PCCR Initiative Assessment
In the fall of 2004, Mary Means & Associates (MMA) and Economic Stewardship, Inc. (ESI) were retained by Philadelphia LISC to assess the effectiveness of its two-year-old Philadelphia Commercial Corridor Redevelopment Initiative (PCCR). MMA was chosen in part because of the firm’s experience with Main Streets and downtown redevelopment initiatives. MMA and ESI are also program development advisors to the new Pennsylvania Elm Street Program, which is intended to support revitalization efforts in older neighborhoods in cities and towns.
The findings were, on the whole, extremely positive. The LISC approach was cited as "effective". Sustained funding for full-time on the ground Corridor Managers was critical as experience from the National Trust Main Street program also confirms. There were many anecdotal successes that are hard to quantify, yet add value to the community. Picking up these nuances is a challenge for any quantitative study.
The overall conclusion of the Assessment is that, although there is a need for some adjustment, the PCCR Initiative has been successful in improving corridors with minimal overhead. LISC and the PCCR Initiative are "providing a unique service" and truly bringing resources to the neighborhood corridors. The Assessment ends by asking "how more commercial corridors might receive such services."
Click here to download the complete document in Adobe Acrobat format.