Capital Projects

Housing Program – Twenty-six “distressed” homes were purchased and rehabilitated over three years and all homes were sold. The program was suspended due to rise in home costs. Program demographics: ten homes to single parents, twelve homes to newly married couples, and four homes to couples from outside Mayfair. Twenty-six solid families are now participating members of the communit, making this a very successful program.

Manor Medical and Community Services Building – The CDC acquired a vacant eyesore on Frankford Avenue that used to house the Manor bar. This is one of the oldest buildings in Mayfair and the oldest building on Frankford Avenue. The CDC saved the building and transformed it into our headquarters. We rent out the entire first floor to a doctor’s practice that services the needs of seniors. This building gives the CDC a large presence on Frankford Avenue.

Clean Sweep Program – Six riding cleaning machines were purchased and are operated by the CDC. The CDC hires six Mayfair residents to run the machines from April 1 until the Friday before Thanksgiving. The commercial corridor is swept every day and residential streets are done using a sector model developed each season. The machines are utilized to help clean up all public and parochial schoolyards in our boundaries at the beginning and end of each school year, and we also provide support to 100 block parties each season. This program picks up over 100,000 lbs of trash each year.

Community Center – Our 26,000 square foot community center has been in operation for just over one year. The Center has been utilized by a variety of groups, athletic associations, and civic organizations. It houses two full gymnasiums, a computer room with ten computers, a community room, and a full kitchen. This Center is open 7 days a week and managed by the CDC. We have a contract with the Northeast Peanut League and the Northeast Rockers which allows them to have use of the building during their seasons; this assures that children from the Northeast are utilizing the building. We also have agreements with several local churches and businesses which allows them to use the Center. All of this gives the Center a Northeast “flavor”. We also are proud to sponsor two autistic programs during the year, the STARS program on Friday nights and the PA Mentor summer camp.

We have several local high school students as employees and use several more on a volunteer basis. The bottom line is, we are employing people from the community. The Center has had a profound effect on the landscape of Mayfair and the Northeast as a whole.

Commercial Corridor Improvements – Utilizing the commercial corridor study that was commissioned with Brown and Keener we have formed a unique partnership with the local business association. The Mayfair CDC manages the Mayfair Business Association; we perform all administrative functions and act as their financial agent. We establish and collect dues and make sure the funding is handled in an efficient and cost-effective manner that benefits both the commercial corridor and the rest of the community.

To date, we have hung over 100 banners and 50 lighted M’s and placed 20 benches, 30 planters, and 120 trash cans. Our Clean Sweep program cleans the commercial corridor every morning during the season. We are managing the Federal grant we received for streetscape improvements, host quarterly merchant meetings, and constantly look for ways to make the commercial corridor more vibrant and appealing to the residents of Mayfair.

Devon Theater of Performing Arts (DTPA) – The CDC has acquired site control of the old Devon Movie Theater on Frankford Avenue in Mayfair. The CDC plans on developing this site into the first boutique theater in the Greater Northeast showcasing live performances.  The venue will be a 500-seat proscenium theater with a state-of-the-art stage, lighting, and sound package.  The venue will possess the flexibility to adapt to the various performances and uses not realized at other “standard” performing arts centers.  This adaptability will allow for a wide variety of uses – from live performances, musicals, children’s theater, and interactive workshops to commercial rentals. Schools, community centers, and groups will be able to utilize the theater by staging performances and benefit from the theater through interactive, educational workshops. The refurbishment requirements of the theater upgrades will create a wealth of job opportunities for local construction workers, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, technicians and other skilled laborers. The successful Devon Theater of Performing Arts will bring with it many opportunities for both permanent and limited employment including theater managers, ushers, sound and light technicians, marketing and sales staff, events coordinators, custodians, and many others.

“Greening” Program – The CDC manages and maintains three “pocket” parks in Mayfair. One park was the past site of a burned out storefront that had been vacant for over 10 years. The CDC in Partnership with the Philadelphia Horticultural Society and the Mayors NTI program was granted site control and transformed it into a pocket park. In 2006 this park received an award from the Philadelphia Horticultural Society. The CDC keeps up the parks and dozens of planters around the community. We are always on the lookout for more green opportunities and for ways to incorporate greening into our projects.

Von Steuben Day Parade – The Mayfair CDC, in conjunction with several Northeast German-American clubs, is proud to host this parade on Frankford Avenue.

Commercial Zoning – The CDC handles all commercial corridor zoning issues. This includes gathering petitions and working with appropriate politicians and community groups. The CDC will acquire legal services if required and attend zoning hearings.  We have been very vigilant and successful in this area.

Rental Housing Issues – The CDC is on the forefront in the Mayfair community battling illegal renting practices. The CDC has teamed with State and City officials on this issue.

Schaafs

Mini Park