Plans Floated for Conshy Park Expansion at 2nd Ave [POLL]

Should the first block of West 2nd Avenue off Fayette Street be closed and converted into a memorial park?

That's what designers from DePallo Design and Planning, of Conshohocken, seem to think, according to their presentation before Conshohocken Council last week.

Owner Vincent DePallo designed the current memorial park at that location, a thin grass median that still allows traffic to pass on either side. But he told council that the wheels are still turning for the expansion of that location.

"I've been rolling around additional ideas, seeing how the plaza has become an icon in the downtown," said DePallo. "Staff sat down and started to kick ideas around, and what I'd like to present his evening is the product of that discussion."

The proposal calls for two major changes: the expansion of the existing park to fill the entire first block of West 2nd Avenue, and the creation of additional plaza space across the street at East 2nd Avenue.

That plaza space would take up approximately 1/3 of the block on the east side of the street, and limit it to one lane of eastbound-only traffic.

Designer Nicole Neder, who DePallo called the "creative brains" of the firm, presented on the proposal.

"It creates a pretty cohesive town center feel, with the two parks situated on either side of the street," Neder said. "Another important part of the design was to improve upon the military importance and relevance by using some symbolism."

Neder explained that the west park would incorporate five different levels, each separated by a a series of "monolithic slabs" and steps, and each representing a branch of the military. In addition, the park would be designed so that visitors take their time and contemplate the setting and statues.

"The stairs curve through the space…hopefully that will provide a more contemplative way to experience the site," said Neder, who added that five hardscaping sections were reminiscent of the stripes that officers wear on their sleeves.

In addition, Neder said that they would increase patio space around the currently existing statue near Fayette Street, and place new hardscaping across the roadway to visually connect the park to the new eastern portion.

Neder called the east portion the "cafe park," and said the designers thought it would build nicely off of currently existing outdoor seating at nearby restaurants.

Council wasn't too sure that part of the proposal seemed like a good idea.

"Any time I want to put a bench down, business owners say 'no way,' because it becomes a hangout for bar patrons," said ward 6 councilman Robert Stokley. "I'm worried about having this seating here because… they might trash it every night."

DePallo said he recognized it as a concern, but said he believes the issue could be mitigated.

"We've found that the nicer the space, the more well lit the space, the less vandalism occurs," said DePallo, adding that the seating might be able to be a seasonal addition.

Council also raised concerns over current parking situations for business on the west side.

"We looked at that…I know there's a combination of parking for Forrest Auto Body and the apartments there," said DePallo. "That will be a challenge, but we think we have some ways of dealing with that. Maybe modify the upper plaza for more parking."

DePallo said that there were no estimates for how much the park expansion would cost, and that designs are in the earliest phases. Neither council nor any borough governing body has taken any action on the proposal.

Council asked that DePallo take the plans before the Conshohocken VFW to gain their input.

What do you think of the designs? Concerned about traffic? Take our poll and tell us in the comments.

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