Haverford's commercial corridors are full of potential that isn't being realized yet. The Comprehensive Plan lays out a vision for transforming each one into a walkable, vibrant destination while preserving the historic character that makes them worth investing in.
The Township envisions Haverford's commercial corridors as walkable, vibrant destinations — places where people want to spend time, local businesses are thriving, and new housing options are created within steps of existing transit.
The current façade improvement grant program is recommended for expansion for commercial property owners
Official Main Street Program status could unlock additional state and federal funding for these goals
Parking study results could be used to reduce parking minimums and reclaim space for people
A PennDOT Road Diet proposal on Haverford Road is currently under evaluation by the Township
The plan recommends updating zoning laws to allow mixed-use development in designated areas along our existing commercial corridors
A municipal historic marker program is in development for the six National Register properties
Eagle Road bisects Haverford with three travel lanes, way too many driveways cutting through the sidewalks, and parking lots as the main visual feature. Between the absence of street trees and the outdated business signage, it doesn't feel like anywhere worth spending time. The Comprehensive Plan offers a fresh vision for what this corridor could become.
Move parking to the rear of buildings, opening up frontage for pedestrians and street trees
Establish an outdoor special events space for civic and cultural gatherings — the kind of activated public space that makes a corridor feel like a destination
Create new comprehensive design standards for landscaping, lighting, and signage to create visual consistency
Update the Zoning Ordinance to allow and encourage mixed-use development (residential above retail) along the corridor
Reduce or eliminate parking minimums in areas served by municipal lots and foot traffic
Determine the best use for the former Township Administration Building site, which represents a key redevelopment opportunity
Pursue formal Main Street Program designation, which would unlock additional state and federal funding for façade upgrades and new business recruitment
Support Discover Haverford in attracting anchor businesses and connecting property owners with developers and architects
Encourage shared parking between adjacent businesses
"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
Eagle Road gets the most attention in the plan, but it's not the only commercial area under consideration. Oakmont, Brookline, and the Haverford Road corridor each have their own vision in the plan.
Centered at Eagle and Darby Roads, the Oakmont district is Haverford's best-looking town center, with a genuine mix of uses with a true Main Street feel. The plan recommends leaning into those vibes: wider sidewalks, design standards that protect the walkable streetscape, and zoning updates that support the mixed uses already happening there informally.
Brookline Boulevard recently underwent a road diet that added bike lanes and on-street parking, transforming it into a street where pedestrians, cyclists, and cars can coexist. The plan identifies this as a foundation for continued neighborhood commercial growth.
Running alongside the M Line between Ardmore Junction and Wynnewood, this corridor has outstanding transit access and real redevelopment potential. The plan recommends mixed-use development within the walkshed of both stations, and PennDOT is currently considering a Road Diet that would improve pedestrian and cyclist safety along the corridor.
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.
