Township Gets $35K Grant for Downtown Improvements

Lower Merion Township has been awarded a $35,000 grant to support downtown improvements, Gov. Tom Corbett announced Friday.

The money is a Keystone Communities grant awarded by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

“Achieving economic vibrancy in our local communities is vital to creating more jobs and building a stronger Pennsylvania,” Corbett said. “Downtown improvement programs such as this one in Lower Merion Township directly enhance the quality of life for businesses and residents.”

The grant will be used for facade improvements in Bryn Mawr, Merion-Cynwyd and Bala Village.

“The Township is, of course, excited about getting the grant. Each grant project in a commercial area helps to be a building block for the next project,” said Eric Persson, economic development specialist for Lower Merion Township. “The grant can be used for so much more on façade improvement than merely signage or an awning. So we try to help provide suggestions, and point out projects in their area that have utilized the grant, and hopefully they can take full advantage of the grant to make significant improvements.”

The Keystone Communities program was created in 2011 to help communities with redevelopment, the Governor's Office said.