Governor Josh Shapiro launched a new effort to revitalize Chester, Pennsylvania alongside state and local elected officials, business leaders from Delaware County, and community and nonprofit leaders ― creating new opportunities for the city, its residents, and businesses. Developed in close coordination with the local community, the revitalization effort is being launched with nearly $100 million in public and private investments in Chester, which will fund improvements to local road and pedestrian infrastructure, increased support for violence prevention initiatives, expanded blight remediation, and new opportunities for economic growth.
“With the Commonwealth’s significant support, we have a plan to invest in Chester, build on our progress, and help this city reach its full potential. Chester’s elected officials, private sector leaders, and educational institutions are all behind this plan — and together, we will write the next chapter of this city’s story,” said Governor Shapiro.
The Commonwealth, area business leaders, local nonprofits, and city and county government will invest a total of $97,100,863 into the Chester revitalization efforts:
- $52,570,000 for the Route 291/U.S. 13 project to redesign and revamp a section of Route 291 that bisects the City of Chester’s downtown from the waterfront to increase roadway safety ($50.07 million through a PennDOT/Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Complete Streets Safety Project and $2.5 million from Delaware County).
- $27,504,783 for the Waterfront Sportsplex development project to build new outdoor fields, a 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse, indoor courts, academy space, and a performance center to expand youth programs and support school and community sports. $13 million will be through the Commonwealth’s Redevelopment Assistance Capital Project (RACP) program and $14.5 million will come from matching funds from the Philadelphia Union.
- $7,250,000 through PennDOT’s Transportation Infrastructure and Improvement Fund (TIIF) program for a Complete Streets project to improve the connection between downtown and Widener University, including new sidewalks and other pedestrian improvements along Edgemont Avenue from 14th Street to 17th Street.
- $6,280,000 for Widener University to support major renovations and site upgrades to modernize Lathem Hall, a key academic building and community event space ($2.5 million through the Commonwealth’s RACP program and $3.78 million in matching funds from Widener University).
- $2,600,000 to help address blight through demolition and site readiness. Essential Utilities, Power Home Remodeling, and Wawa have committed $2 million to this effort collectively. Delaware County has also committed $400,000 through its Act 151 funding and Chester City has committed $200,000 through its Community Development Block Grant. Under this funding, two buildings will be demolished, 10 lots will be acquired, two buildings will be acquired, and 25 structures will be improved.
- $440,280 through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD)’s Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) program to the Making a Change Group to help reduce violence by providing mentoring opportunities and credible messenger-based violence intervention services to young adults living in three neighborhoods in Chester.
- $400,000 through the Chester Pilot Capitalization Program ($150,000 through the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and $250,000 through the Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center (CCAT)) to invest in CCAT as a community hub for social enterprise, community engagement, and workforce development.
- $33,000 through DCED’s Economic Development and Community Development Initiatives (EDCDI) program to help fund a Neighborhood Block Captain Program through Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful for hundreds of volunteers across more than a dozen neighborhoods.
- $22,800 through DCED’s Enterprise Zone designation for the City of Chester, which focuses on the deteriorated, distressed, and blighted industrial or manufacturing areas of a community.
“Today’s announcement is an exciting new chapter for the Chester community, and I congratulate everyone who has worked together to make this revitalization strategy a reality,” said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. “These investments will help improve Downtown Chester by focusing on arts and culture, improving safety, and generating economic growth for residents and businesses alike.”
The revitalization strategy includes the following initiatives:
- Demolition and site readiness to remove blight and prepare redevelopment-ready sites throughout the city.
- Downtown pedestrian improvements to improve the Edgemont Avenue/Avenue of State corridor to create pedestrian-focused connections between Widener University and downtown. Additionally, PennDOT’s Route 291/U.S. 13 project will establish a multi-use side path that will be designated as part of the East Coast Greenway.
- Enterprise Zone Designation to guide strategic reinvestment, support redevelopment projects, and create a framework for long-term economic growth.
- Neighborhood Block Captain Program to support two citywide Block Captain cleanups and strengthen ongoing program efforts.
- Pilot Capitalization Program to help arts organizations build financial stability, develop sustainable operations, and increase their capacity to serve residents.
- Violence Intervention and Prevention to reduce violence in the city and surrounding communities.
- Waterfront Sportsplex Redevelopment RACP to support this major waterfront development project that will create a multisport complex with new outdoor fields, 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse, indoor courts, academy space, and performance center.
“This revitalization package represents a transformational investment in Chester and its people. It is the result of nearly two and a half years of working closely with Governor Shapiro and his administration to develop a comprehensive stimulus package that addresses Chester’s most pressing needs while advancing our long-term vision for revitalization,” said Chester Mayor Stefan Roots.
A full list of the funding, projects, and initiatives included in Chester’s revitalization strategy for the downtown area is available online.
