Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline renewed the County’s partnership with Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance this week, in support of the revitalization and economic development of the City of Coatesville.
The Board of Commissioners extended a contract through the Department of Community Development at its final public meeting of 2021, providing funding in support of two full-time positions dedicated to working with the City of Coatesville, the County of Chester, and private and public organizations for the overall advancement of the City. Specifically, the funding maintains the partnership with Coatesville’s 2nd Century Alliance, and extends the contracts of Sonia Huntzinger as Economic Development Administrator, and Urias Cole as Community Coordinator for the City of Coatesville.
Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Marian Moskowitz said, “We are pleased to extend our partnership with Coatesville’s 2nd Century Alliance, ensuring that Sonia and Urias can continue the excellent work they have been doing, and the inroads that they have been making to help facilitate the economic and community resurgence in Coatesville. Their work is ensuring that the Coatesville community is getting stronger through efforts from within and without.”
Sonia Huntzinger was appointed as Economic Development Administrator by the Chester County Board of Commissioners and representatives for Coatesville’s 2nd Century Alliance in March 2016. Since that time, the 2nd Century Alliance has secured a Wells Fargo regional grant for a neighborhood strengthening initiative that focuses on improving homeownership rates and public safety for the city’s residents. “This funding has been valuable to ensure that the people of Coatesville are able to participate in, and benefit from the economic growth, rather than be displaced by it,” noted Huntzinger.
Over the past five years, State funding has also driven public and private support for Coatesville’s downtown revitalization, resulting in the appointment of a downtown manager, clean-up and planting programs and initiatives to retain and recruit businesses.
“Consistent County funding has also allowed for support of the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority as it navigates the highest and best options for vacant properties throughout the City,” added Huntzinger.
Chester County Commissioner Josh Maxwell said, “Coatesville’s revitalization efforts have been gaining great momentum as more and more investors see its potential. The new train station has broken ground, and this, along with the proposed sports and entertainment center at the Flats, and many other smaller projects including downtown restaurants, are contributing to positive changes in the City. Continuing the County’s investment in this way helps to maintain the progress and the partnerships helping to achieve it, and is paying dividends for our entire community.”
County Commissioner Michelle Kichline added, “When the County began the investment and partnership with the 2nd Century Alliance five years ago, it was to help address and improve upon the unique challenges facing Coatesville, and to realize the potential of this community. We thank the Board and partners of the 2nd Century Alliance for their continued focus, and know that we will continue to see growth across the whole of the Coatesville community.”
The Chair of Coatesville 2nd Century Alliance, Bill Shaw, spoke about this County’s renewed partnership. “Coatesville’s residents and businesses are beginning to see real benefits of increased economic development, and we appreciate the creative way our Chester County Commissioners and staff support the 2nd Century Alliance and city of Coatesville in our focus on a healthy economic trajectory.”
