Paoli Community Master Plan
***UPDATE***
- Tredyffrin Township and Willistown Township are seeking input about priorities for major road improvements. See the Road Improvements section below.
- Amtrak is still in the process of selecting a developer for the rail yard property.
- A distribution list has been created to inform interested parties of significant progress made in the Paoli project as well opportunities for public input. To become a member of this distribution list, please send your name, mailing address, and email address to ejlee@tredyffrin.org.
Frequently Asked Questions
Click here (76 KB) for answers to frequently asked questions about the plans for the Paoli Rail Yard.
Road Improvements
Tredyffrin Township and Willistown Township must decide on major road improvement projects to focus on for funding and initial design. The Townships are looking for input about whether the community supports the following projects:
- Realign the intersection of Route 30 and Central Avenue. See Map
- Realign the intersection of Route 30 and Paoli Pike. See Map
- Replace the bridge over the railroad tracks on North Valley Road to reduce the size of the hump and realign the intersection of North Valley Road and Central Avenue. See Map
- Replace the railroad bridge over Route 252 to allow more lanes. See Map
As funding is secured, plans will be created and presented to the public. Smaller projects (such as pedestrian improvements and traffic signal timing) will be addressed after the framework of the major projects is defined.
For more information or to submit comments, please email ejlee@tredyffrin.org
Ordinance Amendments
Click here for more information on the ordinance amendments.Paoli Community Master Plan Summary
In 2001, the Paoli Community Master Plan was completed by Norman Day Associates. This document lays out a vision for long range development of the Paoli Community that incorporates recommendations from the Paoli Rail Yard and Transportation Center Plan (1996) and a study done on pedestrian facilities and streetscaping (1996). The implementation timeline for the Master Plan spans 20 years, although significant development could happen in the next five to ten years.
The focal point of the Paoli Community Master Plan is the new Paoli Transportation Center (PTC) which is to be located approximately 800 feet to the west of the existing train station. Due to the importance of the PTC, the Master Plan follows principles of transit-oriented development, which suggest a hierarchy of population densities and land uses that correspond to the structure of transit corridors. These findings will be supported by the adoption of new zoning ordinances by both Tredyffrin and Willistown Townships for the area.
While the Paoli Community Master Plan is extensive, its main objectives and recommendations are outlined in the following categories:
- Paoli Transportation Center: New station integrated into development of the Paoli Rail Yard, with more parking for commuters, safer waiting areas for busses and shuttles, and pedestrian access to both sides of the tracks.
- Circulation Improvements: Roadway improvements identified as integral parts of the new PTC will be completed. Some of these could include the widening of a portion of Lancaster Avenue, the reconstruction of the Lancaster Avenue/Paoli Pike intersection, renovations to or replacement of the Rt. 252 bridge near Rt. 30, and the construction of new roads connecting the PTC to nearby points of interest.
- Parking Improvements: As many as 1,000 parking spaces should be provided for commuters as part of the new PTC. On-street parking should be provided on minor collector and local roads in the business district and new lots or parking structures encouraged elsewhere.
- Pedestrian Improvements: Sidewalks are recommended for both sides of all streets in the Paoli Community to promote pedestrian activity in the area. The PTC should also feature a new pedestrian underpass at Greenwood Avenue under the R5/Amtrak tracks.
The Paoli Community Master Plan is a guide for the type of development Tredyffrin and Willistown Townships intend to encourage in the center of Paoli over the next generation, not a mandate for the development of each property. It is an ambitious plan, and achieving its goals will require cooperation and investment from all levels of government and the private sector. The Paoli Community Master Plan in its entirety is attached at the bottom of this page, and is also available for review or purchase at the Tredyffrin Township building.
Documents
Questions or Comments? Click here.
