LOWER MERION – Although they’ve been planning on doing the work, Lower Merion hopes a county grant will help fund bike and pedestrian improvements in Bala Cynwyd.
In a resolution approved by the commissioners this week, Lower Merion will apply for a $200,000 grant that includes the township matching at least 20 percent or $40,000.
According to Chris Leswing, director of building and planning for Lower Merion, the grant would offset $925,000 in costs that have already been identified in Lower Merion’s Capital Improvement Program for the bike and pedestrian improvements in Bala Cynwyd.
“The county program would help us to offset costs of construction, infrastructure and site work,” Leswing said. “This grant is completely consistent with the comprehensive plan and with the township’s township transportation demand management policy.”
The grant is part of the Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program and is designed to help municipalities make targeted improvements that work with the goals of Montgomery County’s comprehensive plan on issues of connected communities, sustainable places and encouraging a vibrant economy.
The work that is planned is designed to improve pedestrian and bike safety on East Levering Mill Road from Conshohocken State Road to Belmont Avenue. It will complete the connections between the Cynwyd Trail and Belmont Avenue’s commercial area. It will also connect those areas with Cynwyd Elementary and Bala Cynwyd Middle School.
“This is something that is whole hardily supported by the neighborhood – the Bala Walks organization,” said Bala Commissioner David McComb. “It goes to bike and pedestrian safety. It increases access to the Cynwyd Heritage Trail not just for Bala residents but for people throughout the township, so it’s a great program, and I commend the staff for identifying this funding opportunity.”
