Proponents Say New Idea To Revitalize Coatesville Will Work
By David Madden
COATESVILLE, Pa. (CBS) - Coatesville has tried and failed several times over the years to revitalize itself and its latest idea revolves around the town's Amtrak station.
They're not ready to break ground yet, but PennDOT has committed $20 million to building a new train station not far from the current one which few people use.
Chester County is in charge of the project.
Ryan Costello is chairman of the County Commissioners and he recognizes how local factional infighting has doomed past attempts to bring Coatesville back.
He says this time it's different.
"This is something that has longevity to it and something that other businesses feel comfortable that there's going to be a new train station," he says. "And that carries with it, I think, a lot of weight in the community,"
Chester County is also kicking in a $1 million in landscaping to lure people downtown with what Costello hopes will be new shops and restaurants.
They've picked a developer and plans are being drawn up, with hopes to cut a ribbon in about three years.
