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OARC Awarded More Than Two Million Dollars for Stenton Avenue Streetscape and Façade Improvements

Submitted by admin on Mon, 2012-07-16 13:36

 

Ogontz Avenue Revitalization Corporation

       

OARC Awarded more than Two Million Dollars for Stenton Avenue Streetscape and Façade Improvements

 

Leading NW Philadelphia Non-profit's Neighborhood Renaissance Initiative will revive Stenton Avenue Business Corridor

 

    

PHILADELPHIA -OARC today announced that they have been awarded more than two million dollars in funds for a third corridor development project in Northwest Philadelphia, the development and enhancement of the Stenton Avenue Business Corridor. OARC secured the funding through the City of Philadelphia's RFP process. The City of Philadelphia is committing up to $1,250,000.00 for streetscape improvements along Stenton Avenue within the areas found between Allens Lane to Sedgewick Street, and from Barringer to Wister Street. The project will be designed and managed by OARC. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania also committed Redevelopment Assistance Capiltal Program funds in the amount of $1,000,000.00 for the streetscape project.
 
"It has been proven that aesthetically appealing commercial corridors are safer and more desirable for shoppers and new businesses. While these improvements improve the appearance of the corridors they also make it safer. History has proven that when we have implemented streetscape improvements new businesses have followed. This means creation of jobs and the stabilization of a tax base.  When new businesses move in they hire workers, pay corporate, payroll, real estate, business privilege and use and occupancy taxes that will ultimately be reinvested within the region and state," said Jack Kitchen, President and CEO, OARC. 
 
The funds will be used to add streetscape features such as decorative street lighting, stamped concrete crosswalks and sidewalks, and enhanced signage. OARC knows firsthand that streetscapes can have a significant effect on how people perceive and interact with their community. OARC completed the Ogontz Avenue Streetscape Project in 2011, a $2.6 million venture funded in part with a $1.3 million grant from the City of Philadelphia Commerce Department and matching funds from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. As a result of this project, Ogontz Avenue now has new pedestrian lighting with banners and hanging baskets, decorative crosswalks, benches and landscaping along a ten block stretch from Middleton Street to Cheltenham Avenue. These improvements benefit the Ogontz Avenue Business District by encouraging people to walk, which can help reduce automobile traffic, improve public health, stimulate local economic activity, and attract residents and visitors to a community. 
 
In addition to the funding for the Stenton Avenue streetscape, the City of Philadelphia is committing up to $250,000 for storefront improvements to properties along Stenton Avenue within the areas found between Allens Lane to Sedgewick Street, and from Barringer to Wister Street. Representatives from OARC are currently meeting with business owners on Stenton Avenue to roll out the Façade Improvement program. 
 
 

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