Washington DC--On Wednesday September 7^th, U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz will join Jenkintown Borough Officials at Jenkintown Borough Hall for a ground breaking ceremony to launch the York Road streetscape project. Schwartz helped secure $800,000 for the project, which will improve the quality of life for Jenkintown’s residents and provide more opportunity for economic development for the community.

Jenkintown Borough’s Streetscape plans began as a way to improve pedestrian traffic through the core of the business district along Route 611. Borough Officials, business and property owners have also recognized this project is a crucial component in economic development and revitalization for the Borough’s business district.

“This streetscape project will encourage economic opportunity in the downtown area and create a safer environment for pedestrians and vehicular traffic,” Schwartz said. “As a strong proponent of improving neighborhoods across Pennsylvania, I worked to advance this important project to improve the quality of life for the residents and businesses of Jenkintown.”

The project will span the east side of York Road (Route 611) from just north of Summit Avenue and run north to Homestead Road. On the west side, it will start just north of Summit Avenue and run north to Cherry Street. It will feature new sidewalks, curbs, shade trees, benches and light fixtures. Funding from the project was provided by the Federal Transportation Bill, SafeTea-Lu, the Montgomery County Community Revitalization Program, PennDOT and the Borough.

Borough officials hope the project, which will create a buffer from York Road, will provide relief for pedestrians who in the past felt vulnerable from automobile traffic, and offer an economic boost to the business community. 

“Jenkintown is such a great community to live in, but we want more for our residents and visitors,” Borough Council President Allyson Dobbs said. “We want to create an environment that mimics more of a downtown main street feel, where pedestrians feel comfortable to walk and shop along York Road, and in turn business owners feel they are in an environment to open up and welcome patrons and business.”

WHO:             U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz

Jenkintown Borough Officials

Local businesses and residents

WHEN:           Wednesday September 7, 2011

9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

WHERE:         Jenkintown Borough Hall

700 Summit Avenue

Jenkintown, PA 19046

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