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BPAC eyes AARP, T‑Mobile and state funding for Greenway, pedestrian crossings and signage
Summary
BPAC prioritized the Greenway extension and South 5th Street pedestrian corridor for capital advocacy, and authorized staff to pursue an immediate AARP Community Challenge application (deadline March 2) for senior‑focused crossing improvements and to prepare a T‑Mobile Hometown Grant application (up to $50,000) for greenway signage or bike‑rack projects.
BPAC members focused part of the meeting on advancing capital projects and short‑term grant opportunities to accelerate pedestrian and bicycle safety improvements. The group named the Greenway extension (3rd to 5th connector) and pedestrian safety upgrades along South 5th Street as top priorities for capital funding and advocacy.
Staff reported that a NCDOT pedestrian‑safety call for projects had advanced the South 5th corridor package to a preliminary engineering and design stage, but that the notice did not guarantee funding. “This notification is not a project commitment, and the project status may change as engineering and design occurs,” staff said, noting the city had moved forward in the selection process.
With timelines in mind, staff recommended pursuing two grant tracks: the AARP Community Challenge (applications due March 2) — which focuses on projects that benefit older adults and can fund demonstration or permanent pedestrian improvements — and the T‑Mobile Hometown Grant (awards up to $50,000) for shovel‑ready community‑space projects such as signage or bike‑facilities. Members discussed using an AARP submission to target pedestrian refuge islands or a pedestrian‑activated flashing beacon at an intersection serving seniors, and reserving the T‑Mobile application for greenway signage and artistic bike rack projects that require more lead time.
Committee members also raised Duke Energy grant opportunities and other local or private funding as potential match sources. Staff will draft the AARP application immediately and requested members provide stakeholder letters and project details by midweek to support a March 2 submittal. The T‑Mobile application will be developed over the following month.
