Lower Merion residents asked to complete community development survey

LOWER MERION — Lower Merion officials are asking township residents to participate in a community development survey.

The survey is part of the process in preparing the township’s 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan, FY 2025 Annual Action Plan, and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

According to township officials, the plans are required by HUD for the township to continue receiving its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Federal Government.

The Community Development Block Grant Program supports residents living in the township through programs that include Owner Occupied Residential Rehabilitation Program, First Time Home Buyer Program, Community Center Programs, Senior Centers and senior support, ADA upgrades in buildings and sidewalks, Victim Support, Issues of fair housing, Legal Aid and Food insecurity.

“We need your help in order to keep these programs running, and to identify what residents believe to be our greatest needs,” township officials wrote.

Participants in the survey will be asked several types of questions, including what are the housing needs in Lower Merion and what homeless needs residents have seen. They will also be asked what special needs have been observed, such as issues involving elderly residents, people with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and domestic violence.

Other questions relate to the community development needs. Those needs involve issues such as roads, parks, and food access.

Other questions relate to whether anyone has seen any barriers to fair housing in the sale or housing rentals and what economic development is needed in Lower Merion.

Responses to the survey should be completed by Jan. 31.

Anyone with questions about the CDBG program or the Five-Year planning process can contact Emily Crane from the Lower Merion Building and Planning Department at ecrane@lowermerion.org and 610-645-6118.

The survey can be accessed at www.surveymonkey.com/r/LowerMerionResidentsCDBG_25-29?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.