Square Project History

Square Project History. . The 1997 Square Project is the culmination of nearly 20 years of discussions, studies, and efforts to improve traffic safety and pedestrian amenities at the center of town., As early as 1950, there were discussions at Borough Council meetings about installing traffic signals for the Square. In 1979, a study commenced by the Borough Planning Commission recommended a traffic signal for the Square. That recommendation was presented in the form of a question on the 1981 May Primary Ballot. The overwhelming majority of voters did not favor the installation of the traffic signal., A 1985 traffic study performed by the Tri-County Regional Planning Commission included as one of its recommendations, installing a traffic light at the Square. In 1988 the Borough conducted a Downtown Revitalization Study. As a result of this study in 1990, Borough Council authorized the proposal for a traffic signal in the Square once again received little support. Among other recommendations, a regional Route 322 Corridor Study completed in 1993 called for a traffic signal at the Square in Hummelstown. During 1993-94, Borough Council continued its plans for improvements and authorized funding for the Square Improvement Project., In 1995, as a result of a fatal accident at the median crossing of Route 322 at the west end of Hummelstown, the local Transportation Advisory Committee recommended that the median be closed, and the State assist in the development and funding of the Square Improvement Project., By the end of 1996, plans for the Square improvements were completed, with features added to commemorate and interpret the Square's history. The long-awaited groundbreaking ceremony was held April 11, 1997.