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Group happy with city’s efforts to stop speeding on South Franklin Street.

Tish Last talks about applying for grants to fund programming at the River Common park in Wilkes-Barre.

Fred Adams/For the Times Leader

WILKES-BARRE – About 35 members of the Downtown Residents Association came out on a snowy Monday evening to talk about their neighborhood and their city and discuss what they can do to make them better.

Pat Parks, coordinator of the group, said she was pleased at the level of participation of members, and the response from the city and other “neighbors” has been positive. The meeting was held in the former Stegmaier Mansion, 304 S. Franklin St.

“I went to the city council meeting last night to thank Councilman Tony Thomas Jr. for addressing our concerns about speeding on South Franklin Street,” Parks said. “The mayor has promised to increase patrols and monitor the situation.”

Parks said last week that several members of the organization were concerned about traffic speed on South Franklin, River and intersecting cross streets. City Deputy Police Chief Donald Crane said police will electronically measure the speed of vehicles.

Tish Last of South Franklin Street recommended the association get involved with the effort to secure grant money for programming at the River Common, which opened last summer.

Last said she has been in touch with Jim Brozena, executive director of the county’s Flood Protection Authority.

“The Pepsi Company decided not to advertise on the Super Bowl and instead will invest millions into a grant program to help communities,” Last said. “There are various levels of grants available, from $1,000 up to $250,000. I think we should try for $25,000 or $50,000 to help fund programming on the riverfront.”

The group agreed with Last and will work to pursue the Pepsi Refresh Grant Program, which Last said is extremely competitive. Projects selected for consideration must then compete on the Internet for votes to determine which receive grants, she said.

“We have to spread the word everywhere,” Last said. “We have to use our e-mail lists and tell all of our friends to ask people they know to vote for the project.”

Norma Ritchie, a longtime city resident, asked the group to urge the city and Chamber of Commerce to “choose wisely” when they select a developer for the soon-to-be-open site of the former Blum Brothers building.

The Chamber announced last week the building will be demolished to allow for new development.

“Please, no more bars in that area,” Ritchie said. “I’d like to see a restaurant or a combination restaurant and grocery store go in there like the old Percy Brown’s.”

Larry Newman, vice president of community and economic development at the Chamber and a member of the downtown group, said he will pass Ritchie’s suggestion along.

The Downtown Resident Association’s next meeting is set for 7 p.m. Monday, March 15, at the home of Dick and Lissa Smith, 285 S. Franklin St.