Tacony CDC Continues to Improve Commercial Corridors in the Northeast

Located on Disston Street and Longshore Avenue, Computer Guy improved its storefront from the Commerce Department. Image via Tacony CDC

The Tacony CDC has forged ahead with its Historic Tacony Revitalization Project along Torresdale Avenue. The most recent developments include regular corridor street cleaning, interest in a co-working space, continued city Commerce Department grants, and the opening of new businesses.

The Tacony CDC launched its commitment to a clean Torresdale Avenue when it brought in the Doe Fund to maintain the commercial corridor between Cottman Avenue and Robbins Street in late February. Workers with the Doe Fund’s Ready, Willing and Able program, who are formerly homeless and incarcerated individuals, provide twice a week maintenance for the corridor, said Alex Balloon, the commercial manager. Balloon is the first and only paid employee at the CDC. Torresdale Avenue is also a Special Services District.

Balloon said a local business is interested in creating a co-working space along Torresdale Ave. He can’t say which business but said it would be located in the “heart of our commercial district.” While co-working spaces have become trendy in other parts of Philadelphia — including Impact Hub, where Generocity is located — it is a new idea for the Northeast.

It is a “pretty radical concept for Northeast Philadelphia,” Balloon said.

In addition, Tacony CDC has recently secured large amount of City Commerce Department Storefront Improvement Program (SIP) grants. Balloon explained that 14 different Tacony businesses have received such grants over the past year and a half. One business that used a SIP grant to dramatically redo its facade is Computer Guy, which is located on the commercial corridor between Longshore Avenue and Disston Street.

Torresdale Avenue has been able to continue attracting new businesses through the stagnant economy, including the new Pagano’s Steaks and Shakes at Torresdale and Robbins. The restaurant moved into a space in February that had been vacant for two years. It’s “another stop on the Hoagie Trail,” said Balloon, referring to the large amount of delis and hoagie shops along the commercial corridor. Other businesses that have come to the Avenue over the past six months include Caribbean Seafood Inc., Allstate Insurance, and Home Healthcare Agency.