Philly Suburbs Get Smart Growth Funding

"Montgomery County Commissioner Joe Hoeffel, D, who sits on the DVRPC, said the program is facilitating some planning adjustments that many county residents will find welcome.

“This is a modest state program, but very progressive,” he said. “It is funding very needed projects to plan, to help smaller communities that are facing a lot of growth pressure.”

Thursday’s decision provides money to study the redevelopment of Fort Washington Office Park to mitigate its notorious flooding problem. It also grants planning dollars for public transportation in Towamencin Township, and smart-growth measures in Upper Frederick and Lower Providence townships.

Chester County’s grants include money to study possible pedestrian pathways in Paoli and transportation planning in Thorndale and Malvern."