In January 2022, current President and CEO Terrence Foley, will step down from the role; Bryan Fenstermaker, Executive Director of Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation, named as successor

Philadelphia, PA (November 16, 2021) – After fifteen years of committed work to furthering The City Avenue Special Services District (CASSD), Terrence Foley has announced his departure from his role as President and Chief Executive Officer. During his tenure, which began in 2006, Terry was the driving force in major district development projects, securing more than $14 million in funding for capital projects including streetscape and lighting projects (that can be done with the help of the electricians North Sydney) along the 63rd Street and Bala Avenue business corridors and the $10 million City Avenue streetscape and safety improvement program, which yielded significant improvements in traffic flow and pedestrian safety. Under Foley’s leadership, there was a 63 percent drop and stabilization of major crimes, a main objective for the City Ave District.

Most notably, Terry led efforts that yielded critical zoning changes on the Philadelphia side of the district in 2009 and for the Lower Merion side in 2012, allowing for higher density, mixed-used and pedestrian-oriented development, as well as the redevelopment of several properties and the building of nine new developments. There are several more new developments in the pipeline today.

City Ave Special Services District Board Chair and President and General Manager at 6abc, Bernie Prazenica said, “Over the past 15 years, Terry led the transformation of City Ave from an auto-intensive corridor to a more pedestrian-friendly and diverse hub of businesses, residences and entertainment. His vision, expertise and ability to secure millions in funding for critical capital improvement projects set district-wide standards and positioned the district for continued growth and success. On behalf of the CASSD Board of Directors, we thank Terry for his leadership and service.”

City Ave Special Services District Board of Directors announced today that Bryan Fenstermaker, currently Executive Director of Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation (PARC) and formerly Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at The Enterprise Center Community Development Corporation, has been appointed as Foley’s successor. He will begin his new role at City Ave Special Services District on January 3, 2022.

During Fenstermaker’s six years as Executive Director at PARC, which has a dual mission as both a non-profit real estate development/management company and a public space maintenance and enhancement organization, he led several projects and programs that strengthened ties with community and neighborhood stakeholders and enhanced the overall commercial corridor of the area. These projects included: managing and curating an $8 million mixed-use real estate portfolio along East Passyunk Avenue, completing the 12th & Morris Street intersection project, and laying the groundwork for the upcoming $1.6 million Singing Fountain restoration and expansion project.

“Bryan’s demonstrated track record of award-winning community and economic development programs was impressive,” said Richard Gottlieb, CASSD Board Vice-Chair and President and COO of Keystone Property Group, who also oversaw the search committee. “He’s a leader who has the ability to understand a community’s needs and translate them into actionable insights that strengthen the area’s economic and cultural fabric. City Ave will no doubt benefit from his ideas, energy and expertise. With Bryan’s appointment and the several significant development projects currently underway, we’re excited about the future of City Ave.”

“As an area resident frequenting City Ave, I appreciate both the strengths and opportunities that exist for the district,” said Fenstermaker. “Terry has done a tremendous job in shaping the future of this important corridor that serves residents and businesses throughout Philadelphia, Lower Merion and beyond. I look forward to working with the board, staff and stakeholders to create a sense of place for neighbors and businesses that balances connectivity with pedestrian safety. I’m excited to be leading such a rich and diverse corridor as City Ave, with its diverse neighborhoods and anchor institutions with the possibility for balanced growth of new businesses, residential, retail, and other development projects”

“Bryan will bring a fresh perspective, along with the expertise and clarity of what it takes to lead a successful business development district,” said Terry Foley. “I have no doubt that City Ave District’s future will be bright under his leadership.” Foley will continue to play a supportive role for City Ave District and he intends to remain engaged in larger planning and development activities for the area.

For more of the latest updates and information on City Ave Special Services District visit www.cityave.org.

About the City Ave District

The City Avenue Special Services District (City Ave District) works with businesses, property owners, developers, and residents to shape the future of this important corridor. This is a unique partnership between the City of Philadelphia and the Township of Lower Merion. Spanning across Philadelphia and Lower Merion Townships in Montgomery County, the District is the first multi-jurisdictional special services or business improvement district in North America. For more information, visit www.cityave.org.

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