Williams announces $3M in funding for redevelopment projects in the 74th district

HARRISBURG, Dec. 8 -- State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, was instrumental in securing a $2 million state redevelopment grant for the Coatesville Redevelopment Authority/City of Coatesville to construct the multimodal commuter parking facility adjacent to the city’s new train station and $1 million for Chester County Immediate Unit 24 to construct a new Toddler Center in Caln Township.

Williams said the funding, awarded through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, will help realize the plans for new Coatesville train station parking facility to support access to the existing rail system and allow for expanded commuter service, and to demolish the existing Toddler Center in order to construct a new, expanded building.

“I’m very proud that I was able to secure this $3 million in redevelopment grants that will help bring increased economic opportunity by building a multimodal commuter parking facility next to Coatesville’s new train station and invest in our future by building a bigger and safer Toddler Center for our young residents in Caln Township,” Williams said.

“This state grant money will transform what was once a brownfield into the Coatesville new train station’s multimodal parking facility that will support current and expanded commuter service. The state redevelopment money, by facilitating the building of this commuter parking structure, will help spur on the City of Coatesville’s continued transformation into a thriving economic center in southeastern Pennsylvania.”

The parking facility will have bus transportation integration, covered waiting shelters, bike racks, ample lighting, wayfinding signage, and 324 parking spaces to support SEPTA, Amtrak, and Link and Kraft Bus transportation services. The parcels that will comprise the garage are a brownfield, which have been vacant since 2009.

“As representative of the 74th district, the welfare and education of our children is one of my top priorities,” Williams said. “This new, bigger Toddler Center will be able to care for more of Caln Township’s children, and so more children will benefit from early education, which studies have shown pays significant developmental dividends for years to come. This is state grant money being invested where it can have the greatest impact—supporting our children’s welfare and development.”

The new, expanded Toddler Center will be approximately 2,500 sq. ft. and have a 20-space parking lot, sidewalks, handicap access and student drop-off area. The new center will include 3 classrooms, separate rooms for adults and children, kitchen area and storage. The building will be equipped with fire alarm and suppression systems, security systems and internet connectivity.  A playground will be constructed adjacent to the building and improvements to surrounding grounds and spaces will be made.

The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is a grant program administered by the Office of the Budget for the acquisition and construction of regional economic, cultural, civic, recreational and historical improvement projects.

RACP projects are authorized in the Redevelopment Assistance section of a Capital Budget Itemization Act, have a regional or multi-jurisdictional impact, and generate substantial increases or maintain current levels of employment, tax revenue or other measures of economic activity.

In December 2020, Williams secured $1 million to support the building of the new train station’s parking lot.

Williams serves on the Chester County Industrial Development Authority Board.