Schuster Settling in as Bellefonte’s Main Street Manager

Jennilyn Schuster looks stands on North Allegheny Street in downtown Bellefonte. Schuster, a native of Virginia, was recently hired as main street manager to help revitalize the downtown and build vibrancy in the community. Photo by Vincent Corso | The Gazette

BELLEFONTE — Jennilyn Schuster has resided in Bellefonte for just about a year, but already she’s become the “face” of the downtown community.

Schuster was recently named Bellefonte’s main street manager under the direction of Downtown Bellefonte Inc. The position is associated with Main Street America, a program under the auspices of the National Main Center, and in this position, she will help to revitalize older and historic commercial districts in the borough to build vibrant neighborhoods and thriving economies.

“I am so in love with the history and architecture in this town, and when I looked at what the main street manager’s job is, I could see how I fit into the role,” Schuster said.

Downtown Bellefonte Inc.’s goal is to help businesses grow and partner with others for the good of the community.

“I am a connector to empower local businesses and to act as a platform,” Schuster said. “If someone is having a grand opening and needs a press release, I can help. Getting ready to launch a new business? I can help. The Main Street approach has four legs — organization, promotion, design and economic reconstruction. I work with and between small businesses and the community.”

Although Schuster, a Virginia native, is a rather new resident to Bellefonte, close ties to the area exist. Her parents have operated a bed and breakfast in Bellefonte for the past 13 years. She said the pandemic is the most likely culprit that spurred her family to move north and be closer to her mom and dad.

With a background as a licensed interior designer, Schuster worked in Washington, D.C., for several years before moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, where she worked for the Gensler company — a global design and architectural firm. For 15 years, travel made up a big part of her duties with Gensler.

When she wasn’t on the road, though, she was busy directing her own studio, which collaborated with developers and put together platforms for teams of creatives, as well as other duties.

She said this past work experience translates nicely into her new position of Bellefonte’s main street manager and she’s particularly interested in the shared workspace known as Bellefonte Springboard. The small-business incubator hosts workshops, community meetings, remote work and more — all vital to a healthy downtown business community.

She also commended the strength of signal of the local internet provides as an important resource to the downtown, and said she has started plans to bring outdoor internet spots to public locations, such as under the eaves at the train station.

“We are also holding the Outdoor Adventure Expo and that will be on Oct. 3,” said Schuster. “We have such a great area here for outdoor recreation that the Expo is a great way to show visitors what we have available and to draw them to Bellefonte.”

Downtown Bellefotne Inc. and the main street manager will continue to build relationships with community groups, such as the American Red Cross. Schuster also noted that Habitat for Humanity and DBI have already teamed up and are planning a “Cleanup Your Community” event, set to kick off in October.

Schuster is working at the Springboard location, 127 S. Allegheny St., and encourages residents to stop by to chat everything and anything about Bellefonte.