Pennsylvania Commonwealth Financing Authority awards $1.471 million in grant funding to the Kennett Greenway
The Greenway is thrilled to announce that a multi-municipal collaboration between the Borough of Kennett Square and Kennett Township has resulted in this tremendous investment in the Kennett Greenway.
With these funds, the Greenway will be able to complete two segments (i) the Birch Street Streetscape in Kennett Borough and (ii) the Magnolia Underpass, a railroad underpass that will connect Pennock Park to Kennett Borough.
This funding award, together with other state and county grants and municipal funds, will result in $3 million in Greenway investment in the coming years. A total of $1.8 million in grant funds for these projects were secured in 2021.
Birch Street Streetscape Project
Kennett Borough’s Birch Street currently suffers from structural disrepair and safety issues. The roadway itself experiences significant stormwater issues that have caused heaving and crowning within the cartway and flooding on the south side of the road. Safety issues, including a fragmented sidewalk system and inadequate pedestrian/bicyclist facilities, have long warranted investment in infrastructure that will provide safer pedestrian routes and road crossings throughout the Birch Street corridor.
The Birch Street Streetscape is a documented component of the overall complete streets plan for the Kennett Square community. The project will implement stormwater management best practices, reconstruct the roadway, install the Greenway, and construct new sidewalks, ADA curbs and ramps, crosswalks, signage and landscaping.
The project will contribute to efforts to enhance and revitalize downtown Kennett Square, creating a district that is accessible to all Kennett residents and encompasses restaurants, arts and culture operating in harmony with Birch Street residents.
Magnolia Underpass
On the west side of Kennett Square, the Borough and Township are currently divided physically north-south by the East Penn Railway, which effectively separates pedestrians from easily accessing community destinations. For example, the only truly safe and accessible route to the Township’s Pennock Park from the Borough is by car. Township residents cannot safely walk to Borough restaurants and festivals.
All that is about to change. The Magnolia Underpass will cross beneath the East Penn Railway at Pennock Park, along the west branch of the Red Clay Creek, providing a long-awaited bike and pedestrian connection between the Township and the Borough. On the north side of the railroad, private developer Kennett Business Park LP has agreed to extend the trail to Mill Road in Kennett Borough. With the ongoing development of the Chandler Mill Trail in Kennett Township, over 2.8 miles of trail will be completed, with residents being able to walk or bike from downtown Kennett Borough all the way to Chandler Mill Preserve.
Project Timeline
The projects are anticipated to be completed in 2023-24, following final engineering and permitting.
Read the full Press Release.