A project to redevelop a prominent corner in the heart of Norristown, Pennsylvania’s downtown received a financial boost from the state for the Main and DeKalb Street redevelopment effort (see related RFP here in REVITALIZATION).
“The RDA thanks the State for its support of the Main and DeKalb project and for recognizing the potential for new, impactful development in Norristown,” said RDA Executive Director Rebecca Swanson. “All residents of and visitors to Norristown will benefit from the investment into the redevelopment of this site.”
Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf’s office announced that he has authorized $1 million from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) for the mixed-use redevelopment project at Main and DeKalb Streets. The Municipality, in partnership with the Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County (RDA), will use the funds to support the upcoming redevelopment of the Main and DeKalb site.
“This grant will help fully realize council’s goal to boost development in Norristown that brings new businesses, jobs, and housing opportunities to this community,” said Municipal Administrator Crandall O. Jones. “We are happy to have a partner in the Redevelopment Authority of Montgomery County who can help organize and shape the vision of development in Norristown with this project.”
The Municipal Council—through adoption of Ordinances 19-07 and 19-09—approved the purchase of a number of lots at the intersection in 2019, funded through a bond and general budget funds. This was a strategic investment designed to facilitate a new mixed-use development on the site, with the goal of creating quality housing and bringing commercial activity to Main Street.
“The Municipal Council of Norristown is excited about this development. We appreciate the State and Governor for honoring us with this RACP Grant,” said Council President Derrick Perry. “Council will continue to look for more resources from the state as we continue to work on development in Norristown.”
When the project is completed, it will be part of a continuously revitalizing downtown area that will include construction of the new Montgomery County Justice Center on the same block of Main Street, new construction and redevelopment of properties on East Main Street, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike slip ramp on Lafayette Street.
Photo of site courtesy of Municipality of Norristown.