April Community Connection Summary

We had another great turn out for our second Community Connection hosted at the Punxsutawney Country Club on April 8, 2026.

 

Below is a summary of the discussions.

 

Peter Holden of IUP provided an update on the new Culinary Arts Building in Punxsutawney, with a projected grand opening in August 2028. The construction project is expected to go out for bid in August 2026, with groundbreaking planned for December 2026.

The new facility will increase enrollment capacity from 100 to 150 students and is designed to strengthen community engagement. Plans include the development of a dining space, a demonstration kitchen, and an ice carving demonstration area, all aimed at supporting both student learning and community involvement.

Dr. Kreinbucher, School District Superintendent, emphasized the importance of a strong and effective curriculum to drive student growth and high achievement across the district. He highlighted an ongoing overhaul of the high school schedule aimed at better guiding students along their individual educational paths, whether they plan to pursue a career or attend college.

The district is focused on providing robust educational opportunities for students at all levels, including expanded dual enrollment options that allow students to earn college credits while still in high school. Efforts are also being made to strengthen community connections through programs like DECA, where students actively engage with the local community, as well as by building partnerships with local businesses to create career pathways and post-graduation opportunities.

Additionally, there has been a strong emphasis on administrative and staff development through continued instruction, supervision, and professional growth.

The district continues to celebrate a wide range of student achievements. DECA students have competed at both state and national levels, and the History Club has earned recognition at state competitions. In athletics, multiple District 9 and regional championships have been secured, with 16 student-athletes earning college scholarships. In music, two students were selected for the PMEA Chorus Festival, 15 junior high students qualified for chorus fest, four instrumentalists were chosen for District 3 Band, and two students were selected for Jazz Fest.

Chad Horner, representing PRDC, provided an update on several key projects aimed at enhancing economic development and improving opportunities within the community. PRDC continues to work closely with the borough and county commissioners to move these initiatives forward.

One major project is the revitalization of Harmon Field, with an estimated cost of $1.2–$1.5 million. A $1 million grant has already been secured to begin improvements, which will include updated equipment, necessary pool renovations, and upgrades to ensure ADA accessibility.

Another priority is the Adrian Hospital demolition project. Current efforts are focused on addressing safety concerns, particularly the proper removal of asbestos, which must be completed before demolition can proceed. Once the site is cleared, plans will move toward preparing the property for future redevelopment.

PRDC is also advancing a streetscape improvement project for downtown Punxsutawney, supported by an $850,000 grant. Planned upgrades include enhancements to lighting, sidewalks, trash receptacles, and landscaping along the corridor from Jefferson Street to Gilpin Street, with hopes of expanding the project to the East End Bridge and beyond.

Additionally, a façade improvement program is in development to further enhance the appearance and appeal of local businesses and buildings.

Scott North, Jefferson County Commissioner, discussed ongoing efforts to address blighted properties, with a focus on improving processes and strengthening funding mechanisms to more efficiently remediate and clear these sites.

He also highlighted the county’s commitment to tourism, emphasizing the importance of leveraging Jefferson County’s strongest assets to attract visitors and support local economic growth.

Additionally, Commissioner North introduced plans to gather community input on a proposed Subdivision and Land Development Ordinance (SALDO). A series of upcoming workshops will be held to provide further information and encourage public feedback on the initiative.

Brian Smith, PA State Representative, took open questions and spoke on the upcoming workings of the  6 month budget that offers tax incentives from July 1- December 31 to support the wasteful spending and utilize the money to benefit our region or enable lower taxes to best use the money in our district.

You can find more statements from him here.

 

 

Jessica Smith, President of Borough Council, provided an update on the Borough’s ongoing recodification efforts. The goal is to present recommended revisions to the community within a 100-day timeframe, with a target of late April to early May. The initiative is intended to modernize the current code, which is outdated and contains inconsistencies. Be on the lookout for updates on that, community feedback will be encouraged for the new codes.

She touched on their collaboration with the PRDC projects and also noted that a solar farm project is moving forward and is expected to begin once all necessary permits are approved.