Hatboro officials have plans for a Main Street Matters grant, if they get the state funding.HATBORO, PA — With its Main Street Matters Grant application, borough officials have a plan on how to use the funds.Officials said the purpose of the grant application is to develop a Hatboro Business Development Study.That study, officials said, would include surveys, town hall meetings, and a Business Development Strategy Action Plan.The Main Street Matters (MSM) program recently opened for municipalities to apply...
Hatboro officials have plans for a Main Street Matters grant, if they get the state funding.
HATBORO, PA — With its Main Street Matters Grant application, borough officials have a plan on how to use the funds.
Officials said the purpose of the grant application is to develop a Hatboro Business Development Study.
That study, officials said, would include surveys, town hall meetings, and a Business Development Strategy Action Plan.
The Main Street Matters (MSM) program recently opened for municipalities to apply for funding.
The program supports downtown cores and surrounding neighborhoods with tools to create healthy, vibrant, and welcoming communities. Funding was available to support revitalization efforts in planning, business support, and aesthetic improvements.
At a recent meeting, Hatboro Borough Council authorized staff to apply for the grant, especially in the wake of the recent changes to the York Road business district, where one apartment complex is now open and another is under development.
Both projects fall under the borough's Town Center ordinance.
Borough officials said that the Main Streets Matters funding can be used for planning grants, facade grants, business improvement grants, district development grants, accessible housing grants, and implementation grants.
Based on feedback from the business community at recent meetings, including a Business Town Hall, Borough Council opted for the planning grant.
"Hatboro has experienced significant and transformative growth over the past 10 years," officials said. "As the community has changed and grown, adding transportation-oriented housing, the borough is looking under this grant funding to develop a Business Development Study to proactively ensure continued growth."
The borough hopes, if chosen, to create a new economic development and revitalization study to analyze and evaluate the "evolving complexion of Hatboro building upon previous successes and planting the seeds for future sustainable growth."
The grant has a 25 percent match and, if awarded, funds can be as much as $50,000.
"Borough Council is committed to helping the Hatboro business community and hopes that we have a strong application. Council will also work with staff and business owners to continue to budget funding in the 2026 operating budget for business support," officials said.