New Hope gets grant for canal link

By: Linda Seida
   NEW HOPE — The borough has received a $316,000 federal grant to construct a 1,500-foot pedestrian link between the borough’s parking lot near Union Square to the canal, ultimately connecting the walkway to Bridge Street.
   Known as a Transportation Enhancement Act grant, the funds also will allow landscaping along the pathway, according to Rob Loughery. Mr. Loughery, president of Keystone Heritage Group, is working as a consultant to the borough’s Revitalization Committee.
   No date has been set for the construction work. The plans should be designed and engineered sometime in summer, according to Mr. Loughery. Then the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission will need to weigh in on the design, a process that could take several months, Mr. Loughery added.
   The walkway, to be constructed of gravel, is planned for the western side of the canal opposite the towpath, according to Sharyn Keiser, chairperson of the Revitalization Committee and vice president of the Borough Council.
   The committee has been responsible for several improvements in the borough over the last several years. In 2000, with the aid of Rep. James Greenwood (R-8), the borough received a federal grant to construct a parking lot. The committee also worked with Mr. Loughery to secure grants to renovate the New Hope Visitors Center, which will happen in coming weeks. Future projects include pocket parks at Division, Dock and Randolph streets, according to Ms. Keiser.
   Ms. Keiser praised Mr. Loughery’s "vast skills and knowledge" in helping the committee win grants and proceed with its plans for revitalization and renovation.
   Mr. Loughery shared the credit with others.
   "We continue to make excellent progress with the improvements because of the leadership of council, with Sharyn Keiser leading the Revitalization Committee, and Richard Hirschfield as Borough Council president and John Tegley as borough manager," he said. "I’m always impressed with the commitment and eagerness the borough residents have. They’re always there to make a difference."