MUNCY – Moving forward, the Muncy Professional Business Association (MPBA) discussed about getting more pro-active in fixing up the empty corner lot on the corner of Main and Water Streets during their monthly meeting on April 4 at Orlando’s Restaurant. Working with the streetscape committee, business members discussed some project ideas. Ann Baker, President of the board said to contact the Lycoming Career and Technology Center (LCTC) to perhaps help with a design. “Maybe paint a mural or something on the theater side,” Baker said, “now that the Ritz theater is sold.” She said she ran the idea by the new owner of the Ritz, Royce Eyer, and he was okay with the idea. The building is under renovation for a cafe according to Baker.

Another suggestion was to get a sculptured artist to make a work of art. An artist-in-residence program with local artists was used at Muncy School District, and perhaps there could be some possible funding for a similar program.

Also flowers will be planted in the Main Street containers before Memorial Day and the annual parade. Eighteen stakes have been placed along North Main Street for fresh new trees to be planted this spring.

Muncy 4th Friday dates are set for June, July and August with live bands for each month and sponsors. Janessa Mitterling from State Farm Insurance will sponsor the Kids Zone and Blessing Insurance Agency agreed to provide some games. Crossroads Church may be a sponsor again for the bounce house. Other events will include contests and charity fundraisers like the ” the smash-a-car” event. Over 20 vendors have committed so far with several community awareness groups for causes like human trafficking, canine rescue, and safety simulators. Vendors can still sign up until May 31st.

A seminar will be scheduled in May to help the businesses, possibly in Quickbooks. A community yard sale is set for May 4 for borough residents and business owners. There also will be a “Community Cleanup Day” for the borough on the following weekend on May 11 according to Ed Feigles, Muncy Borough president.

Feigles also announced that FEMA was “getting serious” about enforcing permits for any kind of construction, as it is federal regulation. To be safe, any improvements made by those in the flood plain must have a permit, he said, “so that substantial improvements are up to flood codes.” He added that by 2020 the cost of flood insurance is “going all the way up to actuary price.” The level will be based on “potential” flood plain elevations. Meanwhile, the county has scheduled an outreach meeting for Thursday, April 18 at the Trade & Transit Center in downtown Williamsport for flood plain property owners.

Working with the borough is the Muncy Historical Society with some interpretive signage of the historical structures. Bill Poulton said the signs will cost somewhere between 900 and 1200 dollars apiece. This would be a good opportunity for businesses to sponsor some of them, suggested Poulton. Feigles hopes that in the future this could be part of the Resiliency Project and use signage to connect trails to all four parks in Muncy. Nine are in place now such as the one at the Post Office and the Fort Brady site at Muncy Farms.

Looking ahead, members discussed using the old carnival grounds on North Main Street which might be a good idea for an outdoor farmers market, and the owner of Tommy’s Sports Bar at 213 Main Street has future plans for outdoor cafe and seating according to Baker.

Angie Dreisbach, board member, said Revolution Fitness at 50 Angletown Road is a new MPBA member offering cardio drumming and nutritional products.

The next MPBA meeting is scheduled for May 3 at Tommy’s Sports Bar.