One of the charms that draws people to live in Media is its “walkability”— the ease with which people can walk to destinations in the borough. According to a survey done for the 2015 Media Borough Comprehensive Plan, walkability is one of the key factors that draw people to Media—66.67% of respondents cited walkability as their reason for living in Media, second only to “Small Town Character.” Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Measures that encourage people to walk instead of drive reduce congestion and air pollution. Good sidewalks promote the goals of increased health, better air quality and pedestrian safety for Media residents.
Not all areas of Media are completely walkable, however. There are sections where the sidewalk stops and walkers, strollers and wheelchairs must go into the street to continue to their destinations. Filling the gaps in our sidewalk network is the top Transportation Recommendation in the Comprehensive Plan, coming under the goal of “Enhance pedestrian mobility and connectivity throughout the Borough.” Borough Council is committed to maintaining and improving pedestrian access in Media and to increasing safety for pedestrians. To that end, the borough sought and received $728,000 in funding from the Congestion Mitigation Air Quality program to expand our sidewalk network, with the priority of installing sidewalks in locations where there are gaps in the existing sidewalk network.
The Borough contracted with McMahon Associates, to provide engineering services for the project. A topographical survey was completed last winter, and preliminary plans have been created. They were presented to residents who live near the proposed sidewalk construction areas in a public meeting with the Community Development Committee on June 25, 2019.
Should you have any questions or concerns about the project, please contact Karen Taussig-Lux, Grants Administrator, at ktlux@mediaborough.com, or 610-566-5210, ext. 239.
Preliminary sketches for the sidewalk areas may be viewed here.
Map of Sidewalk Projects
Plan for Haldeman Street between 2nd & 3rd