CHESTER, PA \u2014 Pennsylvania and a coalition of local governments, businesses and institutions are directing $97.1 million into Chester for transportation, redevelopment, blight removal and other projects aimed at stimulating investment in a city that has endured prolonged fiscal distress, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro\u2019s administration.<\/p>\n
The Commonwealth is providing $75.5 million toward the broader public-private package. The strategy includes major road and pedestrian projects, a waterfront sports complex, university improvements, violence-prevention funding and programs intended to prepare properties for redevelopment.<\/p>\n
More than half of the total package \u2014 $52.57 million \u2014 is allocated to redesign a section of Route 291\/U.S. 13 that divides downtown Chester from the waterfront. The funding includes $50.07 million through a PennDOT and Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission Complete Streets Safety Project and $2.5 million from Delaware County.<\/p>\n
Another $27.5 million is designated for the Waterfront Sportsplex, which is planned to include outdoor fields, a 100,000-square-foot fieldhouse, indoor courts, academy space and a performance center. Pennsylvania will provide $13 million through its Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, while the Philadelphia Union will supply $14.5 million in matching funds.<\/p>\n
PennDOT is providing another $7.25 million for pedestrian improvements connecting downtown with Widener University. The project includes new sidewalks and other work along Edgemont Avenue from 14th Street to 17th Street.<\/p>\n
Widener will receive $2.5 million in state RACP funding toward a $6.28 million renovation and site upgrade of Lathem Hall, with the university contributing $3.78 million in matching funds.<\/p>\n
The package also commits $2.6 million to demolition and site preparation. Essential Utilities, Power Home Remodeling and Wawa collectively committed $2 million, while Delaware County is providing $400,000 and Chester is contributing $200,000 through a Community Development Block Grant.<\/p>\n
That funding is slated to demolish two buildings, acquire 10 lots and two buildings, and improve 25 structures.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith the Commonwealth\u2019s significant support, we have a plan to invest in Chester, build on our progress, and help this city reach its full potential,\u201d Shapiro told attendees.<\/p>\n
The strategy extends beyond physical redevelopment. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency is directing $440,280 to the Making a Change Group for mentoring and violence-intervention services for young adults in three Chester neighborhoods.<\/p>\n
Another $400,000 will support the Chester Cultural Arts and Technology Center as a hub for social enterprise, community engagement and workforce development. The package also includes $33,000 for a Neighborhood Block Captain Program and $22,800 tied to an Enterprise Zone designation intended to support reinvestment in distressed industrial and manufacturing areas.<\/p>\n
The transportation work also calls for a multi-use path along the Route 291\/U.S. 13 project that would become part of the East Coast Greenway.<\/p>\n
Chester Mayor Stefan Roots described the package as the result of nearly two and a half years of work with the Shapiro administration, with funding spanning blight removal, infrastructure and economic development.<\/p>\n
\u201cThese resources will allow us to combat blight, repair owner-occupied homes, strengthen vital community programs, improve our roads and sidewalks, and create new incentives for economic growth,\u201d Roots stated.<\/p>\n