Walkable main streets don't happen by accident. See how the Comprehensive Plan envisions each of Haverford's commercial districts becoming a stronger destination for businesses, neighbors, and everyday life.
The Township envisions Haverford's commercial corridors as walkable, vibrant destinations — places where people want to spend time, local businesses can thrive, and more homes are located within walking distance of transit.
Continue the successful façade grant program as funding becomes available
Consider pursuing Main Street designation to unlock additional state and federal revitalization funding
Update zoning regulations to encourage appropriate mixed-use development in designated commercial areas
Establish consistent design standards for landscaping, lighting, signage, and streetscape improvements
Evaluate parking requirements and shared parking strategies where appropriate
Continue studying transportation improvements that make town centers safer and easier to reach on foot, by bike, and by transit
Town centers aren't just shopping districts. They're places where people meet friends, grab coffee, attend community events, and support local businesses. The Comprehensive Plan sees vibrant commercial districts as an important part of Haverford's identity, creating places where residents can spend time close to home instead of driving elsewhere.
The Comprehensive Plan recognizes that successful town centers depend on more than attractive buildings. Long-term revitalization also requires coordinated economic development, public investment, and partnerships between the Township, Discover Haverford, property owners, and local businesses.
Continue façade improvement programs as funding allows
Consider pursuing Main Street designation to unlock additional state and federal revitalization funding
Support Discover Haverford in attracting businesses and connecting property owners with developers and design professionals
Evaluate parking strategies that support businesses while improving walkability
"There is potential through redevelopment and reinvestment in the Eagle Road Corridor to create more of an extension of the character of Oakmont...to achieve a more vibrant and active town center with a village feel."
— Haverford 2035 Comprehensive Plan
Each of Haverford's town centers plays a different role in the community. The Comprehensive Plan recognizes those differences, recommending strategies that build on each district's existing character while creating more vibrant, walkable places to shop, gather, and invest.
Eagle Road has some of the Township's greatest redevelopment potential. Today, much of the corridor is dominated by wide travel lanes, surface parking, and frequent driveways, making it feel designed primarily for moving cars rather than supporting a vibrant town center. The Comprehensive Plan envisions a gradual transformation into a more attractive, walkable destination while maintaining its role as an important commercial corridor.
Move parking behind or beside buildings where redevelopment occurs
Plant additional street trees to create a shaded, welcoming streetscape
Improve sidewalks and pedestrian connections
Enhance landscaping and corridor appearance
As the Township's most central historic commercial district, Oakmont already has many characteristics of a traditional town center. The Comprehensive Plan recommends building on those strengths through thoughtful redevelopment, improved public spaces, and policies that encourage walking and local businesses.
Explore creating an outdoor civic/event space
Determine the future use of the former Township Administration Building site
Encourage mixed-use redevelopment
Continue streetscape improvements
Brookline already demonstrates many of the qualities the Comprehensive Plan hopes to encourage elsewhere: a walkable main street, locally owned businesses, and a strong sense of place. The recommendations focus on building on that success rather than reinventing it.
Build on recent streetscape improvements
Encourage continued investment in local businesses
Support community events and public gathering opportunities
Running alongside both the M Line and SEPTA Regional Rail, the Haverford Road corridor is well positioned for transit-oriented redevelopment. The plan envisions carefully adding mixed-use buildings, new housing, and improved pedestrian connections while strengthening the corridor as a neighborhood destination.
Encourage mixed-use development within walking distance of both transit stations
Improve pedestrian and bicycle connections throughout the corridor
Support transportation improvements that make the corridor safer and more accessible
We are a new community-led initiative bringing together neighbors who believe Haverford Township deserves better parks, stronger public spaces, and more vibrant places to gather. We'd love to have you with us.
