DVRPC News: February 2014

Volume 35, Issue 8
February 2014

 

DVRPC to Fund $2.2 million in Local Planning Projects through TCDI Grant Program

Local and county governments in Greater Philadelphia will have an opportunity to improve their communities through a grant program funded by DVRPC. The Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grants provide a mechanism for municipalities to undertake locally directed actions to improve their communities, supporting local, county, and regional planning goals. TCDI funds planning, analysis or design initiatives that implement the region's long-range plan, Connections 2040, and enhance or improve the efficiency of the regional transportation system.

Applications must be submitted online to DVRPC by 5 p.m. on May 30, 2014. Prior to submitting a completed TCDI application, applicants must attend the pre-application meeting on Tuesday, March 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. at DVRPC. DVRPC staff will provide instructions on the application process, project evaluation, project selection, and contracting process.

Complete application and supplemental information is available at www.dvrpc.org/tcdi.

 

Investing in People and Places Series

DVRPC is holding a series of events titled "Investing in People and Places" to discuss the region's economic development priorities. The "Investing in People and Places" series is part of DVRPC's effort to update the region's Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS), which is required by the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) every five years.

Join DVRPC, the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia, the Southern New Jersey Development Council, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, Select Greater Philadelphia, and other economic development leaders at one, two, or all three of the "Investing in People and Places" events to discuss Greater Philadelphia's priorities for economic development, public investment, job creation, and talent retention and attraction. The agenda for each event is posted on the CEDS project webpage.

Philadelphia
Friday, March 14, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
RSVP: dvrpc.ticketleap.com/investing-in-people-and-places---philadelphia

Southeastern Pennsylvania
Thursday, March 20, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
RSVP: dvrpc.ticketleap.com/investing-in-people-and-places---montgomery-county

Southern New Jersey
Friday, April 11, 2014
8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
RSVP: dvrpc.ticketleap.com/investing-in-people-and-places---camden-county

More information about the CEDS update and supporting events is available on our website.

 

March 4th Strategies for Older Suburbs Roundtable

DVRPC's roundtable series highlights challenges that older suburbs and downtowns are facing. The Strategies for Older Suburbs Roundtable Series provides a means for networking and exchanging ideas with similar organizations facing the same concerns. This roundtable will feature presentations on creating cooperative businesses followed by peer discussion.

Cooperative businesses, from credit unions to grocery stores, are anchors in many of our small towns, urban neighborhoods, and downtown districts. As communities look to fill vacant storefronts, meet residents' needs, and foster local economic development, more are looking at starting or supporting new cooperative businesses. Two established cooperatives - one an artist co-op, the other a food co-op - will share their experiences.

The roundtable will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2014, 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. in DVRPC's Main Conference Room. Breakfast will be provided.

Please RSVP by Monday, March 3 to kpcilurso@dvrpc.org.

 

Save the Date - The Future of Bikeshare Transit Systems

"The Future of Bikeshare Transit Systems" will be shown at DVRPC's offices on Wednesday, March 5 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The Association of Pedestrian and Bicycle Professionals (APBP) will provide attendance certificates to those who document their professional development hours; each 90-minute webinar provides 1.5 hours of training (.15 CEU). APBP applies to the AICP for 1.5 Certification Maintenance credits for each webinar.

Please visit dvrpc.ticketleap.com/apbp-webinar-the-future-of-bikeshare-transit-systems to register.

 

US 30 Eastern Radnor Township Traffic and Circulation Study Completed

DVRPC recently completed a study of the US 30/Lancaster Avenue corridor that runs through the heart of Eastern Radnor Township and the campus of Villanova University. The road is adversely affected by high traffic volumes, peak-hour congestion, and high-volume pedestrian crossings. During the study, pedestrian and vehicular traffic conditions were assessed in order to alleviate congestion and inform the university's plan to transform neighboring land. The university's current Design Concept for Lancaster Avenue contains a plan to redevelop the main parking lot on US 30 into residential student housing, as well as a small retail area, a parking garage, and a performing arts center.

Utilizing VISSIM software, the study area was modeled under existing conditions and various improvement scenarios. Transportation improvements were recommended with the goal of reducing congestion, decreasing delay at signalized intersections, and creating a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians. In addition, the pedestrian counts collected through the study were used to inform the design for a proposed pedestrian overpass at Church Walk, which will efficiently channel pedestrian traffic and improve safety. Overall, these transportation improvements will reduce traffic and improve congestion.

The US 30 Eastern Radnor Township Traffic and Circulation Study is available here.

Visit designconceptforlancasteravenue.com for more information about Villanova University's Design Concept for Lancaster Avenue.