Skip to main content
search

Participate Today!

This online activity is an opportunity for the public to comment on preliminary ideas that could be incorporated into the comprehensive plan. There are four main sections of the activity:
A. Draft Goals and Key Actions
B. Draft Future Character and Land Use
C. Draft Focus Area Concepts
D. Exit Questionnaire

 

You may skip any questions you don’t wish to answer.  Your feedback will help us make sure the plan document reflects the values and insights of the community. This online activity mirrors the content boards shared at the Open House held on May 5, 2025 at PAC Center. This survey will be open for responses through May 31, 2025.

Round Two Engagement Survey
  • Activity A: Draft Goals and Key Actions
  • Activity B: Draft Future Character and Land Use
  • Activity C: Draft Focus Area Concepts
  • Activity D: Exit Questionnaire
0% Complete
1 of 4

Activity A: DRAFT Goals and Key Actions

Instructions

Please indicate your support for each key action on a scale of 1 (strongly against) to 5 (strongly support). There are 21 draft actions to be rated. Please leave the question blank if you are unsure.

Goals and Actions

Goals are the community’s desired outcomes expressed in simple terms. The plan’s goals help to organize the document. The goals will be supported by more specific actions (policies, programs, and projects that are implementable).

Goal 1: Amenities

A vibrant town center and neighborhoods that provide access to desired services, activities, and green spaces.
1.1 Redesign of Town Center’s public space.

Town Center is the beloved heart of Swarthmore, and strategic investments are needed to enhance the area’s functionality, appeal, and accessibility. Initial planning efforts, such as the proposed public realm improvements on Myers Avenue, have laid the groundwork for improvements. Public space redesign should prioritize providing more functional areas for events, making sure parking is easy-to-access and located in the most appropriate locations, and improving safety of pedestrian crossings. There is also an opportunity to make sustainability enhancements such as through providing more permeable surfaces. Changes may be made incrementally as specific development advances.

1.2 Update zoning code to support small businesses.

Small businesses are essential to Swarthmore’s vibrancy, but zoning regulations can sometimes hinder their success. The Borough should evaluate opportunities for greater flexibility within Town Center to support small businesses, such as reducing parking requirements, expanding permitted uses, or streamlining approval processes.

1.3 Conduct a comprehensive parks and recreational needs assessment.

Access to parks and recreational facilities enhances community well-being, promotes healthy lifestyles, and fosters social connections. A comprehensive recreational needs assessment should be conducted to evaluate existing access to facilities relative to community demand, as well as feasibility and funding sources. This effort could be led by multiple interested parties, including local organizations. It should include exploration of enhanced collaboration with partners (e.g. schools, Swarthmore College, Swarthmore Seniors) as well as of arrangements that could be made with neighboring jurisdictions. The assessment should consider existing public parks as well as other privately or institutionally owned open space that provide community amenity, such as Swarthmore Town Woods (CADES) and the open space at 111 Dartmouth Ave. Playing fields, and supporting amenities like restrooms should be explored, as well as ways in which parks can better support desired programming.

1.4 Reinforce civic hub within Town Center.

Town Center is home to Swarthmore’s civic institutions—Borough Hall, the Library, the PAC Center, and Police and Fire stations. At times these locations feel peripheral to the commercial areas. This hub offers opportunities for collaboration and shared resources and for better connections—physical and programmatic—to the rest of Town Center. An Ad-hoc Civic Spaces Committee could guide efforts to formalize this civic hub, better coordinated activities between locations, and address potential physical improvements to better connect them to each other and the rest of Town Center. Special attention should be paid to fundraising opportunities that would complement and not compete with planned capital campaigns.

1.5 Pursue National Register of Historic Places listing for Borough Center Historic District.

Preserving Swarthmore’s historic character is essential to maintaining its unique identity and sense of place. In 2022 Borough Council established the Historic Preservation Task Force to provide guidance on these efforts. In March 2024 the Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office concurred with the Task Force’s finding that Swarthmore Borough Center is eligible for listing as a National Historic District. Achieving formal designation would offer symbolic recognition and practical benefits to the community without conferring restrictions. Property owners may qualify for federal and state historic tax credits to offset the cost of rehabilitation and preservation. This listing would help provide clear preservation guidelines that ensure new development is compatible with existing structures but would not restrict property owners from making changes to their property. It could also inform zoning code changes, guiding development to respect the district’s historic character while allowing for modernization.

Goal 2: Housing

Housing options to meet long-term community needs and preferences, while preserving the existing heritage and character of the town.
2.1 Design program to celebrate homeowner and neighborhood improvements.

A program should be created to recognize home improvements or maintenance efforts. This would encourage pride in homeownership and one’s neighborhood, and showcase best practice examples of historic renovation, integration of sustainable practices, beautification through landscaping and gardening, and more. This program would promote the civic involvement of Swarthmoreans and positively highlight desired types of sensitive change on private property. Local leaders with expertise in architecture, sustainability, historic preservation, and other areas could be selected as part of the review committee for awards.

2.2 Allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) by right in certain locations, provided they comply with certain criteria.

ADUs are smaller housing units that share a property with a larger primary dwelling. They may be external to the primary dwelling, like an apartment over a garage, a stand-alone building, or an apartment within the primary residence, or they may be attached to the primary dwelling as a modification made within the dwelling or an addition. ADUs offer a way to increase housing diversity and affordability while maintaining neighborhood character. They also support aging-in-place initiatives in a way that does not detract from community’s existing visual character if sited and designed appropriately.

2.3 Permit conversions of single-family homes into multiple units, provided they meet certain criteria.

Allowing the conversion of homes into duplexes, triplexes, or fourplexes, in some locations while ensuring they meet criteria to preserve historic aesthetics and avoid incompatible designs, would increase housing availability without altering the neighborhood’s character. This approach would provide affordable living options for residents and support sustainable growth while maintaining the charm of existing neighborhoods.

Goal 3: Environment

A community that reduces reliance on fossil fuels, prepares for climate challenges, and strengthens local ecosystems.
3.1 Adopt standards for Low Impact Development (LID) and nature-based solutions into parks.

Swarthmore should adopt Low Impact Development (LID) standards to manage stormwater runoff effectively and reduce the environmental impact of development within existing publicly-owned parks. As park maintenance continues, low-impact design standards should be integrated to ensure environmental resiliency. By prioritizing nature-based solutions such as rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable pavements, the Borough can enhance water quality, reduce flooding, and restore natural hydrology. This could complement a broader initiative to establish and meet a specific target to reduce impervious surfaces across the community.

3.2 Set and pursue targets for energy-efficient upgrades for publicly-owned property.

Swarthmore Borough can lead by example by prioritizing sustainability in day-to-day operations by implementing energy-efficient upgrades that reduce consumption and costs. In 2019, the Borough Council signed a Sierra-Club promoted “Ready for 100” Resolution calling for all electricity in Swarthmore to be renewable by 2030 and all other energy to be renewable by 2050. The Borough should consistently review progress and as needed determine actions to be taken to advance objectives and/or address feasibility. These efforts will foster a culture of sustainability while reducing the Borough’s carbon footprint. The Borough should use these efforts to educate and encourage homeowners to follow suit by modeling best practices on Borough property.

3.3 Review and amend zoning code to ensure compliance with sustainable practices.

Swarthmore should review and update its zoning code to support sustainable design principles and align with emerging technologies and green infrastructure. Some examples of revisions that could be explored include:

  • Modify the fence code to allow see-through deer fencing for edible front yard gardens. This would enable homeowners to grow vegetables while adhering to aesthetic and practical standards.
  • Update lighting regulations to encourage energy-efficient, wildlife-friendly outdoor lighting, to reduce light pollution, and promote energy conservation.
  • Encourage sustainable landscaping practices, including using drought-tolerant plants and native species.
  • Reduce barriers to installing and using renewable energy, including solar panels and wind energy solutions.

As new technologies emerge, the zoning code should be updated to reduce obstacles to incorporating sustainable design while simultaneously ensuring these projects contribute positively to community aesthetics.

Goal 4: Connectivity

A wide range of safe and enjoyable options for community members to move between destinations.
4.1 Improve walking and biking routes for youth, focusing efforts on routes to and from schools and Town Center.

Develop continuous, safe pathways for students walking or biking to encourage independence and physical activity. This includes addressing traffic-calming measures at key points along the routes (like Harvard and Chester Avenue). Design solutions could include dedicated bike lanes, improved signage, and better lighting to ensure safe passage. This will require collaboration with neighboring municipalities as some routes and destinations extend beyond Swarthmore’s boundaries. Routes could be identified through an update the 2013 Borough of Swarthmore Pedestrian and Bicycle Accessibility Master Plan.

4.2 Coordinate with SEPTA on improvements to access to Swarthmore Station.

Collaborate with SEPTA to enhance access to Swarthmore Station, improving multimodal connectivity, convenience, and overall user experience. Some improvements could include adding bike routes, outdoor seating, and signage adjacent to and around the station. It will be critical to align these actions and improvements with the principles outlined in the focus area planning (see Activity C) and accessibility (ADA) improvements planned by SEPTA.

4.3 Improve safety at key intersections.

Enhance safety, circulation, and the pedestrian/cyclist experience at key intersections by implementing accessibility improvements such as curb ramps, high-visibility crosswalks, and reflective signage to improve motorists’ crosswalk visibility. In addition, explore additional safety measures such as curb bump-outs and pedestrian refuge islands to improve safety through increased visibility and reduced crossing distances. Some intersections that could be prioritized for improvement include:

  • Chester Road and Yale Avenue Intersection: Improve visibility and pedestrian safety at this intersection, which connects to the Town Center and schools.
  • Swarthmore Ave/Cedar Ln/Parrish Rd/Crest Ln 5-Way Intersection: Enhance safety and flow at this complex intersection.
  • Harvard and Chester Avenue: Despite crosswalks and flashing lights, vehicles continue to speed through, making this intersection unsafe for pedestrians and cyclists. This is a popular intersection for students.
  • Yale and Rutgers Avenue: This intersection is unsafe for pedestrians even with crosswalks and flashing lights.
  • Yale and Swarthmore Avenue: Address safety concerns at this dangerous intersection to better accommodate pedestrians and cyclists.
  • Yale to Wallingford Connection: The current conditions on Yale Avenue discourage walking and biking. Implementing a protected bike lane on Yale is essential to improve safety and encourage active transportation, connecting to nearby schools, the Leiper-Smedley Trail, and downtown Media.
  • Yale Avenue: A protected bike lane on Yale would encourage anyone seeking to access points to the west (e.g. SHMS and SHHS, Leiper-Smedley Trail, downtown Media, etc.).
4.4 Conduct a walk audit and establish sidewalk improvement priorities and protocol.

A walk audit is an activity where participants observe a location to identify issues with pedestrian safety, accessibility, and connectivity. The Borough should conduct a walk audit that could be repeated every several years to assess and prioritize sidewalk improvements. This process should include the involvement of community members, ensuring that all perspectives are considered, particularly those of vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, and individuals with disabilities. Community members can be trained to conduct walk audits using a standard guide such as the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) Walk Audit Tool Kit.

Goal 5: Partnership

A strong community that is collaborative and fosters mutually beneficial relationships between the Borough of Swarthmore, Swarthmore College, civic organizations, Delaware County, and others.
5.1 Continue to participate in joint planning efforts using Imagine Swarthmore to inform this work.

Swarthmore should continue to collaborate with neighboring jurisdictions, Delaware County, and other relevant partners to engage in joint planning efforts. Leveraging the Imagine Swarthmore framework will ensure that Swarthmore’s goals are aligned with regional strategies and that the community’s needs are effectively represented in broader planning initiatives.

5.2 Establish a student liaison program with Swarthmore College.

Strengthening the partnership between the Borough of Swarthmore and Swarthmore College can create opportunities for students to engage with and contribute to their local community while simultaneously enriching the town center with student presence and energy. A student liaison program can facilitate communication and collaboration, allowing students to represent their peers’ interests and bridge the gap between the college and municipal initiatives. Additionally, exploring student internship opportunities in urban planning, sustainability, and community engagement can provide valuable real-world experience while advancing Borough objectives.

5.3 Establish an implementation task force or committee.

To ensure the effective execution of the Comprehensive Plan, the Borough should establish a task force or committee to assist in its implementation. This task force can include members from key groups, such as the Imagine Swarthmore Steering Committee. This task force shall report to the Borough Council annually, providing updates on implementation progress and identifying upkeep of the plan. By formalizing this group, diverse perspectives in Swarthmore will be involved in executing the plan, helping to create more connections across interests.

Goal 6: Inclusivity

An equitable community that celebrates diversity, prioritizes access, and fosters opportunities for individuals to thrive.
6.1 Establish welcoming gateways at the main entrances to Swarthmore.

Gateways play a crucial role in shaping a community’s identity by marking its entrances and creating lasting first impressions. Gateways symbolize a community’s unique character and values, fostering pride and a sense of belonging. Beyond their functional role in guiding vehicular and pedestrian traffic, gateways can provide green space, landscaping, and public art opportunities. Some key locations in Swarthmore are ripe for gateway establishments:

  • Swarthmore Station.
  • Chester Ave intersection near Baltimore Pike.
  • Swarthmore Ave intersection near Baltimore Pike.
6.2 Support community events that highlight Swarthmore’s diversity.

Collaborate with the Swarthmore Town Center to promote accessibility in community programming. Current community events are well-loved, contribute to community pride, offer entertainment for all ages, and there are opportunities to expand their reach. Certain segments of the population may not be aware of these activities, and some events have limited exposure beyond the Borough. By enhancing the promotion of existing events, the Borough and its partners can better leverage their current success and ensure more residents have access to and can participate in these enriching community experiences. Additionally, prioritizing events that celebrate Swarthmore’s diversity will help foster a more inclusive environment for all.

6.3 Update the aging in place task force report.

As Swarthmore’s residents age, housing, transportation, and access to services become key factors in their ability to stay within the community. The 2015 Aging-in-Place Task Force Report offers valuable guidance for supporting aging residents. However, the report should be updated to ensure relevance and coordinate with this plan. Housing affordability and accessibility, especially near the Town Center, remain critical issues, with rising costs making it harder for retirees to remain in the Borough. Improved connectivity, traffic calming, and public amenities like accessible bathrooms would enhance safety and social opportunities.