Safer Roads Ahead In Morris Plains Thanks To AARP Grant

MORRIS PLAINS, NJ — The Borough of Morris Plains is ramping up efforts to improve pedestrian safety.

The Borough of Morris Plains received a 2023 Community Challenge grant from AARP New Jersey last week, making it part of the largest group of grantees to date, with $3.6 million awarded among 310 organizations nationwide.

The borough's goal is to make the town more livable by improving, expanding, and safer ways to avoid driving, as well as improving residents' health and support for its local downtown.

After wheelchair-bound and elderly residents expressed concerns about the difficulty of crossing at this intersection, the borough has decided to use the funds to install a crosswalk on Mountain Way at Franklin Place.

“Receiving this grant will certainly improve pedestrian and bicycle safety in our borough to a very active park and garden into the future,” said Mayor Jason C. Karr. “It will also improve the accessibility to and from downtown. Thank you, AARP.”

The crosswalk will be installed to improve safety and provide easy access to the Roberts Garden grounds and the Morris Plains Public Library for everyone, especially older adults.

By crossing here on foot or by bicycle, residents will be able to enjoy the open space, gardens, trees, walkways and park benches at Roberts Garden.

“AARP New Jersey is committed to working with local leaders to improve residents’ quality of life through tangible changes,” said Stephanie Hunsinger, AARP New Jersey State Director. “We are proud to collaborate with this year’s grantees as they make immediate improvements in their communities to jumpstart long-term change, especially for New Jerseyans 50 and over.”

The grant program is part of AARP's nationwide Livable Communities initiative, which supports cities, towns, neighborhoods, and rural areas in their efforts to become great places to live for people of all ages, particularly those aged 50 and older.