“The Greater Honesdale Partnership (GHP) will renovate part of the Wayne County Visitor Center to use as its offices, and has decided to build a train depot,” announced GHP Executive Director Gail Tucker during their annual meeting on November 6 at the community center.
 “We have the full support of the Chamber of Commerce, The Morristown & Erie Railway and the Stourbridge Line.”  Funding for the project comes from a $300,000 federal appropriation made possible by Congressmen Chris Carney, the project will go out for bid and a date for construction will be decided when a contractor is selected. 
Preliminary plans for the train depot call for a structure 21 feet high, 26 feet wide and between 100 and 150 feet long. It would be placed along the bank of the railroad track where train riders board. Tucker said it could also be used by the Farmer’s Market.
Tucker discussed GHP's plans for branding Honesdale as the birthplace of the American railroad. “We are still and will always be the birthplace of the American Railroad,” states Tucker, “That's an awfully big nail to hang our hats on.” When people think of the history of the American Railroad, if this plan is successful, they will automatically think of Honesdale PA. The marketing plan will make tourists aware of the rich history the area has to offer. “Making our community stronger is what our partnership is all about,” says Tucker. The GHP hopes to make a new streetscape for Honesdale another part of the plan.
The appropriation will also fund the office renovations.
Streetscape project
Guest speakers Jim Martin (James R. Martin Consulting) and Mike Wood (Woodland Designs) who are currently working with Hawley Borough, designing and implementing their new streetscape, which Representative Mike Peifer helped obtain funding for, came to discuss the possibility of a new streetscape project for Honesdale. Wood and Martin claim most of the improvements can be paid for with grants. “You learn where to go and what doors to go through,” says Martin referring to the things he and Wood learned in the Hawley project.
The PennDOT project (referring to the bridge construction) offers “a unique opportunity for Honesdale to open dialog with PennDOT,” adds Wood, referring to grant opportunities and the ability to build on surveys and work already completed by PennDOT.  They hope to bring their experience to Honesdale. The plan could include ornamental lighting, sidewalks, traffic quellers to slow traffic down and make the streets safer, trees and benches. “A streetscape project can really benefit a community,” says Martin. “(It's) a great opportunity to improve what's already there,” adds Wood, referring to the beauty Honesdale already has.
Katharine Brown, GHP Shade Tree Committee couldn't agree more. “You may have seen people recently out measuring and counting trees in Honesdale.  No they're not tree huggers,” says Brown with a smile and a small laugh, “well sort of.” Volunteers have been measuring trees and taking an inventory and are working closely with Vincent Cotrone, Extension Urban Forester from Penn State Cooperative Extension. The committee is currently working in an advisory capacity for the community. They can tell you which trees grow best in which locations. The committee's goal is to add more trees to grace our streets.
“Studies show trees in a town make people stop and spend more money. 75% of those polled prefer commercial establishments with trees and landscape,” says Brown. Shade trees increase the longevity of streets and sidewalks by providing shade.  While designing the plan to add trees and benches to Main Street, Brown says the committee will pay special attention to business needs. “We understand your signage is important,” says Brown. The committee also understands every not merchant will have the time to maintain the trees in front of their stores, and they are working on a solution to that issue.
The 2009 schedule of events for the GHP includes some fun things for the public and informational seminars for business owners. Information on upcoming events can be found at the GHP's new website www.VisitHonesdalePA.com  Those interested on helping the GHP with any of its projects should contact Gail Tucker at the GHP for more information.  (570)253- 5492 or GHP@VisitHonesdalePA.com 

Church Street Bridge update
HONESDALE - An update on the Church Street Bridge project was made at the GHP Annual meeting Thursday night, and questions were raised.
Pat Resti, Leeward Construction, project manager for bridge construction spoke briefly and took questions. The bridge project is scheduled for completion the spring of 2010 and once complete the traffic will flow south on Main Street and north on Church Street. The side streets will remain two-way. When the project is complete and PennDOT is ready to change the traffic pattern there will be an announcement in the paper and on television with directions in addition to message boards and traffic directors.
Jim Ankin of Stepping out Tours asked if PennDOT would pay for signs on Church Street to direct shoppers to where to turn for the shops they want to patronize. “At this time, PennDOT is not going to cover the cost,” says Resti. “It seems to be a good idea,” he suggests GHP and local business consider paying for the signs themselves.
Left side parking?
Parking on Church and Main will remain as is, on both sides of the street. When asked how people are expected to parallel park on the left side of the street, Resti explained, “Leeward construction did not design the job, but we're working with PennDOT when problems arise.”  He assured the group he would bring this problem to the attention of PennDOT. 
“The GHP brings people here by creating exciting weekends,” says Brian Fulp of the GHP special events committee. Last year the GHP was responsible for organizing some fun public events. Arts, Crafts and Antiques weekend, Roots & Rhythm - Music and Arts Festival, Independence Day Fireworks, Sidewalk Sales, Scarecrow decorating, Harvest and Heritage days and Honesdale for the Holidays.