Over hot coffee and freshly made breakfast sandwiches, 40 shop owners, volunteers, community members and state officials came together to create a plan for the future of Slatington's Main Street.

Tuesday morning at Charlotte Fay's Diner, a new group emerged dubbed Main Street Merchants.The Greater Lehigh Valley Chamber of Commerce is overseeing the project.President Tony Iannelli, Executive Vice President Marlyn Kissner and Member Relations Director Alice Wanamaker charged the participants with creating a committee dedicated to developing a solid plan of action for the revitalization of the historic district."We need to find people who will continue to be passionate three to five years from now," said Wanamaker. "We want to see future businesses here."Concerns and grievances were aired, but countered with ideas on how to combat the challenges impeding the growth of business in the borough."Part of the problem is parking. It's always been a big sore spot," said Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber President Nancy Treskot."We need to work on letting people know where there are spots. Behind Wells Fargo there's a small lot and by the new computer place," Treskot said."Slatington borough has property they are working on. We have to start telling people about parking."Store front appealThe second hurdle mentioned was store front appeal."A lot of people talk about the historic buildings. We wanted to point the outside of the building, but the landlord won't help so we have to do it ourselves. It's important to do," said Family Spot Cafe owner Sandy Bowes."The empty buildings are a problem," said Library Director Wanda Owen."The one by the library is up for sheriff's sale. Our concern is if something happened to the building, we'd be in a lot of trouble. We need to brainstorm on how to get these buildings filled. Empty buildings deteriorate and we don't even know where the landlords are," she said.Borough Councilman David Schnaars was one of three borough members present and agreed with the director."We have to make the community look attractive to get people in," he said."When I was young, all the businesses were filled we walked everywhere. If we could get that foot traffic back we'd fill the businesses," said borough firefighter Mike Dempsey."We've talked about doing this for years. The problem is (Main Street) is an eyesore. That's why we need the borough's help to enforce things," said chamber member Gary Fedorcha.The chamber was ready with ideas to implement to help to revive the once-thriving district."We found a grant just for paint one year, something like that maybe we can go the extra mile and see what we can do to get them help," Treskot said.According to Jessica O'Donnell, Emmaus Main Street manager for the chamber, her town faced similar aesthetic issues."What we did was a store front decorating contest where we partnered with the school district, and it just felt welcoming. We also put open flags in the shops to show unity. When people drive through a community, people notice unity," O'Donnell said.Wanamaker told the merchants the chamber has worked with towns before to fund similar projects."The chamber does matching grants. Slatington and Walnutport have been past recipients.""Ten years ago we got Slatington added to the National Historic District Directory so we can apply for certain grants. That's something that can be piggybacked on," Councilman Bryon Reed said.New attractionsA new attraction will be added to Victory Park with the construction of a proposed amphitheater. The 150th and Beyond Committee has been working steadily to collect donations to fund the project, raising $10,000 over the summer."That would definitely get people on our Main Street," Wanamaker said.The idea of Slatington registered as a trail town was also discussed during the meeting."We've talked about doing this for years, but we never tried. We have to try," Fedorcha said. "We're not going to compete with Walmarts but we could be a trail town. The borough council is instrumental in that. We are a trail town. We need to make it attractive."Jason Ruff has owned the '50s-inspired diner for close to two years now, and Wanamaker said he has been one of the "biggest champions of Main Street.""What I'm committed to is creating a committee that focuses on the businesses here. I want to make sure everyone going to the amphitheater has a reason to walk down Main Street," he said.Iannelli backed up Ruff saying commitment was key to any successful revision."I consider Slatington very important. What's most important is to have a group put together with a firm plan. What do you want this Main Street to look like in three to five years from now? That's what the county can help with. It takes folks downtown working."Iannelli wrapped up the meeting saying, "This is a beautiful downtown. I admire the dedication you've all shown today by showing up.""I was raised here in Slatington," Wanamaker said. "It's the first step seeing change here on Main Street."The committee meeting is set for Sept. 20 at the diner for breakfast.