Teaneck Wins AARP Grant to Improve Pedestrian Crossings

     A year after Teaneck’s leaders voted to join a global alliance of age-friendly communities, the Township’s commitment to a more livable environment for older adults is paying off. Teaneck was recently notified it will receive a $10,000 grant through the AARP’s nationwide Community Challenge competition. 

Age-Friendly Teaneck and Teaneck Township co-hosted a Senior Walkability Workshop in October 2018 to help identify difficult pedestrian paths

   “Teaneck is thrilled and excited to be chosen as a grant recipient for the third annual AARP Community Challenge,” said Township Manager Dean Kazinci. “There were over 1,660 applications submitted from nonprofits and government entities, which resulted in a highly competitive selection process.
     “I would like to personally thank the AARP for their dedication and commitment to fund 159 quick action projects across the country, which allows communities to make immediate improvements and jumpstart long term progress to support residents of all ages.”
    The money will be used to increase connectivity among township sponsored activities by improving the safety conditions of Teaneck's pedestrian walkway network, Kazinci said.
    “The Township will move quickly on installing highly visible crosswalks near bus stops to allow for the greatest ease of movement to and from destinations,” he said. “Two bus stops of most interest include those on Teaneck Road by State Highway 4. The grant will allow us to target these locations for upgrades in making access easier and safer.”
    Teaneck became the first Bergen County community to join the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in May 2018. 
     The Township Council and Administration are supportive of the concept of making the Township more “walkable” for its residents, a priority concern of Age-Friendly Teaneck.
    In October 2018, the Township joined with Age-Friendly Teaneck and the New Jersey Department of Transportation to host a Senior Walkability Workshop for residents, civic leaders, municipal officials and key decision-makers. DOT consultants who ran the educational workshop used their field observations and information gathered from community leaders and residents to compile a report that identified ways Teaneck could improve its sidewalks, walking paths and difficult pedestrian crossings.
   “The mission of this AARP grant program is to make communities more livable for everyone, and this award is a sign that Teaneck is recognized as a community committed to working together toward an age-friendly future, said Age-Friendly Teaneck Project Coordinator Jackie Kates “It’s also gratifying to know that the Township Council and Administration share Age-Friendly Teaneck’s goal of making Teaneck a great place to grow old as well as to grow up."

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