The Market for Commercial Development in Lansdowne

Problems and Opportunities

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Lansdowne has a number of assets on which it can build in order to revitalize its in town shopping areas. These include:

  • Its density and its walkable nature;
  • Its personal and small town character;
  • Its architecture;
  • A community that is committed to its revitalization;
  • Regional rail service.

At the same time, it is one of many inner ring suburbs across the country that were originally built to house the first generation of commuters, but have since been left behind as the middle class moved outward in search of larger lots, parking, and better schools. These issues, as they relate to retail and other commercial uses include:

  • A population that, although not necessarily older and less affluent than that of second tier suburbs, may be perceived as such;
  • Insufficient available land for larger retailers;
  • Parking issues, especially near the SEPTA station;
  • Inadequate supply of retail goods and services;
  • Traffic congestion;
  • A small number of properties that are beginning to look “run down”;
  • High turnover among retail tenants.

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