Chester can emerge from bankruptcy and experience an economic resurrection if it leverages its position as a college town to Widener University.

That was a key part of the message from Chester Mayor Stefan Roots as he gave his State of the City address Tuesday morning to the Delaware County Chamber of Commerce from the Widener University campus, writes Kenny Cooper for WHYY.

His message was well understood by Widener University President Stacey Robertson, who pledged to continue Widener’s relationship with the city.

Roots said the city wants to further develop the Avenue of the Arts and the waterfront district, as it works to improve its housing stock and green spaces.

Chester must also leverage itself as a host city for the Philadelphia Union and as a hub for regional medicine at Crozer Health to bring visitors to its downtown businesses, Roots said.

Chester has brighter days ahead, he told the crowd.

“But we need your partnership to make it happen.”

Roots and Chamber President Trish McFarland compared Chester’s path to what’s happening in Philadelphia’s Fishtown neighborhood, pointing out that the waterfront is a key ingredient to success.

Read more about Mayor Root’s address and reaction to it at WHYY.