With the near completion of the Great Allegheny Passage, a roughly 340-mile rail trail connecting Pittsburgh to Washington D.C., the sun is shining very brightly on the town of West Newton.

Nestled in a valley off the Youghiogheny River in Westmoreland County, just 25 miles southeast of Pittsburgh, West Newton is a town of about 3,000 people. Settled in the late 18th century because of its prime location on the Youghiogheny, which feeds into the Monongahela river that travels to Pittsburgh, the town's chief trades were boiler manufacturing and paper mills. The trains that roar through town each day serve as a reminder of a time when West Newton was a manufacturing hub. After the slowing of traditional American industries, increasing unemployment and decreasing population threatened the town's long-term vitality. Some wondered if West Newton's fate was to be another small town that time passed over.

At the same time, planners at local and state levels decided to tap into one of West Newton's less conventional resources: not the coal underground, but the small-town charm, scenic river views, and popular bike trail together that bring more and more visitors to the area each year. Community planners are hoping to take advantage of this trend, and the local economy is poised to cash in. With the near completion of the Great Allegheny Passage, the opportunities have never been better. Several organizations are very active in helping West Newton take advantage of these resources.

Downtown West Newton Incorporated is leading the Bridge to Tomorrow downtown renovation project. DWNI plans to increase the number of trail users who come into town, partly by developing the trail crossing at Main Street. More plans include developing a walking deck along the West Newton Bridge, and creating a new town square along the riverfront, and highlighting some of West Newton's historic sites. Main Street Manager George Sam describes the town as a "diamond in the rough." "There are some business opportunities in our town," says Sam, "and some handsome vacant buildings."

The Progress Fund is another organization lending a hand to West Newton. The Progress Fund houses the Trail Town Program, which promotes sustainable economic growth in the towns along the Great Allegheny Passage. West Newton was one of six towns selected as part of the pilot run for this initiative. The Trail Town Program encourages communities to embrace sustainable development practices, comprehensive community planning, contextual design, and cooperative marketing strategies that enhance each town's connection to the trail.

The increased tourism from the Great Allegheny Passage is now breathing new life into West Newton. The town offers an array of amenities for travelers. Relax over lunch and a drink at the Main Street Cafe, Trailside Cafe, or West Newton Deli. You can stay the night at the Bright Morning B&B or Scarsdale Cottage Inn, and rent a bike, canoe, or kayak the next day for an outdoor adventure.

As the trail is projected to generate more revenues for local businesses every year, there is no doubt that more businesses can jump on this opportunity. For a town forged in the manufacturing tradition of Western Pennsylvania, its development as a visitor attraction may seem surprising. One thing is certain for West Newton - the future certainly looks bright.

(written by Tom Galligan at the Progress Fund)

Links

Great Allegheny Passage
Downtown West Newton, Inc.
The Progress Fund

Main Street Cafe

Bright Morning B&B