This page lists various City and public resources for community members and businesses interested in working toward the development of South Street West.

Here you will find local neighborhood information on:

Economic Development | Commercial Corridor Programs | Keystone Opportunity Zones | Contact Numbers | Environmental Concerns

The Philadelphia Department of Commerce, the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (PIDC) and the Philadelphia Commercial Development Corporation (PCDC) all have designated special staff to administer a variety of neighborhood economic development programs. These staff members will help you to identify the programs which best suit your company or community's needs.

Neighborhood Economic Development

Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Program (NCCP)
The city of Philadelphia is offering a new, expanded program which will extend resources and services to commercial districts that meet certain criteria. These resources and services include: Security Assistance, Exterior Commercial Improvements, Capital Improvements and Streetscape Design, Technical Assistance, Strategic Planning Assistance Grants, Market Study Promotional, Special Events, and Marketing Challenge Assistance.

Neighborhood Planning and Pre-Development Fund
The Commerce Department, in cooperation with the Office of Housing and Community Development, will award grants of up to $25,000 to nonprofit organizations to support predevelopment activities associated with neighborhood-based economic development. Predevelopment activities may include, but are not limited to, architectural and engineering services, environmental assessments and market studies, as well as the financial packaging of development projects. Every award must be matched on a one-for-one basis with non-City funds.

Neighborhood Development Grant Program
The Commerce Department will award development grants to nonprofit organizations to be used as gap financing for neighborhood based economic development projects. This development grant program will be administered by the Commerce Department in cooperation with the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) and the Empowerment Zone Community Development Financial Institutions (EZ/CDFIs) and may include projects with additional public financing through EZ, HUD 108, and/or PIDC Neighborhood Development Fund programs. All grant awards will be determined based on proposal merit, financial need, and project readiness. Apply through the Department of Commerce, 215.683.2000.

Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority
The Redevelopment Authority (RDA) facilitates the development of under-utilized property City-wide, with an emphasis on affordable housing. The RDA administers a range of federal and state funds designed to preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing. It also manages real estate and makes it available to the public. Properties under its purview include vacant, tax-delinquent, blighted, and "surplus" land and buildings, including those owned by the Authority itself or by the City of Philadelphia. In addition, the Agency administers a range of financing programs to assist individuals and nonprofit organizations.

Contact Information
Executive Director 215.209.8732
Development Division 215.209.8695
Central Intake Unit: 215.854.6515
Housing Division: 215.209.8706

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Neighborhood Commercial Corridor Programs

Neighborhood Development Fund (NDF) Loan Program
Provides loans for acquisition, construction or rehabilitation activities of large-scale projects.

Storefront/Façade Rebate Grant Program
Provides grants to retail businesses to restore commercial facades in targeted neighborhood shopping areas. Apply through PCDC, 215.790.2230.

Comcast Loan Fund
Seed money was contributed by the Comcast Corporation to establish a line of credit for small businesses to perform specific contracts or projects. Funding is replenished through repayment by the borrowers. Contact PCDC, 215.790.2230.

Security Assistance Program
The Security Assistance Program (SAP) provides a rebate on a 1:5 public-private matching basis of up to $2,000 of public investment per firm for approved security improvements (e.g., a $10,000 investment in security improvements would be eligible for a $2,000 rebate). Businesses are eligible for a onetime maximum of $2,000.
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Looking to grow your business? Looking for a new location? Then Philadelphia's Keystone Opportunity Zone is the place for you. Contact 215.683.2015. Until December 31, 2010 pay virtually NO:

o Pennsylvania Corporate Net Income Tax
o Pennsylvania Capital Stock and Foreign Franchise Tax
o Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax
o Pennsylvania or Philadelphia Sales and Use Tax on purchases used and consumed by businesses in the Zone
o Philadelphia Use and Occupancy Tax
o Philadelphia Business Privilege or Net Profits Tax

Consult an accountant to determine how these benefits apply to your individual business.

What's the catch? The only stipulations are:

1. Pennsylvania businesses moving into the Zone must either increase their employment by 20 percent within the first year or make capital investment in the KOZ property equivalent to 10 percent of the company's last year gross revenues.

2. You must be current in all City and State taxes, fees, and liens and be in compliance with all City and State regulations such as health, zoning, etc.

3. You will have to be recertified each year. (Recertification forms are being developed.) KOZs are defined geographical areas within the commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the City of Philadelphia, where the State and local municipality have agreed to waive virtually all taxes for business and residents within the boundaries for 12 years, beginning January 1, 1999.

Details are available through the Commerce Department, 215.683.2000.
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Contact Numbers

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Environmental Concerns: Contacts

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