Kennett Square and the Square Roots Collective have a question: How do residents want the borough to spend $100,000?
The borough and SRC are partnering up on a project, “Kennett Decides.” SRC and Chatham Financial have kicked $50,000 each to fund the project, but want input from Kennett residents and representatives from other Kennett organizations, such as Kennett Collaborative and Casa Guanajuato, on how best to spend the money allocated for the project.
Anyone who lives or works in Kennett Square will have the opportunity to vote on which ideas to fund and execute.
Some of the ideas mentioned in a press release include artistic bike racks, urban orchards, bike lane extensions, accessible sidewalks for strollers, wheelchairs, and pedestrians, transforming public streets into “pop-up” pedestrian malls on the weekends, and a park bathroom overhaul.
The public can begin making their thoughts known on May 1 at www.kennettdecides.com. The deadline to submit ideas is July 18.
In addition, there will be a launch event at the Kennett Library on May 14, featuring speakers from Mural Arts Philadelphia. Refreshments will be served starting at 6 p.m., and the discussion will begin at 6:30 p.m.
Project ideas submitted must follow the guidelines of keeping within the $100,000 limit.
While not available for any follow-up, Kennett Square Mayor Matt Fetick and Borough Council President Bob Norris jointly stated, “What we hear over and over again is how special Kennett Square is based on our sense of community and inclusivity. The Kennett Decides initiative, which will again enhance the town, is another push to make Kennett special. The people who live here get to decide what project will get selected, and two of our very generous local organizations—Square Roots Collective and Chatham Financial—are sponsoring this enhancement to Kennett Square. Please take a minute to review and vote on your favorite project.”
Additionally, SRC President Stephanie Almanza said, “At Square Roots, our focus is on fostering collaboration and investing in projects that strengthen the fabric of our community. This initiative exemplifies how we can work together to turn local ideas into meaningful impact.”
About Rich Schwartzman
Rich Schwartzman has been reporting on events in the greater Chadds Ford area since September 2001 when he became the founding editor of The Chadds Ford Post. In April 2009 he became managing editor of ChaddsFordLive. He is also an award-winning photographer.
