LAWMAKERS PRESENT CHECK TO BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY ROADWORK

PHILADELPHIA, March 7: State Sen. LeAnna Washington (D-Philadelphia/Montgomery) today joined local elected officials in presenting funding to businesses who have been negatively affected by ongoing construction along Germantown Avenue.

Washington, along with state Reps. Cherelle Parker (D-Philadelphia), John Myers (D-Philadelphia) and Rosita Youngblood (D-Philadelphia); and city Councilwoman Donna Reed Miller (D-8^th dist.) presented a $110,000 check to business representatives during a press conference at the North by Northwest Diner in the Mt. Airy section of the city.

"The businesses community along Germantown Avenue in Mt. Airy have made tremendous strides to improve the commercial corridor in recent years,” Washington said. “Now, as critically needed road improvements threaten to reverse some of their achievements, they have created a marketing proposal designed to promote local restaurants and retailers. So today, we as elected officials come together to support these businesses and their marketing efforts.”

The officials worked together to secure state and city funds for the business owners, who fear that the construction, which has deterred customers, will force them to close their shops.

“With our national economy hanging by a thread it is important to do all we can to make sure small businesses, which are vital to our communities, do not fall through the cracks,” said Rep. Parker. “Any minor hiccup in customer flow can have dire results for our small businesses. I am proud to work with my fellow colleagues to address this most pressing issue.”