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Narberth advances grant push for Elm Grove Park pedestrian bridge and stormwater work
Summary
Council heard staff plans to replace the deteriorating Elm Grove Park pedestrian bridge, secure multiple grants (MCPC Maka 2040, DCNR C2P2 and a county conservation-district stormwater grant), and provide a municipal match estimated initially at 20% pending engineering cost estimates.
Staff presented a plan to remove the existing Elm Grove pedestrian bridge and construct a new north-side bridge tying into ADA-accessible sidewalks and a future park trail. The work includes streambank stabilization using gabion baskets, a small culvert modification, a walkway landing on the park side and a proposed stormwater best‑management practice (BMP) to capture sediment and control runoff volume.
Planning staff said the borough will pursue three grant opportunities: the Montgomery County Planning Commission 'Maka 2040' grant (deadline March 2); the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Community Conservation Partnership Program (C2P2); and a county conservation-district grant targeted to stormwater components. Staff said preliminary engineering costs are not eligible for grant reimbursement and that match funding is likely required; staff gave a preliminary match estimate of about 20% but said final cost estimates are pending the engineer's numbers.
The existing bridge remains usable but is being monitored; staff said construction is tentatively scheduled for early spring 2027 if grants are awarded, though an earlier build could be possible if awards come sooner. Because work will alter a stream bank, staff reported that DEP permitting will be required; pre-application coordination with DEP is under way. The design team will consider bridge elevation to avoid flood damage, and staff said two non‑specimen trees would be removed for structure supports and could be replaced as part of the project.
Staff told council the borough has budgeted capital funds for the project in both the 2026 and 2027 capital plans so the project could proceed even if grants are not awarded, and noted that receiving multiple grants could reduce borough outlays by allowing grants to count as match for each other. Planning staff committed to provide final engineering estimates and a funding-resolution item at the business meeting ahead of the March 2 grant deadline.
What happens next: Staff will finalize engineering cost estimates, prepare a funding-commitment resolution for the upcoming business meeting, and submit grant applications by the March 2 deadline for the county grant while also pursuing DCNR and conservation-district funding.
