Money was given toward improvements on Roosevelt Boulevard, implementing Vision Zero around schools and more.
The state Commonwealth Financing Authority last week approved more than $1.5 million in grant funding for five community and transportation projects in state Sen. Christine Tartaglione’s district.
“I’d like to thank the seven members of the CFA board for recognizing the value of investing in projects like these, which will benefit countless children and families in Philadelphia,” Tartaglione said. “These projects satisfy many important safety needs and strengthen the fabric of our community.”
CFA board members approved the allocations during their meeting in Harrisburg.
One $500,000 grant will support the city Department of Streets’ plan for pedestrian improvements along Roosevelt Boulevard at Adams and Summerdale avenues. According to the state Department of Transportation, about 78,000 vehicles a day travel on that stretch of the Boulevard.
A second $500,000 grant was awarded to the streets department for implementing its Vision Zero safe streets program around schools in the district. Vision Zero is the city’s strategy to eliminate all traffic-related deaths and severe injuries while increasing safety, health and mobility for all people.
A $215,290 grant was awarded to the Olde Richmond Civic Association to replace and enhance lighting in five roadway and pedestrian underpasses beneath the Lehigh Avenue viaduct, an elevated railroad that runs alongside Lehigh Avenue and Somerset Street from Kensington Avenue to Richmond Street.
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Philadelphia was awarded a $200,000 grant to fund Bold For Change, a major renovation project at the Northeast Frankford Boys and Girls Club, 1709 Kinsey St., which offers tutoring, daycare, arts and crafts, a drill team, basketball and mentoring.
The Frankford Community Development Corporation was awarded a $100,000 grant to convert a former vacant lot into a pop-up park at 4671–73 Paul St. The new park is under construction and will become a hub of community activity with flexible space for public performances, art activities, gardening and social events. ••
