Bellevue has dozens of businesses that would be on the wish list of other communities hoping to redevelop their retail areas, but the borough needs more such businesses, say consultants for Allegheny Together, a county-led redevelopment program.

Some of Bellevue's storefronts are offices, but offices are not always the best use of storefront space, residents, business owners and civic leaders were told at a Feb. 24 meeting of those involved in the borough's new redevelopment effort.

Late last year, Bellevue was given $150,000 in consulting fees to work with Allegheny Together over three years. The goal is to build on the traditional business districts found in neighborhoods in Allegheny County.

The third public workshop of Bellevue's Allegheny Together effort focused on the potential for business development in the commercial district of several blocks along Lincoln Avenue. The session followed meetings held Dec. 14 and Jan. 21.

The committee's report listed businesses in the main street district, including two coffee shops, six restaurants, six fast-food outlets, six banks, a bakery, a grocery store and three convenience stores. The list also included other businesses in the borough, such as three card shops, a florist, two drug stores, a hardware store, two jewelry stores, two barbershops and a tailor.

"There are a lot of towns that would be extraordinarily happy to have all of these businesses," said Mark Peluso, owner of Town Center Associates, who developed the report.

The business development aspect of the Allegheny Together program is meant to identify what development the community wants and what it needs, Mr. Peluso said.

"The real question is what is the market and how can the merchants serve that market?" he said.

Mr. Peluso gave details of a report that broke down the storefront space in Bellevue: With 103 storefronts and 303,000 square feet of street-level space, 15 storefronts are used for food service, 31 for retail and 43 for offices.

"About half of your business district is being used as office space," Mr. Peluso said. "In many towns, office space is taking up what formerly was retail."

Some of those at the meeting said Bellevue all but closes up at night because few potential patrons are on the street for most retail businesses to stay open very late.

"That's why we need a theater in Bellevue, so people will come in at night," resident Carol Wivell said. "There can be foot traffic in this town."

Some towns, such as Beaver and Sewickley, are outlawing professional offices in the first floors of their [retail district] buildings, Mr. Peluso said. "The idea is, any business is not preferable to no business," he said.

About 9 percent, or 28,600 square feet, of the available street-level space in Bellevue's business district is vacant. By comparison, Sewickley has an 8 percent street-level vacancy rate, while Bridgeville has a 3 percent street-level vacancy rate.

The estimated 40 people attending the session were asked whether businesses should seek government subsidies for facade improvements or for both facade and interior improvements.

Several people in the audience responded that exterior improvements should be subsidized.

"What happens on the main street benefits everyone," Bellevue Councilman Mark Helbling said.

"I think it's important to help businesses with tax incentives," Ms. Wivell said.

Bellevue resident Tom Dauer said the business district needs anchor tenants, as suburban malls have.

"You still have attractors," Mr. Peluso said, although they may be smaller than mall anchor stores. "The higher percentage you have of retail and food [businesses], the more fun your business district is," he said.

He told the group, "As this initiative unfolds, we'll help with Pittsburgh History and Landmarks consultants to put legs on these ideas. ... The creation of a targeted business district is extremely valuable."

Bellevue Councilwoman Linda Woshner said the group should look at successful communities to see what they've done to improve their business districts.

"I'll tell you a secret," Mr. Peluso said. "Around here, people see Bellevue as being successful."

For more information on Bellevue's Allegheny Together program or to send suggestions, e-mail tca@towncenter.info.

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