Panther Valley Blueprint Communities
OUR VISION | Working Together for a Thriving Tomorrow. Four Communities, One Collective Dream.
COALDALE
NESQUEHONING
LANSFORD
SUMMIT HILL
WHO WE ARE
The Panther Valley Blueprint Committee began as a group of dedicated volunteers, inspired by the Blueprint Communities ® program. Our vision is to unite the four communities of Coaldale, Lansford, Nesquehoning, and Summit Hill to create a BLUEPRINT for a brighter future!
We are your friends, neighbors, small business owners, and community leaders who understand the challenges our communities face because we live here too! Together, we share one collective dream: to revitalize and breathe new life into the Panther Valley.
Our PV Blueprint members include:
- John Dowling, Chairperson, FHLB Member Bank Representative & Resident of Summit Hill
- Jesse Walck, Vice-Chairperson & PVSD Representative
- Rich Vermillion, Treasurer & Resident of Summit Hill
- Joe Guardiani, Secretary & Resident of Nesquehoning
- Abbie Guardiani, Spokesperson & Resident of Nesquehoning
- Linda Falcone, Blueprint Communities Coach
- Joe Bennett, Local Developer
- Eric Ramirez, Mayor of Coaldale
- Dave Boyle, Resident of Coaldale
- Lori Rutch, Resident of Coaldale
- Yvonne Stoffey, Resident of Coaldale
- Steve Teeno, Resident of Coaldale
- Bruce Markovich, Lansford Council Member
- Jared Soto, Resident of Lansford
- Lois Kuba, Nesquehoning Council Member
- David Wargo, Summit Hill Council Member
- Joe Webber, Summit Hill Council Member
- Roobhenn Smith, Resident of Summit Hill
- Amber Zuber, Resident of Summit Hill
OUR MISSION
Many of our committee members have spent their entire lives in this area and have seen its decline over the decades. While Panther Valley has much to offer, we are committed to reinventing our communities for a brighter future. Our main focus will be on the following:
- To improve the quality of life by building a vibrant and resilient Panther Valley community.
- Promote equity.
- Create more recreational opportunities for all ages.
- Develop our neighborhoods to be a healthy and enjoyable place to live for both current and new residents.
- Support business owners and entrepreneurs in creating local jobs to spur economic development.
As of November 2024, we are creating a BLUEPRINT to implement OUR MISSION.
WHAT WE DO
The Blueprint Communities ® program is a 10-year program focused on the strategic planning and community development initiatives that will bring positive change to the Panther Valley. Our committee’s key function and responsibilities include:
- Strategic Planning in the form of a clear vision for the community’s future and to gather data and feedback from residents to identify key issues and opportunities for improvement. Additionally, we seek out successful ideas, investors, and innovators who can introduce proven economic strategies to benefit the entire Panther Valley.
- Project Development to propose special projects that align with our community’s vision, such as fostering economic growth to fill empty storefronts and buildings. We aim to create more recreational and tourism opportunities, find ways to beautify our communities, collaborate with borough councils to eradicate blight, bring high-quality affordable housing to our area, and improve our towns to restore community pride in the Panther Valley.
- Community Engagement through the use of public meetings and events we engage residents and gather input on proposed initiatives. We also work with local stakeholders, including businesses, government agencies, and nonprofits, to foster collaboration and support.
- Identify Funding and Resources in the form of grants, donations and partnerships to support our projects. Through budget development, we ensure financial sustainability.
- Monitor Progress by tracking the implementation of projects and initiatives, ensuring they align with the established goals. We also make adjustments as needed based on feedback and changing circumstances.
- Keep the Community Informed by providing regular updates to the community on our progress and developments as well as evaluate the impact of initiatives and share results with our stakeholders.
We couldn’t do any of this without the guidance and support of FHLBank Pittsburgh and its partners, The PA Downtown Center & Penn State, who provide the tools, resources and knowledge necessary for us to achieve our mission!
Blueprint Communities Upcoming Events
Take Our Community Insights Survey Today!
We Value Your Opinion!
Our community is constantly evolving, and your feedback is crucial in helping us understand our strengths and identify areas where we can improve. This brief survey aims to gather insights from residents like you to shape the future of our community.
Scan the QR code or click on the button below to take our survey.
We thank you in advance!
WHO IS FHLBANK
The Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh (FHLBank) created the Blueprint Communities ® program where it supports the investment in and revitalization of struggling communities and neighborhoods in Delaware, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.
This revitalization and leadership initiative serves as a catalyst for creating sustainable communities. Their successful program has already helped 22 Pennsylvania communities move forward toward sustainability.
Our Panther Valley Team who made the application to the FHLB, was selected in December of 2023 for this prestigious designation. This 10 year program will allow the PV Blueprint Committee to work with real professionals that will help guide our committee in creating a comprehensive revitalization plan for the Panther Valley.
GET INVOLVED
The PV Blueprint Committee needs your help! We’re looking for people who care about our towns as much as we do. Residents who take pride in the community and want to be a part of this huge revitalization effort. Help us keep the momentum going!
- Visit our Facebook page to participate in surveys.
- Join our Facebook page for announcements, success stories, community events, upcoming plans and to participate in surveys.
Contact Us
PV Blueprint Committee
P.O. Box 122
Nesquehoning, PA 18240
E-mail: contact@PVBlueprint.org
Help Us Make a Difference!
Donate today and help us make a difference in our community! Funds will be used to support the completion of our goals as well as any other projects the Team wishes to carry out for the benefit of the Panther Valley community.
