A concept rendering of the project, which would paint "Black Lives Matter" in large, yellow lettering across a portion of the Liberty Bell Trail paral
A grassroots effort is currently underway in Lansdale Borough, seeking to paint “Black Lives Matter” across a portion of the Liberty Bell Trail parallel to Railroad Avenue behind Borough Hall and the Lansdale Police Station.
The idea was broached by 41-year-old Anthony Simpson, of Lansdale, during the public comment portion of last week’s Lansdale Borough Council work session. Simpson said his idea was initially met with skepticism, but he was told that with enough support the project may be possible.
“The call for systematic change around this country affects us all. For Lansdale Borough residents, that starts at the Borough Hall,” Simpson said. “That is the building that has shaped law and policy in this borough for all these years. If change is going to happen, that is where this message needs to be directed. This is a message from the people to the borough, at their front door.”
Following the discussion, Simpson launched a Change.org petition to garner support for the project, which has received 376 signatures to date. Additionally, he has been encouraging supporters and advocates to email their thoughts directly to the borough.
“Right now, there has been a great response from people willing to email the borough,” Simpson said. “We have a virtual tour prepared, and will have a nice still shot of the planned project along with a material list consisting of yellow latex paint, stencils and basic painting equipment.”
Lansdale Borough Council President confirmed that the borough is currently gauging support for the project, as well as looking into the feasibility and legality of its potential completion.
“From a council perspective, we are still receiving input — both for and against — from the public on a daily basis in the form of emails, and as I understand it, there is also a petition being prepared as well,” Burnell said. “We also have a question into staff about the disposition of the trail relative to our grant funding, its proximity to a SEPTA bus route, and any impact those things may have on our ultimate decision.”
In the interim, Lansdale Borough Mayor Garry Herbert threw his support behind the overall goal of the project.
“It cannot be overstated how important it is for us, as a community, as neighbors, and as residents, to acknowledge and then overcome, any form of systemic racism that may continue to persist in our community” said Herbert. “The first step of healing any divide is acknowledging the discrimination and hate that so many in our minority communities have witnessed and suffered under for an extended period of time, and then begin working together to bring about change. It is my hope that a project of some kind, like the one proposed on the Liberty Bell Trail, might be a critical part of that acknowledgement and, ultimately, bridge the gap toward comprehensive solutions that will make Lansdale better for every resident, of every skin-tone, long into the future.”
Simpson said that in the event the grant requirements and regulations prohibit the project, he would continue to pursue alternative locations — with Railroad Avenue itself being his alternative choice.
“My goal is to give this community an opportunity to join the rest of the country in unifying voices behind a message of hope and solidarity,” said Simpson. “This will remain a grassroots effort through the completion of the project, and donations and volunteers will get this done.”
Simpson said he has emailed a virtual model of the project to Lansdale Borough Code Enforcement, and he is working on finalizing a formal presentation of the project. Borough Council members will likely hear more about the proposed project during their business meeting on Wednesday, July 15.
Any resident who wishes to voice their support or opposition to the project is encouraged to email [email protected].
(Editor’s note: Denton Burnell provides unpaid, volunteer technical support for North Penn Now.)
See also:
North Penn School Board Recommends Approval Of Anti-Racist Resolution, Equity Statement
North Penn Employee Placed On Administrative Leave Following Comments Opposing Black Lives Matter
Demonstrators Pack Downtown Lansdale For Rally Against Racial Injustice
Montgomery County Declares 'Juneteenth' An Official Holiday
Lansdale Police Chief: ‘It’s Time To End Idle Talk And Move Towards Solutions’
