EPCIC pushes for economic growth in the village
The EPCIC is still mulling over how to maximize the space in the historic train depot and are considering concepts brought to the group by hopeful businesses wishing to occupy the unique commercial space. In the fall, the EPCIC toured the interior of the depot to get a better handle on what needed to be done to the historic structure to house a business. (Photos by Stephanie Elverd)
Tom Brittain, owner of Brittain Motors Tom Brittain shares ideas during a recent East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) board meeting. Brittain along with Melissa Smith, Jessica Rocco, Chris Page and Barb Herriott make up the board of the EPCIC. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)
EPIC recently required the old PNC Bank property on North Market Street with plans to turn the parking lot into an open-air plaza to benefit the village.
Ianazone’s Pizza, Kat’s Krystals and Tiger Smoke Shop now fill what were three empty storefronts on North Market in East Palestine.
The EPCIC is still mulling over how to maximize the space in the historic train depot and are considering concepts brought to the group by hopeful businesses wishing to occupy the unique commercial space. In the fall, the EPCIC toured the interior of the depot to get a better handle on what needed to be done to the historic structure to house a business. (Photos by Stephanie Elverd)
Tom Brittain, owner of Brittain Motors Tom Brittain shares ideas during a recent East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) board meeting. Brittain along with Melissa Smith, Jessica Rocco, Chris Page and Barb Herriott make up the board of the EPCIC. (Photo by Stephanie Elverd)
EPIC recently required the old PNC Bank property on North Market Street with plans to turn the parking lot into an open-air plaza to benefit the village.
Ianazone’s Pizza, Kat’s Krystals and Tiger Smoke Shop now fill what were three empty storefronts on North Market in East Palestine.
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Entrepreneurs have been described as both doers and dreamers so it makes perfect sense that small business owners like Tom Brittain of Brittain Motors and Melissa Smith of 1820 Candle Company possess both the initiative and the inspiration to not only lead East Palestine's economy through the turbulent wake of the Norfolk Southern train derailment but lift it to heights never imagined before Feb. 3, 2023.
Two years after the train derailment, both Brittain and Smith -- along with Threshold Residential Services CEO Chris Page and councilwomen Dr. Jessica Rocco and Barb Herriott -- are doing and dreaming as board members of the East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC), a nonprofit group dedicated to fostering economic development and growth and step driving force behind the crucial revitalization efforts. Downtown is first on the EPCIC's long to-do list. Page called downtown revitalization "a key component" in the village's economic recovery plan.
The sole purpose of a CIC, a quasi-governmental non-profit corporation that under the Ohio Constitution is given a number of permissions, is to promote economic prosperity. CIC's can borrow money, provide loans to individuals for businesses, apply for and administer grants and enter into contracts with federal, state, and local governments and more importantly, buy, lease and sell property.
The EPCIC fills the need for a cohesive and collaborative push towards that economic prosperity, and when it sees an empty space in the village, the group looks to fill that too.
Eight months after its creation, the EPCIC has not only talked about plans, it has put those plans into action by acquiring the former PNC drive-through and parking lot across from the municipal building and quite literally in the middle of the village.
The idea is to transform the parking lot at 74 North Market into a open-air plaza and gathering space that can provide a place "for friends to meet for a coffee, a green space for children and pets and a venue for a musical performance and community festivals."
"I would like to see a concept where it's possible that we can schedule something every Saturday," Brittain said. "Whether it's music or a band set up or an independent musician that comes in and plays the violin or trumpet or guitar or small groups playing from the morning to afternoon. And then maybe have artists the next week and kids' events the week after. I mean this has a lot of potential."
The acquisition of the PNC property was the first for the EPCIC, which paid about $100,000 for it. Funds came from local fundraising and a short-term interest-free loan from the village. The group sees the same potential in the property as Brittain does.
The community does too. Smith said people have already approached her about having craft and shows in the space.
At the most recent EPCIC meeting, councilman Lenny Glavan, as one of the organizers of an interactive, art-fusion festival planned for July 12 in the village, said the space would be perfect for what he and others are envisioning.
"Obviously we are working together collaboratively to come up with ideas that will work, but we are shooting for the stars and we are going to need space for it," said Glavan, an entrepreneur himself as owner of Hammer N Ink Tattoo that opened shop on East Taggart Street last year. "When you look at downtown, we would love to be able to utilize that space that's right in the heart of East Palestine."
The festival, which is tentatively being called the Bulldog Fan Fest, is about highlighting the village's artisans and visionists and will pay homage to the village's creative culture and the industries that built the town.
"We are thinking out how we can really embrace the history of East Palestine with this food and arts and music festival and having that historic element of celebrating who we are and, in a sense, who we want to be in the future," Glavan said.
Economically, such a plaza would be beneficial, but it would also be beneficial in reinforcing relationships in the community -- not only through its use but in the process of renovating and turning its potential into purpose.
"I think the more we can involve people of this community, the more ownership they have over that piece of property and the more pride they will have in it," Herriott said. "I think that would instill a sense of pride and that's something that has been lacking. I would love to see the public be involved."
The EPCIC is moving forward to acquire more property within the village and make use of property already in its hands -- such as the historic depot that the railroad turned over to the village in May. Concepts are being mulled over and a new commercial tenant for the depot will soon be chosen.
The EPCIC is also working to secure funding through grants on the local, state and federal levels. It continues to raise funds locally. Most recently, the "Brighten Our Future" campaign raised $161,500 -- enough to pay for the parking lot property -- through sales of ornaments and corporate donations.
In addition, the EPCIC is looking into tax abatements like Ohio's CRA program to encourage new businesses and new construction in East Palestine.
Brittain's main goal is to fill the all empty storefronts --many of which sat vacant before Feb. 3, 2023. Slowly, progress is being made toward that goal. Kat's Krystals, which specializes in crystals, jewelry and handmade art opened at 94 N. Market St. in July of 2023. Tiger Smoke Shop opened next door to Kat's last year at 96 N. Market. On the other side of the smoke shop, sits Ianazone's Pizza, which relocated to 102 N. Market in 2024. The EPCIC is also currently in talks with a private pharmacy to replace the now closed-Rite Aid. Recently, the EPCIC collected data, demonstrating a demand for such a pharmacy in town. As for the empty Rite Aid building, Dollar Tree is set to fill that space soon.
In the two years since the derailment, economic development and the ability of village businesses to recover has been much discussed. The EPCIC's priority is to continue to have those conversations and turn talk into tangible things -- one step at a time.
"Everything is part of a bigger picture," Brittain said.
Ideas, afterall, are the currency of a propserious economy.
selverd@mojonews.com