Yardley Becoming 'Walkability Leader:' Ex-Councilman

YARDLEY, PA — It was always the goal of former Yardley Borough Councilman Uri Feiner.

For years, the longtime councilman tried to connect the dots — or sidewalks and paths — so residents could stroll through town safely and away from passing vehicles.

When Feiner left the council earlier this month, he believed that his mission was successful.

"I believe that Yardley Borough is becoming a walkability leader," he told Patch recently.

"In my relentless pursuit of sidewalks... a safer, more connected borough is coming together as the 'puzzle pieces' click into place," he said.

Feiner said that from a $263,000 crosswalk grant to breaking ground on the final North Main Street sidewalk stretch, the commitment to walkability is delivering major wins for Yardley’s quality of life.

Feiner has always believed that "walkability is undeniably one of the top aspects of Yardley’s charm."

"It’s my view that walkability is also a key ingredient to the high quality of life we enjoy here in the borough," Feiner said. "But true walkability doesn't happen by accident. It requires a deep commitment to a vision where our streets are safe for everyone — from moms walking with strollers, to children walking to their friends’ houses, to seniors walking their dogs."

Feiner thanked now Council President David Appelbaum, former Councilman Jared Stump, new Councilwoman and Public Works member Martha Howlett, Mayor Caroline Thompson, and Engineer Patrick Foley for suporting the projects.

He also noted how State Sen. Steve Santarsiero and State Rep. Perry Warren went to bat to secure funding.

Feiner provided an update on all the walkability projects in the borough:

NORTH MAIN STREET SIDEWALK PHASE III

Construction on the final phase of the North Main Street sidewalk will close a major gap in pedestrian connections within the borough (and beyond), but also provides important stormwater drainage and two vital crosswalks — one at North Main Street and Jervue Avenue, and another at North Main Street and Dolington Road.

The phase will also tie into the upcoming Dolington extension, which will connect North Main Street to thousands of residents by Dolington. The phase will also connect to the forthcoming Taylorsville Road sidewalk, with Lower Makefield winning two grants to build a sidewalk with drainage toward Interstate 295.

DOLINGTON RD SIDEWALK EXTENSION

The borough won a $278,000 grant to build the Dolington sidewalk extension. This will connect to the existing multi-use trail in Lower Makefield that goes down Dolington Road and ends at the Yardley Borough line.

There will be a sidewalk with appropriate drainage to meet the new North Main Street sidewalk. The upcoming crosswalk at Dolington & North Main Street will be updated to include pedestrian-operated flashing beacons, which will help people cross the street safely in this part of the town where the speed limit drops from 35 to 25 mph.

While the borough got the grant, there is still a funding gap to pay for the final design. The borough applied for an LSA grant to cover this gap, and will also be looking for other ways to fund the gap and get the project underway. This is the final “missing piece” to close gaps in the northern part of the borough to connect thousands of residents of both Yardley Borough and Lower Makefield.

THE ARLE GRANT FOR CROSSWALKS

Yardley was one of only two communities in Bucks County (out of 44 towns statewide) to be awarded a PennDOT ARLE (Automated Red Light Enforcement) grant. This $263,235 award will be used to upgrade multiple crosswalks throughout the borough.

The grant will fund a brand-new, ADA-compliant crosswalk on South Main Street by Yardley Commons.

For years, hundreds of residents have had to "dodge cars" or jaywalk to reach the heart of town. Soon, they will have a safe, legal crossing.

This grant will also fund visibility and safety updates to multiple crosswalks around town, including installation of pedestrian-activated solar-powered flashing beacons.

These will help give drivers a clear warning to yield in perimeter locations where cars tend to speed.

YARDLEY BOROUGH TRAILHEAD

The grant-funded purchase of the PECO lot at the north part of the tow path was completed along with the new Mary Yardley Bridge and tow path improvements to eliminate the stairs.

By now, most people have probably gotten to see and enjoy these improvements. Thanks to our Parks and Recreation Board, the Trailhead will soon receive a bike repair tool stand.

Also, the borough plans to remove the 'No Trespassing' signs, signaling that this land is officially open for public enjoyment.

JUDY’S GARDEN

Located on North Main Street, Judy’s Garden was donated to the borough as a serene space for enjoying the peace and beauty Yardley has to offer in the midst of busy modern life.

This garden integrates with the walkability vision — a peaceful, green space easily reachable by foot from the center of town.

The donor of this property also donated a beautiful sculpture called “the Dancer” to the borough.

With an upcoming sewer project that goes through this property, landscaping work will have to wait until that construction is complete later this year. However, the sculpture looks like it will be arriving on the property this spring.

WEST AFTON AVE SIDEWALK

This is another major piece of the puzzle, easily our most-requested sidewalk. And for good reason: connecting the Borough to Lower Makefield is vital for thousands of residents.

The long-requested West Afton Sidewalk is inching closer to fruition. The borough received a DCED MTF (state) grant that covers important drainage projects on University and North Main Street, which were bundled together with the West Afton Avenue sidewalk.

The cost of the sidewalk portion of the application was mostly funded by a private family who is familiar with the dangers of their children walking up and down West Afton Avenue on the road.

THE YARDLEY INN: CROSSWALK AND SIDEWALK

The upcoming Yardley Inn reconstruction is bringing improved sight lines, a new crosswalk, and an additional sidewalk section to East Afton Avenue and Delaware Avenue at no cost to the Borough.

COMPLETE STREETS & VISION ZERO

In December, the Borough Council passed two landmark resolutions that will serve as the "North Star" for the future.

The "Complete Streets" policy ensures that streets are designed for all users — not just cars, but pedestrians, cyclists, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Look up "complete streets" to learn about the fabulous work being done nationwide in this arena.

"Vision Zero" is a commitment to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries through smarter design. A sibling to Complete Streets, this helps make Yardley more competitive for every future grant opportunity pursued. These policies will also become part of the upcoming redo of the Borough’s Comprehensive Plan.