HispanicBusiness

The Phase I project will use the Empowerment Zone design investment ($250,000) and will complement the $58 million SEPTA Trolley Revitalization along the corridor. This project will solidify public efforts to establish Girard Avenue as a major doorway to other City-supported projects. Streetscape improvements will include new curbs, sidewalks, bump-outs and the addition of trees on the corridor. The project will generate economic activity by improving the physical environment, create a tourist attraction for visitors and locals, bring employment and revenue as well as local culture and entertainment, and provide new small-business opportunities.

The Governor awarded $500,000 that will support continued improvements to the El Centro de Oro neighborhood mall on North Fifth Street. The Hispanic Association of Contractors & Enterprises (HACE) is a nonprofit development corporation founded in 1982 to save the crucial neighborhood mall in the heart of Philadelphia's Latino community. Now a vibrant area, the HACE Mall on "El Centro de Oro" is home to key health and community service providers and local businesses.

The Governor's prior award of $1.5 million along with the new award of $500,000 will be used for improvements along 5th Street of "El Centro de Oro Business and Cultural Arts District." The 5th Street streetscape improvements between Lehigh and Indiana Avenues will further promote the development of "El Centro de Oro." These blocks have long been a retail corridor in the area, and the improvements will showcase the growing venue of businesses and restaurants, provide a focus on commerce and improve safety and security for drivers and pedestrians.

Some $1 million was awarded to the Mount Airy USA Mixed-Use project that will support the proposed 15,000-square-foot, mixed-use retail-residential development along Germantown Avenue. This will include the creation of seven new condominiums and 4,500 square feet of storefront space. The purpose of this $3.6 million development is to continue the revitalization spurred by Mount Airy USA's nearby development of Phebe Commons, an 18,000-square-foot office and retail complex. The 4,500 square feet of storefront space will be refurbished into a coffee shop, restaurant, and/or other retail or office space that will be leased out and will bring new revenue to the area.

Another $800,000 was awarded to support the relocation of Diversified Community Services (DCS) to a new facility on Point Breeze Avenue. Last year, DCS served almost 11,000 children, youth and families through a wide array of programs, adult education, and counseling.

Last year, DCS decided to relocate its administrative office building and social-service building into the heart of the community it serves. DCS intends to purchase and renovate a vacant corner appliance store, including an attached lot, for its new administrative headquarters at 1529-1541 S. 22nd St. The project will result in the immediate relocation of 25 employees to the new facility; the hiring of at least 10 new employees; improvement of the block's appearance through landscaping and new lighting; availability of community meeting space and more accessible, necessary social services; and immediate economic activity by establishing a large new office building along Point Breeze Avenue.

The Governor presented $2 million to support the development of a neighborhood retail and entertainment center on the west side of 1600 N. Broad St. and Cecil B. Moore Avenue. This project will include movie theaters and may include residential development. This $42 million endeavor would provide retail space to an underserved area and will play a vital role in the redevelopment of this North Philadelphia neighborhood. In addition, it is anticipated that this project will create 430 construction jobs and 39 permanent jobs.