County OKs $2.5M in revitalization awards

County Commissioners unanimously approved $2.5 million in grants through the County’s Community Revitalization Program. .

The Chester County Commissioners unanimously approved $2.5 million in grants through the County’s Community Revitalization Program.

“For more than 16 years, these CRP grants have helped to improve communities across Chester County, focusing on our urban areas,” said commissioners’ Chairwoman Michelle Kichline. “Not only do they help to improve the public health and safety of our community, but they also set the stage for development and redevelopment, in line with both our County’s strategic plan, and our comprehensive plan, Landscapes3.”

The city of Coatesville will receive an award of $500,000 for the construction of a new parking garage on Fleetwood Street, as part of the train station project. Kennett Square is also being awarded $500,000 for upgrades and improvements for storm water as well as the curb and sidewalk on the south side of Birch Street.

The borough of Phoenixville will receive $402,000 to help upgrade its waste water treatment plant incorporating an innovative hydrothermal carbonization (HCT) process that is one of the first installations in the nation.

The borough of West Chester is being awarded $400,000 for streetscape improvements on South High Street, including crosswalks, the installation of upgraded lighting, curb bump-outs and bus shelters.

“Chester County’s $68 million investment since 2002 in community revitalization projects is now paying dividends for our urban centers,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. “Every borough and the city of Coatesville have realized significant increases in their taxable assessment because of the CRP investment, with an average increase of just under 20 percent. That equates to a combined increased assessment value of more than $568 million.”

The borough of Atglen will receive a $300,000 for security measures at the water treatment plant and West End Sewer Pump Station. The borough of Modena is being awarded $248,000 for rehabilitation of its South Brandywine Avenue Bridge. The borough of Honey Brook will receive $150,000 to maintain borough utilities for the West James Street water loop.

Commissioner Terence Farrell added, “The CRP grants are structured to help our 16 urban centers complete infrastructure improvements through direct funds that have leveraged millions more in investment. It is an efficient and effective program that encourages our urban centers to review the needs of their communities and development plans to make the changes happen. Often these changes are less glamorous, but very important upgrades to water, storm water, sewer systems and streetscapes, and with every completion, residents and businesses really benefit.”

Since the Community Revitalization Program began in 2002, Chester County has awarded more than $68 million in Community Revitalization Program and Community Development Block Grant program grants to the 16 urban centers (City of Coatesville and the 15 boroughs) for infrastructure improvements, according to Pat Bokovitz, director of Chester County Department of Community Development.