Urban art is as old as the streets themselves. In the ancient cities of Athens, Rome and Cairo, street artists drew and carved on the walls of marketplaces and public buildings to express thoughts.

In those times, it could have been a tribute to a god or spiritual being or pictures of past glory, to name a few possible themes.

In most cities in the United States, one can also see beautiful murals, again in a variety of themes.

The urban art appreciation by residents has filtered down to local communities. Catasauqua is one of them.

Some Catasauqua residents and elected officials believe the borough of about 6,000 residents may be on the cusp of a renaissance - a growth and development not seen since its early-19th-century days when the west side of Front Street was lined with successful industries.

East Front Street had a bank, local watering holes, social clubs, restaurants and other small businesses. They accommodated residents’ and workers’ needs.

Urban art and street murals benefit a community by potentially generating relationships between businesses and residents, creating a sense of a safer community, stimulating a more robust economic climate and contributing to the beauty of the neighborhood.

Catasauqua Main Streets, the borough’s business owners association, was founded in 2000 with a mission of “Revitalization through Art and Beautification” in the Catasauqua business district, according to its Facebook page.

Kim Brubaker, a Main Streets leader, said the group is sponsoring a permanent mural located beside Catasauqua Community Food Bank. She noted the preliminary work is done, but Main Streets is seeking an artist to complete the mural.

“We are looking to have the mural possess a forward-looking, Catasauqua community theme,” Brubaker said.

Community activist Melissa Brown is excited about the Front Street improvements, including the mural.

“I think it will enhance the Front Street area,” Brown said.

Catasauqua Borough Council member Debra Mellish said the addition of murals to the business district “is wonderful,” adding it makes the district more special and appealing. Mellish, along with Catasauqua Main Streets, is a strong supporter of the Front Street and the Iron Works projects.

Several other road and intersection projects are also on tap for the area.

The area’s renaissance may include an inviting streetscape, new and refurbished businesses, easier pedestrian and vehicular street access, a heightened sense of community and an artistic flair that tasteful street art can provide.