Fishtown, one of Philadelphia’s trendiest neighborhoods, is about to get even more charming with the addition of solar-powered string lights along Frankford Avenue. These magical lights will illuminate the 2400 block of Frankford Avenue, near the York Avenue roundabout, creating a whimsical and safe ambiance for locals and visitors alike.
The $6,500 light installation is just the beginning of a series of such projects planned by the Fishtown Business Improvement District (BID). The goal is to enhance safety and curb appeal throughout the neighborhood, making it a more inviting and secure place for everyone.
According to Marc Collazzo, the Executive Director of the Fishtown BID, the benefits of the new lights go beyond aesthetics. “There’s so many benefits to this, because even while you’re walking and looking and saying, ‘Oh, these are pretty,’ it’s just safer to be out with the extra lighting,” he said. The lights can change color, operate year-round, and be controlled via phone apps by nearby business owners.
The chosen block for the first set of lights was selected due to recent development in the area, including the opening of the roundabout and new businesses like Valerio Coffee and Picnic. Collazzo believes that the lighting will further enhance the vibrant atmosphere of the neighborhood.
The next block in line for the solar-powered string lights is the 2200 block of Frankford, set to be lit up with festive colors like red, green, and blue by the holidays. Future plans include installing lights at other key intersections in Fishtown, creating a magical pedestrian avenue on Martha Street, and more.
While residential blocks won’t be part of the program, the Fishtown BID is committed to bringing this enchanting lighting experience to as much of the neighborhood as possible. Thanks to funding from the Philadelphia Activities Fund and the BID itself, these lights are set to become a staple of Fishtown’s charm.
Collazzo expressed his hopes that the lights will complement the ongoing developments in Fishtown and showcase the neighborhood’s unique charm. “They’re enhanced lighting, they add something artistic, almost,” he said. “But they’re not these blinding, neon lights that I think would become very problematic. They accentuate what’s there.”