Over the last several months, and frankly years at this point, our community has been engaged in an ongoing conversation around economic development. We have discussed everything from hiring an economic development consultant (which we did) to incentivizing certain business types through electric or tax reductions (which has been discussed but not implemented) and everything in between.
As many of you might expect, economic development is not something that just happens. It takes years of concerted effort and commitment to bring to fruition. I am happy to report that despite the challenges of the pandemic, Lansdale’s business environment continues to grow and attract new ventures, and specifically, business ventures that expand upon our landscape in ways that we have not had previously.
Just this past week, The Healthy Shack opened their doors as one of the key businesses on the ground floor of the Madison apartment complex (at the corner of Madison St. and Wood St.). The Healthy Shack is a place for residents to get a fast and healthy meal that doesn’t break the bank and is easily accessible. Everything from the location to the food options delivers on a specific target market that has become a mainstay in Lansdale: Millennials and Millennials with families.
The Millennial generation is, for most communities, the fastest growing market in the area. They are trying to buy houses, have families, and are entering their pre-peak earning years (30s – 40s). They are spending more and, crucial to this generation, they are more interested in spending that money on experiences and atmosphere and less interested in spending money on “things.” The Healthy Shack fits this Millennial mold perfectly. It is a unique experience that allows parents and healthy consumers to keep pace with their busy lifestyle.
Lansdale’s median age is 39 and is expected to remain constant over the next several years. This means we are a ripe community for businesses to target Millennials and use as a launching point for our ongoing economic development efforts.
In the coming months, our community will continue to see our economic efforts pay dividends. A brewery/tasting room is hoping to open in the soon-to-be-former Wister’s location, and additionally, it is expected that an escape room is planned to take over where the CBD store was. Critically, both businesses are located on Main Street. Both are looking to capitalize on the desire for Millennials (and others) to seek out experiences that help them feel more connected to their community.
Obviously, this does not mean our economic development challenges are over. We must continue to find new ways to attract small businesses to our community and showcase just how much everyone can gain by calling Lansdale home. However, it is welcomed and positive news that despite the challenges of COVID Lansdale continues to expand our downtown and not just subsist but thrive. There is more we can, and should, do, to aide in our economic development, but for now I am thankful that our community continues to move forward, together.
(Mayoral Musings is a weekly op-ed column submitted to North Penn Now, courtesy of Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert. The views expressed are his own.)
See also:
Mayoral Musings: Fall Fun and A New Lansdale Beer Garden
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale Train Station Takes its Place in History
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale Officially Turns 150 Wednesday, Community Picnic to be Held in Evening
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale’s 150th Anniversary Parade
Mayoral Musings: Lansdale Solar Power Program Update
