(Note: The AI has really come into it's own, so we should support them in the community as a "good thing")

MLL:Ardmore Initiative

Ardmore Initiative will hold a public hearing Tuesday, July 22, at 7 p.m. at the Lower Merion Township Building, 75 E. Lancaster Ave., Ardmore, on its request for reauthorization.

Under its original legislation, Ardmore Initiative, the business authority for Ardmore's downtown business district, must be reauthorized every five years. Created in 1993 under the name Ardmore 2000, it has received that reauthorization twice before.

The business authority was established to facilitate physical improvements and economic development in downtown Ardmore. Its boundaries include properties primarily in the Lancaster Avenue business core. Property owners in the district are subject to a special assessment.

At the July 22 hearing, the Ardmore Initiative board will present its request for reauthorization, a new five-year plan for its activities in Ard-more, and a proposed budget. At a meeting last month, Executive Director Christine Vilardo outlined parts of that plan including acting as a liaison with the master developer during Ardmore revitalization; continuing and expanding the façade grants program for storefront and possibly interior improvements; creating a new advisory board and not-for-profit organization to raise funds for programs; locating information kiosks around the downtown; and offering more workshops for businesses.

Following next week's public hearing, property owners will have 45 days to respond and vote on reauthorization.

For more information, contact Vilardo at 610-645-0540.