Upper Darby, Pa. – May 2, 2019 – Senator Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) today announced the award of $1.5 million to fund the development of the Drexeline Shopping Center.
“The closing of the shopping center left a void in the community” said Senator Kearney. “This new development will be a major improvement on the site, not only through brand new 75,000 square foot ShopRite with state of the art green energy and building improvements but will finally address the storm water management issues that have plagued this property for years. I’m particularly thrilled that it will include walkable and bike-able amenities in a densely populated area for my constituents.”
State Road Foods plans to demolish the existing, aged shopping center and replace it with a new, 75,000 square foot grocery store that will anchor the revitalized shopping center.
Representative Zabel added, “I am excited for this opportunity that invests in and grows our local economy. I’m grateful for Senator Kearney’s collaborative efforts to bring this grant to our community.”
The new location will be designed with a 68 percent increase in selling space from the existing facility and will offer the Upper Darby community access to healthy foods. The new design will augment existing departments and allow for the addition of an in-store pharmacy.
This project will retain the jobs of the 178 current employees and will create 142 new, direct jobs as a result of the grocery store redevelopment, for a total of 320 jobs at this location.
Funding for this project comes from the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program, a commonwealth grant that helps communities develop and pay for regional economic, cultural, civic and historical improvement projects. RACP projects, administered by the Office of the Budget, are funded with bond financing. Payments to grantees are made as reimbursements.
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