MOUNT CARMEL - A vacant storefront could be made lively again through the efforts of a community non-profit.
Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. plans to open The Shops on the Corner at Oak and Fourth streets next month. There are 12 spaces inside the former Dollar General building available for rent to entrepreneurs.
"We want to encourage them to come out and give it and shot and see if they can make a go of it," said Ed Fegley, of Mount Carmel Downtown Inc.
Merchants are sought for the 12-by-12 foot spaces - food, jewelry, crafts - but so are professionals like hair stylists, accountants and computer repairmen. Anyone interested in the spaces, including potential customers, are invited to a public meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the store, 100 S. Oak St.
Cathy Welker Besser, of the Academy Sports Center in Mount Carmel, said up to six people have already expressed interested in leasing a space.
"We've needed something like this for a long time," Besser said. "I'm hopeful it snowballs."
The building is owned by Joe and Sharon Gushen, of JAG Housing. It once housed J.C. Penney for 60 years. Dollar General took over in 1994 and has since left for a larger building. After a few potential ventures fell through, the Gushens agreed to lease the 7,000-square-foot space to the non-profit group.
Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. has a yearly lease for the building's first floor. Vendor spaces will be available for rent month to month. The long-term goal, Fegley said, is for the small businesses to grow and potentially move into other standalone storefronts.
"This isn't a money-maker for us. It's really about giving someone the opportunity to open a business," Fegley said.
A separate space at the rear of The Shops on the Corner will have room for up to 40 people, and will be available at no charge to other non-profits groups for training sessions or presentations. A projector and screen will be installed. Donations of banquet tables are sought.
Besser and Fegley say The Shops at the Corner will be open on Saturdays initially, and potentially one weeknight. From there it depends on customer demand. They hope to capitalize on foot traffic to the borough's Saturday morning farmers market just outside the front door.
For more information on The Shops at the Corner, call Fegley at 570-339-5383, Besser at 570-556-9851, or Judy Polites at 570-339-5572, or visit Mount Carmel Downtown Inc. on Facebook.
