Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance

Meet the Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance

Maybe you’ve read articles and updates about Coatesville’s economic progress in previous issues of this magazine. And hopefully you’ve been reading in local media stories the traction that’s building in the City of Coatesville.

Here’s a quick primer on the 2nd Century Alliance, the City’s partner in economic and community development, and how they’re playing a key role in the City’s economic recovery.

The 2nd Century Alliance was formed as a public-private partnership between City stakeholders and the Chester County Department of Community Development in 2015, when Coatesville celebrated its 100th anniversary as a third-class city. These partners work together and alongside mission-similar organizations to ensure that Coatesville’s “second century” is economically prosperous.

Their mission is to drive economic development in the City that enables the whole community to thrive.

They are funded by a collaborative partnership between the Chester County Commissioners, public and private grants, and charitable contributions from the private sector. You can find a full listing of donors (and make a tax-deductible contribution) at their website: www.2ndCenturyAlliance. org.

The 2nd Century Alliance revitalization work includes:

Building strong residential neighborhoods.

Their team includes Urias Cole, Community Coordinator. Urias’ position comes from a grant from the Regional Foundation, a subsidiary of the Philadelphia Foundation. Urias works with residents across the City to ensure that as the City grows economically, no one is left behind or displaced by the impacts of development. Urias works with the residents and the City administration to improve parks and public spaces, bring jobs and economic opportunity to the area, manage communications with and between residents, the City, and the County, and connect those residents to programs and services they need to grow themselves and their families economically and socially.

Revitalizing Coatesville’s downtown corridor.

Through a grant from the PA Department of Community and Economic Development, and philanthropic contributions from Knox Equipment Rental and Jennifer and Robert McNeil, 2nd Century Alliance’s staff includes Downtown Manager, Amber Little-Turner. Amber works tirelessly to improve the City’s downtown commercial district, galvanizing existing merchants to work together and providing tools and resources that will help them grow their businesses. Amber manages clean-up and beautification programs, coordinates special events to drive shoppers into downtown, and facilitates the 2nd Century Alliance Façade Improvement and Small Business Support grant programs.

Advancing major development projects.

The third leg of the revitalization stool includes Executive Director Sonia Huntzinger. Sonia works closely with the City administration, the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority, and the County, cultivating relationships with investors and developers, ensuring that development meets the City’s vision for the future.

Lastly, the staff and Board of Directors work consistently to promote the City’s assets, share the positive news stories, and advocate for progress that will benefit the residents and businesses of the City as well as the larger Western Chester County region. • The Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance is an important part of the effort to improve the City’s economy. • The economic and social health of Coatesville, Chester County’s only city, is a reflection of, and on the County. Positive progress in revitalization initiatives will: • Grow jobs and economic opportunity for residents by attracting various business sectors. • Cultivate civic leadership and empower residents to take ownership of their neighborhoods. • Improve parks and public spaces, encouraging healthier behaviors. • Increase owner occupied residences thereby strengthening neighborhoods. • Create safer, cleaner, and well-lit streets to encourage commerce and neighborliness. • Enhance public transit and transportation systems connecting residents with jobs.

You’re invited to learn more about the 2nd Century Alliance at www.2ndCenturyAlliance.org. While there, sign up to receive their regular updates on the City’s progress.