Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton. Warren Worx subcommittees continued their first round of meetings with a session focused on community revitalization and building preservation. Pictured, from left, are John Papalia with the Warren County Chamber of Commerce, State Rep. Kathy Rpap and Mary Kushner.

One of the biggest challenges for Warren Worx is taking all of people’s ideas and reducing them to concrete projects that advance the mission.

The beginning of this process took place in recent days, when the organization’s four subcommittees met for the first time.

The business development and quality of life focus groups met this week, the community renewal group met Monday morning and the marketing group followed on Tuesday.

State Rep. Kathy Rapp was among the six people who attended Monday’s subcommittee meeting.

The idea is that the subcommittees work on specific areas throughout the month and bring the results of these actions and discussions to the monthly stakeholder meeting.

John Papalia, senior vice president of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry, said the goal is “refine some of the ideas” in order to develop action points at stakeholder meetings.

It is no surprise that at three of these meetings “some common concerns” in all sessions, especially in the area of ​​broadband, to promote engagement and education of the younger generation.

“Much of what was discussed at these meetings,” he said, “(We) have to start with that actual key assessment. That’s really the starting point for every single group.”

But the discussions are now focusing on possible solutions.

One example is broadband, where discussions were held about selecting key locations for public internet in the county and assessing the associated costs.

“Everyone has their own feeling,” he said. “Everyone has a slightly different interest that they want to help with.”

The focus of Monday’s meeting was on community revitalization and infrastructure issues, particularly combating decay.

The first steps are to identify which areas have community development plans and functioning revitalization groups – and which do not. It is also about becoming familiar with the issues of decay and nuisance in order to develop a quick guide to the process.

“Cooperation is key,” Said Papalia. “They are organizations that work together for the common good.”

There are obstacles to addressing these problems.

During the meeting, questions were raised, among others, about the tax status of run-down properties and the financing of redevelopment measures.

It’s easy to focus on the problem, but these discussions aim to change that perspective.

“We talked a lot about all the great things we have,” Papalia said this, citing a safe community, access to healthcare and recent business growth.”

He said this includes promoting lower living costs for younger generations and the business community.

“In Pittsburgh, you might earn more money in a similar job,” he said. “When you start breaking down the costs, you can start owning a home.”

Their goal is “a little more strategic in marketing that message when we go out there.”