An open-air retail center would be established on the vacant lot across from the county jail under a plan unveiled at a recent meeting of the Potter County Board of Commissioners. County Planning/GIS Director Will Hunt discussed a project being developed by the Revitalize Potter County Work Group to create a semi-permanent “village” with multiple short-term rental spaces at the corner of Second and North East Streets in Coudersport. A $4,500 grant has been approved by the Pennsylvania Wilds Planning Team to retain the services of a landscape architect/engineer who will conduct a feasibility study and develop a conceptual design.
Hunt emphasized the retail space could complement the Potter County Farmers Market, with short-term occupants marketing agricultural products, prepared food, locally crafted items or other products. It would be modeled after the successful Tionesta Market Village in Forest County, shown in the accompanying photograph. The work group envisions the lot becoming a gathering place where live music and other entertainment or educational programs could be presented. The group is investigating the establishment of similar open-air markets in Galeton, Ulysses, Roulette and other Potter County communities. Community organizations, such as chambers of commerce, would be contacted to partner with the county.
