Discover Greene, Inc is built on the premise that quality of life is not a secondary byproduct of economic development: it is the strategy.
The new Community Development Corporation (CDC) was formed last month to serve all of Greene County. It is the successor to Waynesburg Prosperous and Beautiful, whose board — composed of local civic, institutional, and business leaders — will formally reconstitute the organization under new leadership, a new name, and a substantially expanded mission.
The new organization is designed to serve as a catalyst and project manager for community-driven revitalization. They hope to bridge the gap between local vision and the institutional, financial, and technical capacity needed to realize it.
The group’s mission is to advance the long-term vitality of Greene County by building community-rooted strategies, coordinating investment, and managing projects that make the county a more beautiful, connected, and economically resilient place to live, learn, and work.
Founders of the new entity are David Baily, John Throckmorton, and Jonathan Johnson; with financial support from The Heinz Endowments and advisement from The SWPA Hub, and Waynesburg University.
“We are working with regional experts to design a three-block section that can be something that can serve as an inspiration, regional attraction, and economic driver for Waynesburg and the University,” said Board President David Baily.
The Jimmie’s Lunch building located on the corner of Morris St. and High St in Waynesburg has been identified as the first property to become part of the community revitalization mission. The building was secured through the Heinz Endowment with help from The Way Community Center of Greene County.
The demolition of the additions to the structure has been completed, and the original structure has been stabilized and is undergoing structural assessment. Although the reconstruction plans have not been finalized, the group hopes to have a culinary enterprise on the first floor and offices on the second floor. The site will serve as the cornerstone of revitalization to the Morris Street corridor.
Discover Greene’s two-year start-up period is explicitly designed as a runway to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP), which provides multi-year operational and program funding for CDCs.
The group’s founders are clear-eyed that Heinz Endowments’ support is start-up capital, not a permanent operating subsidy. If successful, the NAP application this work will support provides five to six years of additional operational and program funding from the Commonwealth. The ultimate goal is to synthesize this engagement into a County-wide vision document with actionable priorities.
Rather than building its own program infrastructure, the organization’s theory of change relies on coordinating existing community assets such as civic and church organizations; local businesses; the university; and county, borough and municipal governments.
A Grand Bash and a Fresh Start for Greene
As part of this new initiative, the tremendously successful All-American Grand Bash will be moved to the Greene County Fairgrounds. The event has traditionally been held in Morgantown at Mylan Park.
The Bash will be held in the Arena Barn on Saturday, October 3 and serve as a fundraising kickoff for Discover Greene. The event is a partnership between Discover Greene, the Waynesburg-Franklin Township Fire Department, and Mission for Miracles.
Only 2,500 tickets will be sold, so they will be gone quickly. For anyone who has not attended THE Bash, it is a day of excitement, entertainment, and community celebration like you’ve never seen.
The goal is to use these funds as part of a long-term strategy to identify economic stimulus and quality of life projects that will improve the county’s livability for this and future generations.
