'Shop Locally' Campaign Touted In Hatboro

HATBORO, PA —As the borough strives for more downtown development, officials hope that the business district will thrive.

In the past few months, the borough has added several new businesses including Mr. Wish, a consignment shop, a gas station, and a Mexican restaurant.

With proposals also coming in to develop vacant parcels into retail and apartment space, now seems like a good enough time to give the business district a boost, borough officials said.

That's why at last week's Hatboro Borough Council meeting, attendees found on their seats a free grip gift in the shape of a hat that can be used to open up jars. It also had a message: "Shop Small. Shop Local. Shop Hatboro."

Borough Council members also received a red coffee mug.

Cindy Bollendorf, the borough's downtown development liaison, also passed out a letter stressing the importance of supporting local businesses.

The letter states that touted the 1.5-square-mile town's attributes as being "big on character and is filled with big promise as well as big opportunities."

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The business district has more than 16,000 vehicles driving through it daily on York Road and the walkable downtown allows people to visit businesses easily, borough officials said in the letter.

"Our residents maintain an adoration for everything Hatboro and this mentality helps businesses in Hatboro flourish and become an essential part of the community," the letter states. "Development in any town takes time as it takes a zoning and development plan that ties back to the master plan of the borough and also takes a collaborative approach in working with the town, its residents, planners, zoning and planning boards, local businesses impacted, as well as developers to create a win/win for everyone."

The borough's Department of Economic and Community Development works with new businesses and developers as well as established businesses looking to expand or invest within the borough.

Last year, the borough launched an app to assist residents and spread the word about all things Hatboro. The app also includes an interactive business map that provides users with directions to businesses along with descriptions and contact information for businesses.

"Hatboro's Downtown Development Team has been working hard not only to encourage everyone to shop locally but to also educate them on the importance of doing so," the letter concludes. "That is the number one way we can thank our businesses who chose to make Hatboro their home and love everything Hatboro just as much as we do."