Although COVID-19 disruptions and priorities delayed its release, we’re very proud of the many 2019 achievements highlighted in our 2019 Annual Report.These accomplishments were enhanced through successful planning processes, partnerships, and public engagement. By collaborating with communities, businesses, organizations, and engaged citizens, we were able to complete many projects and plans that will have a significant impact on the lives of county residents now and in the future. A major focus of the report is implementation of the goals contained within Montco 2040: A Shared Vision. The report also demonstrates the importance of assisting communities to achieve goals through our professional planning services, valuable data on county development proposals, our effective education and outreach efforts, and the exceptional 2019 Montgomery Award winners. Highlights of our 2019 successes include:
- Opening Phase 1 of the Lafayette Street Extension Project to traffic and providing pedestrian amenities, including work on the Schuylkill River Trail, a new linear park, and a new crosswalk near the Norristown Transportation Center.
- Completing the new Montgomery County Complete Streets Policy, which applies to county-owned roads, bridges, and facilities and calls for MCPC to advocate for a Complete Streets design approach when working with partner agencies on their projects.
- Progressing on the implementation of Bike Montco: The Bicycle Plan for Montgomery County and receiving a "2019 Award for Plans" from the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA PA) for Bike Montco in recognition of an outstanding plan that included use of a new Level of Traffic Stress tool, creative partnering, and successful outreach efforts.
- Opening a 1.1-mile section of the Schuylkill River Trail in Pottstown and installing 1 mile of shared bicycle lanes along Industrial Highway and Hanover Streets in Pottstown and Lower Pottsgrove Townships.
- Completing the Sunrise Trail & Swamp Creek Greenway Feasibility Study, which determines the feasibility and recommended alignment of the Sunrise Trail and identifies recreational access opportunities along Swamp Creek.
- Awarding 15 grants, totaling over $1.6 million, from Montco 2040 Implementation Grant Program to 15 municipalities.
- Awarding grants totaling over just $1 million to six projects across the county in the second year of the County Transportation Program (CTP).
- Completing the Plymouth and Hatboro comprehensive plans; the West Norriton West Main Street Vision Plan; a subdivision and land development ordinance update for Cheltenham; and open space plan updates for East Greenville, Upper Pottsgrove, and Lower Pottsgrove and working on comprehensive plans for Bridgeport, New Hanover, Abington, and Upper Gwynedd under the community planning assistance program.