MONTGOMERY – The business community of Montgomery continues to strive for a better streetscape appearance and to host more outdoor entertainment during the warm weather months. Starting in April, the town will focus on “Cleaning up Montgomery.” They will be using some grant money from DCNR that will provide them with more tree plantings and some spring bulbs. New lighting, sidewalks and more plantings will be added along the railroad tracks. They are also hoping for better signage. Long term planning will be to develop trails along the railroad bed and the river. Some matching funds are in existence remaining from last year’s tree planting to use this year.

A 5/k Run/Walk is planned for April 5 and a “Sweep the Street” campaign will be in motion before the race. “We will need people to step up as organizers and planners to make things happen,” stated Becky Sanguedolce, Board Chair.

April 22 is Earth Day and April 26 is going to be “The Great Black Hole Cleanup Day.” Scouts and students will be volunteering during April’s cleanup month. Members also discussed the possibility of holding a contest to see who could pick up the most trash, with business give-aways and prizes. Brandy Moon rolled out ideas to give out awards and incentives for clean-up such as the ‘Best Cleaned Street’, the ‘Oldest Volunteer’, and the best team.

The committees are growing and now the businesses are planning summer events and festivals to take advantage of their park. “Fundraisers are needed and contributing sponsors,” added Sanguedolce,

Future events include another open house on Columbus Day and there was much discussion to hold more open houses, indoors and out. The Community Yard Sale is scheduled for May 17 and a Wine Fest will be held in the park on August 9.

The Facebook page has also been very popular and these events are posted. Usage seems to go way up during these times according to Sanguedolce.

Revitalize Montgomery also has a website which is linked to the borough. They will be seeking help from the Montgomery High school students to maintain and build the website. They want to include video clips from the business events and open houses. Also on the website is a list of the businesses, their services and newsletters.

A long term goal is to make Montgomery wireless. Using technology and the social networking tools seem to be helping said Larry Stout, Clinton Township Supervisor. “That would really put us on the map.” There was a consensus that the borough’s website needed updated and perhaps the students could also get involved with this project.

The committee agreed to meet twice a month, rotating days and early evenings to accommodate more businesses and to focus on event planning. The meetings have been alternating between Shirey’s Outdoor Supply and Tickle’s Music Cafe, both located on Main Street in downtown Montgomery.