Consider for adoption a resolution authorizing the Township to submit a grant application to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED)’s Main Street Matters program for improvements to Schauffele Plaza.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania (“the Commonwealth”) has established the Main Street Matters Program through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) to provide grants for large public and private development projects, including the improvement of public spaces, buildings, and infrastructure within Main Street districts, as well as public safety and aesthetic enhancements; and

WHEREAS, Ardmore is a designated Main Street within the Township of Lower Merion (the “Township”), recognized by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (PA DCED) for its commitment to downtown revitalization through the Main Street Program, making it eligible for funding opportunities through the Main Street Matters Program to support economic development, infrastructure improvements, and community revitalization efforts within the district; and

WHEREAS, the Township of Lower Merion is an eligible applicant as a municipality for a grant that shall not exceed a total of $1,000,000 under this program; and

WHEREAS, eligible projects for development, rehabilitation, and improvements under the Main Street Matters Program include the acquisition, rehabilitation, or restoration of buildings, public infrastructure improvements such as streetscapes, sidewalks, lighting, and other public safety infrastructure, as well as enhancements to public spaces that support community and economic growth; and

WHEREAS, Schauffele Plaza in Ardmore is a central parking facility (“Lot #5) and public gathering space that supports the economic vitality of a large number of commercial enterprises; and

WHEREAS, as part of the broader planning process, the Township has designed improvements within and along Schauffele Plaza, specifically aimed at expanding public parking in Lot #5, creating on-street parking, and improving pedestrian connectivity to the existing parking garage to increase utilization (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, this Project aligns with the goals of the 2023 Ardmore Master Plan, which identified improvements to public spaces and infrastructure as key opportunities for revitalization and enhanced walkability within the district; and

WHEREAS, the 2024 Capital Improvement Program for the Township of Lower Merion includes Administration No. 4072, which allocates funding for public space and infrastructure improvements in Ardmore’s commercial district; and

WHEREAS, the Township seeks to apply to the PA DCED through its Main Street Matters Program for implementation grant funds of $1,000,000 to construct the Project, which is estimated by the Township Engineer to cost $5,333,751 with a match that exceeds the minimum 50% match requirement for the total grant being sought from the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, the Township fully understands the application requirements, including the contracting process, if awarded grant funds from the Main Street Matters Grant Program.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Commissioners of the Township of Lower Merion hereby authorizes the Township Manager to submit an application to the PA DCED requesting a Main Street Matters grant in the amount of $1,000,000 from the Commonwealth Financing Authority to be used for the Schauffele Plaza improvements.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Township hereby designates Ernie B. McNeely, Township Manager, to execute all documents and agreements between the Township of Lower Merion and the Commonwealth Financing Authority to facilitate and assist in obtaining the requested grant.