The community is invited to share comments and possible logos designs for a proposed open-air retail center in Potter County.
The current plan calls for the God’s Country Village and Farmer’s Market to be located in a vacant lot in downtown Coudersport. The Revitalize Potter County Steering Committee is working on the project.
“County officials emphasize that the plan is merely a proposal, subject to public input and a number of elements — including funding — falling into place,” according to a press release on the project’s current status. “The committee has been working on the ‘market village/farmers market’ concept on a county-owned lot at the corner of East Second and North East streets.”
The public comment period kicked off Feb. 22. People can answer a few short questions
People can take part in a brief survey by visiting the Revitalize Potter County website at https://revitalize-pottercounty.hub.arcgis.com
At that website, people can also get more information on how to submit a digital or hand-drawn logo for the logo contest that begins this week. Submissions are due by April 16.
The press release provided further details on how the market might look if built.
“Steering committee co-chairs Will Hunt and Ellen Russell describe the proposed development as a semi-permanent ‘village’ with multiple short-term rental spaces,” the release stated. “Retail space would complement the Potter County Farmers Market, with short-term occupants marketing agricultural goods, prepared food, locally crafted items or other products.”
Not only could the space be used as a market, it could be used as a gathering space for activities such as educational programs and entertainment such as live music, according to the committee.
While the committee is currently looking at a market in Coudersport, they are considering the possibility that similar spaces can be developed elsewhere in Potter County including Galeton, Ulysses and Roulette.
According to the committee, the market can serve as a way for potential new businesses to try new ideas in a low-risk setting.
“Rentals would be available at low fees. The market village could serve as an incubator for new businesses,” the release explained. “It would provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs and small business owners to ‘pilot’ their business idea, without running the large risk associated with a storefront. Once the business proves to be successful, the hope is it would move into an empty storefront to help revitalize the business district.”
The steering committee is looking at grant opportunities for the proposed market.
The Pennsylvania Wilds planning team awarded Potter County a $4,500 for the conceptual design of the market, a task which was taken on by YSM Landscape architect. Illustrations of the proposed market can be found on the Revitalize Potter County website.
The committee will need assistance from the community if the project is to become a reality. Anyone who is interested in becoming involved in the God’s Country Village and Farmers Market can contact Russell at 814-274-8290, ext. 209; erussell@pottercountypa.net; or Hunt, 814-274-8290, ext. 229; whunt@pottercountypa.net.
