There are several existing initiatives and projects in various stages that position the District for redevelopment. The coalescing of these various efforts reveal an opportunity to transform the district, particularly the W 8th Street corridor.

Millcreek envisions W 8th Street as its potential ‘Main Street’ corridor and have identified its potential to be a pedestrian-friendly mixed use corridor that is attractive and desirable for both community members and visitors. The Township will be assuming control of W 8th Street from PennDOT and will look to pursue streetscape and public realm improvements to position the corridor for redevelopment opportunities.

There are several vacant and underutilized properties in the District, including many along W 8th Street. These under-performing properties present an opportunity for redevelopment that can occur with high quality design that strengthens connections to the street, encourages pedestrian comfort, and starts to cultivate a sense of place that is consistent with a Main Street atmosphere. The Township should work with the owners of these under-performing parcels in an effort to revitalize the area. There are several of these types of parcels on W 8th Street between Peninsula Drive and Lowell Avenue.

Public realm improvements along W 8th Street should contribute to a pedestrian-friendly environment. The Township is prepared to undertake streetscape improvements including but not limited to sidewalks, street trees, crosswalks, on-street parking facilities, furnishings and lighting. There are also other tools and funding sources the Township has access to that can be used to spur development.

In late 2020, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resource (DCNR) acquired a 18.45-acre property close to the Presque Isle State Park. The acquisition of this property was in the works for many years and DCNR intends to position the property as a natural gateway to the State Park.

Additionally, DCNR views the property as an important link to the Great Lakes Seaway Trail system. This property will include a multi-use trail connection to both the trail system and into the State Park. The Township also intends to connect this multi-use trail to Scott Park to better connect an important asset in the District.

DCNR plans to develop a master plan that will include Presque Isle State Park, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, and the newly acquired land near the intersection of Peninsula Drive and W 6th Street. This master plan process will look at the use of the newly acquired State land and consider signage and gateway features leading into Presque Isle State Park. Millcreek Township should be represented in this process.

PennDOT has expressed the need to re-pave and re-surface State Route 832/Peninsula Drive in Millcreek. This project would start at W 26th Street and continue north to the entrance to Presque Isle State Park. PennDOT hopes to carry out the re-paving project in the next 2-3 years. This project presents a great opportunity to install recommended streetscape treatments from this gateway district plan.