Council Gets the Word on the Street – DeKalb Street

Is turning DeKalb Street into a two-way corridor practical? According to a study conducted by McMahon Transportation Engineers & Planners, the answer is yes.

Jennifer Walsh, who presented the study’s findings on behalf of the research company at Wednesday night’s meeting, explained the purpose of the study, possible outcomes and next steps in the process should the project move forward.

Specifically, the study looked at improving traffic flow, reducing congestion, enhancing pedestrian safety and whether or not the conversion to two-way flow was feasible.

The goal of the project is to create access to downtown Norristown from the north, which would bring more passage through to the local business district.

The project, according to Walsh, would slow traffic along the DeKalb Street corridor, providing more pedestrian safety for residents.

Walsh's analysis showed that traffic already travels at high rates of speed through the corridor, and there are a high number of angle crashes, but there is also an elevated number of pedestrians along the corridor, and most intersections are operating well.

As to alternative solutions, consideration was given to traffic pattern changes and accommodations for pedestrians. The preferred choice was to convert to two-way traffic flow from Lafayette Street to Johnson Highway. New signals would also be added to Jacoby, Spruce and Freedly streets with upgrades and modifications made at other intersections. The plan also includes the coordination of traffic signals to aid in the flow of traffic.

This plan is expected to reduce parking availability along the street by approximately 35 percent.

The total cost of the project is estimated at $3.7 million. Construction would also be delayed by approximately 10 years until roadwork in the area already approved by PennDOT is completed. The decade setback could affect the overall cost of the project to the municipality because the estimation was calculated using current pricing measures.

Councilwoman Mary DeSouza asked if the study looked at an increase in larger vehicles using the throughway if turned into a two-way. Walsh said the study did not consider an increase in specific kinds of traffic that would be increased; however, Councilman Gary Simpson said council could control tractor-trailer traffic by diverting it to 202. Simpson also suggested that council consider placing bicycle paths along the 2-foot shoulder to coordinate with local path systems already in place.

Walsh recommended that council consider financial projections and seek alternative forms of funding while the project is delayed. Additional studies, designs and plans should be considered in addition to regulatory specifications. 

Council did not take action on this measure, and additional analysis will be conducted. The purpose of the presentation was to inform council and the public about the project and study’s findings.

One Norristown resident, who lives on DeKalb, spoke during the public comment period in the beginning of the evening and objected to the plan to convert DeKalb Street to a two-way street. You can see a video of some of her objections in our video section.

Other council business

Poley Park

In other Norristown business, council awarded a contract to James R. Kenney Excavating and Paving in Collegeville for $47,436 to add 15 additional parking spaces to the parking lot at on West Marshall Street

Norristown's director of planning, Jayne Musonye, told that the contractor will also install a second solar-powered light in the parking lot.

Work on the parking lot should begin within two weeks.

Update from Junior Council

Council President Linda Christian asked junior council if they had the opportunity to talk with their peers about issues affecting Norristown. Jordan Allen said the area youth have expressed to him there needs to be more things for children to do during free time, and curfews should be enforced. Jasmine Williams stated more needs to be done to clean up liter and animal feces in the community.

Finance

Council unanimously approved monthly disbursements, which are:

General Fund

$459,080.54

Community Development

$5,143.04

Parks & Recreation Fund

$4,698.67

Police Grant Fund

$32,251.98

Bicentennial Account

$1,480

Payroll Account

$74,021.06

Real Estate Tax Fund

$10,171.80

Liquid Fuels

$337.03

Subdivision and Land Escrow

$25,785.42

Debt Service Fund

$1,166

Public safety

The motion to adopt Ordinance 11-10, which concerns parking modifications at Barbadoes and Main streets, was tabled until wording in the ordinance could be changed.

Code enforcement

Council unanimously approved five homes to receive Historical Architectural Review Board (HARB) Certificates of Appropriateness. The following is a list of awardees:

• 514 W. Marshall St.
• 1000 Arch St.
• 212 East Wood St.
• 23 W. Marshall St.
• 545 Arch St.

The HARB is a public advisory body created by state and local laws. The HARB helps to protect the architectural and cultural heritage within Norristown Local Historic District.

Personnel

Council added two action items to the agenda.

First, council made a motion to approve GC Legal Advisors, of Ambler, to serve as the municipality’s environmental council. The vote was unanimous in favor of the action. The measure was open for public comment since it was not on the agenda; no public comment was made.

Next, council voted to advertise for an ordinance that would allow members of council to purchase the same insurance plan that is provided to municipality employees.

Council members wanting the insurance would be responsible for all costs of the insurance, and it would not cost the municipality. The measure was open for public comment since it was not on the agenda.

One resident questioned if there would be a conflict of interest since council votes on the insurance packages provided to employees; however, because council members would have to pay the costs themselves, it was determined not to be a conflict.

Presentations

PAVE and Genesis Housing Corporation are local nonprofits. Each organization presented its mission and goals to council to garner more public support and awareness for their initiatives.

Parents Against Violence Everywhere (PAVE) “aims to strengthen families, communities and strengthen the leadership while making a positive difference in the lives of youth by developing their potential for leadership, personal growth and success in the world.”

The group is currently working with young residents and their families who have recently been involved in fighting. The organization brings all parties involved in the controversy to discuss issues and possible solutions. The team plans to meet with Norristown Chief of Police Russell Bono and other organizations within the community to address violence in the community.

PAVE will also be participating in the Youth Summit Aug. 27 in Norristown. Residents interested in more information about PAVE can email pavecommittee@yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

Genesis Housing Corporation, a local nonprofit, “works to rehabilitate and (generate) new construction of homes to improve and stabilize neighborhoods and to provide opportunities for lower-income homebuyers to purchase homes at affordable prices. Genesis Housing Corporation also provides housing counseling and money management services for potential homebuyers and homeowners.”

The organization recently renovated a home at 1000 Green St. in Norristown, and the property is ready for sale. It is a four-bedroom home with more than 1,900 square feet. The bathroom has all new fixtures and kitchen appliances. The estimated monthly payment is $655, and an estimated $2,000 is need for a down payment. Interested parties should call 610-275-4357.

More information about the program can be found at its website, www.genesishousing.org.

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