2010 Annual Report
Economic Restructuring: 2010 Activities
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The Economic Restructuring Committee works to assist downtown businesses, identify and attract a strategic mix of businesses to Lansdowne, and promote commercial properties. The Committee assists businesses in strategic planning and provides developers and business owners with information regarding commercial properties.
ACTIVITIES IN 2010
The Economic Restructuring Committee works closely with the Borough of Lansdowne and other downtown stakeholders to promote business expansion and development in the downtown. Many of the successes of the Economic Restructuring Committee depend on the actions of these partners. The committee both directly and indirectly influenced successful downtown development in Lansdowne in 2010, described below.
NEW BUSINESSES
BT Baking. BT Baking is a regional baking operation that supplies brownies to coffee shops, restaurants and universities throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania. The company relocated to Lansdowne and opened a small retail outlet and a headquarters for its wholesale company. This brought three jobs into the community.
Dish Network. A Dish Network franchise recently opened along Main Street adding two jobs and filling a previously vacant storefront.
Lansdowne Scrubs and Uniforms. A small owner-run store specializing in medical scrubs and uniforms opened along Lansdowne Avenue to serve two nearby hospitals: Mercy Fitzgerald and Delaware County Memorial.
BUSINESS INVESTMENT
Sycamore. Philadelphia Magazine named this Lansdowne restaurant, opened in 2009, as the “Best New Restaurant in the Suburbs.” In 2010, Sycamore doubled its capacity through the renovation of an adjoining storefront.
Lansdowne Chinese Restaurant. The popular Lansdowne Chinese Restaurant reopened after closure due to building renovations.
Lansdowne Diner. The Lansdowne Diner, a downtown landmark at the main intersection of the central business district, is being remodeled following the retirement of its long-time owner. While the exterior of the building is undergoing a major renovation, partially funded with an LEDC façade grant, the new owners are busy renovating the interior space for a new restaurant.
Dunkin’ Donuts. The local franchise of the popular coffee and donut shop reopened after renovations due to a 2009 fire.
Beejay’s Fashion. A local clothing store has reopened after being closed due to building renovations.
DOWNTOWN REDEVELOPMENT
Lansdowne Center Redevelopment. The Food Lion Corporation selected Lansdowne as a site for their much-publicized expansion to the Philadelphia region. Due to the hard work of the Borough, Food Lion was approved for a zoning variance and plans to invest approximately $5 million in the renovation of Lansdowne Center. Construction on the site will begin in 2011.
RESULTS
- Approximately 10-12 new full-time equivalent jobs created through business expansion and reinvestment.
- More than $50,000 invested through new small businesses and business expansion in Lansdowne.
- Multi-million dollar investment in the acquisition of shopping center stores, and a major investment in shopping center remodeling to occur in 2011.