employee parking, loading service, and other related areas.

38.

The land use classification employed to define the undeveloped/non-urban related land uses include :

B. Undeveloped Land/Non-Urban Related

1. Mininq - Abandoned surface mining sites either properly or not properly reclaimed to original contour.

2. Woodlands - Predominately wooded forest land not improved for any activity or purpose.

3 . Vacant - Open, non-wooded land showing no evidence of agricultural or other uses stated above and single lots void of structures or related uses.

4 . Water Areas - This classification includes wetlands, creeks, rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs.

Table 5 illustrates the significance in the delineation between developed and undeveloped land use components within Ebensburg Borough as compiled in 1 9 9 5 . This distinction between the two ( 2 ) components is necessary to properly interpret present land use patterns and to determine future land use requirements as growth occurs. Ebensburg Borough contains 1 ,026 acres of land, the vast majority of acreage ( 8 5 0 acres or 8 2 . 8 % ) is presently classified as developed. With this amount of land being utilized in an intensive or urban related manner, it becomes imperative that a program of planning be instituted to provide direction for sound land use growth and management.

The various categories of the existing land use tabulation must also be studied in terms of their relationship to one another, and in particular, their relationship to the remaining undeveloped land. Once this is completed, trends and guidance for future land use can be established. Table 6 presents a summarized tabulation of the existing land uses in Ebensburg Borough. The developed and undeveloped land use totals discussed earlier have been employed to represent the amount of acreage and the percentage of total land area for each category.

39.

TABLE 5

EBENSBURG BOROUGH DEVELOPED AND UNDEVELOPED LAND

1 9 9 5

Percent of

Land Use Components Total Acres Total

Developed 850 82 .8% Undeveloped/Water Areas - 1 7 6 17 .2%

Gross Area 1 ,026 100.0%

TABLE 6

EBENSBURG BOROUGH LAND USE CATEGORIES

1 9 9 5

Percent of Percent of Land Use Category Acreaqe Developed Land Total Land

Residential 3 6 2 Public/Semi-Public 276 Transportation/Comm. 1 4 4 Commercial 6 1 Industrial 7

42.6% 35.3% 32.5% 26.9% 1 6 . 9 % 14 .0%

7.2% 5 .9% 0.8% 0.7%

Total Developed Land 850 100.0% 82.8% Total Undeveloped Land - 1 7 6 1 7 . 2 %

Total Gross Area 1,026 100.0%

SOURCE: Cambria County Planning Commission, 1 9 9 5 . Compiled from Tax Assessment Records, Tax Assessment Maps, USGS Maps, Aerial Photographs, and Follow-up Field Surveys.

40 .

Summary of Existing Land Uses

The preceding inventory of existing land use in Ebensburg Borough has provided a detailed listing of the major land use categories which comprise the 1,026 acres of municipal land. The categories as described are relative to the formulation and implementation of land controls such as those regulated by zoning. The existing land use inventory as presented on Table 6 provides the basis for the graphic portrayal of land uses as presented on the Generalized Future Land Use The land use inventory and corresponding map support the following summation of existing land use within Ebensburg Borough.

Developed Land

Residential: Comprising 3 6 2 acres, of 35.3% of the total land area, residential land use is the largest and most extensive of Ebensburg's land use categories. This category considers both single and multi-family housing units, however, the majority of housing is single-family and owner-occupied. Residential land use is extensive and coexists with other land uses throughout Ebensburg Borough.

Public/Semi-Public: The land dedicated toward public facilities consists of 276 acres, or 26.9% of the gross land area. The majority of land within this category is owned by the Borough of Ebensburg and is utilized to support municipal services such as sewage, water, and recreational facilities. Public and semi-public lands exist in conjunction with other land uses and compliment the residential character of Ebensburg Borough.

Transportation/Communication: Comprising 144 acres and representing 14.0% of the total land area, the Borough's existing system of highways, streets, railroads, and related transportation facilities represent the third largest land use category. The system of local streets serving Ebensburg is the single largest contributor to the transportation category.

Commercial: Commercial and related service-type land use activities account for 6 1 acres, or 5.9% of Ebensburg's land area. Small locally owned and operated business establishments dominate the commercial land use category. Concentrations of commercial usage can be found in the Central Business District (CBD) and in pockets of commercial activity located along major highways extending out from the CBD.

41.

Industrial: The smallest and least dynamic of the developed land use categories, industrial land use totals only 7 acres, or 0.7% of available land area. Industrial land use may be considered extremely limited in terms of its location and intensity. However, Ebensburg's industrial land use is reflective of both heavy and light manufacturing activities. The limited extent and type of industrial land use provides for a certain degree of compatibility with other land uses.

Undeveloped Land

Woodlands, Vacant Land, Water Areas: This land use category represents non-urban land and in combination comprises 176 acres of land, or 17.2% of Ebensburg's 1,026 acres of land. The majority of land classified as undeveloped exists as woodlands and is owned by the Borough. Vacant parcels of land, most of which are privately owned, are scattered throughout the Borough. Land areas such as Lake Rowena, the Old Borough Reservoir, and Howells Run are classified as undeveloped water areas.

Historical Land Use Trends

Table 7 presents historical land use trends for Ebensburg Borough from 1959 to 1995. The 36-year trend reflects a net gain of 401 acres through annexation of property in adjacent Cambria Township. Ebensburg acquired property in three (3) generalized areas: (1) the Cambria County Fair Grounds and land north along old U.S. Route 219; (2) Lake Rowena and the area bounded by Lakeview Road, Rowena Drive, and U.S. Route 22; and (3) the Love11 Park Area bounded by U.S. Route 22, South Center Street, and the New Germany Road. I

The land use data in 1959 was recorded as part of the Borough's 1962 original Comprehensive Plan. At that time, Ebensburg contained 625 acres of land, the majority of which, 198 acres or 32%, was residential. Land use data recorded in 1995 indicates that the Borough has retained its residential character, allocating 362 acres or 35% of its gross land area for housing and related land use activities.

A breakdown of the 401-acre increase since 1959 reveals that the largest gain occurred within the Public/Semi-Public category (187 acres), followed by Residential land use (164 acres), Commercial (35 acres), Transportation/Communication (5 acres). Industrial land use was the only category to experience

4 2 .

e

a loss (6 acres) over the 36-year period. The amount of undeveloped land within Ebensburg has remained relatively stable showing an absolute gain of only 16 acres.

TABLE 7

EBENSBURG BOROUGH

1959-1995 HISTORICAL LAND USE TRENDS

Numer ica 1 Land Use Cateqory 1959l 19952 Change

Residential 198 362 164 Public/Semi-Public 89 276 187 Transportation/Communication 139 144 5 Comer c i a 1 26 61 35 Industrial 13 7 - 6 Undeveloped - 160 176 - 16

Total Gross Area 625 1,026 401

The Comprehensive Plan, October, 1962 by Community Planning Services, Inc.; Monroeville, PA

Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan, 1995 by the Cambria County Planning Commission; Ebensburg, PA

4 3 .

Modern Land Use Trends

i o

Table 8 presents the recorded land use trends within Ebensburg Borough from 1980 to 1995 for its tabulated 1,026 acres of land. The amount of land classified as developed or urban related has increased by 114 acres, or 15.5% over the 15-year period. Conversely, the amount of undeveloped land or non-urban related experienced a reduction of 114 acres. The data supports the conclusion that land within Ebensburg continues to be utilized in an intensive or urban-related manner. The dominate land theme is still residential in nature complimented by an urban mix of public and commercial lands. Over the past 15-year period, individual land use changes within Ebensburg can be summarized as follows:

Residential: Experienced an increase of 27 acres, or 8.1%, due to the construction of new owned-occupied single-family homes and to the construction of renter-occupied multi-family housing units.

Public/Semi-Public: Recorded an absolute gain of 47 acres, or 20.5%, based primarily on the expansion of land for public facilities owned and operated by the Borough of Ebensburg.

Transportation and Communication: Transportation land use increased by 22 acres, or 18.0% over the 14-year period. This increase is directly related to the extension of existing local streets to serve new residential development.

Commercial: Experienced an increase of 20 acres, or 48.8%, since 1980. Commercial land use is still concentrated within the Borough's downtown area, however, new commercial development is taking place in linear clusters along major highways extending from the downtown.

Industrial: The only major land use to experience a decrease during the last 14-year period. The loss of 2 acres, or 22.2%, of industrial land use is reflective of reduced local economic activity within the manufacturing and coal mining sectors.

TABLE 8

EBENSBURG BOROUGH

1 9 8 0 - 1 9 9 5 MODERN LAND USE TRENDS

19801

Land Use Category Acres Percent

Developed

Residential 3 3 5 Public/Semi-Public 229 Transportation/Communication 1 2 2 Comme r c i a 1 4 1 Industrial 9

1 9 9 5 2

Acres

3 6 2 2 7 6 1 4 4

6 1 7

Total Developed Land 736

Total Undeveloped Land 2 9 0

TOTAL GROSS AREA 1,026

8 5 0

1 7 6

1 ,026

Notes:

Cambria County Planning Commission, 1 9 8 0 .

Cambria County Planning Commission, 1 9 9 5 .

Numerical

Chanqe

2 7 47 22 20

- 2

+114

- 1 1 4

Change

8 .1% 20 .5% 1 8 . 0 % 48.8%

-22 .2%

1 5 . 5 %

39.3%

4 5 .

Future Land Use Considerations

The land use considerations as presented subsequently are based upon the preceding discussion of Ebensburg's past and present land use patterns. Considerations and/or future land use scenarios have been determined for both developed and undeveloped components. Table 9 presents a forecast of the Borough's future land use by category from 1995 to the year 2005. The ten (10) year forecast, when used in conjunction with the graphic presentation of Ebensburg's future land use changes, as shown on the Generalized Future Land Use Map (Map No. 2 within the Appendix), allows for a realistic picture of anticipated land use. The future land use patterns, as delineated on Map No. 2, may be considered essential in updating and/or revising Ebensburg's Zoning Ordinance and Zoning District Map which will be utilized to regulate future land development.

Developed Land

Residential Land Use: Expected to remain the dominate land use pattern within Ebensburg Borough for the next ten (10) year period. The anticipated 24-acre increase in residential land use will be in response to a growing demand for new single-family homes, multi-family apartment complexes, and to some extent, townhouse and condominium development. Residential growth will take place as in-fill development on vacant lots. The possibility also exists for mixed-use residential and commercial development on vacant land in Ebensburg along State Route (SR) 4031 (Old S.R. 219) north of the Cambria County Fair Grounds.

Public/Semi-Public: Land utilized for public facilities and services will stabilize and remain Ebensburg's second largest land use into the year 2005. A large portion of public land is dedicated toward recreational facilities such as the Appledale Golf Course and the Cambria County Fair Grounds. Ebensburg, as the seat of Cambria County, is also the center for County government and will thus continue to have a preference for public land utilization. In addition, the Borough owns and maintains a significant amount of public land reserved for municipal water and sewage service.

Transportation/Communication: Any projected increase in transportation land use will be directly related to expanding the existing local

4 6 .

' 0

street system to serve new development. A conservative forecast of four ( 4 ) additional acres is anticipated by the year 2005 . However, this figure could increase considerably if new streets are constructed to serve changing land use patterns.

Commercial: Commercial land use is forecasted to increase by 10 acres during the next decade. New highway commercial development will most likely take place outside of the defined Central Business District (CBD) on available parcels along East and West High Street. Commercial in-fill construction activities and vacant lots within the CBD will also add to Ebensburg's commercial land use total. The potential for mixed commercial and residential development can be envisioned along old Route 219 ( S . R . 4031) north of the Cambria County Fair Grounds.

Industrial: The year 2005 land use forecast assumes that Ebensburg's existing industrial land will add 2 acres to its overall total. The category, however, will still remain the smallest and least extensive land use pattern. Any increase in industrial development will probably take place as an expansion of existing facilities or adaptive reuse of vacant industrial or commercial buildings.

Undeveloped Land: The land use forecast assumes an aggregate decrease of 42 acres of undeveloped land by the year 2005. As referenced above, the majority of this land will be converted into residential ( 2 4 ) acres) and commercial (10 acres) development. The responsible agent will be woodlands and/or vacant parcels within the Borough that are developable in terms of infrastructure requirements such as local streets, water and sewer facilities, and public utilities such as natural gas and electricity. The year 2 0 0 5 forecast does not anticipate any reduction in the amount of undeveloped land classified as water areas. Land dedicated for water use should be protected and preserved as community-wide resources.

I

Land Use and Zoning Interface

One of the principle features of the Land Use Plan and associated mapping is that it will enable Ebensburg Borough to formulate a Zoning Ordinance to regulate land development. Without a land use study, a Zoning Ordinance has no logical basis from which to

4 7 .

establish the type and location of new land development and use changes. A Land Use Plan also provides logic to a Zoning Ordinance Map, without which the entire Ordinance could be found to be arbitrarily and capriciously established and thereby found to be invalid. To this extent, the land use categories identified on the Future Land Use Map (Map No. 2 ) can be directly related to zoning districts.

Land Use Goal and Objectives

Land Use Goal: To promote the orderly and efficient development of Ebensburg Borough through land use management practices.

Objectives:

1.

2.

3 .

4 .

5.

6 .

Regulate the use of land by enforcing the revised Ebensburg Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (adopted March 1 9 9 6 ) .

Increase recreational opportunities, preserve open space, and conserve existing land resources. Encourage a regionally-sponsored youth center for recreation activities under the supervision of the Council Recreation Committee.

Encourage community development in areas where the capacity of existing sewage and water infrastructure is adequate and meets the criteria of the PA Sewage Facilities Act (Act 5 3 7 ) .

Develop areas adjacent to existing development where feasible to enable the most efficient use of basic community services.

Regulate stormwater management activities by enforcing the Ebensburg Stormwater Management Plan (adopted March 1 9 9 6 ) .

Discourage "strip" development along major highways and encourage "infill" development within the Central Business District.

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TABLE 9

EBENSBURG BOROUGH

1995-2005 FUTURE LAND USE FORECAST

1995 Land Use Category Acres

Land Use Category

Residential 362 Public/Semi-Public 276 Transportation/Communication 144 Commerc i a1 61 Industrial 7 -

Total Developed Land 850

Total Undeveloped Land 176

TOTAL GROSS AREA 1,026

2005l Acres

386 278 148 71 9

892

134

1,026

Numerical Change

24 2 4

10 2

+ 42 - 42

Percent Chanqe

6.6% 0.7% 2.3%

16.4% 28.6%

4.9%

23.9%

Notes:

Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan and Land U s e Analysis, 1995, by the Cambria County Planning Commission.

4 9 .

IV. HOUSING PLAN

The defined purpose of the Ebensburg Borough Housing Plan is to inventory the existing housing stock and to provide a determination of future housing needs. Adequate housing may be considered a vital community asset supporting the local tax base and contributing to the overall economic and social well-being of the population. To this extent, the Ebensburg Housing Plan will identify the location and extent of substandard housing within the Borough by conducting a community- wide exterior housing survey. Policies will be developed that promote affordable housing for low - moderate income residents and for the specialized housing needs of elderly and disabled residents.

A housing unit, as defined by the U.S. Bureau L of Census, is a house, an apartment, a mobile home or

trailer, a group of rooms, or a single room that is occupied as separate living quarters. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live and eat separately from any other persons in the building and which have direct access from outside the building or through a common hall. It is important to note this definition when discussing housing unit trends and characteristics.

Housing Unit Trends

Selected housing unit trends for Ebensburg Borough during the 20-year period from 1 9 7 0 to 1 9 9 0 are presented on Table 10. The housing data as presented generally supports the following trend considerations:

* The Borough's housing stock has increased by 205 units or 1 4 % since 1 9 7 0 .

* The majority of the housing increase ( 9 8 units or 4 8 % ) were owner-occupied units.

* Renter occupied housing accounted for 6 4 units or 3 1 % of the total housing increase.

* The number of vacant units within the Borough increased by 4 3 units or 21% over the 20-year period.

* The Borough's vacancy rate increased by 2.3 percent.

* The median value of a home in Ebensburg increased by $ 3 9 , 9 0 0 . 0 0 while the cost of renting a housing unit on a monthly basis went up $ 1 8 3 . 0 0 .

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* Median household income which includes the income of the householder and all other persons 1 5 years old and over increased by $17,401.00 .

* Median family income, which includes the income of the householder and all family members 1 5 years old and over, increased by $22,022.00 .

Housing Unit Characteristics

Table 11 presents three ( 3 ) separate housing characteristic profiles for Ebensburg housing stock as it existed in 1 9 9 0 . The following housing considerations can be formulated from the information presented.

* The majority of Ebensburg's 1,643 housing units, 9 2 6 units or 5 6 percent, are owner-occupied.

* Renter-occupied housing represented 6 3 5 units or 39% of the total housing stock, and vacant housing accounted for 8 2 units or 5 % of all housing.

* Most of Ebensburg's housing stock ( 7 0 5 units or 4 3 % ) were built in 1 9 3 9 or earlier. 205 units or 1 3 % were constructed from 1 9 7 0 to 1990.

* Public water service was provided to 1,629 units or 9 9 % of housing,units.

* 1 ,599 units or 9 7 % of all housing was served by public sewerage facilities.

* Natural gas is the major source of heating fuel serving 1 , 2 2 2 housing units or 7 4 % of Ebensburg's housing.

* Senior citizens age 65 and over were the householder of record for 4 8 2 units or 2 9 % of all housing units.

* The value of selected owner-occupied housing indicates that the largest dollar range for Ebensburg housing was between $ 4 0 , 0 0 0 and $79,999. ( 4 8 7 units or 30%)

* Families with incomes below the established federal poverty threshold ( $ 1 2 , 6 7 4 for a family of ( 4 ) persons in 1 9 8 9 ) number 63 or 5 % of all families.

-51.

* Persons with incomes below the established federal poverty level ($6 ,310 for one person in 1 9 8 9 ) numbered 3 1 9 or 9 % of all classified persons.

TABLE 1 0

EBENSBURG BOROUGH HOUSING UNIT TRENDS

1 9 7 0 - 1 9 9 0

Housinq Data

Numer i ca 1 Change

1 9 7 0 1 9 8 0 1 9 9 0 1 9 7 0 - 1 9 9 0

Total Housing Units 1,438 1 ,620 1 ,643 205 Owner Occupied 828 9 1 4 9 2 6 98 Renter Occupied 5 7 1 6 3 8 6 3 5 6 4 Vacant Units 3 9 68 8 2 43 Vacancy Rate 2 . 7 % 4.2% 5 .0% 2.3%

Median Home Value $16 ,000 $42,900 $56 ,000 $39 ,900

Median Contract Rent $69 $ 1 7 7 $ 2 5 2 $ 1 8 3

Median Household Income $ 8 ,175 $16,566 $25 ,576 $ 1 7 , 4 0 1

Median Family Income $ 9 ,847 $21,328 $31 ,869 $22,022

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Census, Census of Population and Housing 1 9 7 0 , 1 9 8 0 , and 1 9 9 0 .

52.

TABLE 11

Tenure

EBENSBURG BOROUGH SELECTED HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS

1 9 9 0

Housing Unit Tenure

Percent of

Number Total

Owner-Occupied Housing Units 9 2 6 5 6 . 4 % 6 3 5 38 .6% Renter-Occupied Housing Units

Vacant Housing Units 8 2 5 .0%

Total Housing Units 1 , 6 4 3 100.0%

Vacancy Rate - 5.0% Persons Per Household - 2 . 3 1

Age and Structural Characteristics Percent

of Characteristics Number Total

Built 1 9 7 0 to 1 9 9 0 Built 1 9 3 9 or Earlier Public Water System Public Sewer System Utility Gas Heat Electric Heat

205 7 0 5

1 ,629 1,599 1 , 2 2 2

1 9 4

1 2 . 5 % 42.9% 99.2% 9 7 . 3 % 74.4% 1 1 . 8 %

Value and Income Characteristics

Characteristics

Percent of

Number Total

Householder 6 5 Yrs. and Over 482 Value Less than $39,999 1 5 2 Value $40,000 to $79,999 4 8 7 Income Below Poverty Level (Families) 6 3 Income Below Poverty Level (Persons) 3 1 9

2 9 . 3 % 1 9 . 1 % 2 9 . 6 %

6 . 2 % 8.8%

SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Census, 1 9 9 0 Census of Population and Housing

53.

Housing Condition Inventory

a

The housing unit trends and characteristics as discussed have provided a comprehensive overview of Ebensburg's existing housing stock. However, the information presented provides no insight into existing housing conditions and makes no reference to those units classified as substandard, blighted, or deteriorated. This section of the Ebensburg Borough Housing Plan will survey the physical (exterior) condition of the housing stock. The results of this inventory will reveal the overall quality of the housing and identify any areas which exhibit blighted housing.

The housing condition inventory is premised upon a visual field survey of housing units within Ebensburg. (See Exterior Housing Survey form in the Appendix.) Only structures primarily utilized for living occupancy will be examined and includes single family, multi-family, and mobile homes. The inventory will examine only the exterior condition of the housing unit and property so as to provide for an appropriate visual'inspection of the unit's overall appearance. For the purpose of the inventory, seven (7) exterior housing criteria were examined to determine a housing unit's overall deficiency. Based upon the number and extent of exterior deficiencies, a unit was classified as being standard (one [ l l or no deficiencies), substandard ( 2 deficiencies), blighted ( 3 deficiencies) or deteriorated (4 or more deficiencies). The exterior housing criteria utilized to inventory Ebensburg's housing stock is presented below:

1.

2.

3 . 4.

5 .

6.

7.

Exterior (Minor) - Paint, Siding, Roofing,

Exterior (Major) - Cracks, Holes, Bulge, Rot,

Foundation - Cracks, Holes, Bulge, Settlement Roof - Sag, Missing Shingles, Rot, Fire

Windows - Missing Glass, Broken Glass,

Porches - Sag, Broken Steps, Missing Decks or Chimney - Cracks, Holes, Settlement, Bulge

Windows, Porches

Fire Damage

Damage

Boarded-Up

Rails

The Ebensburg Borough housing condition inventory will provide a mechanism to survey the existing housing stock and to subsequently classify it into one (1) of the following four (4) housing categories:

5 4 .

1.

2.

3 .

4.

Standard - The housing units show signs of one (1) or none of the exterior deficiencies, based upon a visual inspection involving the seven (7) exterior housing criteria.

Substandard - The housing units show signs of exterior deficiencies involving at least two (2) of the seven (7) exterior housing criteria.

Blighted - The housing units classified in this category show signs of exterior deficiencies which can range from minor repairs to substantial rehabilitation. A dwelling unit would be lacking in at least three ( 3 ) of the seven ( 7 ) housing criteria and considered blighted.

Deteriorated - The housing units are in such condition that it would not be economically feasible to rehabilitate the unit to bring it up to building standards. These units have major structural problems and are deficient in at least four ( 4 ) of the exterior housing criteria.

Housing units classified as substandard, blighted, or deteriorated will be considered for additional inspection after being placed into one (1) of the recommended programs discussed below:

Maintenance Program: A housing program designed to promote the repair of minor exterior building and property deficiencies such as improvements to exterior walls, windows, and roofing. A program of housing maintenance would also consider exterior property improvements such as yard beautification and debris removal.

Rehabilitation Program: A housing program designed to improve and upgrade major exterior building deficiencies in areas showing significant structural damage to foundations, exterior walls, and roofs. A program of housing rehabilitation would support and be consistent with acceptable housing, building, electrical, fire, and plumbing codes and other local ordinances.

Demolition Program: remove structures exhibiting signs of major structural damage rendering the housing unit uninhabitable. Units recommended for demolition are very often abandoned and pose a significant threat to public health, safety, and welfare.

A housing program designed to

55.

Housing Inventory Conclusions

The Ebensburg Borough Housing Inventory, utilizing the methodology described above, identified 16 single-family housing units as being substandard, two (2) single-family units as blighted, and one (1) vacant unit classified as deteriorated. Table 12 presents a listing of the housing units identified in the survey with respect to exterior deficiencies. Each unit has been identified in terms of Tax Map Number, Street Address, Exterior Appearance, Housing Classification, and Housing Program. The Community Facilities Map (Map No. 3 ) delineates the location of Ebensburg's substandard, blighted, and deteriorated housing.

The housing inventory indicated that the majority of the Borough's housing stock can be classified as standard housing. The exterior housing deficiencies most often encountered during the drive-by windshield survey were in terms of minor exterior problems. In most cases, basic fix-it-up type minor repair activities such as exterior painting, replacing missing shingles or broken glass, new roofing and soffit and fascia, and replacing porch decking or rails appeared to be the only type of housing maintenance necessary to bring the units up to standard condition.

Thus, the 16 housing units in Ebensburg classified as substandard would best be served by an on-going maintenance program supported and promoted by both the public and private sectors. A housing maintenance program would assume the following considerations:

* The repair of minor and/or major exterior property deficiencies, e.g., paint, roof, window, siding, porch, chimney, and foundation.

* Public support of housing maintenance and improvement through the establishment of residential tax incentive programs such as the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Act (LERTA) .

* Community-wide promotion of clean-up, fix- it-up, and beautification programs enhanced by municipal resources and equipment.

* Private sector support in terms of providing low interest loans and other financial incentives for home improvements.

56.

The two (2) single-family housing units classified as blighted within the Borough warrants a program directed toward substantial rehabilitation that would consider the following:

* The improvement and upgrading of major exterior building deficiencies in areas showing significant structural damage to foundations, exterior walls, and roofs.

* Blighted housing rehabilitation would be consistent with the Borough's prescribed Building Officials and Code Administration (BOCA) basic building and basic housing code.

* State grant and loan programs for housing rehabilitation must be supported by over 50% low-moderate income population that would be verified by a State-mandated income survey.

* Housing rehabilitation activities would be based upon the individual property owner's financial ability to improve his or her housing.

The one (1) vacant/abandoned unit classified as deteriorated within Ebensburg Borough should be condemned and placed in a housing demolition program consistent with the following parameters:

* The unit is structurally deficient in terms of major exterior criteria such as roof, siding, windows, chimney, and foundation and presents a public health and safety issue.

* An official determination of housing condemnation based upon the Borough's building and housing codes (BOCA) should be made in regard to deteriorated units.

* Following official notification of property status, it will become the responsibility of the property owner to finance the associated demolition costs.

* Demolition costs may be pursued privately or in cooperation with a public entity with condemnation powers such as the Cambria County Redevelopment Authority.

57.

Tax Map N o .

25 -02-10 9 25-02-207 25 -03 -305 25-03-308 25 -03 -30 4 25-06-110 25 -0 6 -50 2 25-09-303 2 5 - 1 0 - 4 1 1 25-11-407 25 -20 -10 3 25-20-104 26-01-104 26-02-202 2 6 - 0 2 - 1 0 1 26-02-204 26-02-318 2 6 - 0 3 - 1 0 1 26-14-312

S t r e e t Address

2 0 9 E . Ogle 3 0 0 S. Locus t 3 2 0 E. High 3 0 4 E . High 3 2 6 E . High 2 2 0 Bol ton 3 1 2 Arbor 4 0 3 E . Crawford 6 1 9 E . High 6 1 6 E. Lloyd R . D . # 4 , Box 3 7 7 R . D . # 4 , Box 3 7 7 3 2 0 S. Marion 5 2 0 W . High 419 W. Lloyd 6 1 0 W. High 5 2 0 W . Ogle 2 2 3 N . Marion 2 1 5 S. West

EBENSBURG BOROUGH HOUSING C O N D I T I O N INVENTORY

Conducted J u n e , 1 9 9 5

E x t e r i o r Appearance

Facade Res to ra t ion Facade R e s t o r a t i o n S o f f i t & F a s c i a S t r u c t u r a l D e f i c i e n c i e s Facade R e s t o r a t i o n S o f f i t & F a s c i a S o f f i t & F a s c i a Facade Res to ra t ion Facade Res tora t ion Facade Res tora t ion S t r u c t u r a l D e f i c i e n c i e s Facade R e s t o r a t i o n S t r u c t u r a l D e f i c i e n c i e s S o f f i t & F a s c i a S o f f i t & F a s c i a Facade R e s t o r a t i o n Facade R e s t o r a t i o n Facade Res tora t ion Facade Res tora t ion

Housing C l a s s i f i c a t i o n

Subs tandard Subs tanda rd Subs tandard B l i g h t e d Subs tanda rd Subs tanda rd Subs tandard Subs tanda rd Subs tanda rd Subs tanda rd D e t e r i o r a t e d Subs tanda rd Subs tandard Subs tanda rd Subs tandard Subs tandard B l i g h t e d Subs tanda rd Subs tanda rd

Housing Program

Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance D e m o l i t i o n Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance Maintenance R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Maintenance Maintenance

SOURCE: Cambria County P lann ing Commission; Housing C o n d i t i o n I n v e n t o r y ; June , 1 9 9 5 .

58.

Housing Stock Manaqement

The basic philosophy relevant to Ebensburg's code enforcement program is to insure minimum standards of health and safety in existing and new housing construction. The Borough, in the interest of housing preservation, has adopted uniform Building Officials and Code Administration (BOCA) basic building code and basic housing code regulating the construction of new housing, the rehabilitation of substandard and blighted housing, and the demolition or removal of deteriorated structures. Ebensburg's building and housing codes are administered and enforced through the cooperative efforts of the Borough's Code Enforcement Officer, Borough Manager, Planning Commission, and Borough Engineer.

Building and Housing Codes

The purpose of the building code is to insure minimum standards of health and safety in new residential construction, including the substantial rehabilitation of an existing substandard structure. The housing code, also referred to as Ebensburg's property maintenance code, is designed to insure minimum standards of health and safety in existing dwellings. The Borough's building and housing codes are essential tools for insuring minimum standards of health and safety in existing and new residential construction.

Ebensburg's building and housing codes are the primary tools for preserving the quality and quantity of the existing housing stock. Code enforcement, when utilized in conjunction with a system of on-going maintenance and rehabilitation, can enhance community housing efforts. Ebensburg's first priority is to stimulate the maintenance of existing homes by the private sector. Second, Ebensburg must work to stimulate, insure, and ultimately support, the rehabilitation of substandard and blighted structures. Finally, Ebensburg, in conjunction with delinquent owners and state and local agencies, must develop a program to demolish deteriorated structures that are public health hazards.

Property Maintenance Programs

A successful maintenance program is based upon two ( 2 ) parallel sets of policies: (1) mandatory requirements such as building and housing codes; and ( 2 ) an inspection system that is based upon

59.

a

housing transactions and housing complaints. When inspections are not conducted, code enforcement has limited results in terms of fostering a successful property maintenance program. The feasibility of a property maintenance program should be evaluated by the Borough over the next 3 to 5 years.

A comprehensive future review of all structures in Ebensburg would insure the most successful system of property maintenance. With this approach, the owner-occupied housing stock would be inspected once and the rental stock twice every 10 years. However, such a housing inspection program would not be cost-effective and would eventually drain the resources of the Borough. The inherent age of Ebensburg's housing stock warrants the feasibility of a property maintenance program.

On-going housing inspections should be "transaction-based" within Ebensburg Borough. This type of housing program would necessitate that the Borough inspect all properties at the time they are sold in cooperation with potential buyers, real estate agents, and lending institutions. In addition, the rental housing stock would be inspected at the time a tenant vacates a unit in cooperation with potential renters and landlords. A transaction-based or housing tenure system would at least insure that most housing would come under periodic inspection. Such a system would also provide Ebensburg with a mechanism for tracking renters so that local municipal taxes can be levied.

The Borough would also need to enhance the transaction-based system with a formal program of "complaint response notification". This inspection program is based upon information received from concerned neighbors and local residents as to a specific housing problem or situation. A long-term homeowner that has neglected his or her property will only come to the Borough's attention through a complaint. A landlord who allows the rapid deterioration of a unit could avoid detection without a formal complaint response program.

Local Land Use Regulations

Land use regulations are one (1) of several factors that affect housing conditions, costs, and opportunities in any community. Other factors include local wages and employment and the

60.

influence they have on housing demand, the cost of labor and materials, the cost of construction and mortgage financing, and the degree of land speculation in a community and the affect it has on the price of land. However, an understanding of how land use regulations impact the local housing market is most important since land use regulations are influenced by local decision- making and can be designed and implemented so as to be a positive force in the development of housing opportunities for all residents of Ebensburg.

Zoning Ordinance

The type of land use regulations that can have the most positive impact on housing is the Zoning Ordinance. Zoning affects housing development in several ways. First, because zoning regulates the type of housing that can be built, where it can be built, and how much of it can be built, it influences the types and numbers of housing opportunities that are available in a community for different types of households with different types of housing needs.

Second, because zoning regulates the density of development, it has a significant impact on overall housing costs. It directly determines the amount of land needed for development. This, in turn, affects the size and the cost of the unit that is built on the land.

Finally, zoning affects the overall cost of housing through minimum lot width and setback requirements. When these requirements are excessive, a variety of housing related infrastructure costs such as sidewalks, curbing, streets, and utility service lines, increase. In addition, when minimum lot width and setback requirements promote wide, shallow lots, as opposed to narrow, deep lots, even though the overall lot sizes are the same, infrastructure costs are also increased. Wide lots require more sidewalks, curbing, and longer utility lines than do narrow lots.

Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance

Subdivision and land development regulations provide for the orderly division and development of raw land into building lots and development sites. These regulations are used by local governments to insure adequate vehicular access to

6 1 .

the building site, safe pedestrian movement, sufficient stormwater drainage, safe drinking water and sanitary sewage disposal systems, and protection of the environment.

Historical Preservation

The formal designation of an historic district in Ebensburg Borough would provide certain financial incentives and legal protection for the preservation of both the quality of the housing stock and the historical character of Ebensburg. The identification of historic properties within the Borough which have historical and/or architectural significance may be seen as an initial step toward protecting these properties through municipal regulation.

Certified Local Government (CLG) Program

Ebensburg should consider the identification, evaluation, and protection of historic homes by becoming a Certified Local Government (CLG) pursuant to the National Historic Preservation Act. As a CLG, the Borough would be (1) eligible to apply to the State Historic Preservation Officer for matching funds earmarked for "Certified Local Government" and ( 2 ) responsi- bility for review of nomination of properties to the National Register of Historic Places.

In order to become certified, Ebensburg must meet a number of requirements, chief of which are to have enacted an Historic Preservation Ordinance and and appointed Historic Architectural Review Board or Preservation Commission. As a CLG, Ebensburg would be eligible to apply for special grants from the State Historic Preservation office. These grants can be used to fund the following types of historical preservation activities:

* A survey and inventory of historic buildings and other historic features including parks, roads, and bridges.

* A survey of local prehistoric and historic archeological resources.

* The preparation of nominations of local properties and districts to the National Register of Historic Places.

6 2 .

Providing staff support for a Certified Local Government's historic preservation commission.

Developing published design guidelines for use by historic preservation commissions in their review of new construction and alterations to properties within the historic district.

Writing or amending preservation ordinances.

Preparing preservation plans for the protection of local historic resources.

Testing archeological sites to determine their significance.

Preparing and producing exhibits and brochures concerning local historical resources and their protection.

Preparing special events that educate the public about local history, the community's historic resources and preservation issues.

While the Certified Local Government Program offers many benefits to Ebensburg Borough, the support of residents and business owners within the historic district is essential. Care must be taken when drafting the required ordinance so that property owners are not made to feel that they have no input in the care and upkeep of their homes. Prior to a municipality receiving certification, public meetings should be conducted to solicit opinion and to address related concerns.

Future Housinu Considerations

Future demands from population characteristics and household formation will be the primary factors affecting housing growth in Ebensburg Borough into the year 2010. The continuing decline in family size and the increase in the number of one-and-two person households points to the need for smaller housing units. The development of small, relatively affordable, 1-unit detached homes would also provide for the housing needs of growing segments of the population, such as the elderly and single adults. Additionally, the two ( 2 ) income family most likely will continue as an economic necessity in order to afford the purchase of a home. Subsequently, housing planning must correspond to existing and future demographic trends and economic conditions.

6 3 .

Affordable Housing Needs

Consideration must be given to providing affordable low - moderate income rental housing within Ebensburg. The issue of affordable housing is complex and subject to many factors and market forces. In Pennsylvania, implementation of many planning mechanisms and programs is left up to individual municipalities under the Municipalities Planning Code (MPC), Act 247 of 1968. Unfortunately, Ebensburg Borough has no distinct power to require developers to build affordable units. Basically, Ebensburg is left with only the ability to study and advocate appropriate housing policies. The Pennsylvania courts have recognized this issue and emphasized that all communities in the path of growth must provide for their fair share of the region's growth, including more affordable housing. However, the legislature has yet to provide the legal mechanism to effectively bring fair share about.

The concept of affordable housing is a necessary element of Ebensburg's housing plan. The Borough will address the affordable housing need of individuals and families currently residing within its boundaries through appropriate policy planning and through zoning and subdivision regulations. Zoning and subdivision will insure that sufficient amounts of land will be available at a variety of densities, thus providing housing opportunities for individuals and families of all income levels.

Policies

1. Utilize zoning and subdivision regulations to mitigate the affects of housing growth on municipal services and facilities while providing for affordable housing.

2. Promote the use of zoning that allows for the provision of adequate multi-family residential development affordable to low - moderate income households.

3 . Encourage the preservation and availability of existing private and public rental properties for low - moderate income households.

6 4 .

Special Housing Needs

Persons with special housing needs comprise several main groups: the elderly, the physically disabled, and the mentally ill. The housing needs of persons 6 5 years old and over warrants special attention because they make up the fastest-growing age group in Ebensburg. Overall, the Borough's population decreased by 2 2 4 persons or -5.5% between 1 9 8 0 and 1 9 9 0 . However, during the same 10-year period, the elderly population age 65 and over increased by 107 people or 17 percent. Ebensburg's median age also increased from 3 2 . 1 years in 1 9 8 0 to 36.7 years in 1 9 9 0 .

Most elderly persons in Ebensburg continue to reside in single-family detached homes they find too large and expensive to maintain. While some remain by choice, others remain because of a lack of alternative housing opportunities such as low - moderate income subsidized housing. Senior citizens desire independence, yet they want to remain within the communities in which they have lived most of their lives, close to family and friends. Handicapped and disabled people also want housing that promotes and maintains their independence.

In order to address the growing needs of senior citizens and those persons with disabilities, Ebensburg Borough must assure that housing, such as residential conversions or group homes, is permitted through zoning and subdivision and land development regulations. Emphasis must be given to provisions permitting the creation of alternative housing policies that fit the lifestyle needs of special population groups.

Policies

1. Promote programs that enable elderly, physically disabled, mentally ill, and mentally challenged to remain in their private homes.

2. Provide expanded opportunities and independent living arrangements for those residents with special housing needs, including the elderly and handicapped.

3 . Address existing and future public housing needs of elderly and disabled persons by supporting the creation of new subsidized housing.

6 5 .

Housina Goal-and Obiectives

Housing Goal: To establish a higher quality of residential life within Ebensburg Borough through improved housing conditions and expanded housing opportunities.

Objectives:

1.

2.

3 .

4.

5 .

6.

Endorse and promote a community-wide clean-up, fix-up, and paint-up housing program that is the responsibility of the individual home-owner.

Create a housing improvement program that would encourage home-owners to rehabilitate deteriorated housing.

Continue to utilize the amended 1990 Ebensburg BOCA Codes that establish uniform building and housing standards.

Encourage new housing development on undeveloped tracts of land and vacant lots that are accessible by public sewer and water facilities.

Permit multi-family and elderly housing development where feasible to compliment the construction of single-family units.

Promote the conservation and preservation of historically significant housing and structures as local resources.

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V. TRANSPORTATION PLAN

Ebensburg Borough is served by a public transportation system consisting of two ( 2 ) Principal Arterial highways, one (1) Minor Arterial, four (4) Urban Collectors, three ( 3 ) Minor Collectors, a network of local streets, and public mass transit service. This transportation system comprises approximately 20 miles of federal, state, and local highways which are part of an extended regional network connecting Ebensburg with cities throughout Pennsylvania and the United States.

The future growth and financial stability of the Borough will be highly dependent upon the continued maintenance and expansion of this transportation system for the movement of people, goods, and services. The system of roads, streets, and highways which collectively comprise Ebensburg's transportation system is presented on the Community Facilities Map (Map No. 3 )

Functional Classification

The Federal Highway Administration and the U.S. Department of Transportation have developed standardized classifications for highways and roads according to their function and level of service.

1. Principal Arterials

These highways serve major centers of activities of metropolitan areas and are characterized by high traffic volumes. Principal arterials are further subdivided into interstates, freeways, expressways, and other principal arterials sub-classification. The following highways serve Ebensburg Borough within the classification as other principal arterials:

* U.S. Route 22 * U.S. Route 219

2. Minor Arterials

Minor arterials are characterized by a lower level of travel mobility and distribute travel to smaller geographical areas than do principal arterials. They function more as a means of accessing land and serve as urban connectors to major rural routes. Highways

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serving Ebensburg within this classification are as follows:

* U . S . Route 422 * PA Route 160

3. Major Urban/Rural Collector

Major urban and rural collector roads provide land access by providing traffic circulation within residential neighborhoods, commercial, industrial, and other developed areas. These roadways distribute trips from arterials to ultimate destinations and from local streets into arterials. Highways in Ebensburg Borough in this classification include the following:

* State Route (SR) 4031 (Old U . S . 219) * State Route (SR) 1036 (Old U . S . 422)

4. Minor Collectors

Minor collector highways distribute traffic from major urban and rural collectors to ultimate destinations and from local streets to arterial highways. The following highways are classified as minor collectors serving Ebensburg Borough:

* State Route (SR) 2013 * State Route (SR) 4005 * State Route (SR) 1001 Roadway characteristics of the federal and state highway system relevant to Ebensburg Borough are presented on Table 13.

5. Local Streets and Roads

The primary function of this classification is to provide access from the built-up urbanized area to the other more utilized highway components of the functional classification system. The local street system serving Ebensburg Borough is further broken down into major and collector streets based upon traffic volumes and origin and destination points. Ebensburg's local street system is shown on Map No. 3.

6 8 .

Public Mass Transit

Ebensburg Borough's highway system provides for the daily movement of people, goods, and services. The great majority of transportation and transport within the Borough is by privately-owned vehicles, however, public mass transit service is provided on a daily basis. The rural division of the Cambria County Transit Authority (CCTA) provides fixed-route, shared ride, and shuttle bus public transit service within Ebensburg Borough. The rural division is headquartered in Patton Borough from which it provides public transportation to and from rural communities throughout Cambria County.

The Authority's bus fleet is equipped to accommodate wheelchair and non-ambulatory passengers, and a special reduced fare is available for handicapped riders on fixed-scheduled routes. Senior citizens age 65 and over ride free during non-peak hours (9:OO a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; before 6:OO a.m.; and after 6:OO p.m.). The senior fare is subsidized by proceeds from the Pennsylvania State Lottery System. One-way fares in 1996 on the fixed-route transit system range from $1.00 to $1.75 depending upon the type of service provided and points of origin and destination. Shared-ride (call-on-demand) van service is provided by the Authority at a cost ranging from $2.00 to $4.50 for a one-way trip.

Reqional Transportation Issues

The potential for economic growth within Ebensburg and its surrounding area is premised upon an extensive and efficient regional highway system. To this extent, certain regional transportation issues must be pursued to insure adequate highways that foster continued growth and development. The most important regional transportation issues relevant to overall economic development within Ebensburg are: (1) the widening and rehabilitation of U.S. Route 22 West; (2) the extension of U.S. Route 219 North; and (3) the maintenance of U.S. Route 422 West.

1. U . S . Route 22

Route 22 traverses east and west through Cambria County connecting Ebensburg Borough with Harrisburg to the east and Pittsburgh to the west. The primary arterial by-passes Ebensburg as a four-lane limited access highway providing direct access via east and west bound exit ramps and through several local intersections. U.S. 22 extends east of

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Cambria County as a 4-lane highway intersecting with U . S . Route 220 in Blair County. West of Cambria County, U.S. 22 is being widened and/or reconstructed to the City of Pittsburgh as a modern three (3), and in some sections four (4), lane highway facility.

2. U.S. Route 219

Route 219 is the major north and south primary arterial passing through Cambria County. The highway extends from the Johnstown Urbanized Area north bypassing Ebensburg as a $-lane limited access highway to old U.S. Route 219 just south of Carrolltown. Along its alignment, this major highway interchanges with U.S. Route 22 and U . S . Route 422 just outside of Ebensburg in Cambria Township. Long-term improvements to U.S. 219 being discussed by PA DOT include the continued extension northward from its present terminus north of Ebensburg to Buffalo, New York.

3. U.S. Route 422

A third regional transportation issue relevant to Ebensburg Borough is U . S . Route 422. This important east and west arterial has its eastern-most terminus in Ebensburg. The highway intersects with U . S . 219 (Ebensburg By-Pass) just outside of Ebensburg. U . S . 422 provides a western route to Interstates 79 and 8 0 from Ebensburg to Youngstown, Ohio. The continued maintenance and improvement of this highway system is necessary because of its direct linkage with both U . S . Route 219 and U.S. Route 22.

PA DOT 12-Year Highway and Bridqe Program

Planning considerations for transportation projects in Cambria County begin with the placement of candidate projects on the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Twelve Year Highway and Bridge Program. The program listing of proposed projects is re-examined and updated every two (2) years based upon project requests received from area municipalities. Inclusion of a highway project on the 12-year program is necessary for funding consideration, however, only those projects placed on the first four years of the 12-year program are high priority projects for funding approval. As improvement projects are scheduled and

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implemented through the phases of the engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction, new projects are added as funding levels permit.

The reviewed program of transportation projects is developed at the county level by the Cambria County Planning Commission in cooperation with local municipalities. The projects are then considered by PennDOT until a mutually-agreed upon listing of priority projects is achieved. The project listing is then submitted to the State Transportation Commission (STC) which is responsible for formal adoption of the 12-Year Program. The Twelve Year Program functions as the formal guide for budgeting, design, and construction of transportation improvements; and as federal and state funds become available, projects are implemented.

The current 12-Year Transportation Program considers approved 1992-04 carryover projects plus the 1994-06 proposed candidate listing of new highway and bridge projects. Presented below is a brief description of the transportation improvements listed and proposed on the County's new 12-Year Program that will have an impact on Ebensburg. Only one (1) of the seven (7) identified projects are within Ebensburg Borough, however, all the projects are intrinsically related to the Borough's overall transportation system.

U.S. Route 22 Update Preliminary Study

Location: Mundys Corner to Blairsville Distance: 4.0 miles Project: Transportation Study

Project Listing: First Four Years - Engineering Total Costs: $1,000,000

U.S. Route 2 2 Update/Wideninq

Location: Mundys Corner to Indiana County Distance: 4.0 miles Project: 4-Lane Reconstruction to 48 Feet

Project Listing: Second Four Years - Engineering and Right-of-way

Total Costs: $11,000,000

U.S. Route 22 Update/Widening

Location: Mundys Corner to Indiana County Distance: 4.0 miles Project: 4-Lane Reconstruction to 48 Feet

Project Listing: Third Four Years - Construction Total Costs: $45,000,000

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U . S . Route 2 2 Patch and Seal

a

Location: U . S . 2 1 9 to East Ebensburg Interchange Distance: 3.5 miles Project: Highway Restoration

Project Listing: Candidate - Engineering & Construction Total Costs: $ 8 2 5 , 0 0 0

U . S . Route 2 2 Patch and Seal

Location: Chickory Mountain to U . S . 2 1 9 and Ebensburg Distance: 1 6 . 0 miles Project: Highway Restoration

Project Listing: Candidate - Engineering & Construction Total Costs: $ 6 7 5 , 0 0 0

U . S . Route 2 1 9 / U . S . Route 2 2

Location: South Fork to Ebensburg Distance: 5 . 8 miles Project: Highway Restoration

Project Listing: First Four Years - Engineering, Right-of-way, and Construction

Total Costs: $ 1 9 , 0 0 2 , 0 0 0

Lake Rowena Bridge

Location: SR 1 0 3 6 (Old U . S . 4 2 2 ) Ebensburg Borough Distance: .1 mile over Howells Run Lake Rowena Project: Bridge Replacement

Project Listing: Candidate - Engineering, Right-of-way, and Construction

Total Costs: $ 1 , 0 4 0 , 0 0 0

Transportation Goal and Objectives

Transportation Goal: To provide a safe and efficient system of roads and streets to serve Ebensburg Borough.

Objectives

1. Institute a program to prioritize the maintenance, repair, and expansion of local streets and roads based upon a needs assessment.

2 . Consider the financial feasibility associated with the repair and/or replacement of unsafe and deteriorated local streets.

3 . Encourage the support and cooperation of local residents and the business community in resolving transportation issues such as parking and traffic congestion.

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4. Coordinate efforts to resolve transportation issues such as traffic safety, congestion, and circulation with county and state agencies.

5. Develop a program to prioritize the utilization of State Liquid Fuels funding based upon an evaluation of existing transportation problems.

6. Continue to seek funding mechanisms for safety improvements and expansion of the Ebensburg Airport.

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TABLE 13

EBENSBURG BOROUGH CHARACTERISTICS OF FEDERAL AND STATE HIGHWAYS

1995

0

Functional Classification

Principal Arterials

U.S. Route 22

U.S. Route 219

Minor Arterials

U.S. Route 422

PA Route i60

Minor Urban Rural Collectors

SR 4031 (Old Route 219)

SR 1036 (Old Route 422)

Minor Collectors

SR 2013

SR 4005

SR 1001

Length in

Municipality Miles

Cambria Township

Cambria Township

Cambria Township

Cambria Township

Ebensburg Borough

Ebensburg Borough

Ebensburg Borough

Ebensburg Borough

Ebensburg Borough

11.86

18.99

3.57

5.10

1.13

0.84

0.12

1.40

0.57

Total Width

24 I

24 I

20

20 '

Surface Type

Cement

Cement

Bituminous

Bituminous

20 Bituminous

24 Bituminous

40 I

25

22 I

Bituminous

Bituminous

Bituminous

Avg . Daily Traffic Volume

14,706

5 , 108

4,236

4 , 826

16,676

11,785

3,892

3,808

1,782

% Trucks

12%

11%

15%

4%

12%

9%

9%

9%

2%

No. of Lanes

2 Lane 1 Way

2 Lane 1 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

2 Lane 2 Way

Pavement Condition

Very Good

Very Good

Good \

Good

Good

Good

Fair

Good

Good

SOURCE: PA DOT, Road Management Information System; July 1995, RMS State Roadway System, District 9-0 Data compiled by Cambria County Planning Commission; October, 1995.

7 4 .

VI. COMMUNITY FACILITIES PLAN

Community facilities may be identified as the physical structures, services, and other facilities owned, maintained, and operated by a public body for the benefit of the community as a whole. The Ebensburg Borough Community Facilities Plan will emphasize those public facilities under the direct or indirect control of the Borough Council.

An inventory of existing and future public facilities and services is necessary to insure the general health, safety, and welfare of Borough residents. Ebensburg's inventory will consider the basic characteristics and overall potential of the following community facilities and services: (1) Governmental Organization; ( 2 ) Police, Fire, and Ambulance; (3) Street Maintenance; (4) Municipal Buildings; (5) Recreational Facilities; ( 6 ) Educational facilities; (7) Water and Sanitary Sewage Facilities; and ( 8 ) Municipal Solid Waste. The identification and location of Ebensburg Borough's community-wide facilities are presented on the Community Facilities Map (Map No. 3).

Governmental Organization

Ebensburg Borough is authorized by the Pennsylvania Constitution and is organized under the Borough Code as granted by the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The Borough operates under the Weak Mayor Council form of government. The day-to-day administration of borough business is the responsibility of the Borough Manager (Secretary/ Treasurer) appointed by and responsible to Council. The Mayor is elected for a four (4) year term and the seven (7) councillors are elected at large to four (4) year overlapping terms.

The governing body of Ebensburg is the elected council and the chief elected official is the President of Council. Registered voters in Ebensburg also elect auditors, a municipal tax collector and assessor. All other municipal officials and departments are appointed by the Council on an as-needed basis to insure that municipal government is properly maintained.

In Ebensburg, the following municipal officials and departments may be appointed: Solicitor; Engineer; and Public Works Director. Council may also appoint members of various Authorities, Commissions, and Boards as needed to oversee community facilities and services. Ebensburg Borough Council also utilizes

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the administration services of the Cambria/Somerset Council of Governments (COG) to oversee cooperative purchasing, code enforcement, and zoning officer services.

Police Protection

Police protection in Ebensburg is provided by the Ebensburg Borough police department. The police department works in cooperation with Cambria County's 911 Department of Emergency Service. Ebensburg's police department provides 24-hour service seven (7) days a week and is headquartered in the Borough Municipal Building at 300 West High Street.

The department is staffed by a full-time police chief, four (4) full-time police officers and five (5) part-time officers. The department utilizes three ( 3 ) police cruisers and one (1) 4 x 4 sport utility vehicle to serve Ebensburg residents and to provide back-up assistance to neighborhood police departments.

Fire Protection

The residents of Ebensburg Borough are provided fire protection by the Dauntless Fire Company which is headquartered along Sample Street. The all volunteer fire company contains a membership of 80 fire fighters and eight (8) fire officers including a president, fire chief, and assistant chief. The company's fire station and communication center on Sample Street houses several fire-fighting vehicles along with support equipment and miscellaneous office and training facilities.

Fire calls are dispatched from the Company's communication center on a 24-hour basis. The dispatch center is integrated with the County's 911 Center and can respond to emergency calls for back-up and support services to other municipal fire departments.

Ambulance Service

Emergency ambulatory service is provided to Ebensburg and Cambria Township by the Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association. The ambulance service is headquartered at 100 North Caroline Street and in cooperating with Cambria County's 911 dispatch center, provides 24-hour emergency service. The association maintains an average yearly membership of 1500 persons which includes family and individual membership fees. Non-members residing in Ebensburg and Cambria Township pay a higher cost for ambulance service to hospitals within a 25-mile radius of Ebensburg.

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The Association is staffed by five (5) full-time employees and 40 community volunteers. The full-time staff includes two ( 2 ) Certified EMT-Paramedics, two (2) Emergency Management Technicians (EMTs), and one (1) secretary. Emergency medical service is provided by three ( 3 ) vehicles equipped with Advanced Life Support (ALS) systems.

Street Maintenance

The maintenance of Ebensburg Borough's local streets and roads is one of the most important municipal services provided to Borough residents. The Borough's Public Works Department is responsible for a wide range of street services such as keeping streets passable, street repair and paving, street signing and lighting, and construction of new roads. Street maintenance within Ebensburg is the primary responsibility of the Public Works Director and five (5) full-time crew members.

The Public Works Department is headquartered at 300 West High Street within the Ebensburg Municipal Building Complex. The maintenance garage and storage shed are also housed within the municipal building. The Ebensburg Borough maintenance equipment roster is comprised of eight (8) vehicles designed specifically for street maintenance and repair.

Municipal Buildings

The Ebensburg Borough Municipal Building serves as the nucleus for day-to-day governmental operations and activities within Ebensburg. The Municipal Building is a multi-purpose public facility located at 300 West High Street. In addition to serving as the center for local government, the Borough's municipal building also houses space for the following elected officials, offices, agencies, and departments:

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Mayor and Borough Council Manager Police Department Public Works Department Public Library Water Authority Sewer Authority Code Enforcement Public Meetings Earned Income Tax Collector Planning Commission Zoning Hearing Board

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In addition to the Ebensburg Municipal Building, Ebensburg Borough also operates and maintains the following major municipal facilities necessary for the provision of local governmental services:

* Ebensburg Borough Water Treatment Plant * Ebensburg Borough Sewage Treatment Plant * Ebensburg Borough Pool and Building * Ebensburg Municipal Airport

Recreational Facilities

The overall operation and maintenance of recreation facilities within Ebensburg is the responsibility of the Council Recreation Committee. The following presents a list of community recreation facilities and open space areas within Ebensburg Borough that are municipally-owned and/or operated:

* Lake Rowena Recreational Complex Location: Rowena Drive (SR 1036)

Size: 41.0 Acres Facilities: 2 public pavilions; fishing;

boating (non-motorized); 1 Little League field: walking trail; ice skating: volleyball; picnicking

* Ebensburg Community Park Location: High Street (SR 1036) and Center

Street (SR 4031)

Facilities: Public gazebo: garden walkway: Size: 0.25 Acres

benches; town clock; flower beds

* Ebensburg Municipal Recreation Area Location: Swimming Pool Road

Size: 21.0 Acres Facilities: Public swimming pool: pavilion:

picnicking: volleyball court: concessionaire; rest rooms

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* Ebensburg War Memorial Field

Location: West Ogle Street and South Marion Streets

Size: 6 8 . 0 Acres Facilities: 1 Little League field; 1 Junior

League field; bleachers, 4 basketball courts, 2 soccer fields, 1 multi-purpose building; rest rooms

* East End Park Location: East Ogle and Caroline Streets

Size: 1.6 Acres Facilities: Playground area, swings

* Lions Club Little League Field (Private Sponsorship) Location: Manor Drive (SR 1001)

Size: 2 . 0 Acres Facilities: 1 Little League field; concession

stand

* Center Ward Playground Location: West Alton Street

Size: 1.0 Acre Facilities: Swings; slides; sand boxes

* West End Playground Location: South West Street

Size: 1.0 Acre Facilities: Swings; slides; sand boxes

Educational Facilities

Ebensburg Borough is part of the Central Cambria School District which also provides educational services to residents of Cambria and Jackson Townships. Administrative offices and the main school complex are located just west of the Borough line in Cambria Township, near the U . S . Route 219 and U.S. Route 4 2 2 interchange (Ebensburg By-Pass). This site is also the location for the Admiral Peary Vocational-Technical School (AVTS) which serves the Central Cambria and four ( 4 ) other participating school districts within Cambria County.

Elementary and secondary parochial school systems operated by the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese are located in Ebensburg and provide educational services to students from Ebensburg and municipalities located throughout the County. The Appalachia Intermediate

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Unit 0 8 (IU8) special education system, which serves thirty-five school districts in Western Pennsylvania, also has headquarters and educational facilities within Ebensburg Borough. Additionally, there exists a system of state-supported universities and private colleges within commuting distance of Ebensburg Borough.

The following listing presents both public and non-public educational facilities that serve the residents of Ebensburg Borough:

* * * * * * * * * *

Central Cambria High School Central Cambria Middle School Central Cambria Elementary School Bishop Carroll High School Holy Name Elementary School Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08 University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA Saint Francis College; Loretto, PA Mount Aloysius College; Cresson, PA Indiana University of Pennsylvania; Indiana, PA

Water Facilities

The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Ebensburg provides public water service to residents of Ebensburg and also serves metered residential, commercial, and industrial customers in adjacent Cambria Township. The Authority owns and operates a public water supply and distribution system and a modern water filtration treatment plant. The Ebensburg system utilizes two ( 2 ) reservoirs with a combined capacity of 455,000,000 gallons of raw water.

A 1.5 million gallon per day water treatment plant is located just below the oldest and smallest (25,000,000 capacity) of the two (2) reservoirs. Two (2) wells have been drilled near the new reservoir to increase the Borough's reserve storage capacity. Treated water accumulates in an elevated 500,000 gallon storage tank and two ( 2 ) ground storage tanks with a combined capacity of 630,000 gallons. The transmission and distribution systems combined contain more than 61 miles of pipeline with a service area containing over 1,750 water customers.

Sanitary Sewer Facilities

The Municipal Authority of the Borough of Ebensburg owns and operates a wastewater collection system, an interceptor conveyance system, and a tertiary sewage treatment plant facility recently upgraded to 1.50 million gallons per day (MGD). The Authority's sewerage system serves a population of over 5,000 persons including some 1,500 domestic,

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commercial, and industrial customers in the Borough of Ebensburg and portions of Cambria Township. Sludge as a by-product of the treatment process is transported by a licensed county hauler under contract with the Borough to a designated county landfill.

The Borough's wastewater collection system is a combination of sanitary and combined sewers. The combined sewers and some of the sanitary sewers were constructed around 1900. The sanitary sewers and interceptors have been constructed during the past 30-year period. The combined sewer system collects and transports both domestic sewage and stormwater runoff to the sewer interceptor that conveys wastewater to the treatment plant. The collection system includes about 141 ,700 lineal feet of sewer pipe ranging in sizes from 8 " to 1 5 " in diameter; about 25,000 lineal feet of interceptor sewer pipe ranging in sizes from 10" to 2 0 " in diameter. The Ebensburg sewer system is served by 278 manholes.

Municipal Solid Waste

The collection and disposal of municipal solid waste in Ebensburg Borough is regulated by the Borough's Garbage and Refuse Ordinance adopted in 1960 with subsequent amendments. Garbage collection within the Borough is by individual subscription between the customer and hauler with rates established by each county-licensed hauler. Garbage collection is conducted weekly and hauled to one (1) of three ( 3 ) landfills designated by the County's Solid Waste Management Plan.

At the present time Ebensburg is not mandated by state law to recycle and presently has not adopted a voluntary recycling program. The Borough has, however, recently authorized the Council Recycling Committee to investigate and develop, if warranted, for a single hauler for waste collection to include a recycling pick-up program. Additionally, the Borough has been awarded a waste processing and composting grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (PA DEP) to implement a plan for the collection, processing, and composting of yard waste material to include equipment and a composting site.

Utility Service

Utility service within Ebensburg Borough is provided by several utility companies. In addition to the water and sewage facilities described herein, the Borough is served by the licensed public utility providers listed below:

* Pennsylvania Electric Company (Penelec) * Peoples Natural Gas Company (PNGCO) * Bell Atlantic (Telephone) * TCI of Pennsylvania, Inc. (Cable TV)

Ebensburg Airport

The Ebensburg Airport is a professionally managed, non-commercial general aviation facility located in Cambria Township near the U.S. 219/U.S. 22 interchange. General aviation services are available as are major and minor airframe and power plant repairs, flight training, and charter flights. At present, the use of the Borough-owned and operated facility is confined to small engine propeller-type aircraft because of safety factors associated with short runways. The Borough has submitted a five-year Capital Improvement Program to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) designed to upgrade the facility to meet required safety standards and additional needs of an expanded service area.

Railroad Service

The mainline of the former Pennsylvania Railroad, now the Consolidated Rail Corporation (ConRail) System is the most extensive rail system operating in Cambria County. The Blacklick Branch of the ConRail System traverses east and west through Ebensburg providing rail transportation for the coal and steel industries. The system also provides regular rail freight service to the Ebensburg and Cresson sub-areas and maintains a ConRail switching yard and minor maintenance shop in nearby Cresson Borough.

Communitv Facilities Recommendations

Police Protection

1. Continue to endorse the police programs and policies of the Ebensburg Police Department so as to promote adequate public safety.

2. Promote educational efforts which encourage crime awareness, crime prevention, and public participation.

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3 . Promote the establishment of a regional or multi-municipal police force especially for municipalities that lack necessary resources.

Fire Protection

1. Encourage and support the Dauntless Fire Company as a adequate first response fire company serving Ebensburg Borough.

2. Support programs which adequately provide funding and new training opportunities for fire fighters.

3 . Continue to support Cambria County's 911 Emergency Services System as a centralized clearinghouse to assist local fire and police providers.

Ambulance Service

1. Support and promote Advanced Life Support (ALS) services that are being provided by the Ebensburg Area Ambulance Association.

2. Provide assistance to local and area-wide emergency management providers to achieve and maintain standard response time services.

3 . Continue to coordinate Ebensburg's emergency police, fire, and ambulance dispatch services with the county-wide 911 system.

Street Maintenance

1. Continue to maintain and upgrade local streets through the Ebensburg Public Works Department.

2. Reduce the costs for equipment, material, and supplies through multi-municipal purchasing in cooperation with the Cambria/Somerset COG.

3 . Institute a dedicated funding mechanism for local streets and curbing, and continue the Borough's dedicated funding program for stormwater management.

MuniciDal Buildinas

1. Preserve the existing Ebensburg Municipal Building and other Borough facilities through a sound preventive maintenance program.

8 3 .

2.

3 .

Consolidate individual Borough buildings and facility operations into specific and well-defined functions.

Recover associated costs for services and facilities through user fees and charges so as to reduce overall operational costs.

Recreational Facilities

1. Continue to operate and maintain existing recreational facilities while seeking to develop new opportunities.

2. Consider forming a joint-municipal recreational commission with Cambria Township to oversee mutual recreational facilities and service.

3. Preserve and protect wetlands, floodplains, streams, water bodies, and green space as land resources for open space and recreation.

Educational Facilities

1. Promote the development of advanced curriculums and the continued upgrading of educational facilities within the Central Cambria School District and the Altoona-Johnstown Diocese.

2. Promote the establishment of day-care centers and other preschool facilities so as to encourage early childhood education.

Water Facilities

1. The Borough and the Ebensburg Municipal Authority should continue to rehabilitate and upgrade existing water treatment plant facilities.

2 . In cooperation with the Authority, the Borough should continue to upgrade the existing water collection and distribution system.

3. Protect ground water resources by implementing a wellhead protection program and ordinance in conjunction with the County's Water Supply and Wellhead Protection Study .

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Sanitary Sewage Facilities

1. Continue to maintain and upgrade the Borough's sewage collection, conveyance and treatment facilities in cooperation with the Ebensburg Municipal Authority.

2. The Borough and Authority should continue to review the costs associated with the replacement of old and deteriorated sanitary sewer lines and interceptors as part of their long range planning program.

3 . Consideration should be directed toward eliminating the combined sewer and storm water runoff systems which currently exist within the Borough.

Municipal Solid Waste Service

1. Revise the Borough's Solid Waste Management Ordinance so as to be consistent with the provisions of the Cambria County Solid Waste Management Plan.

2. Consider retaining the services of a single garbage hauler under contract to the Borough for municipal solid waste collection and disposal service.

3 . Support and participate in a county-wide volunteer recycling program or institute a municipal voluntary program in cooperation with County Solid Waste Management Authority.

Community Facilities Goal: To maintain and improve upon the various facilities and services provided by Ebensburg Borough, thereby fostering a higher quality of life.

Objectives:

1.

2.

3 .

Encourage the advanced training and certification of police, fire, and ambulance personnel.

Encourage the upgrading, modernization, and expansion of police, fire, and ambulance facilities and equipment.

Provide municipal water and sewerage service to new development based upon capacity and cost effectiveness on a case-by-case basis.

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4. Support the Council Recreation Committee in its efforts to sponsor, oversee, and help finance recreational facilities and activities.

5. Reduce the costs associated with solid waste collection and disposal by examining the possibility of instituting a municipal recycling program.

6 . Maintain and improve upon the quality of life by regulating air quality standards as they pertain to noise, dust, and odor emissions.

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VII. INTERRELATIONSHIPS AMONG PLAN COMPONENTS

This section of the Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan will discuss the interrelationship of the major Plan components and determine their degree of impact on certain identified community factors. Ebensburg Borough's Land Use, Housing, Transportation, and Community Facilities Plans are interrelated and consistent imterms of encouraging orderly and balanced community development. Collectively, the Plan components should interrelate and complement each other in a progressive rather than regressive manner.

A progressive interrelation of Plan components necessitates that an estimation be made as to the degree of impact that the planning activities will have on external community factors. The community factors that are most likely to be impacted and affected by comprehensive community planning in Ebensburg Borough are (1) environmental concerns; ( 2 ) historical preservation activities; and ( 3 ) energy consumption and conservation. Presented below is an analysis of the interrelationship of the respective Plan components followed by an estimate of their respective impacts on the community factors listed above :

A. Land Use Component Interrelationship

The effective and efficient utilization of land as a major resource for growth and development within Ebensburg Borough is directly interrelated with the other Plan components in the following manner.

Housing: Land use ordinances such as subdivision regulations and zoning will affect the location, character, and timing of housing development.

Transportation: New land development and changes in existing land use must be served by an expanded system of local streets and roads.

Community Facilities: Community services and facilities will need to be expanded or redefined in order to adequately meet the demands of new land development.

Land Use ComDonent ImDacts L L

1. Environmental Concerns: Zoning, subdivision, and stormwater management regulations will have a positive impact on protecting and preserving community resources such as reservoirs, lakes, watersheds, and wetlands.

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2 . Historical Preservation Activities: Land use ordinances and regulations which preserve and protect historical structures can have a positive impact on economic development through tourism.

3 . Energy Consumption and Conservation: Future residential, commercial, and industrial land usage will impact the need and amount of electricity, natural gas, oil, and/or coal consumed.

B. Housing Component Interrelationship

The maintenance of a high standard of quality for existing residential dwelling units while encouraging the development of equitable housing for Ebensburg Borough's residents is interrelated with the other Plan components in the following ways:

Land Use: New housing development will necessitate the utilization of undeveloped tracts of land and vacant lots, thereby changing existing land use patterns.

Transportation: The zoning of land for residential land use will create the need for new municipal streets and roads and may change existing traffic flow patterns.

Community Facilities: Housing growth will increase the need for community facilities such as sewer, water, and recreation. Additional fire and police protection to serve new housing will also be needed.

Housing Component Impacts

1. Environmental Concerns: Storm water run-off, erosion, and flooding problems can result from the improper siting of residential development.

Historically significant residential properties can be protected through the adoption of an Historical Preservation Ordinance. The restoration of such properties creates new and innovative housing opportunities.

2 . Historical Preservation Activities:

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3 . Enerqy Consumption and Conservation: The enforcement and monitoring of building and housing codes establishing minimum building standards will help reduce and conserve the amount of energy needed to maintain residential dwelling units.

C. Transportation Component Interrelationships

The provisions for the maintenance of the existing system of roads, streets, and related drainage facilities and appurtenant structures in Ebensburg Borough are interrelated to the other three ( 3 ) Plan components in the following manner.

Land Use: The construction of new streets, roads, and highways can substantially change existing land use patterns by providing accessibility into undeveloped areas.

Housing: The location and design of new residential development will be dependent to a large extent upon direct access to existing public streets and roads.

Community Facilities: There exists a high degree of interdependence between the transportation network and the provisions for fire police, and ambulance services.

Transportation Component Impacts

1. Environmental Concerns: The expansion of existing streets and roads and the development of new highways can cause erosion and excessive stormwater runoff if not properly designed and regulated by stormwater management techniques.

2. Historical Preservation: The design and construction of new highway facilities should consider any impacts on structures which are historically significant. Such structures should not be demolished or encroached upon by highway construction activities.

3 . Energy Consumption and Conservation: Highway design criteria should reflect the efficient and cost-effective use of gasoline consumption. Fuel consumption and conservation design techniques are relevant to traffic signalization and speed controls along highway segments.

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D. Community Facilities Component Interrelationship

The maintenance and expansion of community facilities and services such as fire and police protection, sewer and water service, and recreational facilities in Ebensburg Borough is interrelated to each Plan component as follows:

Land Use: The location and extent of new residential, commercial, and industrial land development- will place additional demands on existing community facilities and services.

Housing: dwelling units will place increased demands on fire and police protection, recreational facilities, and sewer and water service.

The construction of new residential

Transportation: such as the on-going street maintenance and repair program is directly related to the construction of new public streets and roads.

The extent of community services

Community Facilities Component Impacts

Environmental Concerns:

1. The monitoring and repair of community infrastructure such as sewer and water lines and storm drainage pipes is necessary to prevent any negative impact on the public's health and safety.

2 . Historical Preservation: The location and extent of community facilities such as local streets and roads, sewage and water lines, and recreational facilities should be considered in terms of any negative impacts on historical structures and landmarks.

3 . Energy Consumption and Conservation: Formal public policy designed to promote the construction of energy-efficient municipal buildings and facilities can minimize the consumption of petroleum, electricity, and natural gas, while promoting the use of coal as an energy alternative.

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VIII. RELATIONSHIP TO REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan considers a number of recommended community-wide improvements that are designed to promote orderly growth and development. However, any improvements, whether considered individually or collectively, within Ebensburg Borough may have a direct relationship to on-going growth and development efforts in Cambria Township and other adjacent municipalities. Conversely, projects and improvements taking place in communities surrounding the Borough may have a reciprocal impact on the proposed improvements recommended within Ebensburg Borough.

This section of the Plan will make an assessment of the major improvements outlined for Ebensburg Borough in terms of those projects having a potential impact on existing and proposed development in Cambria Township and other contiguous municipalities. In addition, those projects existing or proposed to take place outside of the Borough's boundary that could affect development within the Borough will also be assessed.

Presented below is a listing of recommended community development improvements within Ebensburg Borough followed by an assessment of probable impacts on adjacent communities and facilities. Probable impacts can be expected to occur within the four (4) major Plan component areas. These are: (A) Land Use; (B) Housing; (C) Transportation; and (D) Community Facilities.

A. Recommended Land Use Improvements

AI.

A2.

A3.

Utilize the updated Ebensburg Comprehensive Plan as a guide and reference tool for mandates of the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code (Act 2 4 7 ) , as amended.

Implement the revised Ebensburg Subdivision/ Land Development Ordinance and the revised Ebensburg Zoning Ordinance to control and direct future land development.

Implement the Ebensburg Stormwater Management Plan to prevent erosion and flooding resulting from new land development.

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Assessment of Land Use Improvements

1. The enhancement of the overall compatibility of existing and new land development to that which exists in Cambria Township.

2. The reduction of the negative impacts that new land development can have upon the infrastructure and facilities of nearby communities.

3 . The promotion of the natural extension of the land use into Cambria Township protecting the dominate land use in each community.

4 . The reduction of the potential for storm water run-off, erosion, and flooding problems to downstream areas of Cambria Township.

5. The protection of the quality and quantity of water resources and sewage facilities utilized by Cambria Township.

6. The knowledge that land development is regulated and monitored in terms of stormwater run-off into nearby municipalities.

B. Recommended Housing Improvements

B 1 . Continue the Borough's BOCA property maintenance code program ensuring minimum standards of health and safety for all dwelling units.

B2. Utilize subdivision and zoning regulations to provide new housing densities that meet the needs of all income levels, the elderly, and handicapped.

B 3 . Restore the economic and social value of substandard housing through existing housing preservation and housing rehabilitation programs.

Assessment of Housing Improvements

1. The prescription of building and housing codes that are standardized and uniform to that of surrounding communities.

2. The setting of a high standard for housing in nearby communities by promoting the elimination of blighted housing through rehabilitation.

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3. The provisions for new housing of different densities will help accommodate the housing needs of residents in Cambria Township.

4. The development of new housing for all income levels will provide housing opportunities for residents with various incomes from Cambria Township.

5. The adoption of subdivision and zoning regulations that consider the impacts that major new housing development will have upon Cambria Township.

6. As a Certified Local Government (CLG), Ebensburg Borough can preserve its historical housing stock and other buildings which will benefit the residents of nearby communities.

C. Recommended Transportation Improvements

c1.

c2.

c3.

Maintain, repair, and expand local streets, based upon a prioritized program consisting of traffic safety, congestion, parking, and new development.

Dedicate funding to make repairs, improvements, and extensions to existing streets and curbing that enhance vehicular movement.

Ensure that the construction of new streets, curbing, and storm sewers are designed in conjunction with the Borough's Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and Improvements Construction Manual.

Assessment of Transportation Improvements

1. The improvement of local streets, roads, and sidewalks will improve traffic accessibility and circulation patterns to and from Cambria Township.

2. The maintenance and repair of the local transportation system will provide for safe and efficient vehicular and pedestrian traffic flow to Cambria Township.

3. The cooperation with local and county officials to develop localized transportation projects will consider the potential impacts on surrounding municipalities.

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4. The resolution of transportation issues with local governments and the Cambria County Commissioners will integrate the needs of nearby communities.

5. Safety improvements and expansion of the Ebensburg Airport will promote development opportunities for local communities.

6. The widening of U.S. Route 22 West and the extension of U.S. Route 219 North will influence traffic circulation patterns to surrounding communities.

D. Recommended Community Facilities Improvements

D1. Increase funding levels as necessary for Borough services such as police and fire protection, public works, and municipal solid waste.

D2. Upgrade and expand existing water and sewage facilities in conjunction with available municipal resources supported by state financing.

D3. Upgrade existing recreational facilities and develop a program for future recreational growth and development.

Assessment of Community Facilities Improvements

1. Enhanced communications and reduced response time to emergency back-up calls requested by police department in neighboring municipalities.

2. Continued improvements for public works projects such as water and sewer line replacement will help provide better service to customers in Cambria Township.

3 . Recreational improvements will benefit residents living within Cambria Township as part of a joint-municipal recreational program.

4. The water treatment plant upgrade and expansion project will provide additional water to customers in Cambria Township.

5 . The upgrade and expansion of the Ebensburg sewage treatment plant has eliminated harmful

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wastewater discharges into streams that flow into nearby municipalities.

6. Continued on-going maintenance and improvements to the Borough's stormwater drainage system will help eliminate stormwater run-off and flooding in neighboring communities.

Assessment of Outside Development

Improvement projects and community development initiatives proposed to take place outside of Ebensburg Borough's municipal boundaries that could impact growth and development within the Borough are assessed below. Outside major improvement projects scheduled within Cambria Township and other nearby municipalities that are expected to impact Ebensburg Borough can be perceived from six ( 6 ) probable improvement areas: (1) U.S. Route 22/U.S. Route 219 Improvements; (2) U.S. 22/U.S. 219 Interchange Development; (3) Industrial Park Growth; (4) Ebensburg Airport Improvements; (5) 911 Emergency Management; and (6) Stormwater Management.

1. U.S. 22/U.S. 219 Improvements

Potential Positive Impacts to Ebensburg

* Access to Major Highways * Expanded Market Area * Reduced Transportation Costs * CBD Locational Incentives Potential Negative Impacts to Ebensburg

* Increased Truck Traffic * Market Isolation Factors * CBD Locational Disadvantages * Increased Market Competition

2. U.S. 22/U.S. 219 Interchange Development

Potential Positive Impacts to Ebensburg

* Employment Opportunities * Greater Consumer Choices * Entrepreneurial Possibilities * CBD Spin-off Business Growth Potential Negative Impacts to Ebensburg

* CBD Competitive Disadvantage * Accessibility and Customer Parking * Greater Incentives to Relocate * Residential Out-Migration

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3 . Cambria County Industrial Park Growth

Potential Positive Impacts to Ebensburg

* Job Creation and Diversification * Expanded Economic Base * Greater Economies of Scale * Growth of Support Businesses Potential Negative Impacts to Ebensburg

* Reduced Water Resources * Costs of Additional Municipal Services * Sewage Treatment Capacity Limitations * Administrative Oversight Costs

4. Ebensburg Airport Improvements

Potential Positive ImDacts to Ebensbura

5 .

* Reduced Liability from Improvements * Revenue from Expanded Operations * Positive Business Locational Incentive * Associated Economic Development Potential Negative Impacts to Ebensburq

* Increase in Operational Expenses * Greater Operational Responsibility * Insurance and Liability Costs * Oversight of Operations Manager

911 Emergency Management

Potential Positive Impacts to Ebensburg

* Better Police Protection * Coordination of Emergency Services * Improved Fire Protection * Enhanced Ambulance Service Potential Negative Impacts to Ebensburq

* No Negative Impacts can be assessed in terms of improvements to public health, safety, and welfare.

6. Storm Water Manacrement

Potential Positive Impacts to Ebensburg

* Reduced Stormwater Run-off * Water Quality Preservation * Less Stream Channel Erosion * Reduced Incidence of Flooding

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Potential Negative Impacts to Ebensburg

* Increase of Administrative Oversight * Possible Tax Increases * Greater Costs to Developers * Storm Sewer Line Replacement Costs

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IX. IMPLEMENTATION AND EVALUATION

This section of the Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan will serve as a synthesis of the major community development improvements and programs as identified in Chapter VIII. Each of the recommended improvements will be given a directional format by listing the relevant governmental grant, loan, or assistance program which can be pursued to help implement the proposed improvement. The recommended improvements and implementation programs will be presented in support of the four (4) primary Plan components; these being, (A) Land Use; (B) Housing; (C) Transportation; and (D) Community Facilities.

As part of the on-going evaluation and monitoring program, an internal monthly review of the Plan's recommended improvements and status of the implementation process will be conducted by the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission. The evaluation and review process will consider the overall status of all proposed community improvements along with recommendations on how such projects and programs can be accomplished. The review program will consider a monthly evaluation of community developments projects in Ebensburg through the completion of an Improvement Evaluation Form. To supplement the monthly review, an annual review by the Planning Commission will also be conducted and submitted to the Ebensburg Borough Council as part of the Borough's Annual Report.

A. Land Use Improvements

Al. Improvement: Adopt and implement the updated Ebensburg Comprehensive Plan to serve as a guide for community growth.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: State Planning Assistance Grant ( SPAG) 7 1 7 -7 8 7 -7 3 4 7

Funding: 50% State Grant with 50% Local Match

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission; Ebensburg Borough Manager: Ebensburg Borough Council

A2. Improvement: Implement the revised Ebensburg Subdivision Ordinance (adopted 1996) and revised Zoning Ordinance (adoption pending Fall 1996) to regulate land development.

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A3.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: State Planning Assistance Grant (SPAG) 7 17 -787 -7 347

Funding: 5 0 % State Grant with 5 0 % Local Match

Local Implementation Entity(ies) : Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission; Zoning Officer; Zoning Hearing Board; Ebensburg Borough Council

Improvement: Implement the Little Conemaugh River Watershed Stormwater Management Plan (March 1 9 9 5 ) to help prevent flooding.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)

Proqram: PA Stormwater Management Grant Assistance Program (SMG) 717-657-4590

Funding: 75% State Grant with 25% Local Match

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission; Ebensburg Borough Manager

B. Housing Improvements

B1. Improvement: Over the next 2 to 5 year period, consider the employment of a full-time Code Enforcement Officer/Building Inspector to insure minimum standards for safe housing . State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: Municipal Consulting Services Division (MCS) 717-787-7347

Funding: Technical Assistance Only

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Council; Ebensburg Borough Manager

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‘ 0

B2. Improvement: Implement revised land use regulations that provide housing densities for all income levels.

State Administrative Aqency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: Municipal Consulting Services (MCS) 717-787-7347

Funding: Technical Assistance

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission; Zoning Officer; Zoning Hearing Board

B3. Improvement: Promote and support a housing rehabilitation program to restore the economic and social value of substandard housing.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) 717-787-7347

Funding: 100% Grant - Low/Moderate Income Benefit

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Redevelopment Authority of Cambria County; Ebensburg Borough Council

C. Transportation Improvements

C1. Improvement: Maintain, repair, and expand local streets through a prioritized program based upon traffic safety and mobility.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT)

Program: Local Highway and Bridge Program (LHBP) 7 17 -7 8 7 -5 2 4 6

Funding: 80% Grant with 20% Local Match

Local Implementation Entity(ies) : Cambria County Planning Commission; Ebensburg Public Works Department; Ebensburg Borough Council

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C2. Improvement: Allocate funding to make repairs and improvements to streets and curbings that restrict pedestrian and vehicular movement.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PA DOT)

Program: County Liquid Fuels Tax Fund (CLF) 7 1 7 - 7 8 7 - 2 1 8 3

Funding: Grant allocation by formula

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Manager; Ebensburg Public Works Department

C3. Improvement: Design and construct new streets, curbing, and storm sewers consistent with the revised Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance and the Borough's Improvements Construction Manual.

State Administrative Aqency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Proqram: Municipal Consulting Services (MCS) 7 1 7 - 7 8 7 - 7 3 4 7

Fundinq: Technical Assistance

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission; Ebensburg Public Works-Department

D. Community Facilities Improvements

D1. Improvement: Develop cost-effective programs for police and fire protection, public works, recreation, and municipal solid waste.

State Administrative Aqency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: Municipal Consulting Services (MCS) 7 1 7 - 7 8 7 - 7 3 4 7

Fundinq: Technical Assistance

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Borough Borough Manager; Ebensburg Public Works Department

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D2. Improvement: Continue to upgrade and expand existing water and sewage facilities.

State Administrative Aqency: Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)

Program: Community Facilities Program 717-787-7120

Funding: 50% State Grant with 50% Local Match

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Municipal Authority

D3. Improvement: Upgrade existing recreational facilities and develop a program for future recreational growth and development.

State Administrative Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR)

Program: Keystone Community Grant Program (KCG) 717-772-3891

Funding: 100% Grant/$20,000 Maximum

Local Implementation Entity(ies): Ebensburg Public Works Department; Council Recreation Committee

Evaluation and Monitoring

The implementation and monitoring of the proposed recommendations and suggested community improvements identified in the Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan can only be accomplished through a formalized evaluation procedure. should be conducted by the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission, along with input and consultation from the relevant entity(ies) responsible for implementing the Plan's recommendations. This review should consider the status of proposed programs and improvements and recommendations on how such programs and improvements can be completed. The most comprehensive and effective method of conducting this monthly review program is the completion of an improvement evaluation form which considers the following items:

A monthly review

Item 1. Record the status of any programs or improvements made within any of the major

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planning components; these being, Land Use, Housing, Transportation, and Community Facilities. A l s o record the status of any improvements in terms of Regional Development.

Item 2. Report on the existing status of any programs or improvements initiated within any component area during the past month.

Item 3. Report on the status of any programs or improvements which have been discussed or proposed within any plan component and for regional development over the past month.

Item 4. Report on the programs or improvements which will be pursued over the next 12-month period specific to each planning component referencing the stated goals and/or objectives as presented on Exhibit I.

Presented on Exhibit I1 is the Ebensburg Borough Comprehensive Plan's Improvement Evaluation Form. The form contains four (4) items that collectively address the status of existing and proposed community development programs or improvements. Ideally, the Improvement Evaluation Form should be completed every month by the Ebensburg Borough Planning Commission. The evaluation form is not a static document. It can be refined and constructed to meet the on-going needs and goals of Ebensburg Borough. However, it is important that the Borough keep at least annual records of the progress made toward implementing the Ebensburg Comprehensive Plan's recommended programs or improvements.

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EXHIBIT I EBENSBURG BOROUGH COMPREHENSIVE PLAN RECOMMENDED GOALS AND OBJECTIVES

A. Land Use Goal: To promote the orderly and efficient development of Ebensburg Borough through land use management practices.

Obi ec tives :

1. Update and revise, as necessary, existing land development regulations such as zoning and subdivision/land development ordinances every five (5) years.

2. Increase recreational opportunities, preserve open space, and conserve existing land resources. Encourage a regionally-sponsored youth center for recreation activities under the supervision of the Council Recreation Committee.

3. Encourage community development in areas where the capacity of existing sewage and water infrastructure is adequate and meets the criteria of the PA Sewage Facilities Act (Act 537).

4. Develop areas adjacent to existing development where feasible to enable the most efficient use of basic community services.

5. Implement the Borough's stormwater management plan to control and regulate stormwater runoff, erosion, and potential flooding.

6. Discourage "strip" development along major highways and encourage "infill" development within the Central Business District.

B. Housinq Goal: To establish a higher quality of residential life within Ebensburg Borough through improved housing conditions and expanded housing opportunities.

Objectives:

1. Endorse and promote a community-wide clean-up, fix-up, and paint-up housing program that is the responsibility of the individual home-owner.

2. Create a housing improvement program that would encourage home-owners to rehabilitate deteriorated housing.

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3 . Utilize the amended 1990 Ebensburg BOCA Codes to establish uniform buil.ding and housing standards.

4. Encourage new housing development on undeveloped tracts of land and vacant lots that are accessible by public sewer and water facilities.

5 . Permit multi-family and elderly housing development where feasible to compliment the construction of single-family units.

6 . Promote the conservation and preservation of historically significant housing and structures as local resources.

C. Transportation Goal: To provide a safe and efficient system of roads and streets to serve Ebensburg Borough.

Objectives:

1. Institute a program to prioritize the maintenance, repair, and expansion of local streets and roads based upon a needs assessment.

2 . Consider the financial feasibility associated with the repair and/or replacement of unsafe and deteriorated local streets.

3 . Encourage the support and cooperation of local residents and the business community in resolving transportation issues such as parking and traffic congestion.

4. Coordinate efforts to resolve transportation issues such as traffic safety, congestion, and circulation with county and state agencies.

5. Develop a program to prioritize the utilization of State Liquid Fuels funding based upon an evaluation of existing transportation problems.

6 . Continue to seek funding mechanisms for safety improvements and expansion of the Ebensburg Airport.

D. Community Facilities Goal: To maintain and improve upon the various facilities and services provided by Ebensburg Borough, thereby fostering a higher quality of life.

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Objectives:

1. Encourage the advanced training and certification of police, fire, and ambulance personnel.

2. Encourage the upgrading, modernization, and expansion of police, fire, and ambulance facilities and equipment.

3 . Provide municipal water and sewerage service to new development based upon capacity and cost effectiveness on a case-by-case basis.

4. Support the Council Recreation Committee in their efforts to sponsor, oversee, and help finance recreational facilities and activities.

5. Reduce the costs associated with solid waste collection and disposal by examining the possibility of instituting a municipal recycling program.

6. Maintain and improve upon the quality of life by regulating air quality standards as they pertain to noise, dust, and odor emissions.

E. Regional Development Goal: To seek to identify and resolve regional and multi-municipal issues that impact Ebensburg Borough through intergovernmental cooperation.

Objectives:

1.

2 .

3 .

4 .

Form a working relationship with elected officials and agencies from neighboring municipalities to help resolve mutual concerns.

Coordinate the expansion of proposed infrastructure improvements such as highway, water, and sewer projects with Cambria Township officials.

Explore the potential for cooperation and/or consolidation of municipal services such as police protection with neighboring municipalities.

Mutually discuss and provide input on major land development activities with Cambria Township officials so as to reduce potential adverse impacts to both municipalities.

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5. Consider the provisions for recreational facilities and activities in Ebensburg Borough and Cambria Township by forming a Joint Municipal Recreation Commission.

6. Consolidate efforts to upgrade and expand the Ebensburg Airport by seeking input and support from governmental agencies, the business community, and local residents.

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