Nazareth Downtown Update

On Monday, the Nazareth Downtown Association (NDA) had its first ever passing of the gavel.

The NDA's first Board President Joe Biernat ended his term and Ken Trionfo became the organization's new President. Aggie Koe was elected to serve as President-Elect and Karen Trionfo as Vice President.

At the meeting, held on Main Street (next to the learning center with the Northampton Community College Banners in the windows) Ken spoke about a project he was working on related to design and the downtown district. Imagine it as a layman's guide to what works and doesn't work so well when renovating in a small town business district. It included terminology, examples of actual buildings, and was well laid out. The NDA agreed to form a committee to discuss how to best utilize the work.

Ken also announced that students from his design program at Northampton Community College will again be visiting Nazareth, tonight on Wednesday, April 23 - 7 p.m., to show their concepts based on buildings and streetscapes in Nazareth. Having attended last year I can say this was quite an amazing display and really opened ones eyes to the possibilities all around us.

Karen Trionfo reported to the organization on the progress her committee has made for an all-new downtown event that will coincide with the annual Martin Guitar Enthusiasts Weekend. Up until this year, the Enthusiasts Weekend was confined to the factory and a softball game at Borough Park. This year visitors from around the country who come to tour the Martin Factory on its 175th anniversary will be encouraged to visit downtown Nazareth where shops will be open, music will be played at a variety of locations and food stands will be out. More details will follow, but the event will take place August 2nd.

The NDA will next meet on Monday, May 19th. At that meeting the group will review a draft proposal of its first Strategic Plan and identify projects to support it.

Anyone interested in helping can either contact me (editor@newsovercoffee.com) or come to the next meeting - I'll be sure to announce it on the site. NDA needs people with a variety of skills including those interested in planning events, putting posters out, fundraising, volunteering to work a food stand or booth, updating a community calendar, building an outreach list, etc. If you are interested in helping, I'm quite certain we'll be able to find an appropriate role that fits your skills and what you like to do.