Ford City First seeks to create bridge to future

The revitalization of Ford City that started 10 years ago wasn't moving fast enough for local businessman and community activist Tom Shaffer.

Shaffer, who operates Lindy's Candy Cupboard along Ford Street, criticized the actions of the Greater Ford City Community Development Corp (GFCCDC), the nonprofit group charged with the responsibility of bringing economic development to the borough.

The GFCCDC has remediated brownfield property, renovated former PPG factory buildings and created an industrial park on the site during that time.

But, one new company and an existing Ford City company have located in the park, and only a handful of new jobs have been created there. About 40 acres of vacant industrial property owned by the borough remain undeveloped.

"I went to council meetings and expressed my concerns," Shaffer said. "I figured it was time to change my approach."

Shaffer decided to start a new nonprofit community organization, Ford City First, with the hope, he said, of fostering improvements to the social, academic and economic conditions of the greater Ford City Area.

Ford City First recently received its state charter. Shaffer is the president of the organization.

"My objective has been and still is Ford City," Shaffer said. "To put Ford City first."

Socially, Ford City First will provide youth and family programs. It will work with other community organizations such as the Crime Watch.

"Ford City has few activities for youth to participate in, which can lead to harmful activities," Shaffer said. "We hope to change that."

Academically, Ford City First wants to reach out to schools with scholarship programs and community-based projects.

"I remember when the Ford City High School Leo Club celebrated Earth Day," Shaffer said. "We need more of that. It instills Ford City values into our youth."

Ford City First wants to help lead the economic revitalization for the town.

"I work on Ford Street every day," Shaffer said. "I know our town needs jobs to survive. Ford City First is currently seeking grants to offer assistance to the borough for various economic projects around the community."

Ryan Bloser, chief executive officer of the Rysc Group, a private equity group that recently made an offer to develop the former PPG brownfield property owned by the borough, is the chairman of Ford City First.

"I went to council and spoke my case to the town concerning my plans of development, and I worried that it would fall upon deaf ears," Bloser said. "It seems some citizens were listening."

As chairman, Bloser will oversee the organization's mission and vision, but he will not be involved in the day-to-day operations.

"Ryan (Bloser) is pro-Ford City," Shaffer said. "Anyone who heard his presentation for the land knows this."

Ford City First is seeking directors to serve on its board.

"We need good people, good citizens to help us along," Shaffer said. "Let's talk about the town."