The city of Chester is Excited to Share RADC’s Announcement Concerning Waterfront Development Efforts
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Emma Dieter, Associate
610-937-5258
Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County Announces Completion
of Engle Street Redevelopment Project
The Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County partnered with the City of Chester and Chester Economic Development Authority to renovate the Engle Street unit block
CHESTER, Pa. (May 12, 2021) — The Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County (RADC) in partnership with the City of Chester and Chester Economic Development Authority today announced the completion of its Engle Street redevelopment project in Chester, Pennsylvania. As one of the main connector streets linking the Chester waterfront with the city and Delaware County, the renovation project marks a significant milestone in a cohesive effort to revitalize the waterfront.
Plans for the renovation of the Engle Street unit block were outlined in RADC’s Chester Waterfront Master Plan, which was unveiled in September 2020. The plan aims to direct the redevelopment of the waterfront while promoting better connections to the local community and establishing Chester as a regional destination to stay and live for residents, businesses and visitors. Improvements made to Engle Street include street grading, upgraded stormwater management systems, pavement of the gravel roadway and installation of curbs and sidewalks on the east side of the street.
Funding for the project comes from the Pennsylvania Commonwealth’s Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program and Liquid Fuels funding from the City of Chester. A total of $215,000 in tax credits were awarded to RADC on behalf of two of its board member organizations, Power Home Remodeling Group and Bryn Mawr Trust Corporation. The Commonwealth’s Waterfront Development Tax Credit Program provides funding to awarded organizations for a total of five years. RADC was approved to receive a second year of funding, which will be used to support the reconstruction planning and streetscape phases of Reaney Street, another connector street in Chester.
“The redevelopment of Engle Street is only the beginning of what we hope will be a long and prosperous undertaking to revitalize Chester’s waterfront,” said Lisa Gaffney, RADC executive director. “We are wholly committed to a community-first revitalization with safe and connected streets, increased homeownership among Chester residents and a renewed sense of vitality to the local economy.”
The revitalization of Engle Street is an example of the benefits a public-private partnership can offer to a local community in need of infrastructure redevelopment. Renovations made to Engle Street were strategically designed to complement and build upon Chester’s existing landscape.
“For too long, inefficient streetscape planning has acted as a barrier for residents between the City of Chester and its waterfront riverwalk. The reconstruction of Engle Street indicates a notable step in our efforts to improve access to Chester’s historic landmarks and public spaces,” said City of Chester Mayor Kirkland. “At the end of the day, everything we do is for the city’s residents and the Engle Street renovation project is a demonstration of that commitment.”
The Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County is one of only five organizations throughout Pennsylvania that is approved as a waterfront development organization. For more information on RADC and new developments happening in Delaware County, please visit: https://www.delcoriverfront.com.
About The Riverfront Alliance Delaware County (RADC)
RADC is a consortium of private sector corporations and nonprofit institutions that have come together to develop and implement programs and activities that serve as the catalyst for the physical, economic, and social development of the Delaware County waterfront. Originally established in 1996, The Institute for Economic Development, Inc. (IED) serves as an engine for economic and social development. In September 2020, RADC launched a new Chester Waterfront Master Plan, which serves as a framework to direct the redevelopment of the waterfront, promote better connections to the local community and establish Chester as a regional destination to stay and live for residents, businesses and visitors.
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Caption: Before and after imagery of the Engle Street renovations in Chester, PA.