Collingswood Enhances Pedestrian and Cycling Safety in ‘Gateway to Downtown’ Initiative
Collingswood is moving forward with a significant urban development project designed to improve safety and walkability in its vibrant downtown area. The borough is constructing permanent traffic improvements, including cycling and pedestrian bump-outs, as part of the “Gateway to Downtown” project.
This initiative focuses on critical intersections previously identified for safety enhancements in the Connect 2020 Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. The project is primarily funded by a $217,600 grant from the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC) Travel Options Program (TOP), which supports efforts to reduce single-occupancy vehicle use and promote alternative transportation.
The improvements will include the installation of four curb extensions (bump-outs) that will feature pollinator gardening plantings, three new thermoplastic crosswalks, and upgraded ADA-accessible curb cuts. These changes are strategically designed to slow traffic as it enters the downtown district, making the area safer and more inviting for pedestrians and cyclists.
The intersections involved are particularly important as they serve as high-traffic corridors for residents, commuters, and students traveling to schools and local activities. By prioritizing pedestrian safety and accessibility, Collingswood is not only encouraging walking and biking but also contributing to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions.
Borough officials anticipate that the project could be completed by the fall, ensuring a more pedestrian-friendly environment as the community heads into the cooler months.
Morris County Commits $2.6 Million to Preserve 24 Historic Sites
Morris County continues its dedicated efforts to protect the state’s rich heritage, recently approving $2.6 million in grants from its Preservation Trust Fund to restore and safeguard 24 historic sites across 15 municipalities.
This latest round of funding underscores a long-standing commitment to preservation. Since the Morris County Preservation Trust Fund was established in 2003, the county has directed more than $56 million toward conservation efforts at 129 historic locations, issuing a total of 554 grants for planning, acquisition, and construction.
Commissioner Deputy Director Stephen Shaw, the liaison to the Historic Preservation Trust Fund Review Board, highlighted the importance of these initiatives. “These projects strengthen our local economy, promote heritage tourism, and connect residents and visitors with the stories that shaped both our county and our country,” Shaw noted, emphasizing the role historic preservation plays in enhancing community life and preserving the foundations of American history.
The 2025 funding allocation is primarily focused on construction grants, with approximately 86% of the budget dedicated to 13 major restoration projects. The remaining 14% will support non-construction activities, including essential preservation planning and the preparation of detailed specifications for future work.
The funded sites represent a diverse cross-section of Morris County’s past:
- The Community Club of Brookside (Mendham Township): Originally the area’s first schoolhouse, built in the 1860s, the club received $43,440 to fund the restoration of its bell tower.
- North Cottage at Craftsman Farms (Parsippany-Troy Hills): A significant structure on the property of Arts and Crafts movement leader Gustav Stickley, this site was awarded $68,091 for exterior restoration.
- Former Lock Tender’s House (Roxbury Township): A circa 1830 stone house built for the Morris Canal, now a museum, which received $31,644 to prepare a comprehensive preservation plan.
The grant approval process is rigorous, involving the review of 29 applications by the county historic preservation consultant to ensure compliance with the Secretary of Interior Standards for the Treatment of Historic Properties. According to Larry Fast, chair of the review board, 24 projects received full funding recommendations after site visits and thorough deliberation.
The preservation of these sites is vital for maintaining the unique character of New Jersey. To learn more about the diverse history and cultural initiatives across the state, explore the rich tapestry of New Jersey’s Arts and Culture.
