Redeveloping a two-mile section of the Route 51 corridor that runs through Baldwin, Brentwood and Whitehall has been the goal of a group of business owners for more than a decade. The Brentwood Economic Development Corp., a nonprofit that now calls itself the Economic Development South, was formed for that purpose.

The group's initial success is evident in the new commercial district called Brentwood Town Square. But still the group and its chairman, John Slater, realized several years ago that the difficulty of acquiring blighted properties through eminent domain required a revised strategy and a professional planning firm.

EDS recently received an $85,000 state grant and has hired Homestead-based Urban Design Ventures for this task.

Last week, Mr. Slater and representatives of Urban Design presented Baldwin officials with maps and preliminary details of a strategic plan that identifies 17 borough business areas between Stewart Avenue at the northern end of Route 51 to Stilley Road on its southern end for potential renovation and/or redevelopment.

Portions on and off Brownsville Road also were targeted.

Mark Patrick of Urban Design reported that an undisclosed developer has expressed an interest in constructing three buildings on the site of the former Verscharens grocery and variety center at Greenlee Road and Route 51. He said plans for a restaurant, bank and retail shop "could provide the impetus for other businesses."

Walter Haglund, president of the planning firm, said revitalization efforts would focus on what types of businesses are needed in the area, and he also outlined plans to connect the three boroughs to a bike and walking trail that would join the Montour Trail.

"We hope to keep and attract younger families,'' he said. "There are right-of way issues to be resolved, but it is a viable idea."

Although not part of this redevelopment effort, Mr. Slater said that a Green Tree-based development company, Burns and Scalo Real Estate Services, has plans to purchase and redevelop a Curry Road strip mall in Baldwin Borough where Salvatore's Restaurant is located.

"Positive things are beginning to take shape, and we are optimistic for the area's future," Mr. Slater said.

As part of the long-term redevelopment plan, Urban Design Ventures will ask shoppers to fill out surveys to get their ideas.