Doylestown Borough Revitalization Board Background

About Us  |  Background  |  Committees  |  Goals  |  Major Accomplishments

Currently, people of all ages find reasons to walk to and gather in the downtown. This was not always the case. In the late 1980’s foot traffic at night and on the weekends was almost nonexistent. The historic Doylestown Inn had run through a succession of owners. B. Maxwell’s Restaurant instituted a frequent diners program in order to encourage patronage. The County Theater had lost its customer base to the multi-screen cinema on 611 South and pharmacies and other essential services had relocated outside the commercial core. As shoppers gravitated to newly constructed malls, declining retail businesses and vacant storefronts dotted the town center. Throughout the economic downswing the Bucks County Courthouse, the largest single employer within the borough, helped sustain the economy.

In June of 1993 council appointed 19 volunteers to form an independent group called the Doylestown Revitalization Board. One of this organization’s essential functions was to promote an on-going sustainable economic and community development strategy. Simultaneously, council funded the position of Main Street Manager, whose job was to assist the committee and serve as the primary writer of grants for the borough.

Doylestown then became the recipient of several community development grants from the Commonwealth, which were for specific use in the central commercial business district. Historic street lights were purchased. Funds were made available to downtown business owners for façade improvements. During monthly Revitalization Board meetings members would receive a list of vacant offices and stores. Both the Board and the Main Street Manager actively recruited new businesses to fill those spaces. Gradually, new ventures began to appear.

Individual property owners and other organizations also began to undertake projects that directly contributed to the renewal effort. The Doylestown Community and Business Alliance (DBCA) instituted the Hanging Basket Program. The County Theater, which reorganized as a not for profit group, began to establish a loyal membership and renovate its building. Established businesses located along the gateways and in the shopping centers grew stronger.

As a result of combined efforts of Borough government, individuals, and organizations, the heart of Doylestown once again enjoys a healthy economic balance comprised of offices, eating establishments, small businesses, and major chains. In 2001 the National Trust for Historic Preservation honored Doylestown as one of only 12 towns in America designated as “Distinctive Destinations”. The borough was selected for its dedication to historic preservation, its architectural and cultural assets, and its excellent management of growth and redevelopment.

ORGANIZATION

The 2007 Doylestown Revitalization Board consists of 15 volunteers who serve one, two, or three year terms. When a vacancy occurs, public notices advertise the opening. Interested parties are invited to submit a letter of intent and resume to the borough manager at Borough Hall, 57 W. Court Street.

After the Personnel Committee of Borough Council interviews the applicants, the DRB chairperson, vice chairperson, borough manager, and the council liaison conduct another round of interviews. This committee, then, recommends candidates for consideration by the full board. Once the Revitalization Board makes its selection, Borough Council finalizes the appointment.

The Vice Chairperson of Borough Council acts as advisor to the Board. In order to strengthen the avenues of communication and cooperation among organizations within the community, representatives from the Central Bucks School District, the Central Bucks Chamber of Commerce, and the Doylestown Business and Community Alliance serve as liaisons to the Revitalization Board.