Winter 2013
Last spring,
Relizathan Properties, LLC began a renovation project to the
property located at 1004 5th Avenue. A wonderful façade renovation
was completed by the fall of 2012 to the storefront. The storefront
was outfitted with a new front entryway, new trim work, a planter,
and new signage. The General Contractor for this
revitalization project was Sugar Creek Construction-Kurt Bortmess.
Before and after photos shown above highlight the work that was
accomplished.
Relizathan
Properties took part in a façade program offered through the
Allegheny Together program. Eric Gaber, Principle of Relizathan
Properties says of the program, "It is a great catalyst. It doesn't
cover the overall cost obviously, but at the end of day, it
motivates you to spend money on a project that you probably should
have done anyway." He also noted that the process for participating
in the program was much easier than he anticipated.
The building
is called 5th Avenue Corporate Center. There are
nine entities housed in the facility ranging from an Executive
Search firm, Aviation Wholesaler, Financial Planner, Information
Broker for legal testing, Photographer, Builder, Counselor,
Insurance/Business/Law Expert and a Hair Salon. There is still one
unit available.
Eric also
explains, "The building was created to afford small businesses an
opportunity to be established in a corporate environment that has a
tremendous geographic location (cross-section of I-79 & Route
51), within 25 minutes of the Airport, most importantly, with rent
and expenses at the most competitive in the region."
The Coraopolis Business District Advisory
Committee is pleased to feature 5th Avenue Corporate Center and to
congratulate Eric and Relizathan Properties on a terrific façade
renovation!
The Coraopolis Business District Advisory Committee (BDAC) is
pleased to recognize Joe
DiVito, Sr. as a featured downtown recognition
recipient. Joe was born November 17, 1937. His family moved to
Coraopolis from Ambridge when he was five years old. He
graduated from Coraopolis High School in 1955 and served two years
in the United States Marine Corps.
He married
Diana Nichay in 1961 and they have resided on Montour Street since
then. He is the proud father of Mary Anne DiVito Meade (Dan)
and Joseph V. DiVito, Jr. (Karen), and the doting grandfather of
Joseph V. III, Marco and Francesca DiVito and Maura and Connor
Meade.
Joe worked at
Shenango, Inc. on Neville Island for 35 years until they closed in
1990. After a year, he decided that he wasn't suited to
retirement and he then worked for 15 years as a courier at Quest
Diagnostics.
Joe has been
an active and involved member of the Coraopolis community. Twelve
years on Coraopolis Borough Council were followed by one four year
term as Mayor. He is also the founder and President of the
Coraopolis Historical Society. In this role he spearheaded the
publication of two successful historical books about Coraopolis.
The first, "The Centennial History of the Borough of Coraopolis" was
published in 1986. It was a collection of photos and family
histories submitted by families in Coraopolis. The
second is "Coraopolis" and is one of the "Images of America" series
by Arcadia Publishing and is a collection of historical photographs,
published in 2007. This book is still available.
Through his
efforts, the past editions of the Coraopolis Record have been put on
microfilm, and through a grant, there is a machine available to view
these newspapers.
Joe thoroughly
enjoys Coraopolis history and has recently obtained a room at the
Coraopolis Memorial Library for the memorabilia that the Historical
Society has accumulated. They have a great deal of work to do
to organize these things and are always ready to welcome new
members.
The Coraopolis BDAC thanks Joe for his dedication
and commitment to our community.
Fall 2012
The Coraopolis Business District
Advisory Committee (BDAC) is pleased to feature Junior's
Restaurant this quarter as its featured Downtown
Recognition Recipient.
Dave and Cari
Smith and Gil Brosky purchased the restaurant this past April when
the former owner retired. Junior's offers a large selection of items
and is known for making a great fish sandwich. The food is
moderately priced and very good.
Gil Brosky
states, "The customers have been great with the transition. We have
been well received." The new owners all appreciate the support and
hope to have continued support in the future.
Junior's
Restaurant is located at 705 5th Avenue and is open for breakfast,
lunch and dinner Monday through Saturday 7 AM to 8:30 PM takeout
service is also available.
The Coraopolis
BDAC congratulates Junior's Restaurant on this recognition and is so
pleased that Dave, Cari, and Gil have invested in Junior's and in
Coraopolis. We are pleased to have you in the Coraopolis business
district.
Summer 2012
The Coraopolis
BDAC is pleased to recognize Al "DJ Uncle Al" Wanchik
as its featured Downtown Recognition Recipient.
Besides
working full time, Uncle Al has a second "job" as a disc jockey
specializing in Rock n roll oldies from the 50's and 60's. This year
will mark the 20th edition of "Uncle Al's Toys for Christmas Dance"
which benefits area underprivileged children. Donation of toys and
cash for winter clothing are administered through the West Hills
Food Pantry.
Over the years
Al has donated his time and energy to various causes including the
Bob Mandera Diabetes Walk to Erie, the VFW Keith Holmes Post 402
lift chair fundraiser, the Cornell High School summer dances and the
Coraopolis Train Station restoration fundraiser.
Honorable
mention goes to Al's wife Marsha who actively participates and
supports him at many car cruises and fundraising dances to benefit
local children with large hospital bills.
The Coraopolis BDAC thanks Al and Marsha for all
they do for our community.
Winter 2012
The Coraopolis Business District Advisory Committee (BDAC) has
chosen Helen Manna as its featured quarterly
downtown recognition recipient. Helen was a former teacher at
Cornell and in charge of the library as well.
Most recently,
she reorganized St. Joseph's Library as it was in desperate need of
revamping. Helen has held various fundraisers for St.'s Joe's as
well. She is on the Coraopolis Historical Society and was a former
member of the Coraopolis Kiwanis.
Helen is always finding
ways in which to help people in need. She was even voted the Queen
of Coraopolis for our 125th birthday celebration! The Coraopolis
BDAC sends its thanks and appreciation to Helen for her endless
commitment to Coraopolis!
Fall 2011
The Coraopolis Business District Advisory Committee (BDAC) is
pleased to recognize Sam Jampetro,
Pastor of Charis 247 Anglican Church as its Featured Downtown
Recognition Recipient.
In addition to his work as Pastor of
Charis 247, Sam is the Chaplain of the RMU Campus Ministry. He is a
lifelong resident of Coraopolis. He and his wife, Jackie, have two
children and a new grandson as well!
Sam serves as co-chair
of the BDAC. He is also the current chair of Coraopolis Community
Development. That organization administers the Coraopolis Service
Unit of the Salvation Army serving the residents of the 15108 and
15046 zip codes.
Sam also works tirelessly to build greater
connectivity between the community of Coraopolis and RMU through
several initiatives that are focused in utilizing RMU students in
positive ways that meld their education with practical experience.
The Coraopolis BDAC extends their thanks to
Sam for all he does for our community!
Second Quarter 2011
The Coraopolis Business
District Advisory Committee (BDAC) would like to recognize
Jackie Smith as its 2nd Quarter Downtown Recognition
Award recipient for 2011. The BDAC recognizes a person, business, or
group each quarter who has made some notable contribution to the
downtown revitalization efforts of our community.
Jackie has
been very involved in the Coraopolis community since she became
Manager of the Coraopolis ESB branch. She and her staff have
volunteered at the free summer lunch program at Vance Avenue
Community Church for the past 3 summers. In addition, she is on the
advisory team at Network of Hope, Coraopolis. Jackie serves as the
Community Life Chair of the Coraopolis Business District Advisory
Committee. She has volunteered at both the Walk for Change and Back
2 School Bash and contributed both personally and professionally.
Recently, she spearheaded the Coraopolis 125th birthday
celebration over the Memorial Day weekend where there were
activities for kids of all ages from Friday through Monday. She was
very diligent in trying to include all community groups at this
event.
The Coraopolis BDAC thanks Jackie for her unfailing
commitment to Coraopolis!
First Quarter 2011
The Coraopolis
Business District Advisory Committee has chosen
Dr. Michael P. Lucas as it 1st Quarter Downtown
Recognition recipient for 2011.
Dr. Lucas is the principal at Cornell Elementary and is being
recognized for receiving the Terrel H. Bell Award for Outstanding
School Leadership at the 2010 Blue Ribbon Schools Awards ceremony in
Washington D.C.on November 16, 2010.
He is
well-respected by administrators and faculty as a leader who fosters
successful teaching and learning in his school. He does all that is
necessary to ensure a quality education for all students. Through
various programs, he provides curriculum development, professional
development, full-time interns for student remediation, common
planning time for teachers and many other tools for student success.
The Coraopolis School District is extremely fortunate to
have such a talented, dedicated educator “who inspires, guides and
sustains others…” Congratulations, Dr. Lucas!
Fourth Quarter 2010
The Coraopolis
Business District Advisory Committee (BDAC) has chosen community
volunteer Lucinda Wade as
its 4th Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2010.
Lucinda is also serving on the Community life aspect of BDAC.
Lucinda has started
a lunch program in the summer that children from 6-18 can come and
enjoy a free lunch Monday-Friday. There are no income guidelines,
but if the child is younger than 6, he/she must be accompanied by a
parent or guardian. This program is in conjunction with Network of
Hope, and the Coraopolis Church of God on Vance and Flemming
Streets, where Lucinda’s husband is pastor. The volunteers play
games, read and listen to the children, as well, from 11:30-1:00.
Lucinda’ church
also hosts an after-school program in conjunction with Cornell School District.
Lucinda has also
organized a Friday Fun Night for children. She has invited
various sponsors to donate Pizza etc. and they have taken the kids
on field trips to baseball games and amusement parks.
Lucinda is
instrumental in starting an organization, which is still in its
infancy stage, called Coraoplis Youth Network. This is
happening with the help of Donna Bellas, Cornell School
Superintendent.
The BDAC
congratulates Lucinda Wade on this honor and thanks her for her
tireless dedication to our youth.
Third Quarter 2010
The Coraopolis
Business District Advisory Committee has chosen
Christopher Connolly of CC&A Properties as its 3rd
Quarter Downtown Recognition recipient for 2010.
Chris is a long-time believer in Coraopolis! With a 25-year
history of investment that began with the purchase and renovation of
the former “Matt’s Market” on Fifth Avenue, Chris has been an advocate
for business interests here.
He is proud to announce the completion of yet another quality
property, located at the corner of Fourth and Main Streets. This
office building will be the home and headquarters of APT Technical
Services, a Pennsylvania-based engineering firm.
It joins two prior projects owned and developed by CC&A.
As the developer and designer of these properties, Mr.
Connolly understands the potential of this area and has committed to
future projects in the town of Coraopolis.
Second Quarter 2010
The Borough of
Coraopolis recognizes the following new businesses for having
chosen to locate in the business district in the past two years.
Through their investment, they are helping to build a stronger
business district and community.
Apennine Bakery
853 Fourth Avenue
An Exquisite Massage
732 Fifth Avenue
Pansmith Associates
842 Fifth Avenue
Jail House Saloon
929 Fifth Avenue
Modern Woodmen
1004 Fifth Avenue
Miss Nails & Spa
1007 Fifth Avenue
Cain’s Clearance
1016 Fifth Avenue
Anthony’s Italian Deli
1020 Fifth Avenue
Nana’s & Company Gift Shop
1040 Fifth Avenue
Angelia’s Pizza
1610 Fifth Avenue
Quantum Construction Company
401 Locust Street, Suite 1A
Associated Occupational Therapist
401 Locust Street, Suite 2A