The East Palestine Community Improvement Corporation (EPCIC), a non-profit organization created to support the economic development of the Village of East Palestine, acquired 74 North Market St. (the former PNC Bank drive-through lot) in December of last year.
The property was purchased so that it can eventually be turned into a public plaza for the benefit of the community as part of a planned downtown revitalization effort. There are examples in the region of appealing, vibrant downtowns that become drivers for business and population growth. East Palestine seeks to do the same. Having a public gathering space can be important to communities whether it’s used for friends meeting on a park bench to chat over coffee, a greenspace for kids and pets, a musical performance on a summer evening or the center of a community festival.

“A key component of the economic recovery plan for the village is downtown revitalization,” said EPCIC President Chris Page. “This property in the center of the downtown will eventually become a key gathering space for events, performances and celebrations. We still have a lot of work to do to develop the plaza and revitalize the downtown, but securing this property was a critical first step. The EPCIC is extremely grateful for the sponsors of the Brighten Our Future Campaign that allowed us to buy this property. We have a plan, we are collaborating, and we are action-oriented.”
Since it first met in March of 2024, the EPCIC has been working to improve the image of East Palestine through various public relations and marketing efforts. For downtown revitalization efforts, the EPCIC obtained an Opportunity Appalachia Grant to develop a plan for repurposing the old freight depot off of Taggart Street. It has also been working with the Village on the Safe Streets for All planning grant that should help secure future grant funds for elements of a streetscape, for instance: improved sidewalks, decorative streetlights, planters, benches, burying utility lines and pedestrian safety measures.
The EPCIC extends its heartfelt appreciation to all who supported the Brighten Our Future campaign. More sponsors were added after the publication of the December newsletter, bringing the total raised to $161,500!
Thank you to all the sponsors, including: the East Palestine Community Foundation, East Palestine Rotary Club, Chevy All Stars and Brittain Chevrolet, Superior Beverage Group, MS Consultants, Norfolk Southern, East Palestine Chamber of Commerce, Bricker Graydon, McDonald’s and the Telischak Family, the Morgenstern Family, WRL Advertising, Rapid SOS, Compco, Covelli Enterprises, Mullen Insurance Solutions, Bush Heating and Greenwood Chevrolet.