This site is the home of both the Chester Economic Development Authority (CEDA) and the Chester Redevelopment Authority (CRA).

For more information, please see ABOUT US

 

Please contact us by email during the COVID-19 Crisis:  

Lisa R. Gaffney, Executive Director lrg@ceda.cc
Jo Ann Ruark, Director of Community Development jar@ceda.cc
Ken Di Pietro, Financial Controller kjd@ceda.cc

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City of Chester

Chester is one of the most historic and culturally diverse areas in the region. We are a city with a big heart and a strong indomitable spirit with numerous claims to fame including: William Penn's first landing; we are the home of the original hoagie; the talented Ethel Waters was born and raised here; and the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. studied and preached in Chester.

Today, Chester is experiencing a major metamorphosis, making improvements for residents and businesses by way of housing, public safety, public property and recreation, and streets and infrastructure.

Notice - FY 2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan

The FY 2024 Draft Action Plan for Community Development Block Grant And HOME Programs will be available for public review and comment from February 1 to March 5, 2024.

DOWNLOAD THE DRAFT ACTION PLAN

A Public Hearing on the Draft Action Plan was held on February 21, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in City Council Chambers. 

DOWNLOAD THE HEARING MINUTES

Any additional comments may be sent to Jo Ann Ruark at CEDA (jar@ceda.cc) 

Community Information


Apply on Line

 

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR LEAD PAINT HAZARD CONTROL PROGRAM

Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) is now accepting applications for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. This program is free if the family is determined eligible. In this program, qualifying families who have a child age 5 or under may quality for new windows and other repairs to help remediate lead paint hazards. Income eligibility guidelines do apply as well. Once an application is received, CAADC staff meets with the applicant to explain the program in detail and discuss the hazard of lead-based paint in the home. Next, a lead audit is performed by a licensed firm. A report is prepared showing where lead paint exists in the home. CAADC then prepares a Scope of Work detailing the steps that will be taken to remove or reduce the lead to acceptable levels. This may include replacing doors and windows, installing new drywall, replacing trim and moldings, etc. When the renovations are complete, another lead audit is performed to be sure that all lead has been removed or reduced to acceptable levels. A copy of the final report, along with educational materials relating to lead hazards, is then given to the family. For more information or to receive an application, call 610.833.4453. This program is funded by the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development and Lawrence County Community Action Partnership. CA ADC Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Ine. Helping People. Changing Lives. The Community Action</pCommunity Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC) is now accepting applications for the Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. This program is free if the family is determined eligible. In this program, qualifying families who have a child age 5 or under may quality for new windows and other repairs to help remediate lead paint hazards. Income eligibility guidelines do apply as well. Once an application is received, CAADC staff meets with the applicant to explain the program in detail and discuss the hazard of lead-based paint in the home. Next, a lead audit is performed by a licensed firm. A report is prepared showing where lead paint exists in the home. CAADC then prepares a Scope of Work detailing the steps that will be taken to remove or reduce the lead to acceptable levels. This may include replacing doors and windows, installing new drywall, replacing trim and moldings, etc. When the renovations are complete, another lead audit is performed to be sure that all lead has been removed or reduced to acceptable levels. A copy of the final report, along with educational materials relating to lead hazards, is then given to the family. For more information or to receive an application, call 610.833.4453. This program is funded by the Delaware County Office of Housing and Community Development and Lawrence County Community Action Partnership.

The Agency's website is: www.caadc.org or call 610-833-4453

HUD ASSESSMENT

 

Each year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development evaluates Chester's progress in the management of funds granted under provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990.  The July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2023 assessment is available for public review and comment:

Download the HUD Annual Letter for Fiscal Year 2022-2023

 Send comments to Jo Ann Ruark at CEDA

Rental and Utility Assistance Program - Chester City

ARE YOU A TENANT IN THE CITY OF CHESTER AND HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO MAKE RENT OR UTILITY PAYMENTS AS A RESULT OF THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC?

CLICK HERE FOR INFORMATION ABOUT A PROGRAM TO ASSIST LOW TO MODERATE INCOME TENANTS 

News and Events

Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice - The City of Chester, Pennsylvania is an entitlement community under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. In order to “affirmatively further fair housing,” each entitlement community must conduct a Fair Housing Analysis which identifies any impediments to fair housing choice.  Read Draft Analysis

Candlewood Suites - Chester Hotel Opening

 Groundbreaking - June 15, 2017

Ribbon Cutting - June 20,  2019

Chester City Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland, City Councilmembers and other city officials join hotel owner Sailesh (Sam) Patel, representatives from the Chester Economic Development Authority (CEDA), the Chester Water Authority, and the Redevelopment Authority of Chester during a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Candlewood Suites-Chester Hotel.  Read More

Check out "It All Starts Here" - READ CHESTER OPPORTUNITY PLAN

Coach Rosetta Carter

In recognition of Black History Month, each Thursday in February, the Delaware County Health Department (DCHD) is celebrating the careers and accomplishments of selected Delaware County Black community members making a difference in public health. DCHD is shining a light on public health pioneers from Delaware County who support public health by promoting healthy habits and community well-being.  

Rosetta Carter's passion and drive for the residents of Chester are exemplary. She continues to be a leader in targeting opportunities and bringing initiatives to address Chester's unique health concerns.

Congratulations Rosetta Carter on this well-deserved recognition!

Economic Incentives for Chester Businesses

 
 

Federal Incentives

Chester City qualifies as a federal HUBZone (Historically Underutilized Business Zone) which provides certified businesses in the zone with eligibility to receive HUBZone contracts. 

More Information

 
 
 

Keystone Opportunity Zone

The City of Chester is the only municipality in Delaware County that has been approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for designation of parts of the City as Keystone Opportunity Zones (KOZ).

More Information

 
 
 

Overtown Initiative

The City of Chester and CEDA are currently focusing economic development initiatives on the once-thriving historic downtown, locally referred to as "Overtown."

More Information

 
 

Small Business Loans

The Chester Economic Development Authority (CEDA) administers the Chester Small Business Loan Program in an effort to assist small businesses in expanding their operations and creating economic opportunities for low to moderate income persons

More Information

 
 
 

Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act

The City of Chester has adopted a provision under the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act (LERTA) to encourage the revitalization of deteriorated properties in portions of the City of Chester. 

More Information

 

Featured Articles


We're very happy to welcome a new business to Chester! The Larimer Beer Company just opened near the Philadelphia Union’s Talen Energy soccer stadium. SEE POSTER FOR LOCATION & HOURS 


"Chester Slowly Beginning to Reap the Economic Benefits of Being Home to a Pro Sports Franchise" READ MORE


 

“Ten Years after Professional Soccer comes to Chester, is this now making an impact? The stadium opened during the great recession and it has taken time for the effects of having key anchor institutions in Chester.  New businesses are moving into Chester and the number of new business and residential starts has dramatically increased.”  READ MORE


 

Federal Reserve Bank convenes meeting in Chester on the topic of “Capital for Communities, Revitalization in Chester”  READ MORE


 

Interview with Brett Roe - Drake Nakaishi recently spoke with Brett Roe, owner of Roe Fabricators and Roe Marketing Group.  Roe is a nationally known leader in digital large format printing, based in Chester.  READ MORE


 

"Chester Pennsylvania, Looking to Grow" - Business View Magazine's November 2017 interview with Drake Nakaishi, Executive Director of the Chester Economic Development Authority (part of their series on American cities).  READ MORE


 

Springfield Pasta - Springfield Pasta, a family business that dates back over 100 years has moved their production to Chester.  READ MORE


 

Main Line Today Magazine - “The Fight to Bring Chester Back From the Brink“  READ MORE


 

Invest Philadelphia - article highlights Chester City READ MORE

 


 

CEDA's Lisa Gaffney Receives Environmental Leadership Award

 

On November 1, 2018 the Chester Ridley Crum Watersheds Association (CRC) presented their Environmental Leadership award to Lisa Gaffney (CEDA's Deputy Executive Director) for her leadership in tree plantings along the Chester Creek and being a site leader for their Annual Stream Clean-up.

 

Lisa Gaffney is the Deputy Executive Director for the Chester Economic Development Authority, responsible for housing programs, grant writing and Redevelopment projects. She also serves as the Deputy Director of the Riverfront Alliance of Delaware County, a nonprofit membership organization of major Waterfront businesses and institutions. Currently, she administers the Chester Shade Tree Commission and serves on the Board of the Housing Equality Center of PA and served on the Board of the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Lisa’s previous experience includes positions at the Chester Community Improvement Project, the Philadelphia City Planning Commission and the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority.

CEDA Executive Director Drake Nakaishi on Jobs and Economic Development

On October, 25th CEDA Executive Director Drake Nakaishi testified before PA House Minority Policy Committee on the topic of Jobs and Economic Development. In his comments to the committee, Mr. Nakaishi outlined six ways Harrisburg could help communities such as Chester.  For a full transcript of Mr. Nakaishi's comments see: Minority Policy Committee Transcript on Jobs and Economic Development

Immigration Reform

Local leaders call for immigration reform in National Day of Action with events across all 50 states

Philadelphia region business, civic, and community leaders came together for a Day of Action to showcase new research on immigrant contributions in Pennsylvania and to highlight the critical need for immigration reform. The event marked the launch of the Reason for Reform campaign, a national effort taking place in all 50 states today, sponsored by the Partnership for a New American Economy (NAE).  READ MORE

Property Listings

Following are two links that may be helpful in finding properties in Delaware County:

Delaware County Public Access  (search for property ownership by address or folio number)

Current County Repository Sale List  (properties available for sale to the general public)

Starting a New Business

Chester is a great place to start a new business.  Located on the Delaware River, Chester has historically been a crossroad for business and industry and that is even more true today. Situated between the major business centers of Philadelpia and Wilmington, Chester offers easy access to I-95, the Commodore Barry Bridge to New Jersey, and the Philadelphia International Airport. Major businesses such as Wells Fargo, Kimberly Clark, Boeing, Harrah's Casino, Crozier Hospital, Widener University and the Philadelphia Union have significant operations in Chester. 

The city also affords entrepreneurs access to significant resources to start new businesses.  

More Information