Let's Get On Board

From the BCCT.

Anyone have any information on the meeting?

Borough hears redevelopment plan
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI

Morrisville caught a glimpse into a possible future Thursday night as its Economic Development Corporation heard a presentation on revitalizing the town's economic landscape.

Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group of Newtown Township, outlined the state's Transit Revitalization Investment District grant program, which is designed to redevelop older communities surrounding transportation hubs such as train stations.

The grant proposal, if approved by the borough, would see $75,000 contributed by the state with the remaining portion funded by the borough and private donations. The money would pay for scouting of an area for revitalization - designated to be within a half-mile radius of any proposed train station; time and effort researching the area; the public process involved; and creating a management entity for it.

Any area designated for redevelopment would be deemed mixed use, creating a walkable environment with retail businesses, residences and open space.

While SEPTA has stated it has no plans to create a train station along the R7 line in Morrisville, Miller said the study would provide the borough with ammunition to make the case for one.

"They're on a learning curve," Miller said, referring to SEPTA. "They've got a way to go to get themselves around this concept."

A representative from SEPTA was not present at the meeting.

Steve Amend, chairman of the borough's economic development entity, said that if a train station is not in the borough's future the study could be used for a revitalization program surrounding the 127 bus route.

While Thursday night's presentation did not specify an exact location for redevelopment, Miller suggested that revitalization could include upgrades to Pennsylvania Avenue and additional structures created along Bridge Street.

"Communities like yours and Penndel and Croydon have the right to your future," he said. "You have the right to stand up and say we want certain things. I am convinced this program is a keeper."

SEPTA and Morrisville

From the BCCT.

The story mentions the $25,000 portion of the grant that Morrisville needs to come up with. I received an email that reported a Borough Council Member has previously applied for another transportation-oriented grant of approx. $42,000. At this point in time, there's no information available that grant was approved or not.

This is wonderful news! I have no idea who the council member is, but the idea that we could potentially already have most of the pieces in place to move this study along is great. A portion of the grant could be used to cover most of the $25,000 that Morrisville needs to provide.

I've called the borough council a do-nothing group intent on allow Morrisville to stagnate and fail. Here's a sign that at least one forward thinking council member is out there.

Planner to discuss transit ideas for borough
By: DANNY ADLER

SEPTA has no long-term plans to create a stop in Morrisville.

A professional planner will meet with Morrisville's economic development corporation this week about a possible study aimed at creating a transit-oriented borough.

The vision is to use mass transit and the borough's walkability as a catalyst for redevelopment.

Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group in Newtown Township, will meet with the corporation at 7 p.m. Thursday at borough hall, 35 Union St. The meeting is open to the public.

Proponents say a new train station along SEPTA's R7 rail line is vital to the "transit revitalization investment district." Morrisville had a train station that was discontinued in the 1960s.

SEPTA spokesman Felipe Suarez said the transportation authority has no long-term plans to create a stop in Morrisville.

A Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant is available to help pay for the study. The DCED could give up to $75,000, with a local match of up to $25,000.

Steve Amend, chairman of the borough economic development corporation, said a transit-oriented plan would attract developers to Morrisville, which for years has sought to revitalize.

Miller has created plans for other Lower Bucks towns.

He presented Penndel's Renaissance Plan in September 2007. It called for a hotel, supermarket, drugstore, office space, amphitheater, art studios, apartments and acres of open space.

The new Croydon plan for Bristol Township, presented in November 2007, called for office parks, outdoor theaters, a 17-acre environmental center and a multi-story transit center, eight marinas, a skate park and hundreds of acres of existing homes cleared for open space.

Penndel and Bristol Township officials haven't taken concrete steps to implement the plans.