Parking problems a sign of success in Zelie
Good things are going on in Zelienople — so much so, that it’s hard to find a parking space. Everybody wants in on it.
In yesterday’s edition of the Butler Eagle, we spotlighted efforts to revitalize the borough’s Main Street.
Borough council approved plans to acquire a former Citizens Bank parking lot at the corner of Main and East New Castle streets that would offer up another 15 parking spots for the community, which frequently holds events.
Soon the borough’s weekly Open Air Markets will start up for the warmer months, bringing live music, vendors and customers to Zelienople’s Main Street. The events are set to start May 4 and will continue every Thursday evening through Oct. 27 from 5 to 9 p.m.
These types of festivities bring people into the community and offer a chance for businesses based in Zelie to show off.
The plans to buy a parking lot follow a decision from earlier this year where the borough came to an agreement with a local church to use its parking lot for local events.
The borough is really readying to bring people to town.
What’s worth noting is that this type of revitalization didn’t happen overnight.
Zelienople got where it is now partly due to a comprehensive plan that was completed in 2010. Most of the plan has been accomplished, borough leaders said at Monday’s meeting.
Parking, perhaps, became a problem thanks to successful efforts to draw people to town. Compared to other problems a borough can face, it could be considered a welcome one.
— TL
