BALA CYNWYD, PA — State officials on Thursday announced a new multi-county Main Street designation for the City Ave District, opening the door to as much as $225,000 in grant funding and technical assistance aimed at revitalizing one of southeastern Pennsylvania’s most heavily traveled commercial corridors.
The designation, awarded through Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program, spans Montgomery County and Philadelphia, covering Bala Avenue in Bala Cynwyd as well as 54th Street near Saint Joseph’s University and 63rd Street by the Overbrook train station. The corridor will now be eligible to compete for funding to carry out a five-year strategy focused on walkability, new retail and dining options, greenspace, public art, and redevelopment of vacant and underused properties.
Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger joined local leaders in Bala Cynwyd to mark the announcement, touring Bala Avenue and visiting several small businesses along the corridor. He said the designation is intended to strengthen local economies and improve quality of life by giving communities the tools needed to reinvest in their main streets.
The City Ave District’s new status comes as part of a broader push by the Shapiro administration to expand the Main Street Matters program. Governor Josh Shapiro created the initiative in 2024 and secured $20 million in his 2025–26 state budget to continue supporting downtowns and neighborhood business districts across the Commonwealth.
State and local lawmakers representing the area praised the investment, pointing to the corridor’s unique position between Philadelphia and Lower Merion Township and its role as a hub for businesses, residents, students, and visitors. Supporters said planned improvements to infrastructure, walkability, and public spaces could help unify the district across municipal and county lines while attracting new commerce .
City Ave District President and CEO Bryan Fenstermaker called the designation a critical step in strengthening the small businesses that define the area, while expanding spaces where people can gather, shop, and spend time. Local and state partners echoed that sentiment, describing the corridor as an economic engine that serves thousands of residents, workers, and visitors each year.
The announcement also highlighted strong statewide demand for Main Street funding. In the most recent application round, the program received more than 229 applications requesting over $68 million, far exceeding available resources and signaling continued competition for downtown investment dollars across Pennsylvania.
Funding through Main Street Matters can be used for a range of projects, including community planning, façade improvements, business development, district enhancements, and accessible housing. State officials said the City Ave District’s designation positions the corridor to pursue those opportunities as Pennsylvania continues its long-term strategy to strengthen local economies and main streets statewide.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and MSN.