(Matt Drzik/Beaver County Radio)

The city of Beaver Falls held its first council meeting of the new year, with a short agenda and a long look at future plans.

The meeting was anchored by a presentation by Kate Greene of Atlas Community Studios, who gave a presentation on the importance and distinction of certain businesses, groups and organizations that are setting to improve the progress of Beaver Falls. Greene pointed out several new institutions–such as Neighborhood North: Museum Of Play, the BHIVE, and the Penn State Launchbox–as “anchor” organizations driving the community and creating new possibilities for development within the city.

Greene also pointed out future plans for development in the city already being established, including the development of a fully operational building for the Portobello Building, as well as the funding plan for the move of Neighborhood North from its current location to the old News-Tribune building across from the Carnegie Free Library. “The News-Tribune is a very iconic building, and seeing that come back to life with its connectivity to March Park and the library is completely powerful,” Greene said. “So we were able to build some tools that will help Neighborhood North accomplish those goals.” Those tools include a business plan and a “tool kit” to help them navigate through capital budgeting.

Also at the meeting, the council approved General Fund expenditures for $474,855.15, along with the approving of an agreement for fee scheduling from MDIA for Code Department Services. The scheduled fees are inspection fees for commercial buildings to receive permits and regular inspections.

The next scheduled City Council meeting for Beaver Falls is set for January 24 at 7:00 PM at the City Building.