Keeping in the
Torresdale loop

By Diane Prokop
Times Staff Writer

Tacony is in the loop these days with funding for neighborhood improvements, including new lighting and streetscape improvements slated for Torresdale Avenue. Before long it will have a new and improved loop, as well.
State Sen. Mike Stack (D-5th dist.), state Rep. Mike McGeehan (D-173rd dist.), City Councilwoman Joan Krajewski (D-6th dist.) and Julie Slavet, district director for U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz (D-13th dist.), joined SEPTA officials in announcing that plans for a new $500,000 Torresdale Avenue bus loop were under way.
The redesign project includes optimizing passenger safety, improving platforms for disabled riders, creating a new passenger waiting shelter, an operator’s rest room, landscaping, historic-style light fixtures, decorative painted sidewalks, and reconstruction of a rear retaining wall. With the cooperation of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, a tiled mural will also be installed on the wall showcasing SEPTA’s history.
"This is a primary example of a public-private partnership," said Frances Jones, SEPTA’s assistant general manager of government affairs.
The half-million-dollar tally covers costs associated with constructing new platforms, shelters, toilet building, retaining walls, landscaping, lighting and signage for the terminal, just south of Cottman Avenue.
The Torresdale loop, which services the 56, 70, 28 and 84 (on the street) bus routes, is the fifth SEPTA bus loop to undergo a transformation. Service is expected to continue from the loop or from the street during construction. Work began at the site on June 4 and is expected to be completed by Nov. 15.
The new loop’s landscaped areas, historic light fixtures and decorative painted crosswalks will also coordinate with what’s being done with the Torresdale Avenue Project, under the direction of the Major Artery Revitalization Committee (MARC).
According to MARC spokesman Ed Vassallo, the organization is in the final stages of putting a bid package together for the TAP project with Urban Engineers.
The first phase, which focuses on street lighting, is projected to start this fall.
Higher wattage bulbs will be installed for increased lighting from the existing street lights and the new lamp posts in the business district.
The lighting improvements are estimated to cost $500,000.
The next phase of TAP will start in the spring and will include street furniture, including benches, trash cans and newspaper corrals, neighborhood banners and improved crosswalks.
The total cost of the project is $2 million.
Tacony Community Development Corporation president Peter Naccarato is heartened to see money being spent on improvements in his community.
"All we’re trying to do is get our tax dollars back," he said.
"We have three or four more projects, the beginning of one happening right after the other. One is out to bid, I-95 (ramp reconstruction) will start in 2008 or 2009. People need to see real progress. It restores confidence and encourages private work." ••
Reporter Diane Prokop can be reached at 215-354-3036 or dprokop@phillynews.com