Urban Research & Development Corporation
Grant Writing, Design and Planning
Streetscape Design
URDC specializes in downtown revitalization, streetscape improvements, as well as an understanding of analyzing traffic patterns, evaluating parking, and intersections.
In addition URDC has extensive experience with plans and physical improvements involving PennDOT programs such as "Safe Routes To School", "SAFETEA-LU", TEA 21",and similar smart transportation initiatives.
EAST GREENVILLE AND PENNSBURG BOROUGHS - STREETSCAPE IMPROVEMENT PLANS
East Greenville and adjacent Pennsburg Boroughs jointly retained URDC to prepare a Revitilization Plan. This work led to each borough choosing URDC to design and monitor construction of unified Main Street Corridor streetscape improvements. Funding for the two boroughs' streetscape revitalization initiatives was obtained from Montgomery Count through several grant applications prepared by URDC. Improvements included decorative sidewalks, street lights, street trees, tree grates and intersection crosswalks.
ROYERSFORD REVITALIZATION
The Royersford Main Street Streetscape Enhancement Project provided design, engineering and construction for a one-half mile long, five-phase streetscape improvement project along both sides of Main Street from its start at the Schuylkill River and First Avenue through the business district to Fifth Avenue. Improvements focused on providing streetscape upgrades and green infrastructure for this major business corridor through Royersford's central business district. The streetscape enhancement project supports the revitalization of the town/borough by reinvesting in the mixed used urban core and making public improvements which will encourage private reinvestment, new businesses and job creation.
New streetscape improvements in the Borough's business district makes the district more pedestrian-friendly. The new street lighting provides safer conditions for both vehicles and pedestrians and thereby expand the potential to safely accommodate expanded housing and provide a link to new residential developments along the riverfront with the downtown business district and older residential areas east of the railroad. New street trees provide shade for the adjacent apartments and housing reducing summer energy costs for cooling, or cooling outside air for homes without air conditioning.
SPRING CITY MAIN STREET AND SCHUYLKILL RIVER TRAIL CONNECTIONS
Physical improvements were made to the Schuylkill River Trail (SRT) and Main Street Connector to provide an alternative route for both pedestrians and bicycles using the SRT. New ADA curbs, curb cuts, accessible sidewalks and crosswalks were installed at six intersections along Main Street.