From Executive Director: Gwen McCauley
Dear Manayunk Stakeholders,
I am delighted to present to you the Annual Report for the Manayunk Development Corporation (MDC) and Manayunk Special Services District (MSSD). The Annual Report is released at the half year mark, shortly after Board elections for both organizations. The report is a great barometer for the Manayunk stakeholder. It is with great pleasure that I reflect on the accomplishments and impact we have achieved together in service to our community during this 200th Anniversary of Manayunk.
Over the past year, our organizations have continued to uphold their mission of commitment to a strong business corridor. We continue to promote economic vitality through education, advocacy, and outreach. The MDC also works in tandem with the MSSD to create a clean, attractive, safe, and well-managed business district in an effort that Manayunk can successfully compete as an environment to live, work, shop, dine and play.
One of our proudest achievements this year has been the completion of the newly developed Manayunk Headquarters located at 106 Grape Street. The building was completed in Spring 2024 and the project has spanned 9 years since the initial concept was discussed. Finally, MDC is a stakeholder and can compete with other districts that purchased property in their district corridors over recent years. We are now true economic developers. Not only will this building at 106 Grape Street be the home of the MDC and MSSD, but it will also have two rental components and house a Manayunk Welcome Center that will provide information and history to residents and visitors daily. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the dedication of key stakeholders and our talented team. If you have not been to the new building, you should plan a visit this year. In addition to our new home, the MDC invested in a longstanding vacant property within the district and will explore developing a building to house maintenance equipment and storage.
We hosted a record number of events including the 35th Annual Arts Festival and a Spring StrEAT Food Festival which has become a favorite event of festival goers throughout the city.
Beautification continues to be at the forefront of our minds. We place a large emphasis on cleanliness, murals and planting and want to make the area inviting and welcoming for your customers. We recently cataloged art and alley installations in our district in the hopes of encouraging walking tours to our little Northwest section of the city.
There are always obstacles, but we continue to advocate with different governmental agencies on behalf of the Manayunk Community. It is through these challenges and initiatives that we continue to learn and grow, ensuring that we are better equipped to serve our community in the future. As we move forward in the coming year, I invite you to join us in continuing to make a difference in our community. Together, we can achieve even greater things.
Warm regards,
Gwen McCauley, Executive Director
MSSD Mission
The Manayunk Special Services District (MSSD) was established in 1997 under the Municipal Authorities Act of 1945 and is supported by the City of Philadelphia and the City Council.
MSSD's mission is to create a clean, attractive, safe, and well-managed business district so that Manayunk can successfully compete as an environment to live, dine, and visit. MSSD initiates capital improvements and manages sidewalk cleaning and beautification of public space within the district.
BID Map
MSSD Board of Directors
*Appointed
The Board of Directors is nominated each year in a general election of all assessees
The Board can appoint any additional members as it deems necessary
After elections, the new nominees are submitted to the City of Philadelphia Mayor's office of Business Improvement Districts
Appointed to the BID Board by the Mayor for a 5-year term
Terms are staggered so that an equal number of Board Members rotate off each year
The MSSD has no staff; all MSSD initiatives are implemented by the MDC and its staff
Next Election: April 2025
MDC Mission & Vision
Mission:
The Manayunk Development Corporation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, economic development organization dedicated to enhancing and advocating for the growth of the collective Manayunk Business District
Vision:
Through shared stewardship collaborating with local organizations, Manayunk Development Corporation and its members envision a thriving business district and vibrant community that work together to advance diversity and sustainability while promoting Manayunk as an ideal destination to live, shop, dine, and play.
MDC Board of Directors
FY2023 MSSD Income and Expense Summary
A YEAR IN REVIEW
MAY 2023 - APRIL 2024
MNYK: A Year In Review
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
MNYK: A Year In Review
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
Placer.AI
MNYK: A Year In Review
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
MNYK: A Year In Review
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
MNYK: A Year In Review
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
MNYK: Trade Area
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
MNYK: Trade Area
May 1, 2023 - Apr 30, 2024
CURRENT & FUTURE PROJECTS
FlatRockDamProject
With an estimated completion of Fall 2024, this $18 Million restoration project just north of Main Street will improve local water quality, stabilize and preserve historic structures, and create a new intake system that will create constant water flow in the Manayunk canal for the first time in decades.
A brand new, four-story building is officially home to all MDC and MSSD operations. This property features a Manayunk Welcome Center and a retail incubator space on the ground floor, leasable office space on the second floor, the MDC office on the third floor, and a fourth-floor conference room and community meeting space. This $1.7 Million project is MDC’s first real estate venture and was funded through loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Current & Future Projects
LowerMainLightingInstallation
MDC received a $67,500 grant from Pennsylvania’s Local Share Account to install new lighting along the stone wall that divides Main Street from Ridge Avenue at 3705 Main Street. The goal of this project is to not only improve the safety of this area, but to create an iconic gateway to Manayunk’s business district.
LowerMainStreetFlood MitigationPlanning
InconjunctionwiththeEastFallsDevelopment Corporation(EFDC),AKRFInc.andtheCityof Philadelphia’sFloodTaskForce,MDChas completedacomprehensivefloodmitigationplan ofbothcommercialcorridors.Throughcommunity engagement,coordinationwithcitypartners,and dataanalysis,AKRFhasdeliveredaplanfor implementingstrategies,protocols,andproject conceptstocombatfloodinginManayunkandEast Falls.Toreceiveacopyoftheplan,pleaseemail info@manayunk.org
WissahickonGateway Improvements
With a groundbreaking in May 2023, SEPTA began work on a $28 Million project to redevelop this transfer center located at Manayunk’s southern gateway. This project will improve SEPTA operations, safety, and accessibility for an estimated 7,000 commuters who utilize this station every day. This project will also serve as a catalyst to improve the Schuylkill River Trail’s connection between Kelly Drive and the Manayunk Towpath. The new SEPTA Transportation Center is set to be completed in 2025.
CURRENT & FUTURE PROJECTS
GreenLaneBridge Rehabilitation
The City of Philadelphia (Streets Department) and Montgomery County, along with PennDOT and FHWA, are planning to address the extensive deterioration of the Green Lane Bridge and restore it to a condition that can ensure a long service life and improve connectivity for the crossing of the Schuylkill River, Norfolk Southern Railroad, Manayunk Canal, and the Schuylkill River Trail. This project will include widening lanes for vehicles, providing a shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists, and upgrades to traffic signals, signage, and guide rails along the I-76 ramps. Construction is set to begin in 2030.
AlleyBeautification
The alleys of Manayunk connect streets like secret passageways through the town. MSSD and MCD have been working to brighten these corridors by cleaning and maintaining them, and adding art installations. There has been a positive response, resulting in more photo ops, engaging these otherwise unused areas. The alleys that underwent this beautification are Ring St, Conarroe St, Gay St, & Station St (between Gay & Levering).
RenovationstotheManayunk TowpathandBoardwalk
Last year, The City of Philadelphia was awarded $163 Million to support Philadelphia’s recovery and mitigation efforts stemming from Hurricane Ida. In addition to ensuring funding is made available to Manayunk small businesses and property owners, the MDC is also coordinating with the city to renovate the Manayunk Towpath and Boardwalk. Funding and timeline for this project remains unconfirmed at this time, but the city has indicated that capital improvements to the boardwalk area remain a high priority
MuralsinManayunk
Philadelphia is a city known for many murals which reflect the rich history and culture of the area. MSSD and MDC have teamed up with Mural Arts Philadelphia to add the beauty of art to different architecture throughout the town. Manayunk's roots of textile mills, the Lenape, the History of Philadelphia, and more have inspired many of the new neighborhood murals The newest ones can be found on Levering St on the side of Valerio Coffee Roasters, and the other at Shurs and Cresson facing Main St.
Maintenance
The MDC employs 3 full-time maintenance crew members to ensure the entirety of the Manayunk Special Services District stays clean and free of litter 7 days per week.
Roles & Responsibilities
Ensure the entire district stays clean including:
Main Street from Ridge Ave to Leverington Ave
Leverington Ave from Main Street to Umbria Street
Cresson Street and Side Streets between Shurs Lane and Green Lane
Venice Island & the Manayunk Towpath between Lock Street and Leverington Avenue
The Entrance to the Manayunk Bridge
Green Lane Bridge
Sidewalk and Street Cleaning
Emptying trash and recycling containers in the district
Graffiti & Sticker Removal
Repairing damaged equipment and neighborhood amenities
Restocking Dog Waste Bags
Event Day Setup, Breakdown, and Trash Removal
Seasonal tasks including landscaping, watering of plants, flowers, planters, and trees, raking leaves, snow removal and salting at public areas.
Annual Numbers (Estimated 2023)
25,000 bags of trash and recycling picked up
45,000 dog waste bags
75 bags of mulch & potting soil
500+ Graffiti tags covered
120 Planters Managed
500+ plants & flowers planted and watered
Events
Each year, Manayunk’s lineup of events continue to strengthen and grow. In collaboration with Manayunk businesses, local vendors, artists and performers, sponsors, and the community overall, the neighborhood showcases its creativity and liveliness with events like Manayunk Gets Lit, StrEAT Food Festival, The Manayunk Arts Festival, and more. We’ve been seeing our event numbers grow in different ways from attendance to media hits to merchandise sales.
Press Coverage
Manayunk was featured on the following platforms:
NEWS (print & online): Inquirer
Eater
Main Line Today
Metro
Philadelphia Magazine
Unionville Times
Chesco Times
Kennett Times
Coatesville Times
Downingtown Times
East Coast Traveller
Philly Voice
Row Home Magazine
Montco Today
Visit Philly
Philadelphia Tribune
Daily Local
Trentonian
Reading Eagles
Pottstown Mercury
Times Herald
Main Line Times
Daily Times
Gloucester City Times
Patch
Billy Penn-WHYY Guide to Philly
TELEVISION:
KYW-PHI (CBS)
WPVI-PHI (ABC)
KYW-PHI (CBS)
PHL17
WCAU-PHI (NBC)
WTXF-PHI (FOX)
Telemundo 62
The CW Philly 57
RADIO:
WMGK
KNDO (NBC)
KHQ (NBC)
BLOGGERS, INFLUENCERS, & SOCIAL MEDIA SITES: Secret
Penn Live
Brenda on Broad
1NJ Stage
Montco Today
Dosage
Thrillist
Mommy Poppins
Philly Happening
My Chesco
NJ Family
Ice
Broadway World
Philly Caller
My Philly Alive
Philly Bite
East Coast Traveller
NJ Stage
Philly Bite
Philadelphia Citizen
Philly Chit Chat
Reporter Online
Where Philly
Philly Caller
Fanatic FM
Guide to Philly
SEPTA
Streaming
Sponsors
Social Media Analytics
Facebook Instagram Threads
FOLLOWERS
25.3k Followers
176.8% increase from 2023
32,098 Followers 29.4% Increase from 2023
4855 Followers Account Created 2023
does not offer analytics for this platform yet
Audience Profile
Facebook Followers:
75% Women & 25% Men
AGES 25-35: 16.4%
AGES 35-44: 20.3%
AGES 45-54: 18.7%
Facebook Location Demographics:
Instagram Followers: 70.9% Women & 29.1% Men
AGES 25-35: 32.4%%
AGES 35-44: 31.3%%
AGES 45-54: 12.5%
Demographics:
Action Karate
AFC Fitness
Animedic
Armen Artesano
2023 MDC Members
Awakenings Pole Dance Fitness
Baker Street Partners
Bar Jawn
Bark.Play.Love
Bark Social
Bayou
Bendi Jewelers
Blondie
Body By Venus
Boostin Bowls
Breaking Point Fitness
Cactus
Canalside Manayunk
Chabaa Thai
Chloe Madeleine Salon
Chloe's Corner
Christine Ertz
Citrine Glow Medispa
City of Paws
Cresson Inn
DesignBlendz
Dtxfyme
Expect Lace
Fat Lady Brewing
Flakely Gluten Free
Flat Rock Real Estate
Galbraith & Paul
Gary Mann Jewelers
Goals Fit
Golden Hour Aesthetics
Greg's Kitchen
Healthy Bites Nutrition Counseling LLC
Heartstrong Chiropractic
Henck Design
HeyDey Athletic
Hilton City Ave
HotBox Yoga
Hype Girl Health Philly
Illumine Gallery
Inspired Movement Pilates
Intrins Inq.
Jake's and Cooper's
JD McGillicuddy's
Jinxed
Johnny Destructo's Hero Complex
Jordan Abrams
JPG Photo & Video
La Roca Manayunk
Latitudes & Longitudes
Launchpad Fitness
Lightpaws Dog Training
LILA Philadelphia
Loring Building Products Co
Lucky's Last Chance
Lucky's Trading Co.
Main Street Music
Main Street
Pho
Mama's Boy Café
Manayunk Apartments
Manayunk Brewery
Manayunk Chambers Guest House
Manayunk iPhone Repair
Manayunk Law Office
Manayunk Pooch Scoochers
Marchiano's Bakery
Martin Pulli
Maxcare Chiropractic (Dr Lazaroff)
McKenzie Sports Physical Therapy
Mia Ragazza
Minor Details
Mi N' Tea
Miranda Massages Me
MoJerky
Mosaic Massage
Mr. Wish
MyPhilly House
Neducsin Properties
Never Give Up Training
New Leaf
Northern Children's Services
North Light Community Center
Nostalgia Wellness Spa
Orbit
Palmer Distilling Paychex
Pet Friendly Dog Bakery
Philadelphia Runner
PHS Pop-Up Beergarden
Pilgrim Roasters
Pizza Jawn
Platform 30
Propper View Apartments
Psychic Monica
Qwixl Solutions LLC
Redmond Gallery Remix
Restore Physical Therapy & Pelvic Health
Richards Apex
RJS Properties
Rowzone
Ryan's Pub
Safa Plant Co
Salon L
Salon Mane
Scallywags Dog Daycare
ServPro of Manayunk
SOMO Manayunk
Soul Healn
Starfinder Foundation
Starshine Salon
Style of Man
Sulimay's Studio on Main
Taqueria Amor
TD Bank
The Anchorage on Kelly
The Couch Tomato
The Emporium by Lady Holiday
The Eyeglass Works
The Glen at Shawmont
The Goat's Beard
The Grape Room
The Herbal Zen
The Isle Apartments
The Little Apple
The Look Listen
The Nice Needle Nurse
The Volstead by Unity
The Wall Cycling
TOP TAILS Pet Sitting
Trek Bikes
TruBeauty Concepts
Tsaocaa
Tubby Robot
Union Tap House
Unity Recovery
Unity Yoga
Urbanburb
Valerio
Vamp Boutique
Venice Island Performing Arts Center
Video Content Factory
Volo Coffeehouse
Whole House Fine Furniture
Wilson's Estate Jewelry
Winnie's Manayunk
Yakitori
Y A L E School
Yanako
Dear Partners and Friends,
On behalf of the staff at Manayunk Development Corporation, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your ongoing support, patronage, and collaboration in making the Manayunk Business District a leader among our city’s commercial business corridors. Our commitment remains steadfast in providing maintenance, beautification efforts, economic support and guidance to our small businesses.
It brings us great pride to have played a role in the development of Manayunk alongside its vibrant local businesses owners in the last few years. As we look ahead to the rest of 2024 and beyond, we are excited to see what lies ahead for this community.
We invite you to connect with us on social media at Manayunk.com and to shop small in the coming year. We eagerly anticipate your presence on Main Street and the opportunity to grow together.
Sincerely, The MDC Staff
Contact: 267-270-3078
gmccauley@manayunk.org
ldillinger@manayunk.org
jgasarowski@manayunk.org
Contact: 267-270-3080
jdenenberg@manayunk.org
cferro@manayunk.org
Upcoming 2024-25 Events
Stroll the Street
Thursday Nights June - August
Dog Day of Summer
Saturday, August 17th
Out & About in MNYK
Saturday, October 5th
Halloween in MNYK
Saturday, October 26th
Small Business Saturday
November 30th
Jolly Trolley
Weekends in December
Founders Philly Freeze-Out
Saturday, February 1st
Manayunk StrEAT Food Festival
Sunday, April 27th
36th Annual Manayunk Arts Festival
Saturday, June 21st & Sunday, June 22nd