Upper Darby would like to revitalize its 69th Street business district with more tenants for now-vacant buildings, and more foot traffic, writes Noah Zucker for Bisnow.
Some think 69th Street could benefit from federally designated opportunity zones. The zones receive tax breaks for investments in economically depressed communities.
That could be a good way to spur development in the 69th Street business district, said Villanova University professor Ed Liva.
The township could also benefit from an incentive plan from local government and the business community.
“They need to offer incentives to fill the storefronts, to rehab blighted buildings,” said Philly Office Retail President Ken Weinstein, whose company owns an Upper Darby office building.
Upper Darby Council Vice President Andrew Hayman wants higher-density zoning around 69th Street.
A 15-story residential tower in the neighborhood around the transit center, for example, would bring in more people and businesses and relieve the tax burden on residents, he said.
And though there are more good restaurants in Upper Darby thanks to its diverse ethnic population, the township still needs an anchor.
“Ultimately, people want to go to something like the Tower Theater and enjoy a good meal afterwards,” Weinstein said.
Read more about revitalizing 69th Street in Bisnow.
Editor’s Note: This post first appeared on DELCO Today in March 2025.
