During an era when Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are threatened by government actions, legal challenges, and cuts by many major U.S. corporations, the Mt. Airy Community Development Corporation (CDC) remains committed to its mission. That guiding principle, “To preserve, empower, and enrich a vibrant and diverse Mt. Airy,” keeps the northwest neighborhood a welcoming place for people of all backgrounds.
And they’ve been at it for a while. To celebrate the 45th anniversary of Mt. Airy CDC, Taste of Mt. Airy, will take over the historic Cliveden Trust on Saturday, May 17. This new event showcases the neighborhood’s growing culinary community, featuring several of its restaurants, bars and caterers, including Bar Lizette, The Frosted Fox, Flat Belly Veg, High Point Cafe, Kozie’s Water Ice & Ice Cream, Malelani Cafe, Mt. Airy Coffee Co., Party On the Go, and Toska Restaurant & Brewery.
“Nothing has changed”
Mt. Airy CDC Communications Manager Andrea Calabretta explained, “We’ve been doing this work for the last 45 years and nothing has changed for us [since the election]. We are not intending to change our mission.” The CDC’s work is carried out through four distinct program areas that all contribute to supporting the growth of businesses and individuals in the neighborhood: housing counseling, real estate and infrastructure support, business services, and community programs.
Calabretta believes Mt. Airy residents are uniquely committed to keeping their neighborhood diverse, citing the work of the Mt. Airy Neighborhood Diversity Initiative (MANDI), which assembled in 2020 in the wake of the tragic murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Over the last five years, this group of neighbors identified strategies for preserving neighborhood racial and economic diversity.
Calabretta said, “MANDI is an effort to bring together two associations, East Mt. Airy Neighbors and West Mt. Airy Neighbors to work together to welcome new neighbors to and educate them about Mt. Airy’s history and commitments to diversity.” MANDI organizers will be recognized at the upcoming event.
Many restaurants and other small businesses located on Germantown Avenue and the surrounding area have benefited directly from the work of Mt Airy CDC. One of the organization's main missions is to support small business and entrepreneurs with free training to help get them off the ground. The current renaissance of businesses along Germantown Avenue has its roots directly in the CDC’s work.
Dilapidated buildings and blight along what was once a thriving business corridor brought neighbors together. The original name of the group that ultimately transformed into the CDC was the Mt. Airy Village Development Corporation. That group began its work by purchasing and renovating neglected storefronts.
Helping businesses grow
Now Mt. Airy CDC’s efforts include a Go Mt. Airy Business Association (which currently includes more than 80 members), and Phillyihub, a unique platform offering services including one-on-one planning to help entrepreneurs take the steps needed to open and grow their businesses.
Restauranteur Jim Osmanollaj, who came to Philadelphia with his brothers as children fleeing war-torn former Yugoslavia, reflected on the support he received. "Mt. Airy CDC has been a true partner in our journey at Töska Restaurant and Brewery. From day one, they believed in our vision and have stood by us every step of the way. Their dedication to local businesses like ours is inspiring — always offering support, sharing ideas, and helping us grow. We’re constantly looking for new ways to evolve, and knowing we have a team like Mt. Airy CDC in our corner makes all the difference in the community"
True to the spirit of Mt. Airy, the CDC’s efforts to support local businesses call on neighbors to take an active role. Calabretta shares the recent example of a campaign to engage the community in a “reviewathon.”
“We encourage folks to leave online reviews for our local businesses. This is a simple thing to do, but really helps people from outside of the neighborhood to learn about what we have here, and to come try our restaurants and shops,” Calabretta explained.
She hopes attendees at the Taste of Mt. Airy event will get to experience dishes from restaurants that they may not have had the chance to try yet, and will hopefully go on to visit. The list of participating businesses has been growing daily and more are expected to join.
The evening will also honor State Rep. Christopher M. Rabb (D), an East Mt. Airy resident representing the 200th Legislative District, which includes both East and West Mt. Airy. Rabb is an accomplished writer and professor who is a proponent of equity and diversity and has represented the district since 2017.
The Taste of Mt. Airy is designed to be a communal celebration, offering much-needed festivity during a time when the community’s cherished values have been challenged in so many different ways. In addition to all of the delicious food and drink, local musicians Reverend Chris & the Lower 19119 will play live New Orleans jazz and swing. Guests will have the opportunity for dinner, dancing, and mingling, with an optional VIP reception.
Taste of Mt. Airy is 7-10 p.m., Saturday, May 17, with a VIP reception starting at 6 p.m. Tickets are $100, VIP tickets are $125. The event is at The Carriage House at Cliveden, 6401 Germantown Ave. For more information, visit mtairycdc.org.
