Matthew Bergheiser, new Director of UCD, explains organization’s core elements at Spruce Hill Annual Meeting

UC Review: Matthew Bergheiser, new Director of UCD, explains organization’s core elements at Spruce Hill Annual Meeting

Many University City residents might associate the University City District (UCD) with the men in yellow who keep the district’s streets clean. Though that’s only one facet of the organization’s scope. That’s why, in part, Matt Bergheiser, the UCD’s Director since July 1st explained the non-profit’s main objectives at the annual Spruce Hill meeting last Tuesday, November 10th.

And while Bergheiser’s tenure at the UCD might be short, his familiarity with the district isn’t.

“It feels like a homecoming,” said Bergheiser explaining how he initially came to Philadelphia fifteen years ago as a graduate student. Afterwards he worked at the Enterprise Center for six years then moved onto a center much like the UCD in Trenton, N.J.

“It’s wonderfully exciting,” said Bergheiser of his return to the two and a half mile district, which he explained encompasses 29th Street and the Schuylkill River on the east; on the west, 50th Street; on the north, Spring Garden Street (to 40th Street), Powelton Avenue (to 44th Street), and Market Street; and on the south, Civic Center Boulevard, University Avenue and Woodland Avenue.

Of the UCD’s main goals, Bergheiser then explained that they include four core components: Clean and Safe, Commercial Corridors, Public Space as well as Marketing and Promotions.