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Jenkintown board to pursue RACP grant to fund playground replacement and Selva property work
Summary
District staff briefed the board on seeking a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to fund a cohesive district property plan covering playground replacement and acquisition/renovation of the Selva property; the grant requires projects of at least $1 million and a 1:1 match and the district said it has appraisal support and potential donor funds.
District staff told the board it plans to request authorization next week to apply for a Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) grant to fund a unified approach to property improvements, including replacing the elementary-school playground and purchasing and renovating the Selva property for expanded athletic and district use.
"Representative Napoleon Nelson has advised us that we're more likely to succeed in securing state funding if we present a cohesive vision for the entire district property rather than treating these as totally separate projects," the administration said, noting the RACP program's rules require projects of at least $1 million and a 1:1 local match. The district said it can use the value of property being improved as part of the match and that a certified appraisal is already under way; the Jenkintown Education Foundation volunteered to pay for the appraisal.
Administrators said volunteers and local stakeholders -- including borough officials and former program directors -- have helped identify potential county-level funds and other matches. The district said it will seek authorization to submit the application next week and begin drafting the application immediately if the board approves.
Board members emphasized an intent to avoid burdening taxpayers: administrators said the district has an anonymous donation and will pursue grants and available county funds to minimize tax impact.
The board did not vote on the grant authorization at the work session; the administration said it would bring a motion for formal approval at the next business meeting.
