CHELTENHAM TOWNSHIP COMMERCIAL DISTRICT ENHANCEMENT PLAN

CHELTENHAM VILLAGE

Prepared by:

Carter van Dyke AssociatesPlanners and Landscape Architects

Urban PartnersCommunity and Economic Development Planners

Gannett FlemingTransportation Planners

Runyan & AssociatesArchitects

Adopted October 23, 2000

The following report focusing onthe commercial district ofCheltenham Village is an excerptfrom the full Cheltenham TownshipCommercial District EnhancementPlan. The complete report identifiespolicies, costs, and implementationstrategies for Glenside, Elkins ParkWest, Elkins Park East, EastCheltenham Avenue, andCheltenham Village. The full reportand individual district reports areavailable for viewing at theTownship Administration Buildingand all four public libraries.

Numerous individuals andorganizations have contributedto this vision plan. Listed beloware some of the many peoplewho have helped guide this plan:

• Cheltenham Township Commissioners

Paul R. Greenwald, PresidentJeffrey A. Muldawer,

Vice PresidentThomas Jay Ellis, MemberRobert C. Gerhard, MemberCharles D. McKeown, MemberHarvey Portner, MemberMichael J. Swavola, Member

• Cheltenham Township Manager David G. Kraynik

• Cheltenham Township Assistant Township ManagerBrian T. Havir

• Cheltenham Township former Main Street Manager Joel A. Johnson

• Cheltenham Township Main Street Manager Ruth Littner Shaw

• Cheltenham Township Economic Development TaskForce former Chairman Jim Butt

• Cheltenham Township Economic Development TaskForce Chairman Harold Lichtman

• Cheltenham Township Economic Development TaskForce

• Cheltenham Township Planning Commission

• Cheltenham Township EngineerDavid M. Lynch

• Citizens who participated in the12 Public Forums

• Business and property ownerswho participated in the 12 Public Forums

• Montgomery County PlanningCommission

• City of Philadelphia Department of Economic Development

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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Cheltenham Township Commercial District Enhancement PlanCHELTENHAM VILLAGE

Recommended Implementation Plan

Year to InitiatePublic Sector Activities Detailed Design Implementation

Item Action

1 Acquire County, PennDOT, and SEPTA support Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

2 Create governmental partnerships with Philadelphia Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

3 Create governmental partnerships with Abington Twp. Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

4 Recruit businesses to fulfill each District vision Ongoing

5 Create a Township-wide non-profit Economic Development Corp. Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

6 Draft and change zoning ordinances Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

7 Draft and change parking ordinances Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

8 Draft and change sign ordinances Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

9 Create and approve Facade Enhancement Guidelines Twp-wide initiative in Yr 1

10 Implement Facade Enhancement Grant Program Twp-wide initiative in Yr 2

11 Design and implement Gateway and Sign Program 2 3

12 Study feasibility of CDEP Traffic Recommendations 1 2

13 Phase I: Improvements along Central, Ryers, Laurel 2 3

14 Phase II: Improvements along Central, Ryers, Laure 8 9

Private Sector Activities Detailed Design Implementation

15 New retail/offices at Cottman and Laurel Avenues

16 Parking lot improvements Ongoing Ongoing

17 Facade enhancement of commercial buildings Ongoing Ongoing

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Building Facades andSigns

We recommend creating threenew policy documents related tobuildings and signs.

■ Architectural Design Guide-lines should be created toguide appropriate public/pri-vate investment in facadeimprovements.

■ A Facade Improvement GrantProgram for commercial prop-erties should be created.

■ Revise current sign ordinancesto allow sign types appropriatefor pedestrian-oriented com-mercial districts. These princi-ples will be demonstrated inour draft report.

Phasing and Implementation Plan

Phasing Strategy

The phasing strategy is designedto accomplish two primary goals:1) Identify easily achievable proj-ects that will have a high andvisible impact in the near termand 2) identify the importantphases of the more ambitiousprojects that will require multipleyears to implement. The projectyears shown in the phasing plansare to begin once this plan isadopted. The project years areintended to communicate theyear a task might begin. As withany large multi-tasked project,the key is to enlist partners early,keep people informed, and adjustthe schedule as necessary toaddress changing priorities. Thisis provided as an initial outlinewith the expectation that ongo-ing changes will be made by theTownship Administration torespond to community concerns,sequential construction andavailable funding.

Implementation Partners

In order to coordinate the imple-mentation activities recom-mended for Cheltenham Village,the following groups will need tocoordinate their efforts:

• Cheltenham Township Commissioners

• Cheltenham Township Manager

• Cheltenham Township Assistant Township Manager

• Cheltenham Township MainStreet Manager

• Cheltenham Township MainStreet Committees

• Cheltenham Economic Development Task Force

• Cheltenham Township Departments and PlanningCommission

• Montgomery County

• City of Philadelphia

• Abington Township

• Pennsylvania Department ofTransportation

• Pennsylvania Department ofCommunity and EconomicDevelopment

• Federal TransportationEnhancement Programs

• Federal Community Develop-ment Block Grant Program

• Local lenders & developers

• Private land owners & businessowners

• Township residents

The Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

Study Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1The Defining Issues for Cheltenham Village . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

The Vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3

Economic Development Opportunities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Transportation Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4Streetscape Enhancements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Architectural Revitalization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9Architectural Design Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9District Theme Architectural Character . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11

Implementation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Policy Issues . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13Phasing and Implementation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14Recommended Implementation Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15

Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16

TABLE OF CONTENTS‘

Proposed Vision for Cheltenham Village at Central and Jefferson Avenues

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Policy Issues

Economic Development

Two key economic developmentissues must be addressed for theCheltenham Village District. Firstand most visible, is the need toupgrade and strengthen the por-tion of Cottman Avenue nearChurch Road. Key activitiesinclude finding a positive reusefor the former Acme Supermarketto anchor the area; limiting addi-tional growth of automotive serv-ice activities in this area;upgrading the appearance ofthese current auto repair busi-nesses with clear curb cuts,attractive screening andimproved housekeeping; and cre-ating attractive coordinatedstreetscape features with theadjoining Philadelphia andAbington jurisdictions.

Secondly, the neighborhood serv-ice character of the CentralAvenue and Ryers Avenue corri-dor must be reinforced. Trafficcalming and parking manage-ment are obvious needs. Anyadditions to the range of goodsand services available must beconsistent with the physical con-straints of the District. Any newbusiness development must focuson small incremental improve-ments in the District’s roles 1) asa service district catering to theneeds of the surrounding neigh-borhood and 2) as a location forspecialty retailers. Any retailexpansion within the core of theVillage should probably befocused on Central Avenue,

recruiting a broader array ofgoods and services such as anoptometrist, a neighborhoodvideo store, and a travel agency.It is notable that CheltenhamVillage has only one restaurant.A small cafe and bakery couldalso be a good addition to thearea, serving neighbors on theirway to and from work.Expansion of specialty retailerswith low-traffic demands such asa camera store, and a smallmusic or bookstore should beconsidered.

Zoning

In Cheltenham Village a VillageShops Overlay District is recom-mended to create incentives formore upscale businesses andland use. Overlay zoning createsoptional higher standardsmatched with commercial incen-tives to create more successfulland use patterns. These princi-ples, based on traditional neigh-borhood design (TND) principles,include the following goals:

• Encourage retail uses only atthe ground floor to face streets,sidewalks, available on-streetparking

• Encourage retail storefrontswhere appropriate

• Encourage mixed-use buildingsof two or more floors at centralareas

• Encourage upper floors asoffices or residential uses withinpresent zoning districts toimprove the economic value ofeach geographic area

Ultimately, these recommenda-tions need to further protect resi-dential quality of life whileoffering quality local businessesthat fit well within this historiccommunity.

Parking

It is our observation that presentparking requirements have theeffect of discouraging commercialuses in the Township. We wouldrecommend reducing the parkingrequirements to a more appropri-ate and balanced parity com-pared to the real demand forparking. In particular, parkingrequirements in districts thathave created proper incentivesfor shared parking may be ableto reduce these required ratioseven further. One of the unin-tended effects of overly stringentparking requirements is to forcethe demolition of buildings thatmay be important to the overallvitality of a commercial district.In summary, we recommend:

■ Encouraging shared parkingbehind buildings

■ Encouraging and allowingadjacent landowners to linkparking areas via cross ease-ments

■ Reducing parking requirementratios within the District

IMPLEMENTATION

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• Preserve any significant features that might exist

• Provide new facade components such as storefront windows, doors, wall materials, roofs and sig-nage

• Facade changes should be consistent with all visible portions of the building

New Construction

• Follow Detailed Architectural Design Guidelines (See Technical Appendix)

• Building massing and design should be consistent with the District Theme Architectural Character,referring to the more distinctive architectural styles in the District

Above: Cottman and Laurel AvenuesBelow: Facade Enhancement Ideas at Cottman and Laurel Avenues

hipped roof buildings onexisting vacant sites

multi-paned storefrontsreplacing existing storefronts

redesigned parapets onexisting buildingsawnings incorporating signage

hipped roof biuldingson existing vacant sites

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Study AreaCheltenham Village is the oldestsection of the Township andtherefore its land developmentpattern originated from the gridpattern established by adjacentneighborhoods withinPhiladelphia. The neighborhooddesign is characteristic of anurban village with traditionalnarrow lots and small yards.Because this neighborhood pre-dates the dominant use of theautomobile, the individual lots,streets and right-of-ways were notdesigned to accommodate the

space required for parking cars.This creates a situation inCheltenham Village where resi-dential parking needs and themodest commercial parkingneeds within the District are inconflict.

Within the District there are anumber of strong natural fea-tures, recreation facilities and aconsistent architectural characterto the houses. Single family andmulti-family residences dominatethe District. Interspersed through-out the District is a wide range of

community-serving commercialestablishments.

To the northwest of the older vil-lage, along Cottman Avenue, is acommercial strip where manyautomobile related repair busi-nesses are located. There is alarge vacant building where theformer Acme supermarket waslocated. The current vacanciesand the repair businesses are cur-rently detracting from the eco-nomic reality and socialperception of this District as adesirable place to live and work.

THE ISSUES

Cheltenham Village study area

Economic Development Plan for Cheltenham Village

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The Defining Issues forCheltenham VillageAlthough Cheltenham Village’searly history was strongly influ-enced by industrial use of land,today this area is primarily a res-idential village with neighbor-hood serving retail uses. Withthis in mind a primary concernfor Cheltenham Village is ori-

ented around neighborhoodpreservation with a secondarygoal of enhancing commercialproperty. The community facesthree primary challenges. First,the high traffic volume and hightraffic speeds traveling throughvillage streets is eroding the qual-ity of life and sense of safety.Second, there are some conflictsbetween the residential, commer-

cial and light industrial uses,especially the issue of inadequateparking. Thirdly, many of thecommercial buildings and yardsthroughout the District are poorlymaintained. These three chal-lenges define the strategies rec-ommended in the vision plan.

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District Theme Architectural Character

Colonial Village Theme

Architectural design is to be in conformance with a colonial village district design theme that gener-ally refers to the varied distinctive architectural inventory that exists in the District

Building massing: 2 to 3 story; locate new construction at street line to define streets

Exterior walls: Brick, stucco, stone

Windows/entrances: Multi-paned windows & doors at traditional buildings

Roofs: Slate, tile or appearance of; pitched, hipped and gabled; large overhangs

Special features: Dormers, chimneys; towers; details featuring quality craftsmanship

General Architectural Design GuidelinesHistoric or Architecturally Significant Buildings

Description: Significant or contributing buildings worthy of preservation, restoration and reha-bilitation

Examples: Architecturally Significant: Building housing Ice Delights Shoppe;numerous residential structures

• Follow Detailed Architectural Design Guidelines (See Technical Appendix)

• Facade enhancements do not have to be consistent with the District Theme Architectural Character

• Follow the Secretary of the Interior’s “Standards for Rehabilitation and Guidelines for RehabilitatingHistoric Buildings”

• Follow Township Board of Historical and Architectural Review (BHAR) guidelines

• Historic or architecturally significant features should not be modified to conform with the DistrictTheme Architectural Character

• Preserve original features; buildings with strong architectural character should be respected

• Repair deteriorated features and replace missing features based on careful research and documentation

• Restoration/rehabilitation is preferable to demolition and recreation of a historically correct reproduc-tion

• Alterations/additions should not radically change, obscure or destroy character-defining spaces, materi-als, features or finishes; additions, if absolutely necessary, should be designed to be clearly differenti-ated from the historic building

Other Buildings

Description: Non-contributing buildings that are intrusive and not worthy of preservation orrestoration; significant rehabilitation or reconstruction is recommended

Example: Village Cleaners (Front addition)Cottman Transmission

• Follow Detailed Architectural Design Guidelines (See Technical Appendix)

• Facade enhancements should be consistent with the District Theme Architectural Character

• For economy, reuse existing features, if non-intrusive, such as wall materials, windows and dooropenings, roofs and special features whenever possible

• Remove non-conforming facade components such as storefront windows, doors, wall materials, roofsand signage

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Above: Central and Beecher AvenuesBelolw: Facade enhancement ideas at Central and Beecher Avenues

appropriately scaled signage

multi-paned doors and windowsredesigned roof parapet

remove temporary signage

replace store front with multi-paned windows and doors

remove false mansard roof remove oversized wall sign

The vision plan for CheltenhamVillage builds on its existingstrengths as an historic village,residential neighborhood, gate-way to the Township and villageshopping area. The plan pro-motes a vision that improves theneighborhood and commercialdistrict by integrating economicdevelopment, transportation,streetscape and architecturalstrategies. These recommenda-tions are a starting point, not thefinal plan for commercial districtenhancement.

Economic DevelopmentOpportunitiesFour key economic developmentissues stand out for theCheltenham Village District. Thecritical issues for this District are:

New tenant for former Acme site

First, and most visible, is theimpact of the closing of the AcmeSupermarket and the future ofthe south side of CottmanAvenue near Church Road. Theloss of this anchor is eroding thecustomer base for nearby retail-ers. This may be particularlyimportant for the independentpharmacy that is already underpressure from chain discountdrug stores and shrinking insur-ance reimbursements. Alternativeuses for this property mayinclude offices, medical outpa-tient offices, a pharmacy or a fur-niture store.

Improve appearance ofCottman Avenue

The second related issue is thepotential growth of automotiveservice activities in this area.Already three automotive repairbusinesses have located alongthe south side of CottmanAvenue. If more valuable uses donot rapidly appear for vacantproperties in this area, it is likelythat further automotive uses willseek this location. The appear-ance of these auto repair busi-nesses further detracts from thebusiness area; there is need forattractive screening andimproved housekeeping from thisuse.

Reduce auto congestion

A third issue is dealing with autocongestion in the CentralAvenue/Ryers Avenue corridor.

Auto-related issues include park-ing and parking management,creating a positive pedestrian-ori-ented environment, and han-dling through-traffic. The mix ofretail and office/service users inthe area could all benefit fromimprovements in these areas.

Improve range of goods andservices

Finally, there is the issue ofimproving the range of goodsand services available to arearesidents consistent with thephysical constraints of theDistrict. When the Villageattracts businesses, it shouldfocus on small incrementalimprovements in its roles 1) as aservice district catering to theneeds of the surrounding neigh-borhood and 2) as a location forspecialty retailers. Any retail

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Proposed Site Development at Cottman and Laurel Avenues

THE VISION

expansion within the core of theVillage should probably befocused on Central Avenue,recruiting a broader array ofgoods and services such as anoptometrist, a neighborhoodvideo store, and a travel agency.

It is notable that CheltenhamVillage has only one restaurant.Expansion of specialty retailerssuch as a camera store, and asmall music or bookstore couldbe sensible additions. A smallcafe and bakery could also be agood addition to the area, serv-ing neighbors on their way toand from work, as well as thecongregations of the District’sfour churches.

Transportation InitiativesThe primary focus of the pro-posed transportation improve-ments for the CheltenhamVillage District are to facilitatetraffic flow at intersections inorder to slow traffic alongthrough the Village; and toenhance pedestrian safety. Theprimary issue is the balancebetween the very small-scaled,neighborhood quality of the areaand the scale of the streets, andthe fact that Central and RyersAvenues are major throughstreets. The Plan places a strongemphasis on creating a pedes-trian friendly environment. To

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Transportation Plan for Cheltenham Village

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Proposed bus shelter

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Architectural Revitalization

District Theme

The Cheltenham Village studyarea features a very stable andmostly residential area with lim-ited scattered commercial activ-ity. The strong pedestrianorientation of the village has inrecent years been negativelyimpacted by through trafficalong major streets. Rather thanconcentrated in a central busi-ness core, businesses are scatteredamong various intersections orlocated in former residentialproperties. This area features aninteresting inventory of substan-tial 3 story residential structuresthat reflect the Township’s signifi-cant 19th and early 20th centuryarchitectural heritage. The com-mercial structures are generallyless architecturally noteworthy.

The architectural theme recom-mended for Cheltenham Villageis the promotion of a strong tra-ditional neighborhood “cornerstore” organization featuring aneclectic mix of architectural stylesthroughout the District.Cheltenham Village shouldstrengthen its neighborhood feel-ing by highlighting a variety of

architectural styles through therestoration/rehabilitation of sig-nificant structures (particularlyhousing), the reconstruction ofexisting undistinguished “other”structures (particularly busi-nesses) and the infill of vacantlots to the street line with newconstruction that is compatiblewith the District ThemeArchitectural Character describedherein.

Architectural DesignGuidelines

A great deal of the commercialbuilding development inCheltenham Village is not inconformance with the architec-tural character of the proposedDistrict theme. Currently theDistrict suffers from a lack of con-tinuity in its physical image. Theadoption and implementation ofappropriate Architectural DesignGuidelines that reflect the Districttheme is essential for the success-ful enhancement of the overalltownscape of CheltenhamVillage.

Appropriate building facade andsignage improvements reflectingthe District theme will create amemorable physical image toboth residents and non-residents.

Key to the creation of this imageis the improvement and recon-struction of as many buildingfacades as possible to at least abasic level, rather than “over-improving” only a handful ofbuildings.

Storefront design and rehabilita-tion decisions in CheltenhamVillage must be made for eachbuilding individually and shouldinclude an assessment thatincludes the building’s architec-tural or historical significanceand how it relates to the Districttheme. For building owners, ten-ants, architects, contractors orother parties interested in therenovation or the construction ofnew commercial buildings andbuilding facades, the followinggeneral guidelines have beendeveloped. Buildings or featuresthat are historically or architec-turally significant are referred toas “significant” or “contribut-ing.” Buildings or features thatare historically or architecturallyinsignificant are referred to as“other.”

Further Detailed ArchitecturalDesign Guidelines, are incorpo-rated in Appendix I.

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■ enhance the street edge withlandscaping to soften areasthat may be dominated byasphalt or concrete

■ plant street trees in both com-mercial and residential areas.

The landscape buffering strategyis to plant high hedges and deco-rative fencing to obscure undesir-able views. The length of hedgesand fences should be limited tocreate a pleasing rhythm ratherthan a monotonous wall. Thestreet edge enhancement strategyinvolves planting a variety ofground covers, ornamentalshrubs and/or flowering trees tominimize the visible hard sur-faces and enhance the quality ofthe street tree edges.

The street tree planting strategyis designed to improve propertyvalues, encourage cars to driveslower and enhance the qualityof the street experience. Treespecies such as the machia canbe selected to minimize commonconcerns about sidewalk heav-ing, overhead utility wires andexcessive leaf debris.

The new streetscape enhance-ments include: sidewalks andcurbing with color and texture atthe intersections, pedestrian scalestreetlights, street trees, streetbanners, bollards at intersections,boldly detailed vinyl pedestriancrosswalks, hanging baskets andtubs. Street tree planting andongoing maintenance is one of

the simplest and most cost effec-tive investments a propertyowner or a municipality canmake to improve property values.

Other Unifying Elements

The additional streetscape ele-ments that will improve the over-all experience of living, walkingor shopping in CheltenhamVillage are benches, modestlyscaled business signs, appropriatetrash receptacles, and a few wellplaced corner parks or sittingareas. All of the streetscape ele-ments chosen for Townshipreview and selection reinforce thecolonial village theme forCheltenham Village.

Cross section at Central Avenue

achieve this goal, a conceptcalled “traffic calming” is recom-mended to slow driving speedswhile improving driver aware-ness of their surroundings andmaintaining traffic volume. Themain traffic calming device pro-posed is a raised or “tabled”intersection. This device essen-tially works by forcing vehicles toslow as they mount and dis-mount the table. The table isonly slightly higher than theexisting road elevation, but it islonger than a vehicle. Thereforea vehicle will completely rest ontop of the table for a brief periodbefore dismounting. Tables aremuch more effective than bumpsor humps, since they are obviousto the motorists and provide aclear indication of pedestriancrossing areas without the noiseand potential for vehicle damageassociated with some humps.

Improve traffic circulation andreduce speeds

■ Construct traffic table intersec-tion at all intersections alongCentral and Ryers Avenues,between Cottman Avenue andOld Soldiers Road. These couldconsist of specialty paving andwould provide effective trafficcalming for the District.

■ Install warning signing inadvance of traffic tables, warn-ing of “traffic calmed area.”

■ Reconstruct Old Soldiers Roadto align with the TookanyCreek Parkway at CentralAvenue.

■ Install actuated signals at theintersection of Old SoldiersRoad and Central and RyersAvenues. This enhances trafficflow and eliminates situationswhen vehicles on the primary

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Traffic calming technique: curb bumpout with crosswalks

Traffic calming technique: raised traffic table

Transportation plan at Southern Gateway

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routes must wait for non-exist-ing vehicles. The problem iscompounded by the existingoffset intersections that createmultiple phases within eachsignal cycle.

■ Reduce wide and unnecessarycurb cuts along CottmanAvenue and clearly defineentrance and exit locations.

Enhance parking and coordi-nate parking lots

■ Promote interconnectivity ofrear parking lots to create acomprehensive parking net-work along Central Avenue.

■ Eliminate curb cuts where pos-sible to increase available on-street parking.

Improve pedestrian mobility

■ Construct intersection curbbump-outs along Central andRyers Avenues to define on-street parking area to shortenthe length of pedestrian cross-walks. These strategies willalso aid in traffic calming.

■ Create bicycle lanes along theTookany Creek Parkway.

■ Enhance pedestrian crosswalksat the intersections of Centraland Cottman Avenues,Tookany Creek Parkway, andAshbourne Road and theintersection of Ryers Avenueand Old Soldiers Road. Thesecrosswalks could includeprominent striping and reflec-

tive devices, as well asimproved pedestrian-scaledlighting.

■ Enhance pedestrian crosswalksat the intersection of ChurchRoad and Cottman Street.

■ Restore sidewalks alongCottman Avenue and installbuffer plantings in areas withlarge parking lots.

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A typical block of streetscape, parking, and traffic calming improvements

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Streetscape Enhancements

Gateways

To reinforce the identity andentrances to this historic commu-nity this Plan recommends newgateway piers and signs at thethree entrances: Central Avenueat Cottman Avenue, Old SoldiersRoad at Ryers Avenue, andTookany Creek Parkway atCentral Avenue. These first twocould feature both a Township aswell as a District identity. In thestreetscape elements binder anumber of District piers, Districtsigns, Township piers, bannersand streetlights were recom-mended as elements in thesegateways to Cheltenham Village.

Lighting

The origins of this historic villagedate as early as the colonial era;therefore, our plan recommendsa colonial village theme to unifythis District and enhance itssense of place. Street lighting andbuilding lighting play an impor-tant part in this District theme.Traditional copper lanterns onwood posts are recommended

along Central and Ryers Avenuesto enhance the quality and safetyof the pedestrian experience aswell as to increase a sense ofcharm for this village. Individualbusiness owners may also chooseto install a compatible walllantern on their building toenhance the appeal of their prop-erty.

Landscaping

The recommendations forimproving Cheltenham Village’slandscape are focused in threeprimary areas:

■ landscape buffering alongstreets to minimize undesir-able views that depress nearbyreal estate values

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Streetscape Plan for Cheltenham Village