In 2009, the 200 block of Kline Street in West Reading was the target of nine incidents of graffiti vandalism. With a plethora of garages and little street surveillance, the Ten Points neighborhood enclave was an easy target.
With the knowledge that community murals can often deter such vandalism–look no further than an hour south at Philadelphia’s world-renowned Mural Arts Program–the Ten Points Neighborhood Action Committee has raised funds and engaged local arts to work with local students and create a Mural Corridor.
Six murals have been completed thus far, including installations that depict West Reading landmarks like the Reading Hospital, VF Outlet, and Third and Spruce Cafe. The Ten Points NAC, which resides in one of more than 30 Elm Street communities, as designated by the state’s Department of Community and Economic Development.
“We are like a neighborhood group on steroids,” says Dave Weidenhammer, the chair of Ten Points.
In the last five years, more than $850,000 has been invested in the four-block Ten Points neighborhood, including streetscape and housing improvement projects. The work in Ten Points, including a community garden, has helped strengthen West Reading’s business district into a destination with a wanderable network of 144 upscale specialty stores, restaurants and galleries.
Joe Petrucci is managing editor of Keystone Edge. Send feedback here.
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Photos courtesy of West Reading Elm Street