The Fishtown District is world renowned for its dynamic eateries, taverns, and retail shops, while never forgetting its rich history.  David Childs, Executive Director, and Erica Zavilof, Director of Development and Communications for Lutheran Settlement House (lutheransettlement.org) John Geeting, President of the Fishtown Neighbors Association (Fishtown.org) , and Marc Collazo, the Executive Director of the Fishtown Kennsington Area Business Improvement District (FishtownDistrict.com) discussed the Philadelphia neighborhood cited by Forbes Magazine as one of the top communities doing development right.  They discussed how they work together, business, residents and social services, to keep the area welcoming for all, without losing the neighborhood ‘flavor.’
They spoke on how they avoided issues other redeveloped areas suffered, rising costs and gentrification shutting the long-term residents outfaced, parking, and noise problems.  We discussed how the District has helped bring funding to projects and programs the residents wanted and hos businesses support the services offered by Lutheran Settlement House