(a) Rockdale Arts District is located in the historic section of Aston Township known as Rockdale, which was once a thriving industrial center in the 18th and 19th centuries, as described in the book "Rockdale: The Growth of an American Village in the Early Industrial Revolution" by Anthony F.C. Wallace.
(b) During that period, Mount Road was the main street of Rockdale and it was lined with store fronts, a newspaper press, a funeral home, movie theater, churches, bars and restaurants, and residences; all of which served the workers of the nearby textile mills along Chester Creek. Everything the workers needed was within walking distance built into the rolling hills and valley around the creek.
(c) The goal of Rockdale Arts District is to support the growth of a vibrant, welcoming, creative community in the old mill town of Rockdale along Chester Creek in Aston Township.
(d) The visual, performing and cultural arts in the Township of Aston include a valuable inventory of museums, galleries, performing arts venues, activities for families and children, special events and programs. These assets have contributed significantly to the township's economic base, overall quality of life, and growing reputation as a home for artists and art facilities.
(e) The purpose of the Rockdale Arts Overlay District (hereafter referred as RAOD) is to encourage a mix of small-scale, creative home business uses and arts related businesses in commercial spaces oriented toward or supporting the visual, performing, and cultural arts, while maintaining the residential character of the underlying residential neighborhood. This overlay district establishes enclaves predominantly within single family residential neighborhoods where artists may live, create work, and market their art. Regulations are established to promote and achieve optimal conditions for artist functions, while maintaining adequate protection for the adjacent properties.
(Ord. 1018, passed 10-20-2021)