ourtownfoundation

Our Town Foundation

335 State Street, Hamburg PA 19526

Phone: 610-562-3106

otfmanager@aol.com

Our Town Foundation

Hamburg’s Community Revitalization Corporation

WHO ARE WE?

Our Town Foundation is a volunteer driven, non-profit community development organization formed in 2001 to revitalize and preserve downtown historic Hamburg for our families and future generations to enjoy. Our vision of downtown Hamburg is one of vibrant streets adorned with restored historic buildings filled with shops, restaurants, and professional services. Visitors and residents will walk on new sidewalks, adorned with flowers and ornamentation. Monthly events will be held. Hamburg will once again be the premier location in Northern Berks to shop, dine, and be entertained.

We were established as a five year Main Street program through the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Our program is designed to improve all aspects of downtown Hamburg through design, promotion, and economic restructuring.

Now that our five years of administration funding has long expired, we are working on a plan for sustainability - part of which includes incorporating other revitalization projects and programs under our name.

Quality of life is what separates successful cities and towns from declining communities

WHO BENEFITS FROM A REVITALIZED

COMMERCIAL DISTRICT?

Sidewalk Repair-Before and After

Residents

Preservation of community assets for future generations
Improvements on accessibility to goods and services
Chances for volunteerism & leadership development
Expansion of social & cultural activities
Increased historical awareness
Rise in the values of homes
Opportunities to keep children in town

The Annual Summer in the City Beach Night and Art Stroll

Property owners

Stable or higher rents
Increased occupancy rates
Improved marketability of property and higher property values
Available façade improvement grants
New uses for existing buildings

Facade Improvements

Financial Institutions

Expansion of business and residential customer base
Potential for loans
Fulfillment of community reinvestment mandate

Merchants & Professionals

Expanded customer base from increased promotions and marketing
Improved image
Co-op advertising
Increased pride in having a business in a safe, clean, and visually appealing atmosphere
Educational opportunities through workshops
Greater ability to have needs’ issues addressed

Street Light Improvements

Local Government

Impetus for public improvements and grant funds
Increase in sales and property tax base
Source of information for visitors and residents
Opportunities for networking at county and state levels

WHY FOCUS ON HISTORIC PRESERVATION?

Hamburg possesses a great deal of historic character, displaying various architectural styles in the downtown and numerous historical properties - including the library, the Balthaser building, and the canal. Preservation of historical assets leads to increased property values and attracting investors and tourists into the town. Older boroughs which are preserving their historical assets are the ones that are succeeding in today’s competitive market. Cultural tourism is on the rise, and more residents are re-locating in communities that offer historical, cultural, and recreational activities. In fact, larger companies are making relocation decisions based on the types of places in which their potential employees are looking to live.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Our Board of Directors consists of community leaders, business owners, professionals, and Borough Council representatives. In addition, we employ a full-time Program Manager and two staff members to handle the daily operations of the Foundation.

President: Steve MacBeth

Vice President: Ernest Sutton

Secretary: Martha Bertolet

Treasurer: Donna Palko

Board Member: Allen Madeira

Board Member: Eric George

Board Member: Rob Gilberg

Board Member: John Smith

Board Member: Stephanie Adam

Board Member: Brian Warfel

Board Member: Krisi Brady

Board Member: Kathryn Rightmyer O'brien