Category germantown

What is the GUCDC?

 
The first time I heard it, I asked the same thing. GUCDC stands for “Germantown United Community Development Corporation.”

When you look at the expanse of Northwest Philadelphia, there are 6 major neighborhoods (with a lot of other sub-neighborhoods in between): East Falls, Manayunk, Roxborough, Chestnut Hill, Mount Airy, and Germantown. Also, each one of these neighborhoods has its own zip code (19129, 19127, 19128, 19118, 19119, and 19144) and its own post office. Although most Philadelphia experts would probably agree with me on these statements, there are always going to be locals who disagree. But hey, you can’t please everyone.

When you look at all 6 of these neighborhoods, each one already has a successful community/business association for a number of reasons: 1) They protect commercial corridors by increasing commercial/residential development, 2) They clean and green the main commercial strips (a.k.a. Main Streets), and 3) They keep the residents and businesses unified by working toward a common goal; success. Some have had more success than others, and some have been around longer than others. Overall, 5 of the 6 major neighborhoods have a CDC that’s currently successful; except for Germantown.

My hope is that the last remaining neighborhood to run a successful CDC will find a way to get over the hump this time. As more news comes online, you can bet I will be writing about it.

What does the future hold for Germantown?

Germantown is a part of Philadelphia that is unique to almost anywhere else in the city. It has tons of history, incredible architecture, a functional Main Street, lots of public transportation options, close access to Fairmount Park, and beautiful tree lined streets.

Based on everything I just listed, it almost sounds like it should be a top neighborhood choice in Philadelphia. Unfortunately, it’s not. Why?

As stated in this article, Germantown lacks cohesiveness from its residents. After its largest community group (Germantown Settlement) went down in flames last year after the city discovered corruption and a total misuse of funds, the neighborhood is struggling to find firm footing. The good news is, they’re trying.

Germantown has the potential to be just as successful (if not more successful) than its 2 neighbors to the west, Mt Airy and Chestnut Hill, but it will need a solid plan of action to attract the right investors and concerned neighbors to follow through.