Monaca Ecodistrict Vision Statements - Version 1.0

Monaca Ecodistrict Vision Statements August 2020 | Version 1.0

1

Monaca Monaca is located along the Ohio River near the confluence of the Ohio and Beaver Rivers. Monaca has a history dating back to the 18th century and has been known as “Appetite,” “Phillipsburgh,” and “Lowenburg,” before the Borough was officially incorporated in 1892 as “Monaca.”

Over the course of its 300 year history, Monaca went from being a sheep farm, to boat yards, to the home of German immigrants who formed the New Philadelphia Society. The community has a history of manufacturing, and historically manufactured enameled porcelain ware, glass, tile, tubing, drawn steel, and wire. Today, Phoenix Glass Company/ Anchor Hocking Plant #44 is located in Monaca and the upcoming Shell cracker plant is under construction in adjacent Center Township.1 Unlike Aliquippa and Beaver Falls, the collapse of the steel industry did not affect Monaca as significantly, likely due to diversified employment opportunities. Today, the population of Monaca is approximately 5,570 people. The median household income is about $47,000 per year, with only 13% of all households at or below the poverty level. While there is some vacancy, Monaca’s business district is relatively stable and includes a growing number of restaurants and businesses.2 The Borough of Monaca has already implemented a number of sustainability projects that have demonstrated significant cost savings, with additional projects in the planning stages. They have been recognized as a Sustainable Pittsburgh gold certified community and were named a winner in the 2019 Sustainable Pittsburgh challenge. This kind of thinking has worked its way into the DNA of the municipality and manifests itself in increasingly-sophisticated ways. From a wideranging streetscape project to growing interest in electrical microgrid development, Monaca provides a compelling example of how the principles of ecodistrict thinking can be beneficial in numerous ways to the revitalization of a community. Monaca’s commitment to the ongoing work of the Ohio River Trail plan as well as its ownership of one of the only boat launches in Beaver County enhances its importance for RiverWise’s efforts to organize around its rivers. Of the three ecodistrict communities, Monaca is the most forward-leaning at the municipal level, although they are still working to build community capacity in support of the ecodistrict initiative.5 Looking forward, the Monaca Ecodistrict has established several priorities to focus on over the next three years, including: 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

formalizing the governance relationship between RiverWise, the Borough of Monaca, and the Monaca Community Development Corporation (MCDC) community capacity building and growing support for the ecodistrict initiative exploring and articulating the alignment between existing Monaca activity and organizations and the ecodistrict initiative engaging in ongoing storytelling about community activities assisting with the implementation of the Community Energy Project and Riverfront Park enhancements

2020 Monaca Snapshot2,3,4 5,570 people

2,550

households

$47,000

median household income

5.9%

minority population

13%

of households at or below the poverty level

63%

homeownership

44

median age

183

businesses

Borough of Monaca website, 2020.

ESRI forecast for 2019, U.S. Census Bureau, Census 2010 Summary File 1.

ESRI, InfoGroup, 2019.

4 ESRI, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Consumer Expenditure Surveys 2016 and 2017.

5 RiverWise, 2018.

1

2

3

2

EQUITY

Monaca is a complete community where everyone has what they need to succeed.

FOOD

Monaca is a healthy community with access to affordable and fresh food options.

WATER

Monaca is a respectful community that connects visually and physically to its water assets.

ENERGY

Monaca is an innovative community that demonstrates leadership through example.

AIR

Monaca is an informed community that advocates for clean and healthy air.

MOBILITY

Monaca is a connected community where residents utilize a variety of mobility options.

Community Overviews | 3

Non-profit organizations & civic and institutional assets Pennsylvania Avenue Commercial Corridor

4

MONACA

EQUITY

Residents discuss equitable development along Monaca’s downtown corridor

Monaca is a complete community where everyone has what they need to succeed.

ASSETS

PRIORITIES

Strong educational assets, including the Monaca Public Library, Community College of Beaver County, Central Valley High School, and Penn State Beaver

Revitalize key properties, including the Pump House and community center

Strong municipal assets including a new civic center (in development), community center, and municipal leadership

Continue strengthening the commercial district and promote mixed-use infill redevelopment and public art

Pockets of vitality in the commercial business district

Capacity building, shared learning, and trust building in the community

Growing support and leadership from the newly formed Monaca Community Development Corporation Riverfront access and outdoor recreation spaces

CHALLENGES Significant empty storefronts along the downtown commercial business district, producing unequal access to necessary amenities Downtown is in need of a new streetscape, including sidewalks and improved lighting Raising adequate funds to enact Monaca’s ambitious vision

Initiate a community storytelling campaign

Monaca has already...

Convened local stakeholders to establish the Monaca Ecodistrict Hosted a Courageous Conversations series in 2019 Started developing the Monaca Civic Center Established the Monaca Community Development Corporation Initiated numerous community building activities such as Oktoberfest, the Nutcracker Decorating Contest, the Friday Concert Series, and the Police Department Birthday Drive-Bys

Community Overviews | 5

Food production places Food processing places Food distribution places Transit Routes

6

MONACA

FOOD

Monaca is a healthy community with access to affordable and fresh food options.

ASSETS

PRIORITIES

Existing food-related businesses and growing sites, such as Mamula’s Market, Gallagher’s Market, the Penn State Beaver Garden, Dollar General, Family Dollar, and CVS, as well as several restaurants

Create a community garden on vacant land

Growing support from the Monaca Community Development Corporation for food-related business activity

CHALLENGES Lack of Farmers Market within the Borough boundaries The Borough is in need of a municipal composting facility to minimize food waste Though numerous suitable sites exist for community gardens, none have been created as of yet Lack of public transportation options to travel to food distribution locations Limited access to fresh produce within the Borough Monaca needs a full service grocery store

Connect residents to the regional food system with a Farmers Market Incentivize food entrepreneurship along the downtown business corridor Attract a full service grocery store Engage in education and advocacy about food production, food preparation, and food waste management

Summertime’s Feel Good Barbeque, a community favorite on Pennsylvania Avenue in downtown Monaca

Monaca has already...

Engaged in Regional Food Coalition conversations Organized and executed the Monaca Takeout Giveaway Contest in response to COVID-19 Established Food Truck Thursdays as a successful and regular community event Attracted a number of food-related businesses to the downtown corridor within the last 2 years Enhanced the downtown corridor to support food related entrepreneurship

Community Overviews | 7

Relocation of dam, water obstruction, or encroachment Ports Water Access Points Flood Zone AE 100 Year Flood Risk Flood Zone A0 River or Stream Flood Hazard Wetlands/Streams

8

MONACA

WATER

Iconic train bridge crossing the Ohio River between Bridgewater and Monaca

Monaca is a respectful community that connects visually and physically to its water assets.

ASSETS

PRIORITIES

Riverfront Park and public boat launch

Revitalize the riverfront park into an EcoPark and enhance riverfront recreational assets

View of the confluence of the Beaver and Ohio Rivers Municipal Water & Wastewater Treatment Plants Green roof on Antoline Park pavilion that manages stormwater and keeps the building cool.

Strong municipal focus on sustainable stormwater management, water conservation, water quality, and leak detection Access to both the Ohio and Beaver Rivers is available from Monaca’s boat launch

CHALLENGES Untreated stormwater runoff from industrial sites into the Ohio River MS4 stormwater management implementation throughout the Borough Monaca needs to separate its combined stormwater and sewer lines The water fountain along Pennsylvania Avenue is in disrepair Resident property ownership limits access to the banks of the Ohio River

Create distributed stormwater management sites in key locations to increase infiltration, reduce stormwater runoff, and remove sediment prior to discharge into the Ohio River Engage in messaging about how best to access the beauty of the Beaver River Enhance lighting and signage near the Monaca Boat Launch Undertake community education about water quality, safety, and conservation Market Monaca’s access to the Ohio River as one of its most defining and attractive features Restore or replace the water fountain on Pennsylvania Avenue

Monaca has already...

Implemented automatic meter reading, water conservation, and leak detection system and improved the efficiency of the wastewater pump Begun exploring how to create a network of regional water quality monitors Solarized much of its municipal water supply Established the Ohio River Trail Attracted thousands of visitors to its riverfront for an annual fireworks display

Community Overviews | 9

Petroleum Product Terminal Natural Gas Pipeline (NG) Hydrocarbon Gas Liquids Pipeline (HGL) Electric Power Transmission Lines (E) Petroleum Product Pipeline (PP) EPA Recommended Renewable Energy Site (reuse of contaminated land) Estimated Building Electricity Use < 0 KWh/yr < 12,500 KWh/yr < 14,000 KWh/yr < 14,500 KWh/yr < 46,000 KWh/yr < 3,200,000 KWh/yr

10

MONACA

ENERGY

Solar panels that are part of a 57kW solar installation at the Monaca reservoir

Monaca is an innovative community that demonstrates leadership through example.

ASSETS

PRIORITIES

High potential for renewable energy, such as solar energy, wind energy, and potentially hydroelectricity

Complete wastewater treatment plant energy project

Solar panels at the borough reservoir, which produce about 42% of the energy needed to operate the facility Solar powered trash compactor Municipal renewable energy leadership Strong commitment to public/ private partnerships required for energy innovation

CHALLENGES Regional dependency on the fossil fuel industry for jobs, which discourages adoption of alternative energy solutions Relatively old building stock that is in need of weatherization improvements Currently lacks funding, knowledge, and community interest to invest in building weatherization improvements, electric vehicles, and renewable energy projects Monaca has an extensive energy vision but needs resources to enact their plan

Install solar panels on one or more of the bridges leading into Monaca Improve community resilience by developing a community energy hub Explore converting Monacaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s municipal fleet to electric or natural gas

Monaca has already...

Converted all traffic signals and street lights to LEDs Participates in a demand response program Installed smart city technology on street lights Promoted the Beaver County Solar Co-Op Placed a 57kW solar installation at the borough reservoir Undertaken extensive planning for a Community Energy Project that would solarize multiple Borough assets Installed a Tesla charging station in the heart of downtown Created the Keep our Business Lights On microgrant program to assist during COVID-19

Community Overviews | 11

MAP

PA DEP Air Emissions Plants (Point Sources of Pollution) Air Pollution Control Device

Major Roads

General Administrative Location

Railroad Lines

Fuel Material Location

Open Space

Process

Parks

Incinerator Combustion Unit Point of Air Emission

12

EPA Toxic Release Inventory Facility (Point Source of Pollution)

MONACA

AIR

A view of the open air amphitheater at Monaca Riverfront Park

Monaca is an informed community that advocates for clean and healthy air.

ASSETS

PRIORITIES

Wooded hillsides, green spaces, and trees that sequester air pollution

Protect and enhance natural areas, including steep, undevelopable wooded hillsides, natural habitat areas, and natural habitat corridors

Growing community concern to become educated about air quality and monitoring Existing network of municipal air quality monitors

CHALLENGES Existing industry in Monaca provides local point sources of pollution Air quality is currently poor and likely to become worse as the region reindustrializes The majority of residents travel by car, which contributes to air pollution

Construct an air quality monitoring station to measure air pollution and educate residents about air quality Develop a community air quality baseline informed by the existing air quality sensors

Monaca has already... placed 4 air quality monitors in the borough to understand indoor and outdoor air quality conditions Constructed a green roof at Antoline Park Committed to the AirWise Air Quality Monitoring Coalition

The wastewater treatment plant emits methane, acting as a local point source of air pollution Many residents continue to lack awareness or concern about issues related to air quality

Community Overviews | 13

Transit Routes Water Access Points Ports Park and Ride Lots Trails Major Roads

14

MONACA

MOBILITY

Monaca is a connected community where residents utilize a variety of mobility options.

ASSETS

PRIORITIES

The Ohio River Trail, which is in progress but when complete will connect existing trails in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia

Construct a riverfront trail connecting Monaca to Aliquippa, and extend it to Ambridge

Accessible road network for vehicles, including easy access to PA Routes 51, 18, and 65. Rail and river access are available as well Biking infrastructure, such as the Bike fix-it station and bike racks Topography is relatively flat, making it easy to walk or bike in either the residential area or central business district

CHALLENGES 17th Street Gateway is confusing and dangerous The primary business district is along a busy street (Route 51) Public transportation is limited in destinations and frequency

Improve the 17th Street gateway corridor and intersection with a roundabout Establish or enhance pedestrian connections linking community assets with the residential area Install infrastructure to support alternative modes of transportation, such as e-bikes or scooters Enhance usage of the Ohio River as a means of traveling between communities

Sign denoting the future route of the Ohio River Trail, which travels along the river, through the heart of Monaca

Monaca has already...

Installed a bike fix-it station along the future route of the Ohio River Trail Improved the downtown streetscape Significantly advanced the design and engineering for the Monaca Gateway Project Initiated collaboration with Penn State Beaver to establish a trail to connect campus to downtown Monaca

Residential sidewalks are in disrepair Railroads create substantial challenges to multimodal trail development

Invested in the development of a Monaca Bike Trail Map Created and grown the influence of the Ohio River Trail Council Community Overviews | 15

10% Reduction 50% Reduction

0 MMBtu

ALL ELECTRIC

$50k yr ~$50k SAVINGS (DEPENDING ON PPA)

1,300 MBtu

PUMP HOUSE

2,340 MMBtu

WWTP

300 MMBtu

BUILDING/SITE INTEGRATED PV

MILLVALE ECODISTRICT

SITE PV

BOROUGH-OWNED SITE(S)

RESERVOIR PV

SOLAR

NORMAL OPERATION ANNUAL ENERGY USE

Annual energy use for Borough-owned sites, image: SmithGroup

MONACA CATALYTIC PROJECT

Monaca Community Energy Project RiverWise and Monaca stakeholders have chosen a Community Energy project to act as a catalytic ecodistrict initiative in their community. For many years, the Monaca Riverfront Park has been a focal point of activity along the Ohio River. Guided by the Beaver County Corporation for Economic Development, the park has been the recipient of significant county, state, and federal investments in recent decades. Alongside the park, one finds the Municipal Pump House that supplies Monaca residents with drinking water from nearby wells. Just around the river’s bend from the park sits Monaca Public Boat Launch and the Borough’s Wastewater Treatment Facility, where dirty water is cleaned up before being discharged into the Ohio River. Importantly, the water utility facilities of Monaca already take advantage of onsite solar, which have lowered the municipality’s operational carbon and cost footprint significantly.

Through much of 2019, RiverWise has been partnering with Monaca Borough to initiate planning to expand on the Borough’s distributed energy resources to develop low-carbon energy infrastructure for the entirety of the Borough.

When complete, the Borough’s proposed project will strive to be the first neighborhood in the region to achieve its Ecodistrict energy and carbon goals.

Using solar power, passive house design standards, and advanced back-up generation systems, this project will provide the electricity necessary to power the Water Treatment Facility and Municipal pumphouse with a low-carbon fuel supply. Importantly, the project will also seek to expand on its solar capacity to provide renewable energy options for the residents of Monaca. In doing so the Borough will decrease costs and increase resilience in case of an emergency.

16

RESERVOIR

Rendering of PV opportunity on bridges, image by SmithGroup

Additionally, conversation has begun about adapting the existing Riverfront Park to create a 21st century example of sustainable, riverfront design. Elements of the EcoPark will be powered by the onsite renewable energy resources, allowing for innovative lighting designs, sound systems, and more. Approachable both from land and water, and adjacent to the confluence of Beaver County’s two major rivers, the intent is to enhance and update this existing amenity, further solidifying Monaca as the centerpiece of Beaver County’s sustainable future.

In February 2020, Monaca engaged SmithGroup to design the Community Energy Project. The project incorporates elements to represent five of the six quality of life issue areas, including: •

Equity: will provide resilient energy to residents at a reduced rates

•

Food: digesting food waste on-site

•

Water: water treatment facility

•

Energy: solar-powered

•

Mobility: reducing transportation emissions, which also contributes to improved air quality

Next, Monaca will work to acquire funding to implement the Community Energy Project, working toward a 1.5 MW Power Purchase Agreement on solar.

Community Overviews | 17

RiverWise Ecodistrict Community Vision Statements

EQUITY Beaver County is a diverse community where individuals, families, and businesses of all backgrounds and ethnicities are welcomed and celebrated.

Aliquippa is a vibrant and diverse community that prospers when residents work together.

Beaver Falls is a proud community that is equitable and inclusive for all.

Monaca is a complete community where everyone has what they need to succeed.

FOOD Beaver County is a destination community whose robust network of individuals, organizations, and businesses contribute to a hyperlocal food system.

Aliquippa is a collaborative community where fresh, healthy, and affordable food is accessible to all.

Beaver Falls is a food-secure community where residents are connected to all aspects of the food system.

Monaca is a healthy community with access to affordable and fresh food options.

WATER Beaver Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community identity is centered around the rivers that bring life to the region and are protected and accessible by all.

Aliquippa is an interconnected community where water systems contribute to a healthy environment and economy.

Beaver Falls is an activated community that protects, integrates, and celebrates water as an asset.

Monaca is a respectful community that connects visually and physically to its water assets.

18

ENERGY Beaver County is an innovative community whose resilient, hyperlocal energy systems act as a model for the nation and a learning laboratory for the region.

Aliquippa is a pioneering community that is redefining what energy means to them.

Beaver Falls is a resilient community that leverages energy independence to improve quality of life.

Monaca is an innovative community that demonstrates leadership through example.

AIR Beaver County is an educated community that understands and advocates for air quality issues that will protect the broader region.

Aliquippa is a healthy community with clean air indoors and outdoors.

Beaver Falls is a guardian community that champions clean air in the city and the region.

Monaca is an informed community that advocates for clean and healthy air.

MOBILITY Beaver County is a connected community that uses a diversity of transportation modes to reunite communities to each other and the broader region.

Aliquippa is a safe community where all people have reliable and effective mobility options.

Beaver Falls is an active community with a diversity of accessible, safe, and affordable mobility options.

Monaca is a connected community where residents utilize a variety of mobility options.

Community Overviews | 19

Across the Region Many of the priorities expressed by ecodistrict stakeholders in Aliquippa, Monaca, and Beaver Falls resonate with residents and communities throughout Beaver County. Although RiverWise has strategically focused its organizing efforts in these communities, significant related activity has emerged throughout Beaver County since RiverWise’s founding. Some of this activity has been hyperlocal in nature. Other initiatives have been intentionally conceived to encourage multi-municipal participation and cooperation.

Consistent with the initial vision of RiverWise, relationships, projects, capital, and planning are moving further into creative alignment across the region. Substantial work remains to be done to see that movement gain momentum and maturity. Even so, a shared vocabulary and mutually-reinforcing visions for the future of Beaver County are beginning to emerge as the result of many aligned efforts.

As its visibility and influence has evolved over the last two years, RiverWise has been invited into a number of conversations and projects throughout the region. At present RiverWise is involved with more than 40 projects across many communities throughout Beaver County. Some of these efforts have been directly initiated by RiverWise. In other instances RiverWise has been invited to contribute its time and energy to existing or emerging initiatives. In yet other situations, RiverWise has been invited to conversations that have long been a part of Beaver County’s story.

What follows is an account of those various activities RiverWise is currently engaged with across Beaver County, organized by the six quality of life areas.

RiverWise Initiatives in Beaver County

EQUITY

20

•

RiverWise Mini Grant Program: $22,000 in funding was provided across 13 different organizations throughout Beaver County to conduct mission aligned activity

•

The Listening Library Partnership: partnered with a videographer, photographer, and podcaster to tell the stories of organizations who are responding to needs emerging from COVID-19 in Beaver County

•

Community Art Initiative: provided funding for Beaver County artists to create public art that reflected on the experience of COVID-19

•

Community Builder Corps: initiated a program that hires residents of Beaver County who are recently unemployed or underemployed as the result of COVID-19 and puts them to work on community building projects

•

Human City Creative Partnership: embedded a videographer in many community building efforts to capture and create stories that disrupt the prevailing narrative that Beaver County’s best days are behind it

•

GIS Data Initiative: partnered with the Beaver County Regional Council of Governments and a number of other organizations to generate a county wide GIS data hub that provides information related to COVID-19 and other key community matters

•

The Upper Room Gathering Space: funded the renovation of a community gathering space used by The Center in Midland

•

Courageous Conversations: hosted a series of conversations with community stakeholders with divergent views on petrochemical development in the region

•

People, Place, Policy Symposium: sponsored a public symposium organized by the Beaver County Regional Council of Governments that featured Majora Carter as keynote speaker

•

Pittsburgh Community Television Partnership: partnered with PCTV21 to air RiverWise generated segments about community development efforts underway in Beaver County

FOOD •

Crop & Kettle Partnership: partnered with Crop & Kettle to establish a community Victory Garden used to raise community literacy about food production, preparation, security, and more

•

Faith Restorations Food Pantry Fundraiser: generated a promotional video and raised over $7,000 for COVID-19 response efforts at Faith Restorations Food Pantry

•

Homewood Falls Welcome Center: funded a community chalkboard and visitor’s station at Homewood Falls

•

Cooney Hollow Stream Clean Up: funded The Beaver County Conservation District to conduct a stream clean up event

•

River of the Year Finalist: selected as a finalist for the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds & Rivers River of the Year contest

WATER •

Rivers of Opportunity Conference: partnered with the Beaver County Regional Council of Governments to host a two day event focused on issues related to water throughout the region

•

Ohio River Legislative Cruise: partnered with the Beaver County Chamber of Commerce to host a cruise on the Ohio River with Beaver County legislators and regional stakeholders

•

Ohio River Sweep: participated on a one day clean up along the Ohio River in Monaca, Bridgewater, and Rochester

ENERGY •

•

Gulf Coast Education Initiative: took seven residents of western PA to Louisiana for a four day trip aimed at understanding the impact of petrochemicals in the region

generate support for a regional solar co-op comprised of area residents •

Beaver / Butler County Solar Co-Op: partnered with Solar United Neighbors to

Baden Academy Charter School Solar Partnership: initiated a program to introduce elementary school children to the production and use of solar energy

AIR •

AirWise Air Quality Monitoring Coalition: established a regional coalition to gather baseline air quality data using a network of low cost monitors

MOBILITY •

Ambridge to Monaca Trail Segment: leading ongoing planning around a seven-mile segment of multimodal trail that will travel along the Ohio River between Ambridge and Monaca

•

Black’s Run Bridge Study: solicited support and funding for a $40,000 study to assess the viability of Black’s Run Bridge for pedestrian traffic

•

Beaver County on the Move: partnering with the Beaver County Regional Council of Governments to host a two day event focused on issues related to regional mobility

•

Penn State University Trail Segment: participating in ongoing planning around a segment of multimodal trail that will connect PSU’s Beaver Campus to vital adjacent community assets

•

Merger with Ohio River Trail Council: actively planning a merger of the ORTC and RiverWise

•

Ashtabula to Pittsburgh Study: participating in a multimodal trail feasibility study for the Industrial Heartlands Trail Coalition corridor between Ashtabula, OH and Pittsburgh, PA

•

Monaca Bluffs Trail Segment: participating

in ongoing planning around a segment of multimodal trail that would provide overlook access to the Ohio River behind the Beaver Valley Mall

Community Overviews | 21

MILLVALE ECODISTRICT

Image: Monaca; Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, South Shore Trail Feasibility Study

RIVERWISE CATALYTIC PROJECT

Ohio River Trail

Established in 2009, the Ohio River Trail Council has been working for over a decade to bring dedicated, multimodal trails to Beaver County.

The most ambitious of these initiatives involves the creation of a network of trails that begins near Coraopolis, PA and that travels along the Ohio River all the way into Ohio. Extensive study and planning have been conducted, preferred routes have been established, and community consensus has been cultivated throughout the region.

In recent months, The Ohio River Trail and RiverWise have initiated an exciting partnership that seeks to construct seven miles of trail between Ambridge and Monaca. The importance of this stretch of trail cannot be overstated, not only for Beaver County, but also for the broader region. This segment of trail will be critical for connecting downtown Pittsburgh to Ohio and the broader network of trails long underway as part of the Industrial Heartlands Trail Coalition. More than a mere local amenity, this project will move Beaver County one critical step closer to regional and interstate trail connectivity.

Because of its vital importance to the regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s broader mobility plans, RiverWise has adopted this segment of trail as its county-wide catalytic project. Both symbolically and physically, this project will link residents of Beaver County to one another, creating the kind of regional identity and connectivity that is central to RiverWiseâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mission.

22

Image: Aliquippa riverfront; Stromberg, Garrigan & Associates, South Shore Trail Feasibility Study

The project incorporates elements to represent each of the six quality of life issue areas, including: •

Equity: connecting communities who have experienced significant disinvestment

•

Food: when complete, the trail will connect three downtown corridors that contain many food-related businesses

•

Water: overlooks where people can view the rivers

•

Energy: solar-powered lighting and electric bike charging stations

•

Air: vegetation, trees, and air quality monitoring

•

Mobility: trails for human-powered mobility (walking, running, biking, etc.)

Community Overviews | 23

Sources Key findings from existing documents produced by Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, Monaca, Beaver County, and RiverWise were integrated into this report. This includes: Aliquippa

City of Aliquippa Blight Task Force. (2020). Comprehensive Blight Strategy Plan.

City of Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation. (2017). PA DCED Neighborhood Partnership Program (NPP) Application.

Clio Consulting. (2016). An Architectural Inventory of Aliquippa, PA. Delta Development Group. (2014). City of Aliquippa Sixth Amended Act 47 Recovery Plan.

Franklin Avenue Development Committee Overview.

Kairos Design Group. (2011). Redevelopment Plan for the City of Aliquippa.

MCMP Associates. (2015). Aliquippa Park Plan.

Mulvaney, C. (2019). Analyzing Grassroots Community Development Through Transition Management: Transition in Aliquippa, PA. Pittsburgh, PA: Chatham University.

New Sun Rising. Aliquippa Ecodistrict Vibrant Communities Roadmap and Discovery Session Report.

Penn State Extension Beaver County. (2019). The Deliverance of Fresh Food: Penn State Extension, Aliquippa, and a Model for Building a Local Market and Rebuilding a Community.

RiverWise. (2018). 2018 Year End Report.

RiverWise. Aliquippa Earth Day, Food Truck, & Community Christmas Infographics.

RiverWise. Aliquippa Ecodistrict Overview.

U.S. E.P.A. & City of Aliquippa Economic Development Corporation. (2019). Community Action Plan for Aliquippa, PA: Local Foods, Local Places Technical Assistance.

Beaver Falls

Beaver Falls Community Development Corporation. (2019). Neighborhood Assistance Application: Beaver Falls Restoration.

City of Beaver Falls Planning Commission. (2013). City of Beaver Falls Comprehensive Plan.

CZB. Memos. 2020.

Downtown Redevelopment Services. Beaver Falls Downtown Plan. 2018.

Environmental Planning & Design. (2016). Beaver Falls News Tribune Building.

Neighborhood North: Museum of Play. (2020). NNMP Business Plan.

The Portobello Cultural Life & Arts Center Overview and Fast Facts. 2020.

Wyhe, W. V. (2011). Place Identity in Beaver Falls. Eastern University.

Monaca

Designstream Architectural Studio. Monaca Municipal Complex Plans.

History of Monaca. (2020). Retrieved from Borough of Monaca: MonacaPA.net Monaca Community Development Corporation. MCDC Flyer.

River Town Program. (2019). Monaca River Town Walking Assessment.

SmithGroup. (2020). Monaca Energy Project (Presentations and Meeting Notes).

Beaver County & Greater Area

Adventure Cycling Association. (2016). The Underground Railroad Bicycle Route.

Beaver County Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan Phase I Resolution.

Beaver County Chamber of Commerce. (2019). Maximizing Beaver Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Riverfront Potential.

Beaver County Planning Commission. (2018). Beaver County 2018 Planning Commission Annual Report.

Heritage Valley Health System. (2019). 2019 Community Health Needs Assessment.

Lafe Smith Associates and CORA, Inc. (2001). An Action Plan for the Thunder of Protest Journey.

Mackin Engineering Company. (2015). The Ohio River Greenway Trail: North Shore Connector.

Ohio River Trail Council. (2018). ORTC Beaver County Council of Governments Presentation.

Pashek Associates. (2003). Beaver County Comprehensive Recreation and Parks Plan.

Pashek Associates. (2007). Beaver County Greenways and Trails Plan.

Pashek Associates. (2010). Beaver County Comprehensive Plan.

Pashek Associates. (2018). Comprehensive Recreation, Park, and Open Space Plan.

Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program. (2014). Beaver County Natural Heritage Inventory.

Re-Imagine Beaver County. (2019). Re-Imagine Beaver County Summary Report.

Stromberg Garrigan & Associates. (2012). Ohio River North Shore Trail Feasibility Study.

Stromberg Garrigan & Associates. (2011). Ohio River South Shore Trail Feasibility Study.

Stromberg Garrigan & Associates. (2012). Ohio River Area-Wide Brownfields Planning Project.

24

RiverWise

RiverWise & Emily Marko. (2019). RiverWise Infographic.

RiverWise. (2018). RiverWise Year End Report.

RiverWise. (2019). Brief Background on Shell’s Decision to Come to Beaver County.

RiverWise. (2019). Community Conversation Presentations.

RiverWise. (2019). Hillman Grant 2019 - Narrative Responses & Letters of Support.

RiverWise. (2019). Mini-Grant Information Packet.

RiverWise. (2019). RiverWise Marketing Strategy.

RiverWise. (2019). The Future of Petrochemicals in Western PA - A Community Perspective.

RiverWise. (2020). A Quick and Dirty Intro to the Dynamics at Play in Beaver County.

RiverWise. (2020). Current Projects.

RiverWise. (2020). Ecodistrict Strategic Planning.

RiverWise. (2020). FutureWise Global Design Challenge Intro Letter & Sponsorship Packet.

RiverWise. (2020). Leveraged Funds Database.

RiverWise. (2020). News Coverage Database.

RiverWise and New Sun Rising. (2019). Ecodistrict Assets.

RiverWise and New Sun Rising. Aliquippa, Beaver Falls, and Monaca Quality of Life Challenges, Assets, and Preliminary Vision Statements.

SmithGroup and RiverWise. (2019). EcoDistricts Incubator Summary.

City of Pittsburgh & Greater Area

Allegheny Conference on Community Development. (2017-18). Inflection Point: Supply, Demand, and the Future of Work in the Pittsburgh Region.

City of Pittsburgh. (2018). City of Pittsburgh Climate Action Plan.

City of Pittsburgh. (2017). One PGH: Pittsburgh’s Resilience Strategy.

City of Pittsburgh’s Gender Equity Commission. (2019). Pittsburgh’s Inequality Across Gender and Race.

25