Israel Cruz’s Bold Vision to Revitalize Shamokin by 2035

Welcome to my plan for Shamokin—a bold, ambitious roadmap to bring back jobs, money, and life to our community. As your write-in candidate for mayor in the November 4, 2025 election, I’m inspired by my family’s resilience through tough times, turning challenges into opportunities with smart choices. Shamokin can do the same. My goal: create 1,111 jobs, achieve self-sufficiency by 2029, become debt-free by 2031, and eliminate property taxes by 2033. This isn’t just a dream—it’s a plan to shoot for the stars and lasso the moon, ensuring we thrive far beyond our past.

Why Shamokin Needs This Vision

Shamokin has faced population loss, economic decline, and aging infrastructure since the coal industry faded. Yet, I see potential in our people, land, and history. The Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA) transformed 8,000 acres of mined land into a recreational success, proving we can reinvent our future. My plan builds on that, leveraging dormant quarries, abandoned mines, and regional assets like Knoebels to create a sustainable Shamokin. As an independent, I’m free from party ties, fighting only for you—Shamokin, Mount Carmel, Coal Township, and Northumberland County.

The 2035 Revitalization Plan

This vision rests on five pillars—tourism, technology, clean energy, housing, and education—designed to generate $2.33 million annually, attract 1,260 new residents, and transform our town.

1. Regional Tourism Hub: Quarry Transformation

- What: Convert a 20–50-acre dormant sand quarry into a recreational hub featuring:

  - 5-acre theme park with a small roller coaster, Ferris wheel, and carousel.

  - 1–2-acre man-made, heated lake.

  - 5-acre greenhouse for year-round agriculture.

  - Powered by a Rondo heat battery for 24/7 operation, even in winter.

- Why: Draws 300,000 visitors annually along a tourism corridor (Knoebels to AOAA), generating $510,000 in revenue and 475 jobs. A warm oasis boosts hotels year-round.

- How: Partner with Knoebels, Six Flags, or DelGrosso’s Park. Cost: $12.6M–$34.3M, funded by $4M–$11.5M in grants (PA SITES, ARC), $2M–$5M private investment, and $10K–$50K crowdfunding.

2. Tech-Driven Growth: Server Farms in Old Mines

- What: Repurpose AOAA mines into 1–2 MW data centers.

- Why: Creates 50 tech jobs ($60,000/year each), generates $1.1 million annually, and provides high-speed internet to Shamokin, Mount Carmel, and Coal Township. Mine water cooling saves 20–30% on energy.

- How: Secure landowner leases via PA DEP and county records. Cost: $3.7M–$8.5M, funded by grants and Opportunity Zone tax incentives, with ISP/tech firm partnerships ($1M–$3M).

3. Clean Energy Innovation: Rondo Heat Battery

- What: Install in the quarry pit to power the hub and parts of Shamokin.

- Why: Saves $100,000/year in energy costs, earns $50,000 in revenue, and reduces emissions (aligns with EPA’s ROAR project).

- How: Cost: $500,000–$1M, offset by $50,000–$100,000 in quarry sand insulation. Funded by federal clean energy grants ($1M–$3M).

4. Housing Restoration: Rebuilding Our Community

- What: Restore 10 homes per year (scaling to 50 by 2031).

- Why: Attracts 1,260 new residents by 2035, boosting local businesses like Dunkin’ Donuts and Weis Markets. Creates 86 jobs.

- How: Cost: $2M–$5M, funded by PA SITES ($2M–$5M) and ARC ($400,000–$1M) grants, plus local partnerships.

5. Education and Workforce: Penn-Ocala Boarding School

- What: Transform the 5-story Penn-Ocala (30-36 E. Independence Street) into a nonprofit Christian boarding house for 80–100 trade students (1–2 per 6x8 ft dorm), with ground-floor workshops.

- Why: Trains workers for hub and mines, generates $150,000–$300,000/year ($500/student for 2-month cycles), and adds 20–50 jobs. A pilot for youth retention.

- How: Cost: $350,000–$700,000, funded by WIOA, ARC grants, and student labor. Start pre-election, scale with hub growth.

Timeline to Success

- 2026: Launch due diligence—surveys ($115,000–$340,000), permits, and zoning expertise ($20,000–$50,000) with SEDA-COG support.

- 2027–2029: Build Rondo battery and greenhouse (181 jobs, $230,000/year), achieving self-sufficiency.

- 2030–2031: Open data center (100 jobs, $1.1M/year), becoming debt-free.

- 2032–2034: Launch theme park (475 jobs, $510,000/year).

- 2035: Eliminate property taxes, with 1,111 jobs and 1,260 residents.

Why Choose Israel Cruz?

You’ve said it—no other candidate offers a plan to restore Shamokin’s heyday. I won’t slap bandages on our problems or pass them to the next guy. My independence means I answer to you, fighting for every grant (PA SITES, ARC, DCED Keystone) and private investment. This is our plan—let’s make it happen together.

How You Can Help

- Vote: Write in “Israel Cruz” on November 4, 2025.

- Get Involved: Apply for grants, start businesses (e.g., hotels tied to the hub), or volunteer for projects like Penn-Ocala cleanups.

- Share Ideas: Contact me at Israel_Cruz_76@yahoo.com, (570) 415-0275, or @Israel4PA on X.

Let’s Thrive Together

This plan is bold—maybe “pie in the sky”—but that’s the point. Shamokin needs a vision as big as our pride. We might not lasso the moon, but we’ll reach heights beyond our past. Join me to build a Shamokin where our kids and grandkids flourish.