by Susan Williams, President/CEO

The last in our three-part series on the Venango County Planning Commission is the work around Community Development, which is extensive.

Josh Sterling provides oversight of the County’s CDBG funds, used for various community activities, demolition, and ADA compliance in public buildings. Additionally, he administers several grants that address housing in the County. Like most rural communities, those in our region have suffered a great decline in suitable housing stock, which requires a large investment to rehabilitate or when necessary, remove. He works with the homeowners, contractors, and the municipalities, to determine the best path forward and, whenever possible, to save homes that are deemed safe and appropriate for occupancy.

Housing continues to be one of the top items listed as a concern for businesses, especially in attracting or retaining young employees. It is critical that there be well maintained homes, available and affordable, across the income brackets.

Erik Johnson serves as the Deputy Director & Recycling Coordinator, with Jason Dillion as Recycling & Planning Assistant. The Venango County Community Recycling Center is located at 134 Hangar Drive in Franklin. For a complete explanation of services and upcoming recycling events, visit co.venango.pa.us/278/ Recycling.

This series has only scratched the surface of the extensive work of the Venango County Planning Commission, but we hope it will prompt you to explore services available through the County, that you may have been unaware of.

This article was published in the Venango Chamber’s January 2024 VenangoWorks! Newsletter.