Luzerne County is currently in the “Green Phase” of Pennsylvania’s reopening plan – and the safety of Downtown Wilkes-Barre’s residents, workers, and visitors continues to be of the utmost importance to us here at the Diamond City Partnership (DCP).
The first priority for everyone is to take appropriate steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 and ensure our entire community remains healthy.
DCP Get Your Restaurant Outside Grant
The Diamond City Partnership has received federal funding from the Coronavirus Aid Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) to ease the financial burden associated with adjusting business operations in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency. This grant provides direct assistance, up to $2500, to restaurants within the boundaries of the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Improvement District (DWBBID).
TO SEE IF YOU ARE ELIGIBLE, CLICK HERE: DCP Get Your Restaurant Outside Overview
TO APPLY, CLICK HERE: DCP Get Your Restaurant Outside APPLICATION
IDA Urban District Consumer Survey: Downtown Wilkes-Barre Results
Many states and communities are rethinking the pace of reopening due to recent spikes in COVID-19 cases. During this uncertain time, we felt it is critical for us to know how residents are feeling about reopening and your priorities concerning safety and economic issues.
We partnered with RRC Associates to survey residents and provide insights into your opinions. This dashboard summary compares the results from Downtown Wilkes-Barre to the overall pool of respondents from the US and Canada.
Please see below for the data that was collected:
IDA Urban District Consumer Survey_Wilkes-Barre
How to Support Downtown Businesses:
During this time of adjustments in our daily routines, please remember our many small businesses in downtown and throughout our community. Continue supporting them even if you cannot visit them physically. As always, follow guidance from public health officials regarding social distancing and proper health etiquette if and when visiting businesses and public spaces.
Operations Update:
DCP has continued our on-street cleaning operations throughout the Downtown Wilkes-Barre Business Improvement District – as permitted under the provisions of the Governor’s order – throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
DCP’s on-street operations are part of our core mission to provide clean and safe public sidewalks and spaces in Downtown. We have put in place extra procedures and safety provisions for our on-street staff and are reinforcing the recommendations about “social distancing.”
DCP’s administrative office is open, and we are always available to respond to questions that need immediate answers – just contact us here.
Business Assistance Update:
Several public financing programs are currently available to help Downtown Wilkes-Barre businesses access working capital.
For more information on these programs, please see the Greater Wilkes-Barre Chamber’s COVID-19 Resources page.
Additionally, the Wilkes University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is here to help with your small business concerns. SBDC Business Consultants are available for individual meetings by phone or real-time video conferencing.
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s online Coronavirus Response Guide, with sections containing information for individuals, families, and businesses, can be found here.
Downtown Business Promotion Update:
Since the start of this crisis, DCP has been compiling a running list of downtown restaurants that are providing takeout and/or delivery. We’ve been posting that list on DCP’s social media channels (such as Instagram (@downtownwilkesbarre) and Facebook) and sharing it with regional media outlets.
However, we need your help in keeping this information up to date.
So, if you are a downtown retailer, restaurant, or service provider who’s adapting to the current situation by offering online shopping, deliver/takeout, virtual classes, or something similar, send us an email so we can help get the word out.
