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HLRA Update, February 2024

Traffic Improvements Scheduled on Easton Road in Horsham

Horsham Township and the Military Installation Restoration and Infrastructure Authority (MIRIA) recently announced the award of a construction project to improve safety and facilitate future access for the redevelopment of the former NAS-JRB Willow Grove base.

The project will add a traffic signal at the intersection of Moreland Avenue and Easton Road. The acquisition of the former Grandma’s Grotto property at the intersection by MIRIA in 2021 will also allow the Moreland Avenue approach to be re-aligned to improve safety. This new signal is a critical step in preparing the town-ship infrastructure to accommodate the redevelopment of the former base property, according to W. William Whiteside, HLRA Chairman.

The work also includes new pavement and traffic markings, and a reconfiguration of the current security fencing at the former base. The new fencing arrangement will permit employees of a local business to access Easton Road at the new traffic signal, providing safer access to the busy Easton Road thoroughfare.

The work is expected to start in mid-2024 and be completed by the end of the calendar year. Scheduling of the work was coordinated with the Hatboro-Horsham School District to avoid disruption at their nearby Hallowell Elementary School.

Former Navy Housing in Ivyland to see new life as a Park

A new park is springing to life in Ivyland Borough in Bucks County. Demolition started recently on the six former housing units at the now closed Naval Air Warfare Center (NAWC), Warminster.

Ivyland Borough has received a $122,188 grant through the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program. The funds will cover a large portion of the cost to complete this From Barracks to Blooms project. The Greenways, Trails, and Recreation Program allocates funds from the Marcellus Legacy Fund to the Commonwealth Financing Authority for planning, acquisition, development, rehabilitation and repair of greenways, recreational trails, open space, parks and beautification projects.

The HLRA assisted with the transfer of the property from the Federal Government to Ivyland Borough. NAWC was closed during the 1995 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) round but the family housing along Jacksonville Road and the Shenandoah Woods Housing Project was transferred to NAS-JRB Willow Grove to provide housing for Navy personnel serving at the Montgomery County facility. NAS-JRB Willow Grove was also closed in the BRAC 2005 round. The Jacksonville Road parcel was initially transferred to Ivyland Borough for use by a local homeless service provider. Later, as that use was discontinued, Ivyland Borough took possession again and took steps to create a new park for its
residents.

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