CHESTER, PA — 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’s administration.
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.
More than half of the total package — $52.57 million — 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
That funding is slated to demolish two buildings, acquire 10 lots and two buildings, and improve 25 structures.
“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,” Shapiro told attendees.
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.
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.
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.
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.
“These 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,” Roots stated.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.