West Chester is a strong contender for having one of the nation’s greatest Main Streets in the 2017 Greatest Main Street Awards.

Just to be a semifinalist, one of 10, is a fitting tribute to the work and dedication of the West Chester Business Improvement District, which was created in 2000 to bring the borough back to its former glory.

In the late 1990s, West Chester was far from the jewel it is today. The borough was losing business, and its low commercial property values were preventing property owners from either re-investing or rebuilding their properties.

It also had a high crime rate, particularly at its epicenter, the intersection of High and Gay streets.

“To have one of your main intersections vacant was just preposterous and unacceptable,” said Malcolm Johnstone, BID’s Executive Director. “Now, we have all four corners occupied — including a Starbucks, Iron Hill Restaurant & Brewery, and Lorenzo and Sons Pizza.”

After its formation, BID immediately looked to Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development programs, and began to leverage local partnerships to start focusing on rebuilding downtown.

BID also gained a Keystone Communities designation, and managed to secure almost $1 million in funding from the DCED. These funds were quickly put to good use in revitalizing the area.

The result was a new, vibrant community that has cut the crime rate in half and is a true testament to the strength of West Chester.

The three winners of the 2017 Greatest Main Street Award will be announced in May.