Purpose and Services

Purpose

Dating back to 1967, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania first enacted legislation authorizing local governments to establish special business improvement districts (BIDs) to provide supplemental services to enhance commercial areas. A BID is distinct from other neighborhood organizations in that it has authority to levy special assessments on district property owners, and it must demonstrate community support in order to have its charter reauthorized periodically. 

The first special services district authorized in Philadelphia was the Center City District in 1990, followed by:  South Street (1992), Frankford and Germantown (1995), Manyunk (1997) Olde City and City Avenue (1998), East Passyunk (2002), Port Richmond and Roxborough (2003), Chestnut HIll (2004), Mt. Airy (2007), Aramingo (2008), Greater Cheltenham (2010).  In addition, University City and the Sports arenas have their own special districts.  Click here to see the Mt. Airy BID's most recent authorizing ordinance.  

The Mt. Airy BID includes all properties on Germantown Avenue and some side streets between Cresheim Valey and Washington Lane that meet any of the following criteria:
1) are commercially zoned
2) are used commercially
3) contain five or more residential rental units

Annual assessments are mailed the end of October. 

Services

Cleaning

The BID provides cleaning for the Mt. Airy commercial corridor 6 days a week. This includes removing litter, weeding curbs and tree pits, and graffiti removal,
If you notice something along the corridor that could use our attention give us a call. Look for our Street Ambassadors in the bright safety vests. 

Beautification 

From flowers baskets to holiday decor, the BID has implemented and maintains several beautification projects along the avenue. Take a walk along the avenue and notice the brightly colored banners, the hanging flower baskets, or rest in one of the six pocket parks developed and maintained by the BID.  With the help of our property owners we are keeping Mt. Airy beautiful.  

Facade Improvement Grants 

The BID maintains a modest Facade Improvement Grant Program to help property/business owners.  The program can be used in conjunction with the City of Philadelphia's Storefront Improvement Program.

Click here to learn more about other BID initiatives.