Current EPCIC Projects
EPCIC Projects Driving Revitalization in East Palestine
The Village of East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to driving economic development, revitalization, and long-term community progress. Since it was established in March 2024, the EPCIC has worked to strengthen East Palestine’s image and quality of life through public relations, grant funding, and transformative projects. Every initiative is designed to create a thriving downtown, attract investment, and foster pride in our village.
Revitalizing The Historic Train Depot
The 1905 freight depot is being transformed into a new downtown destination. Norfolk Southern completed exterior renovations in 2024 and donated the 2,400-square-foot building to the Village, along with a $100,000 grant toward interior upgrades. With additional support from EPCIC and Opportunity Appalachia, surveys, engineering, and selective disassembly have already been completed.
Architectural planning is now underway, and once finished, the depot will welcome new tenants and activity while preserving its unique heritage. This project blends history with opportunity and will play a vital role in East Palestine’s downtown revitalization.
Current Status
- Finished Selective Disassembly
- Completing Interior Design
- Construction Planning
- Actively Seeking Donations and Grants
Creating A Village Plaza
In December 2024, EPCIC purchased the former PNC Bank drive-through lot at 74 North Market Street with a vision of turning it from a vacant drive through with limited use and into a vibrant public plaza. This future gathering space will provide a central hub for community life—whether for casual meetups, live performances, family events or seasonal celebrations. The plaza will be paired with a modernized retail front to promote foot-traffic help attract new retail activity, support local businesses and generate revenue for long-term redevelopment.
Current Status
- Completed Survey
- Getting Architectural Drawings
- Raising funds through Brighten Our Future for Construction
Brighten OUr Future Annual Campaign
The EPCIC’s Brighten Our Future fundraising campaign has already made a powerful impact, raising more than $161,500 in its first year to support downtown revitalization. These funds directly enabled the purchase of the Village Plaza property, ensuring progress continues at the heart of East Palestine.
Building on this momentum, the campaign will return in fall 2025, culminating in a tree-lighting celebration and results announcement during the Annual Snowflake Festival. By bringing together businesses, residents and community partners, Brighten Our Future demonstrates the strength and generosity of East Palestine—and lights the way toward a brighter tomorrow.
Current Status
- Seeking Corporate
- Sponsors Funding Committed as of 9/17: $31,500
