Senator Santarsiero Presents $50,000 Check to Yardley Borough’s Gather Place

February 17, 2023

BUCKS COUNTY- February 17, 2023- Today, Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) joined Shirley Lee Corsey, the founder of Gather Place, and Yardley Borough Councilman David Appelbaum to present the organization with a check for $50,000 from the state.

Gather Place will use the state funds to help renovate the historic African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church located in Yardley Borough. The site was originally established as “The Colored Church” in 1817 and later founded as the AME Church in 1877. The AME Church is listed in the National Register of Historic Places and under Shirley’s management has been transformed into the Gather Place Museum which first opened its doors on September 10, 2022.

“The restoration of the Old A.M.E. Church is an important investment into the historical and community identity of Yardley Borough,” said Sen. Santarsiero. “I am glad we were able to secure these funds to keep such an important part of our local history from being lost.

“For too long, accounts of women and people of color in the history of our community and Commonwealth have been missing. The Gather Place Museum brings these important stories to life in an inclusive and educational way,” Sen. Santarsiero added.

The 146-year-old structure is the first African American Woman-owned and operated American History Museum to open in Bucks County. The museum features first-person history lessons and live reenactments in addition to its permanent exhibits.

“I’m a third-generation resident of Yardley Borough, so this is deeply personal to me.” Shirley Lee Corsey said. “With the help of my family and neighbors, we have transformed this historic place to a space for all of Bucks County to engage with history and the people that shaped it. This grant will go towards repairing our roof, but this is only the beginning for this important landmark.”

For more information about the Gather Place Museum, its mission, and community engagement opportunities, visit their website.

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Senator Santarsiero, Representative Warren Announce $573,689 Awarded in State Funds for Yardley Borough Sidewalk Improvements 

November 19, 2021

BUCKS COUNTY – November 19, 2021 – State Senator Steve Santarsiero (D-10) and state Representative Perry Warren (D-31) announced today the award of $573,689 for Yardley Borough to continue sidewalk upgrades as part of a multi-phase improvement project.

“Yardley Borough is thriving, with bustling restaurants and shops,” said Sen. Santarsiero.   “This project will help expand access to Main Street, connecting residents and visitors to dozens of small businesses and eateries.”

The award is a state Multimodal Transportation Fund grant through the Commonwealth Financing Authority, which will be used to provide connection between North Main Street and Dolington Road and the borough’s sidewalk network east of Afton Road.

“The North Main Street sidewalk project enhances pedestrian safety and is an economic boon to downtown Yardley,” said Rep. Warren. “This grant will almost fully fund Phase III of the sidewalk project and will help residents and visitors more safely experience all Yardley has to offer.”

Yardley Borough Council President David Bria echoed support for the grant, saying “The CFA Multimodal Grant enables Yardley to complete phase three of the North Main Street sidewalk. This long-awaited project represents a major investment in Yardley Borough’s pedestrian infrastructure.”

Sen. Santarsiero has helped secure state funds for the first and second phases of the North Main Street sidewalk project for Yardley Borough.

“Each phase of Yardley Borough’s North Main Street project has improved pedestrian safety and access. I have proudly supported this project since its inception and look forward to seeing this project finally completed,” Sen. Santarsiero said.

For more information about the Commonwealth Financing Authority and Multimodal Transportation Fund grants visit the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development website.

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