SEN. WASHINGTON ANNOUNCES GRANT FOR REVITALIZATION PLAN


Washington

          PHILADELPHIA, January 6 – Cheltenham Township and northwest Philadelphia will be able to complete the next two phases of their revitalization plan thanks to a $101,000 state grant, state Senator LeAnna M. Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) said today.

          “I am very happy that citizens Cheltenham Township and northwest Philadelphia will finally be able to see their neighborhoods flourish and grow thanks to this much needed grant,” Washington said.

          Washington joined officials from the Department of Community and Economic Development at a press conference today announcing the grant. 

          Governor Ed Rendell awarded $100,000 for Phase 1 of this project in 2004.

          The funding for the second and third phases of this plan comes from the Land Use Planning and Technical Assistance Program (LUPTAP).  Washington said the project will focus on the principle commercial corridor of Cheltenham Avenue and nearby commercial points between Easton Road and North Broad Street.

          “This investment in the future of this area will mean a growth in jobs, as well as new opportunities for private sector investments in the region,” Washington said.

          The goal of Phase 2 is to prepare a plan to create a special services district along the corridor that encompasses commercial property in the city and township.  The plan will address the types of services the district would provide, its service area, formulas for cost sharing and a program for governance.   

          Phase 3 of the plan, the Cheltenham Township and Northwest Philadelphia Corridors Strategic Revitalization Plan, will serve to unite the entire region and include the identification of market niches, streetscape enhancements and façade improvements.

          “I am pleased to see the governor’s commitment to the improvement and economic development of communities such as this,” Washington said.  “I look forward, with much anticipation, to witnessing this project’s completion.”

          LUPTAP provides financial assistance to municipalities and counties to develop and strengthen community planning and implementation efforts. The major priorities of the program include encouraging intergovernmental cooperation between municipalities, counties and other partners, revitalizing core communities through planning for community and economic development and improving the quality of life in the commonwealth’s communities.