Residents respond: SHU expansion affects downtown situations

Overcome by streetcars and herds of citizens, the city of Greensburg saw its share of overcrowding during the 19th century.

Seton Hill University (SHU) is currently expanding itself throughout the city of Greensburg. The Performing Arts Center, opening its doors in 2009, is just one example of the annexation.

Jeremy Barrick

Columnist

Overcome by streetcars and herds of citizens, the city of Greensburg saw its share of overcrowding during the 19th century.

Seton Hill University (SHU) is currently expanding itself throughout the city of Greensburg. The Performing Arts Center, opening its doors in 2009, is just one example of the annexation.

What does this mean for the city of Greensburg? Possibly a lack of parking spaces and an addition to the population?

Jill Catanzarite, a resident of Greensburg said, “I think that an expansion for the city is a good thing. It could bring in money and help businesses in the area prosper.”

During the mid 19th century, the city of Greensburg began to populate very heavily. With a surge in the population came a rise in transportation. The railroad was used more frequently until the 1940s; when the automobile slowly began to take its place.

Currently, Greensburg has a population of over 15,600. That is quite a few in such a small town.

Sean Wolfe, an employee of the Westmoreland County Courthouse said, “I live a few blocks from work, so I walk, but I can understand the frustration of those that are forced to drive to their job(s), Monday through Friday. Downtown Greensburg is a mess with the parking.”

While the parking is limited on North Main Street, the location of the Performing Arts Center, it does not deter patrons from utilizing the many unique and fashionable shops located in that particular section of town.

Cleveland Steward, a resident of Greensburg said, “I have friends that work at Unique Ink tattoo shop, they have never complained of a lack of business nor parking spaces.”
Greensburg has seen many facelifts in the past century. The overcrowding has never seemed to fade away.

This may be due to its small but large-hearted size or just because people continue to move to the city, becoming comfortable where they are able to start producing families of their own.

Whatever the case may be, Greensburg does in fact suffer from a lack of parking, but makes up for it in other ways: safety, united communities, variety of shops and restaurants, a clean city, and also a friendly environment.