Volume 44, Issue 10
DVRPC Launches Data Center
DVRPC data and applications are now available in a new centralized location. The Data Center makes it easier to access data and applications published by DVRPC for planning purposes. Users can search for datasets using keywords or they can browse the data catalog by topic, such as demographics and housing, imagery, boundaries, and more. The Data Center also features maps and applications, which are built upon the datasets found in the data catalog and provide streamlined access to many important subjects.
Watch out for future content and enhancements as the site continues to develop. If you have suggestions for how to improve the Data Center, please reach out at data@dvrpc.org.
Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) Committee Seeks New Members
The Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) is the federally mandated, regionally owned planning process designed to build capacity and guide the economic prosperity and resiliency of Greater Philadelphia. Regions must update their strategy at least every five years to qualify for U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) financial assistance.
An inclusive economic development strategy relies on input and participation from the CEDS Committee. There will be virtual workshop sessions to discuss the individual themes from the current CEDS: economic, social, and environmental goals. The webinars will meet to discuss economic goals on April 17 and 24; social goals on April 18 and 25; and environmental goals on April 19 and 26. Committee members may attend one or all of the workshops.
If you are interested in joining the committee, please contact Karen Cilurso, Associate Director, Livable Communities, at kpcilurso@dvrpc.org.
Celebrate Trails on April 22
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy created Celebrate Trails Day in 2013. Held annually on the fourth Saturday of April, the day celebrates the nation’s trails, promoting wellness, an appreciation of the outdoors, and active transportation. This year Celebrate Trails Day is Saturday, April 22.
DVRPC facilitates the building, improvement, and expansion of trails throughout the region for all to enjoy through our Regional Trail Program’s investment in the Circuit Trails–Greater Philadelphia's 800-plus-mile network of multi-use trails. The Circuit Trails network not only provides access to the region's rivers, creeks, and streams, but it also allows safer and more efficient travel by bicycle or foot between homes, businesses, parks, schools, and community centers, all free from motorized traffic.
At the February meeting, the DVRPC board approved $860,000 in grants for 11 trails and trail connections in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. These projects, like those previously funded, are important investments in the region’s Circuit Trails and advance community connections to the network. In March, the Circuit Trails hit another major milestone when the Chester Valley Trail Extension was completed. The project added 3.8 miles to the Chester Valley Trail, connecting two of the region’s significant trails, the Schuylkill River Trail and Chester Valley Trail, at a junction in Norristown.
Explore a new trail this spring and share your experience with us on social media at @DVRPC and @circuittrails. To learn more about the Circuit Trails and review which trails are currently available to explore, visit our Circuit Trails web map.
Join Us for The Halo Effect: How E-Commerce Can Actually Save Main Street
Join DVRPC on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 2:00 - 3:15 pm, for “The Halo Effect: How E-Commerce Can Actually Save Main Street.” This webinar will highlight findings from a recently updated inventory and analysis of 75 retail districts of Greater Philadelphia and feature presentations from a panel of experts. Observations from the analysis include a symbiotic relationship that existed between the region’s brick-and-mortar retail districts and e-commerce during the pandemic. Within the retail industry, this type of relationship has been termed “the Halo Effect.” In addition to the presentation from DVRPC staff, panelists will discuss relevant retail trends, as well as local digital adoption and post-pandemic curbside management strategies. Learn more and register.
We Want to Hear From You: Spring Engagement Opportunities
The Chinatown Stitch: Reconnecting Philadelphia to Vine Street - This project explores capping a portion of the Vine Street Expressway. A cap is a bridge or structure built over a highway that allows for uses such as parks, open space, or commercial and residential buildings. Share your thoughts on how a cap might be used by taking the survey, which is available in Chinese, English, and Spanish on the City of Philadelphia website.
Our Streets: A Trenton Bike Plan for All - Do you bike, walk, roll, or drive around Trenton? We want to make getting around safer. Join the Our Streets: A Trenton Bike Plan for All team at one of two community events to share feedback on a proposed bike network:
- Tuesday, April 25, from 6 - 8 pm, at Jennye Stubblefield Senior Center, 301 Prospect St, Trenton, NJ 08618
- Sunday, May 7, from 1 - 3 pm, at Samuel Naples Community Center, 611 Chestnut Ave, Trenton, NJ 08611
In addition to sharing your feedback, enjoy free food and Mister Softee ice cream, take part in family-friendly art activities, and enter to win bike and grocery gift cards. You can also bring your bike in for a free tune-up and test out a protected bike lane. Spanish language translation will be available. Learn more at www.drvpc.org/ourstreets.
Burlington County Downtown Access for Bicyclists & Pedestrians - DVRPC wants to improve bike and pedestrian safety in Maple Shade, Marlton, and Columbus by making roads safer for all users. Come view their recommendations and share your thoughts at one of the following events:
- April 30, 8 am, at Second Chance Yard Sale (57 Collins Lane, Maple Shade, NJ 08052)
- May 11, from 4:30-7:30 pm, at Evesham Library (984 Tuckerton Road, Marlton, NJ 08053)
A third event is also being scheduled to take place in Columbus in May.
If you’re unable to attend in person, you can view the recommendations and share your thoughts online from April 25 to May 12, 2023. Learn more at www.dvrpc.org/burlingtonco.
FY24 NJ TCDI Grant Program Application Deadline is April 28
DVRPC is accepting applications from eligible entities in the four-county New Jersey area of the DVRPC region for the FY 2024 Transportation and Community Development Initiative (TCDI) grant program. The deadline for applications is April 28, 2023.
TCDI is a competitive grant opportunity for local governments, transportation management associations (TMAs), and transit agencies to support smart growth initiatives that implement the Connections 2050 Plan for Greater Philadelphia. Up to $600,000 is available. Unlike in years past, a local match is no longer required.
On February 15th, DVRPC held an information webinar for interested applicants. The PowerPoint slides, Zoom recording, and FAQs from the session are available on the Application Portal login page. Direct any questions or concerns to Spencer K. Gober, Associate Manager, Office of Community and Economic Development, at sgober@dvrpc.org.
The Pennsylvania TCDI program will be available in 2024.
Upcoming Online LTAP Classes in PA and NJ
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 offered through Pennsylvania and New Jersey LTAP programs, but are open to any municipality.
Upcoming classes:
Traffic Counts Drop-in Session
Virtual
April 6, 2023 (11:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Work Zone Safety Awareness for Local Police
Virtual
April 13, 2023 (8:00 am - 12:00 pm)
Visit Rutgers Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation to see the 2022 schedule of LTAP courses in New Jersey.
Visit PennDOT's LTAP website to view the course descriptions and register. For any questions, contact Najah Jackson at njackson@dvrpc.org or 215-238-2836.
Staff Profile: Kim Korejko, Manager, Office of Data Coordination
What did you want to be growing up? I was a dancer when I was young, and I wanted to be a ballerina. I also wanted to be the first female meteorologist on TV. When I grew up in the 1980s, local news stations had “weather personalities” who were all men, but then Cecily Tynan came aboard and I was like, darn, Cecily beat me to it.
What was your first job? I worked as a server at a bingo hall when I was 14, which helped me make my lunch money for each week. I stayed in the food industry after that.
What did you study in college? When I went into college, I wasn’t sure which path I wanted to take. I became a geology major, switched to meteorology, and then switched to food sciences. I was at Rutgers-New Brunswick, and I realized too many options for me was a bad thing, so I transferred to Rowan University, which was more focused. There I discovered geography, which was sort of studying all of these things, and it was through geography that I was introduced to GIS and mapping.
How did you end up at DVRPC? I saw an internship opportunity for the GIS department at DVRPC on the job board at Rowan. I started as an intern right after I graduated, and then three months into my internship, a staff position opened up and I was hired.
What has changed about your responsibilities over time? I was working in our GIS department, but I started to get more focused on the data management part of things. In 2016, a data coordinator position based on my skills was created–it included the data management and coordination I was already doing with GIS data, but expanded that coordination to the entire planning team. Now I have a broader scope of responsibilities in data management and data coordination.
What is your favorite part of working at DVRPC? Definitely the staff. I think we have really amazing, talented people on staff, and they’re great to interact with. Everyone is so fantastic. We’re lucky to have the people we do on our team.
If you were Monarch for a day, how would you improve the region? I would expand public transportation for everybody. I grew up going to Walt Disney World, and I was obsessed with the monorail. They also had a ride called the PeopleMover, which is really just a tram car that drives people around. I always wanted there to be little tram cars throughout the streets, so people wouldn’t have to hop in their cars to get around.
What is something colleagues don’t know about you? I’ve been on television a few times. Those from the region might remember there was a variety show on Channel 6 on the weekends called The Al Alberts Showcase. Back when I was a dancer, I performed on it several times. I also was on a short-lived TLC show about new mothers.
Who is someone you wish you could speak to? I think about my grandparents all the time and how they helped shape who I am today. I would like to talk to them again.
What is your favorite leisure activity? I love baking. I have a really big family, and we have a lot of birthday parties, so I am in charge of making the cakes. And I recently have gotten into breadmaking.
Are you a cat or dog person? I’m a dog person. I have a little cockapoo named Emmet, and he is my buddy.
What is the most meaningful item in your house? I have a couple pieces of furniture I inherited from my grandparents.
What are you looking forward to most at work in the next year? I’m most excited about the development of the Data Center. I’m excited to work with our planning partners, to engage them, and understand how they use the Data Center to make sure it fits their needs. I’m looking forward to the Data Center becoming a really powerful tool.