Apple Tree Alley

August 2012 Updates

View the new Apple Tree Alley web site to learn more about this important project!

The Borough is currently planning to move forward with pre-engineering work for the Alleywalk project and several public meetings will be scheduled in the coming weeks to hear public opinion on the project and address citizen questions/concerns.  The project will also be on the ballot in November as a non-binding referendum in order to ensure resident support for its implementation.   
The first meeting is coming up on Thursday, August 16th at 7pm at the Borough Office!  The second meeting will be held September 11th at 7pm at the Borough Office.

While the project is in essence a pedestrian/bikepath - its regional significance and potential positive community and economic impacts make it an important piece of transportation infrastructure in the Borough's downtown area.  In addition to providing new amenities and healthy exercise opportunities for Borough residents, the Alleywalk will enhance Duncannon's attraction as an Appalachian Trail Community and destination for outdoor recreation tourism.  Attendance at upcoming public meetings are encouraged to both show support and learn more about this exciting project!

What is Apple Tree AlleyWalk?

Apple Tree Alley is an old railroad right-of-way running from Fritz Avenue to Noye Park between High and Market streets in Duncannon, PA.  The AlleyWalk Master Site Plan prepared by SEDA-COG in 2009 proposes a transformation of the underused corridor into a new space for community use and enjoyment.  As proposed, the AlleyWalk would extend approximately one mile in length between Little Juniata Creek and Fritz Avenue.  The AlleyWalk would be constructed within the limits of the existing Borough right-of-way and could serve as the route of the Appalachian Trail through the Borough - guiding hikers through a linear town park with connecting hiker-amenities, river-access points, and businesses.
 
The existing right-of-way along the corridor ranges from 10’ to 66’ in width and with the exception of two private holdings, the proposed corridor is presently Borough-owned.  The DCNR-funded Master Site Plan for the Apple Tree AlleyWalk proposes streetscape enhancements, which include street, curb, sidewalk, storm water, landscape and lighting construction in addition to construction of a dedicated pathway for pedestrian/bicycle use. The design will serve to improve walking and biking opportunities while maintaining all existing vehicular access and use along the corridor. The plan also formalizes both the cartways and parking throughout the corridor where they are currently undefined and adds a park-like atmosphere where width of the corridor allows creating an attractive and functional urban trail that will promote local recreational opportunities.

Apple Tree Alley as it appears today

 The AlleyWalk concept provides dedicated park-like space where pedestrian and bicyclist uses are separated from motor vehicles as well as shared space designs where people and motor vehicle uses mix in a low-speed environment.

When completed, the AlleyWalk will serve a variety of community resident and visitor needs.  Suggestions for community activities along the AlleyWalk include parades, community yard sales, and other community event related activities.  The AlleyWalk would become part of the larger Susquehanna Greenway system in Pennsylvania and could be designated as the official route for the Appalachian Trail through Duncannon, which currently travels down High St. removed from the main business district.

Southern section of the Alley through residential area.

But even more than this, the AlleyWalk is about making Duncannon a better place - increasing its attraction as a place to live, work, and play - and improving public health by making better use of Apple Tree Alley as a community destination for walking and bicycling.  With thoughtful design, the AlleyWalk can also enhance real estate value and create new business opportunity in Duncannon. Plans for the Apple Tree AlleyWalk can be accessed from SEDA-COG's web site here.