Jondavid Longo

SLIPPERY ROCK — Borough businesses will see an expansion of a program that reduces many of their borough fees.

In June, borough council approved an expanded fee reduction schedule for next year. A previous fee reduction impacted only new businesses, but the most recent reduction will be expanded to include existing businesses, too.

Mayor Jondavid Longo initially suggested the fee reductions last year and again brought the program's success to the council's attention last meeting.

“Basically, I just reminded them kindly that that was going to be expiring soon, and I felt that we built some good momentum,” Longo said.

Longo said he asked for an indefinite decrease to the fees, but the council wanted to move cautiously in approving the reductions for one year.

Since the program's adoption, six new businesses have come to Slippery Rock: UMunchies, Thomcy's Cafe, The Rock Vapor Lounge, Xiu's Chinese Massage Therapy and Our Angel's Attic.

Slippery Rock resident Patti Bicehouse is the founder and leader of the nonprofit Our Angel's Attic, a clothing boutique that offers work-training opportunities for the developmentally disabled. The new business, at 140 S. Main St., was set to open for the first time Sunday.

“I've seen change. Things have just blossomed and grown, and it's become a quaint little town,” Bicehouse said.

Bicehouse said she benefited from the fee reductions while setting up the nonprofit.

“When you're trying to run a nonprofit, every penny counts. Anywhere that you can save is a blessing.

Bicehouse said she settled in Slippery Rock shortly after graduating from Slippery Rock University. She said she remembers how the changing seasons impacted business.

“This place used to turn into a ghost town when the kids were out of school,” she said. “I'm really amazed at how many of them are staying.”

Bicehouse said she hopes the fee reductions will continue because they are a step in the right direction.

“I hope it attracts a lot more business. I hope we get businesses that stay and help the community grow. I would love to see a variety of things come in.”

Longo said he wanted to offer the same benefits to existing businesses to help retain them in the borough.

“It was just a gesture of good will,” he said. “It was a thanks for their investment in our community.”

Longo said there are more companies and businesses currently exploring the option of locating in the borough.

“The future is bright for Slippery Rock in regard to growth on the business end,” Longo said.