Jenkintown Gets $73K For Gateway Entrance Commemorating George Washington

JENKINTOWN, PA -- Jenkintown will receive a $73,000 grant from the county to help construct a unique gateway entrance to the borough.

The funding was part more than $1 million in Montco 2040 Implementation Grants which were disbursed to projects in thirteen municipalities, the county announced Thursday. Montco 2040 is the county's comprehensive plan which focuses on connecting communities and improving both environmental sustainability and the economy.

“Montgomery County is focused on continuing to build on our success in making the county the best place to live, work, play, and open a business," Valerie Arkoosh, the chair of the Montgomery County Board of Commissioners, said in a statement. "We achieve these goals by partnering with our local municipalities to create connected communities, sustainable places and a vibrant economy. These grants represent diverse projects that will improve and enhance the high quality of life in the county."

Projects were selected for funding for their potential impact and how they satisfied one of the county's three "focus categories": supporting downtowns, improving trails and paths for walking and biking, and revitalizing office parks.
The funding in Jenkintown falls into the first category. According to the county:

Jenkintown Borough will create a distinctive gateway entrance into the borough on Old York Road and Washington Lane. The project will include light post and banner structures, enhanced crosswalks and sidewalks, a rain garden, and a landscaped pedestrian area with transit stop. The thoughtful design incorporates and commemorates a monument to General George Washington’s march down Old York Road in 1777. The project builds off of the borough’s current draft comprehensive plan by addressing pedestrian safety and transit issues while announcing the arrival into Jenkintown’s downtown commercial district.

This grant program has awarded more than $2 million in grants to projects across the county since it was launched last year.

Image via Montgomery County