By Taylor Vincent
Currently, the Kutztown Community Partnership is fixing the off-campus housing website that is available on the “current students” page of the Kutztown University website and creating a new one. This new website will be more efficient and user friendly for first time students looking to rent. The website is expected to include a roommate finder, apartment pictures, price, included amenities, Google map location, landlord contact information, semester availability and more. The expected launch is in late October.
With the launch of the website, KCP hopes to give students living on-campus other housing options as well as a life option. The off-campus experience aims to promote students to assist in becoming independent adults.
The KCP is a non-profit organization located at 324 W. Main Street. This organization is community organized and operated. It is focused on preserving Kutztown through charity, education, public safety and other purposes. KCP strives to unify the community by maintaining economic stability in historic Kutztown, while developing ideas toward a better future.
KCP is made up of members from local businesses, town officials and other residents including Mayor Sandy Green. Nancy Brooks is the Main Street manager, and is the only paid member of KCP. Brooks works closely with KCP intern Rebecca Lichtenthal, a student at KU, and KCP Vice President Pete Smith, owner of Eagle Point Property Management.
These volunteers run programs such as Safe Clean, Green, KuBok, Muscle on Main, Trick or Treat night and the Good Neighbor Program. Lichtenthal said, “These events are put in place to help bring the community together to make it a better place to live.”
Upon speaking with Lichtenthal, I have been informed that KCP is trying to “bridge the gap” between the university and the town. She said, “The future of the town includes all of the people that live here, including the students.” KCP is working with the university to involve more students in the community.
For more information, questions or concerns, contact Kutztown Community Partnership (KCP); 324 W. Main Street Kutztown, PA 19530; (484) 646-9069. Website: http://www.keepinitkutztown.com
