Triboro Camping/Glamping Strategy Group
First Report - December 2023
For more information contact Carol Coren at carolcoren@cornerstone-ventures.com - 215 -939-4094
WHO WE ARE:
The Susquehanna Depot Area Revitalization Project Strategy Groups grew out of focus groups organized by TREHAB in May 2022. Residents identified improvements needed for the economy and quality of life of Susquehanna Depot and surrounding communities. A major obstacle is the lack of places for overnight stays. The area does not yet have enough visitors to support construction of a hotel or motel but can attract enough overnight visitors now to support the creation of campsites and more B&B’s.
The task of the Camping/Glamping Strategy Group is to do just that. We plan to encourage and support farmers and other landowners to create camp sites, glamping (glamorous, high amenity camping) and/or RV sites on their land. We also want to create more B&Bs in area homes or investment properties.
We need you to support this effort, if you believe it is a good idea. Here is what we have learned so far and our next steps.
Our plans
1. Organize an information session about creating new overnight stay opportunities.
Sunday January 29, 2023
2 p.m. at Lanesboro Community Center - 408 N Main St. Lanesboro
Presenters will explain and answer questions about creating and running a successful camping/glamping site and about opening a B&B. Susquehanna County and local requirements will be explained. Written information and refreshments will be provided.
2. Continue to research current state, county and local requirements. Susquehanna County has a comprehensive set of regulations in the Subdivision and Land Use Ordinance, including a minimum site size of 5 acres. A county permit and plan review are required. Towns can adopt additional requirements if desired.
3. One of our next steps is to talk with the County Planning staff to gain a full understanding of their requirements and approval process. We may want to discuss if there should be/could be exceptions made for small campsite or RV operations, such as 1-5 sites.
WHY WE ARE HERE
We need to understand if there are local rules or ordinances about small campsites. .
We would like to know your questions or what you would like more information about.
We welcome your help to find people who are interested in learning more about income-producing campsites, glamping, RV sites and B & Bs.
After our information meeting and research, we want to return for a discussion with you and, we hope, a vote of support.
Other Strategy Groups responding to identified community needs:
▪ Fitness Facility Group
This fall and winter, volunteers have been meeting (via Zoom) to plan fitness classes and eventually a fitness facility in Susquehanna Depot. The plan is to offer a local fitness program, named Time to Train, to start offering classes at the Susquehanna Depot Borough Building this spring. Within the next 18 months, the goal is to offer classes at a Recreation Building to be built adjacent to Ira Reynolds Park.
▪ Signage Group The Signage Group has developed a list of locations where new or additional signage would be helpful, highlighting Rail Trail access and parking and little-known points of geological, scenic and historical interest. focusing on entrances to the borough, the Rail Trail and Rail Trail parking, , The first project is to replace five existing out of date signs for $1,000, to be paid by the Borough
▪ Downtown Susquehanna Depot Commercial Center – NEPA, Trehab and town representatives have formed a group and have inventoried vacant buildings. The plan to identify potential uses and then draft an implementation plan for feasibility and funding.
WINTER/SPRING GROUPS – starting in January
▪ Recreation, History & Wilderness Access Strategy Group –Review access options for the River and D&H Trail and inventory local historic and cultural sites. Evaluate similar sites elsewhere to learn their marketing strategies to support area marketing efforts.
▪ Housing Inventory Strategy Group – inventory vacant housing, review funding resources, create a 10-year housing plan.
SPRING/SUMMER GROUPS – starting in March
▪ Economic Development Strategy Group – Review case studies of five small towns that became tourist destinations and organize a site visit with the people involved and organizations who made it happen. Identify market sectors for new residents and what they value, develop a comprehensive community marketing plan.
▪ Community Development Partners Strategy Group – Identify all the players and discuss if and how to structure a regional development partnership comprised of Susquehanna Depot, Lanesboro, Oakland, and possibly additional nearby boroughs such as Harmony.
For more information contact Carol Coren at carolcoren@cornerstone-ventures.com - 215 -939-4094.