Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Study for Three Local Communities

As a result of a previous TOD inventory published by DVRPC in 2003 (Linking Transit, Communities, and Development: Regional Inventory of Transit-Oriented Development Sites), several transit stations were chosen for more in-depth study. The most recent project focuses on the current conditions and suggested recommendations for three SEPTA stations in South Philadelphia, North Wales Borough, and Warminster Township. Though this study addresses specific rail stations, the recommendations are applicable to many communities. Recommendations included in this study cover such areas as zoning, land use, comprehensive plans, access, and development opportunities. 

Please contact the DVRPC library (215-238-2817) to obtain a copy of this study, titled Developing Around Transit: Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) Plans for SEPTA Broad Street Line Ellsworth-Federal, SEPTA R5 North Wales and SEPTA R2 Warminster.

TransitChek on Board with PATCO FREEDOM Card System

Commuting will soon be even more convenient for PATCO riders. PATCO is rolling out their new fare collection system—the FREEDOM card! Featuring smart-card technology, the FREEDOM card is a credit-card sized, stored-value card that will eliminate the need for coins and tickets. TransitChek has been working closely with PATCO to make sure that PATCO riders can use FREEDOM card while still enjoying the tax savings of TransitChek. TransitChek users will be able to load their TransitChek benefit amount onto FREEDOM cards in a variety of ways including an electronic upload, in-person redemption, or mail-in redemption.

If you have any questions about the electronic transfer of TransitChek benefits to FREEDOM cards, please contact TransitChek at (215) 238-2855 or (215) 238-2865. For more information about the FREEDOM card system, visit www.ridepatco.org or call PATCO Customer Service at 
(856) 772-6900 or (215) 922-4600.

FY2008 DVRPC Work Program and Projects

The FY 2008 DVRPC Work Program represents an evolution from previous years at DVRPC. In developing the FY 2008 Work Program, staff reviewed the many different projects from previous years to identify groupings of related projects by issue area. For FY 2008, related projects were grouped together into larger program areas, whereby there could be increased flexibility, improved efficiency and a greater impact from the work. Over 100 distinct projects from the FY 2007 Work Program have now been grouped into 25 major program areas. Additional individual projects and new initiatives as identified by the DVRPC Board for FY 2008 are also included within the Work Program. 

A draft of the 2008 Work Program was distributed at the December DVRPC board meeting for review and comment.  A public comment period began in early December and will be continue until January 12, 2007.

DVRPC Releases Findings on Regional Gaming Study

The Impacts of Gaming in Greater Philadelphia study examines all of the proposed casino plans in the region and focuses on the individual and collective land use, transportation and signage impacts. While the study does not recommend any one site over another, the report concludes that each of the four new casinos will increase local traffic, generate additional new adjoining development, and have a strong visual impact with new signs and advertising. The study is available on DVRPC's website, www.dvrpc.org (see scrolling announcements at bottom of webpage); or by calling Elise Turner, Communications Specialist, at 215-238-2941.

TreeVitalize Municipal Forestry Incentive Grant

Managing the trees on both public and private landscapes is an important way to enhance your community's assets. Trees stabilize neighborhoods, improve the tax base, enhance business districts, reduce violence, provide key energy savings, and slow run off from a heavy rainstorm. Incentive grants are being offered to encourage suburban municipalities in Southeastern PA to cross boundaries and work together to include tree cover in their planning and budgeting. A total of $25,000 in grant money is available to each of four Southeast PA counties: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, and Montgomery. Applications must be submitted by January 15, 2007.  To learn more about the TreeVitalize program, visit the program's website at www.treevitalize.net.  

Transportation & Community Development Initiative (TCDI) 

The TCDI program provides grants for planning and preliminary engineering projects in a variety of Delaware Valley communities.  The program aims to reverse the trends of disinvestment and decline in many of the region's core cities and developed communities.  DVRPC is soliciting applications for funding for the FY 2007 round of the TCDI program. The Program Guide, which can be found in the TCDI section of the DVRPC website, outlines activities eligible for funding as well as the communities that may apply. Applications must be received by Friday, February 23, 2007.