BARC continues revitalization of Brownsville despite taking fundraising hit
Photo courtesy of BARC
Ellouise Tower (left), the office assistant with BARC, and BARC volunteer Brionna Staggers (right) decorate BARC蘑菇视频 museum for Christmas.
Photo courtesy of BARC
Tami Sealy, president of the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC) announcing winners of BARC蘑菇视频 annual Mon Ducky Race fundraiser.
A community development corporation dedicated to revitalizing Brownsville has had a number of successes over the years, but continues to struggle financially.
The Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation (BARC) was established in 1989 through the Mon Valley Initiative to help revitalize the town and help renovate historic buildings in Brownsville.
Norma Ryan, a charter board member of BARC and former mayor of Brownsville, said the organization has renovated about seven buildings in town that were donated to them or purchased using grants.
The historic Flatiron Building, former borough building, The Rose Building, The Odd Fellow Building and others have become museums, bed and breakfasts or are inhabited by commercial tenants.
鈥淪ome of the things we do bring a little life into the town,鈥� Ryan said.
The lingering effects of COVID-19, however, have made continuing fundraisers like the annual Mon Ducky Race difficult, Ryan said.
鈥淲e couldn鈥檛 do any fundraising events,鈥� Ryan said, adding that proceeds from those events sustain their administrative office. 鈥淚t was a tough year.鈥�
She said community members can help by joining BARC as members, which comes with a $25 fee for individuals and $35 fee for families.
People can also help by purchasing an engraved memorial brick in honor or memory of loved ones. The bricks will be professionally installed in the memory sidewalk at the 鈥淩ounded Corner鈥� of the Flatiron Building.
鈥淎nd we absolutely would love to have more volunteers,鈥� Ryan said.
For more information on BARC and the various ways to donate, visit barcpa.org or call for more information at 724-785-9331.