Armor Alley project gets state funding

Project will improve a visible piece of property in borough’s business district

A project to beautify the borough that started in 2014 received new funding for a second phase, the Downingtown Main Street Association announced Thursday.

The organization said it received a $108,870 Greenways, Trains and Recreation Program state grant for its Armor Alley Pocket Plaza Redevelopment project. Downingtown Main Street Association is adding another $19,000 in matching funds, bringing the investment for the new upgrades to $127,000.

“It’s 1970s construction, with poor lighting and planters that are falling apart,” Downingtown Main Street Manager Steven Plaugher explained. “We’re doing every thing we can to make Downingtown’s downtown vibrant again.”

The plaza is located in the 100 block of East Lancaster Avenue and connects the business district with Milltown Square in a visible part of the borough’s

downtown district. The redevelopment includes demolition of existing concrete sidewalk, which is heavily cracked, and replacing the brick planter boxes, Plaugher said. They will be replaced by a walkway of new pavers, landscaping, painting, benches, lighting and fencing to give this plaza a much needed face-lift.

In 2014, the Main Street group spent $16,000 to begin the task of upgrading the fencing and lighting.

The pocket park has been used at some festivals and concerts but will be better utilized when the work is completed.

“We expect the project to go out to bid in the spring and work to begin in early summer,” said Becca Settle, chairwoman of Downingtown Main Street Association. “The project should be completed by the end of this year. We thank state Sen. Andy Dinniman and Rep. Harry Lewis Jr. for their efforts to secure this grant for Downingtown.”

In addition to the work in Armor Alley, the Main Street group is working with PennDOT for approval of a mid-block crosswalk on Lancaster Avenue to connect the plaza with the municipal parking on the south side of Lancaster Avenue. The crosswalk is designed to allow safer access to the business district, the group said.

Plaugher said Main Street, a 501(c)3 organization, is also working to bring more restaurants to the borough as it continues revitalization efforts.

On the web: www.downingtownmainstreet.com

SUBMITTED PHOTO Downingtown Main Street Association received a $108,870 state grant for Armor Alley.