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KABA membership application (pdf)

Kensington and Allegheny Business Association (KABA)

Focused on the commercial area surrounding the Kensington and Allegheny crossroads in the lower northeast section of Philadelphia, KABA’s membership is mostly smaller retail stores that serve the Heart of Kensington, Impact’s target area for Community Development. Because of this, its work is tied most intimately to Impact’s broader community involvement.

With a membership topping 75, KABA has become a focal point for area businesses, an integral element in vetting zoning requests for new enterprises, and a facilitator in solution finding with the Philadelphia Parking Authority, Police, Streets and Sanitation, Licenses and Inspection, and Commerce Departments. The attendance of multiple city departments at monthly meetings effectively creates a “virtual Business Action Team” for the area.

With over 5,000 El riders using the Allegheny station each day and five bus routes serving the area, new retailers such as Walgreens and Dunkin Donuts are enthusiastic about the area’s demand for everyday purchases.

Since 54 percent of the area households do not have cars, residents are flocking to the new SneakerVilla and Footlocker stores, who are gratified with sales levels of athletic footwear and clothing.

After a decade of vacancy, the recent development of the 9-story Flomar building at K&A has given a giant boost to the area, and the recruitment of a cadre of social service organizations including the Esperanza Health Center, is adding to the area’s vibrancy.

Research, marketing, advocacy, and grant writing are other ways Impact’s general development effort intertwines with KABA’s work to create an environment that is more attractive and supportive to business investment.  Funding for the Commercial Corridor Development Plan completed in 2006, the landmark mural being installed at the crossroads, and a variety of other physical improvements in the area are all results of the close collaboration between KABA and broader Heart of Kensington Development efforts.

To join the association or learn more, please contact rhofer@impactservices.org, or call 215-739-1600 Ext 110.

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