Main Street Designation
In 2025, City Ave’s Bala Avenue, 54th Street, and 63rd Street nodes were designated as Main Streets by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). This designation is a part of the DCED’s Main Street Matters program, helping City Ave revitalize and develop the streets our businesses and residents call home for the next five years.
As a DCED-designated Main Street, City Ave’s three nodes will be eligible for targeted investment and development through various economic development programs. Over the next five years, City Ave will receive priority for grant funding from the Commonwealth. Through planning grants, façade grants, business improvement grants, district development grants, accessible housing grants, and implementation grants, City Ave is better equipped to support the district’s businesses.
Through the Main Street Program, City Ave is now listed as an Enterprise Zone. City Ave businesses are now eligible for a tax credit through the DCED’s Neighborhood Assistance Program (NAP/EZP). This program allows businesses to receive a 25% tax credit for investments in physical infrastructure, promoting community development throughout the district.
City Ave is dedicated to keeping the neighborhood safe and creating the best commercial and professional opportunities possible throughout the district. With several development projects underway across the district, this Main Street designation allows us to invest in the revitalization and improvement of our commercial corridors. City Ave has become a thriving community to work, shop, and live. As designated Main Streets, our community will only grow and improve.
Frequently asked questions about the Main Street Matters Program: Click Here
Contact us
Grant Himes
Main Street Manager – City Ave District
Phone: 610-747-0311
Email: ghimes@cityave.org