Volume 43, Issue 3
Experimental Pop-Ups Come to Collingswood and Newtown Square
DVRPC partnered with Collingswood Borough in New Jersey for the latest Experimental Pop-Ups Program (ExPo) project, All Aboard Atlantic Avenue. The complete streets demonstration featured the region’s first advisory shoulder bike lane, curb extensions with painted designs by a local artist, armadillos, flexible bollards, and a temporary curb ramp. Advisory bike lanes are a type of shared street where two-way motor vehicle traffic shares a single center lane, and edge lanes marked by dashed lines on either side are preferentially reserved for cyclists and other non-motorized users.
The demonstration project tested potential improvements stemming from the 2020 Connect Collingswood and Haddon Township’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan, which was funded through DVRPC’s TCDI grant program. It provided an opportunity to collect data and community feedback, which will help guide future infrastructure priorities. The project was a partnership between DVRPC, Collingswood Borough, Cross County Connection Transportation Management Association, Camden County, and PATCO, and ran from August 14 through September 3, 2021.
Next up for the ExPo program is a traffic calming pilot project at St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania. The project kicks off on September 18 with The Circle at Sundown, an event with music, food, and drinks. Learn more about the ExPo program.
Three DVRPC Public Comment Periods End
DVRPC recently completed public comment periods for three required MPO planning processes: The Draft Federal Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for New Jersey, the Draft Connections 2050 Long-Range Plan (LRP) and the Draft Conformity Demonstration.
The Draft FY2022 TIP for NJ received over 120 comments responding to the list of the region's federally funded transportation improvement priorities. It includes 140 highway and transit capital projects and represents over $2.1 billion of transportation infrastructure investment in the counties of Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, and Mercer.
The Draft Connections 2050 Long-Range Plan (LRP) received a record amount of responses from the public, totalling 495 comments, with more received after the commenting deadline. DVRPC updates the Long-Range Plan every four years to maintain the federally required 20-year horizon.
The final public comment period ended on September 8th for the Draft Conformity Demonstration for the Draft Connections 2050 Long-Range Plan (LRP), FY2021 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) for Pennsylvania, and Draft FY2022 TIP for New Jersey. A Conformity Determination is conducted to ensure transportation investments will not negatively impact the region’s ability to meet or maintain federal air quality standards.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to review and comment on these important documents. All three processes are scheduled to be adopted at the DVRPC Board meeting on September 23, 2021.
DVRPC and TMAs Encourage Commuters to Get Back on Transit
DVRPC’s Air Quality Partnership produced a video Public Service Announcement (PSA) to encourage people to get back on transit. Regional transit ridership is at about 50% of pre-pandemic levels. The video features messages from the Transportation Management Associations (TMAs) in southeastern Pennsylvania, and highlights safety precautions that SEPTA is taking to keep riders and employees safe.
Check it out on DVRPC’s YouTube channel.
Upcoming Grant Application Deadlines
DVRPC currently has two application rounds open for the New Jersey Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program and the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program.
New Jersey Department of Transportation (NDOT) is now accepting applications for the 2022 SRTS program. It enables and encourages children, including those with disabilities, to walk and bike to school. Funding is available for the construction of infrastructure projects such as sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes, multiuse paths, and traffic calming measures. See the SRTS website for more information.
DVRPC and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) have opened an application round for the Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program. This competitive program provides federal funds for community-based “nontraditional” forms of surface transportation such as walking and biking. There is at least $18 million available statewide, and approximately $8 million available in the five-county DVRPC region.
Final applications are due on October 15, 2021. Pre-application meetings with DVRPC staff to determine project applicability and readiness are required. For more information, program guidance, and access to the application, visit DVRPC’s TA Set-Aside Program website and PennDOT’s website.
New Report: A River Reconnected: The Challenges and Opportunities of Public Access to the Tidal Delaware River
The coastal waterfront of Pennsylvania along the Delaware River is a vast and dynamic ecological system that has served the region in a variety of ways throughout history. In recent decades, priorities have shifted towards public access and reconnecting the river to the communities along its banks.
This new study explores the region’s public access to the Delaware River and includes historical trends, present-day projects, and future plans. It also explores the barriers to people’s access experienced throughout the region, highlights the benefits of improving and increasing access, and concludes with a series of recommendations that will help increase the quality and quantity of public access opportunities.
Read A River Reconnected: The Challenges and Opportunities of Public Access to the Tidal Delaware River.
#DiverseDowntowns Contest Announces Winning Photos
DVRPC recently completed the #DiverseDowntowns Photo Contest. Three photos were selected as winners, and the photographer for each was awarded a gift card to their favorite local business. The photo contest was part of a larger promotion of a recent analysis and accompanying social media campaign completed on the resiliency of the region’s downtowns during COVID-19 shutdowns and reopening.
What are #DiverseDowntowns? Greater Philadelphia’s #DiverseDowntowns are vibrant places with a mix of civic, cultural, office, residential and retail uses. They have varied architecture, bustling businesses, entertainment venues, and recreational opportunities. You can reach them by foot, bike, public transit, or car. DVRPC’s analysis found that these economically, physically, and socially diverse downtowns were generally more resilient during the recent COVID-19 shutdowns and reopening than downtowns that were less so.
Check out what photos were submitted as part of the contest and learn more about #DiverseDowntowns.
Mari Gonzalez Named Al Dia 40 Under Forty
Maridarlyn (Mari) Gonzalez, DVRPC’s Administrative & Outreach Coordinator, was recently named one of the 40 Under Forty by Al Dia Media. Mari was critical in keeping the commission’s work moving forward during the COVID-19 pandemic, and she continually supports DVRPC staff through technical training, planning, technical assistance, and meetings, and collaborating on project collaboration. Mari helps manage the Public Participation Task Force, which provides interested residents ongoing access to the regional planning and decision-making processes. Mari is pursuing her Masters degree in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Geodesign at Thomas Jefferson University. In addition, she is involved in her local community of North Philadelphia and serves as the Community Affairs Chair for the Philadelphia Chapter of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC).
Learn more about Mari and the 40 Under Forty awards here.
Rack ’Em Up Bike Parking Design Competition
The Philadelphia Parking Authority and partner agencies, including DVRPC, launched a design competition to reimagine bike parking in Philadelphia.
Participants are invited to develop and produce a prototype of an innovative bike corral design that preserves fire hydrant access and can be replicated and installed in locations throughout Philadelphia. The end goal for the competition is for the City of Philadelphia to install two bike corrals as a pilot project. Submissions are due September 22, 2021. To register for the competition and view the rules, design specifications, and prizes, visit rackemup.bike.
Staff Profile: Kendra Nelson, Transportation Planner
What did you want to be growing up? I didn’t know what I wanted to be for a long time. If I had to pick an alternative to being a planner though, I would say it’d be really interesting to have a blog or create videos highlighting how culture affects urban planning around the world.
What was your first job? My first job was at a Spirit Halloween store when I was sixteen. It was fun running around getting skulls and costumes for people. And all of the decorations made it feel like working in a mini amusement park. But my first job in planning was as an intern for my local Planning and Zoning Office during community college.
What did you study in college? In high school, I attended an engineering academy which was mostly mechanical. Before graduating from Rutgers with a Planning degree, I continued engineering at community college for a little bit, but ended my degree as a liberal arts major.
How did you end up at DVRPC? I met a couple of DVRPC employees throughout my college career before applying for the Fellowship position who encouraged me to look for opportunities there. First was Kwan Hui, who I met when I was interning at my local planning and zoning office. Second was Betsy Mastaglio, who I met when I was working as a research assistant for the Voorhees Transportation Center.
What are your responsibilities / What has changed over time? There has definitely been a big transition in the types of projects that I work on from my fellowship position to my full time position with the Office of Mobility Analysis and Design. But I’d say overall that the fellowship position really helped me make a much smoother transition.
What is your favorite part of working at DVRPC? Everyone was immediately hospitable and took the time to explain the gaps in my knowledge. It really helped alleviate some of the initial nervousness.
If you were Monarch for a day, how would you improve the region? I would like to provide each community with the opportunity to revitalize their local centers by offering grants for façade improvements, small business assistance, and of course putting in a bunch of bike/ped plans.
What is your work/life philosophy? I need to know I’ve done good work, so I can relax. And I need to relax to do good work.
What 3 words best describe you? Inquisitive, energetic, friendly
What is something colleagues don’t know about you? I’m a big book nerd. When I was a kid, books were the main thing on my Christmas list.
What actor would play you in the movie version of your life? Amandla Stenberg
What is your favorite leisure activity? During the pandemic, I dabbled into a lot of hobbyish activities like hand sewing, baking, and I even attempted to DIY book bind an old paperback.
What is your recent obsession? I used to watch a lot of Masterpiece Classics on PBS, so ever since the streaming services picked it up I’ve been rewatching a lot of Downton Abbey.
What is the last book you read? Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman.
What are your top 3 places you want to travel to? Since I have family in Germany, I always like going there. But specifically, I want to go to Paris and Tokyo.
Are you a cat or dog person? I don’t have anything against cats, but I’m a dog person.
What is a recent gift you’ve given or received? My sister gifted me a pair of strawberry earrings that are both obnoxious and fantastic.
What is the most meaningful item in your house? Hands down, my dog.
What are you looking forward to the most, post-pandemic? Having a more active routine.
Upcoming Online LTAP Classes
The Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) provides technical information and expertise to help municipal governments use transportation funds more effectively, improve road maintenance, and increase roadway safety. Classes are held by Pennsylvania and New Jersey LTAP programs, but are open to any municipality.
Upcoming online classes:
Introduction to Traffic Studies
September 14, 2021 (8:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Engineering and Traffic Studies
September 13- 14, 2021 (4:00 pm – 7:00 pm)
Visit Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation to see the 2021 schedule of LTAP courses in New Jersey. Visit PennDOT's LTAP website to view the course descriptions and register. For any questions, contact Linda McNeffer at lmcneffer@dvrpc.org or 215-238-2872.