Announcement from Our West Bayfront

Announcement from Our West Bayfront

On behalf of the Our West Bayfront Board of Directors, please join us in congratulating Executive Director, Anna Frantz, as she has accepted a new position in the Erie community. 

Anna Frantz was hired in January 2017 as Our West Bayfront’s first executive director, launching the OWB non-profit and coordinating the implementation of OWB’s Community Plan.  For nearly eight years, Frantz has successfully led this community initiative through an inclusive process with residents, landlords, non-profits, businesses and faith communities, all striving to enhance the quality of life in Erie’s West Bayfront neighborhoods through civic engagement, thoughtful development, historical preservation and neighborhood pride. 

A few highlights of this collective work include: 

  • Providing resources to repair 164 properties totaling an investment of over $1.2 million in grants and owner contributions. 
  • Jumpstarting the revitalization of the West 8th Street commercial corridor including the restoration of an historic mixed-use property at 404-06 West 8th Street. 
  • Completing the renovation of two abandoned homes and securing funding to undertake the renovation of four additional OWB-owned properties.  
  • Improving public spaces including the transformation of Bayview Park, improvements to Gridley Park, sidewalk repairs and planting of over 100 street trees. 
  • Growing the number of family-friendly events in OWB parks to reach 4,300 residents last year, securing over $7.2 million in grant funds and other investments to support revitalization efforts in the community.  

Anna’s last day with OWB will be Friday, July 12th.  All scheduled OWB events and programs will continue as planned while the OWB Board of Directors, in partnership with Gannon University, accepts applications for this position at https://gannon.peopleadmin.com/postings/12133  

Any questions about the transition can be directed to the OWB Board President, Candace Battles.