Ardmore Initiative Applying for ‘Keystone Community’ Designation

The intends to apply to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a designation as a “Keystone Community,” which if successful would replace the AI’s previous designation as a “Main Street Achiever.”

AI Executive Director Christine Vilardo this week said the group also intends to apply for DCED funding to continue the Facade Improvement grant program and to support additional streetscape and marketing initiatives.

The Initiative’s next board meeting is open to the public for input, and is scheduled for Tuesday (Feb. 21) at 4 p.m. in the Caucus Room of the Lower Merion Township Administration Building (75 E. Lancaster Ave. in Ardmore).

The Keystone Community program “designates and funds communities that are implementing ... community development efforts by supporting physical improvements to designated and/or other communities that are undertaking revitalization activities within the community,” according to the state website. It also provides modifications to the homes of persons with physical disabilities.

$50K from Township

The Ardmore Initiative announced it has received a $50,000 grant from Lower Merion Township to create a Business Assistance Fund. Funding from the federal government’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

“This new grant provides us a valuable tool in our business recruitment and retention efforts and will allow us to help a new or expanding business with start-up costs, fit-out expenses, equipment purchases, computer or software purchases, employee training and marketing expenses,” said Vilardo.